December children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: fun winter hand-play songs
When it comes to December, it’s the season that makes you excited and a little restless, with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and preparations for the New Year.
Especially as kids, there was so much to look forward to—not just Christmas, but winter break and playing in the snow when it fell.
In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs perfect for this wonderful month of December, along with playful songs everyone can enjoy and traditional nursery rhymes that have long been popular.
Most of these are for children, but there are also moving masterpieces that resonate deeply with adults.
Try listening while feeling the crisp air outside, or while staying cozy and warm indoors.
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
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- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- [Christmas Songs] Christmas songs to sing with children
- Recommended Christmas songs for people in their 70s: A collection of classic winter hits from the Showa era
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- Songs we want children to listen to! Recommended Christmas songs and nursery rhymes
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs for December: Fun winter fingerplay songs (21–30)
Santa Claus Is Coming to TownYakushi: Kōbe Takao / Sakkyoku: Fureddo Kūtsu
The Christmas song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” which became popular after being broadcast on a radio program in 1934.
Its English title is “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and in Japan it is known for Takao Kobe’s Japanese lyrics.
It’s a song that makes children happy, thinking, “Santa is coming to see us!”, while for adults it evokes nostalgia for the days when Christmas meant receiving presents.
Its bright, rhythmic melody heightens the festive Christmas mood even more.
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)warabeuta
Loved as a traditional Japanese children’s song, this piece is a playful tune children enjoy while warming themselves in the cold season.
The lyrics, which describe the playful pushing of manju buns, are filled with children’s innocent sense of fun.
Despite its simple words, it is a profound song that teaches the importance of huddling together and sharing warmth.
The lyrics and the way it’s played vary slightly by region and era, and it has been cherished throughout Japan.
Even today, it is used in nursery schools and kindergartens to promote communication and physical activity among children.
On a cold winter’s day, singing and playing it with family or friends is sure to warm both heart and body.
Congratulations Christmas (We wish you a Merry Christmas)Igirisu min’yō
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” originated as an English folk song from the 16th-century West Country and is a song that celebrates the arrival of Christmas and the New Year.
In Japan, it is affectionately known as “Omedetō Christmas.” Christmas songs performed by Disney characters like Mickey and Donald are well known, and in recent years, cover versions by the Disney Princesses have also been released.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Sakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro
Some of you might think it’s a song for January rather than December.
But if you listen closely, you’ll see that it’s actually a song about looking forward to the New Year’s arrival—it isn’t New Year’s yet.
When we were kids, we were really excited for New Year’s to come because we’d get New Year’s money (otoshidama).
bonfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru
Its first appearance was in NHK’s radio program “Toddler Time” in 1941.
It became widely known after the war, was adopted in school textbooks, and in 2007 it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Greatest Songs.
It is said that the lyricist Seika Tatsumi wrote the lyrics after seeing a bonfire being made at a nearby mansion.
Christmas on Rabbit MeadowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
Usagi Nohara no Christmas (Christmas on Rabbit Meadow) depicts rabbit children eagerly awaiting Christmas.
The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa and the music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.
Bright sleigh bells and a bouncy piano part ring out with a lively sparkle.
It’s fun to clap along or play bells to the rhythm of the song.
The lyrics, which conjure up cute rabbits braving the cold winter, also evoke the season, making it a classic children’s song for winter.
As you make wishes upon the night stars and wait for Christmas with the children, be sure to give it a listen.
All ye faithful, make hasteGeorg Friedrich Händel
Based on the Christmas carol “Joy to the World,” which enjoys worldwide popularity especially in Europe and the United States, “Morobito Kozorite” is also beloved in Japan as a Christmas hymn and is a song of national renown.
Accompanied by a beautiful melody that celebrates the festive arrival of Christmas, its lyrics express gratitude for the Lord’s coming.
It’s perfect for mixed chorus with piano accompaniment or for handbell performances, and it’s a Christmas song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.