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.
- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
- [For Seniors] Beloved songs to sing in December: heartwarming moments with nostalgic kayōkyoku and children’s songs
- [Childcare] Recommended songs and nursery rhymes for November: Fun autumn fingerplay songs
- [For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- 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)
I can hear the Christmas songShinzawa Toshihiko
In snow-swirling December, a heartwarming song capturing the joy of Christmas has arrived from Toshihiko Shinzawa.
Since its release in July 1996, this piece has continued to be cherished in kindergartens and nursery schools.
Featured on the album “SEASON,” the winter magic packed into its roughly 3 minutes and 45 seconds makes children’s eyes sparkle.
Decorating the Christmas tree, the anticipation of presents, the sound of sleigh bells ringing through the streets…
The lyrics reflect a child’s heart just as it is.
Whether enjoying Christmas with the whole family or singing together in early childhood settings, this work is sure to create wonderful memories.
Happy Happy ChristmasBeibī Shāku to Pinkittsu
This Christmas song, sung by a beloved character adored by children around the world, was released on YouTube in November 2020 and was included in the December 2021 album “Pinkfong Baby Shark Special.” The lyrics convey the joy of eagerly awaiting Christmas and a warm message encouraging everyone to sing and have fun together.
With its bright, lighthearted melody and the easy-to-remember “doo doo doo” phrase repeated throughout, even young children can quickly sing along.
It’s a perfect song for singing and dancing with the whole family at Christmas gatherings or parties at home.
December nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children’s songs: Fun winter hand-play songs (31–40)
Christmas is the best!Ritoru Enjeru
A heartwarming Christmas song that kids can sing along to and enjoy the fun of the holiday! It’s packed with all the Christmas elements children love—presents, trees, and even an appearance by Santa Claus.
Celebrating the joy of spending a special day with family, this song was included on the album “Little Angel Christmas” in November 2024.
Little Angel is a production brand beloved around the world for creating many children’s songs and nursery rhymes.
Its bright, bouncy melody is perfect for singing at Christmas parties! Highly recommended for enjoying a fun family time with children who are eagerly awaiting Christmas.
Flying-in Santa Claus
Featuring a Santa who’s made a bit of a blunder, “Tondekita Santa Claus.” There have been Santas who rushed in before Christmas, but the Santa in this song seems to have overslept on Christmas instead! It’s based on “Donde Esta Santa Claus,” titled in Spanish in 1958, and because pronouncing it as “Don-de Es-ta Santa Claus” can sound like “Tondekita Santa Claus” in Japanese, this title was chosen.
Santa is awakened by children calling out “Hey!” to the Santa who just won’t show up.
The song describes Santa hurrying and flying off to the children after waking up.
The customer is Santa ClausSakushi: Fuyumori Kayoko / Sakkyoku: Hanaoka Yūhei
Let’s invite Santa to our Christmas party! This heart-thumping, exciting Christmas song is all about that feeling.
“Our Guest Is Santa Claus,” which was sung on the show Okaasan to Issho, captures the joyful expressions of children working hard to welcome Santa.
As they steadily prepare for the party before Santa arrives, their thoughts also turn to the presents they might receive.
The child in the song even seems to be thinking about how to thank Santa for bringing gifts in the end! It’s a highly recommended track for BGM at your Christmas party at home.
Jingle Bellssakkyoku: jēmuzu rōdo piaponto
In 1857, Reverend James Lord Pierpont wrote and composed it to be sung at Thanksgiving.
The song depicts young people racing in sleighs.
Its original title was “One Horse Open Sleigh,” but it was so well received that it was also sung at Christmas and eventually came to be known as “Jingle Bells.” There are six or seven popular versions of the Japanese lyrics alone.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa ClausSakkyoku: Tomī Kōnā
The original title is “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” It’s a Christmas song about seeing Mommy kissing Santa on Christmas.
Kids old enough to know who Santa really is will instantly think, “Because it’s Dad!” but for children who still believe in Santa, it might be a bit surprising (lol).
In the song, the child knows it’s the father, so it creates a warm, happy mood.
It’s a slightly unusual but lovely Christmas song that you’ll want to listen to with your family.
