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.
winter sceneryMonbushō shōka
The Ministry of Education’s song “Winter Scenery” depicts a day from morning to evening at the beginning of winter.
The first verse portrays a misty morning by the waterside, the second verse a daytime rural scene where wheat grows, and the third verse an evening village scene with light rain.
Sung to a beautiful melody, these landscapes evoke the gradual transition of the seasons from autumn into winter.
Each image described in the lyrics captures sights commonly seen at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter.
Why not experience the gentle flow of time and the changing seasons along with this song?
December nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children’s songs: Fun winter hand-play songs (31–40)
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.
Brr, it’s so cold.Sakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō
Oosamu Kosamu is a song that depicts a child who can no longer bear the winter cold, crying in the mountains.
It was composed by music educator Torazō Tamura, with lyrics by Wasaburō Ishihara, a prolific writer of children’s songs.
The lyrics evoke a landscape blanketed in white snow, and the melody conveys a sense of chill.
Perfect for the frosty month of December, the piece is often used for children’s hand games and snow play.
Beloved across generations from children to adults, it is a traditional children’s song that portrays winter scenes.
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.
