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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- [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.
December nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children’s songs: Fun winter hand-play songs (31–40)
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?
Toy Cha-Cha-Chasakushi: nozaka akiyuki / sakkyoku: koshibe nobuyoshi
It isn’t exactly a winter song, but “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” is often sung at Christmas events in childcare settings.
The song was originally created as an interlude for a comedy sketch and was later remade as a children’s song.
Its theme is that toys hold a nighttime party, and the lyrics depict the toys leaping out of the toy box after the children have fallen fast asleep.
Beloved across generations as a nursery song, it perfectly suits the fun, festive mood of Christmas.
The First Noel (牧人ひつじを)Sanbika 103-ban
The Christmas carol known in English as “The First Noel,” which has been sung in England since around the 16th century and in Japanese as “Makibito Hitsuji o,” is a brisk, lively tune beloved around the world.
Its lyrics depict the scene described in chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament.
The word “Noel” in the English title means “birth,” and the song expresses congratulations on the birth of Christ.
Snow MonkSakushi: Murayama Toshiko
“Yuki no Kobōzu” is sung to the same melody as the children’s song “The Itomaki Song.” It describes snow falling from the sky onto roofs, ponds, and grass, only to melt away immediately.
Despite the melody’s sprightly feel, the story is a little bittersweet.
This melody—shared with “The Itomaki Song”—originally comes from the Danish folk tune “The Shoemaker’s Polka,” and around the world it’s been used for many different lyrics.
Watching the snowfall while reflecting on the fleeting nature of snow depicted in this song can be quite moving.
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.
Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes for December: Fun winter hand-play songs (41–50)
Snow Festivalsakushi sakkyoku: Minami Ranbō
Snow Festival is a song that portrays children joyfully playing in the snow while yearning for spring.
Created by folk singer Ranbo Minami, it premiered on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1984.
The children have fun playing in the snow and enjoying warm, delicious winter foods, yet they still eagerly await the arrival of spring.
Their innocent feelings come through as they ask a pure-white snow rabbit and the mailman, “When will spring come?” The song also features a striking, almost kayōkyoku-style cool melody that’s well worth noting!
Snow DanceSakushi: Yui Keizō
Yuki no Odori (Snow Dance) is a song that expresses the wish, “Let it snow a lot!” It is said to be based on the Czech folk song Týnom Tánom.
Its unique rhythm and melody are strangely captivating, drawing you in more and more.
Coupled with lyrics that describe falling snow as if it were dancing, the song as a whole gives off a stylish impression.
Why not sing this piece in the hope of seeing lots of the snow that children love so much?