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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- [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)
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.
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.
oden (Japanese simmered hot pot dish)
I’ve heard that some convenience stores sell oden all year round, but even so, oden is still a classic symbol of winter, isn’t it? The song “Oden” is perfect for hand-play activities, and I imagine many childcare facilities incorporate it into their programs.
It’s also fun to assign shapes to the ingredients—circles for daikon radish, squares for hanpen, and so on.
Perhaps nursery rhymes and oden are a good match, because besides this song there are plenty of other cheerful tunes like “Oishii Oden,” “Oden-ya-san,” and “Oden Gutsu-Gutsu Taiso.” If you have time, be sure to check them out!
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.
Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes for December: Fun winter hand-play songs (41–50)
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.
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.