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.
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?
Christmas is comingSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
Christmas Is Coming paints the tingling excitement of December, just before Christmas.
The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa, a prolific songwriter, and the music is by Hirotaka Nakagawa.
The song captures the thrill of Christmas in everything—the cityscapes glowing with illuminations, the decorations in homes and shops, and the joyful expressions on people’s faces.
It’s especially recommended for anyone who wants to build up their holiday spirit as Christmas approaches!
skiingSakushi: Shigure Otowa / Sakkyoku: Hirai Koizaburo
The song “Ski,” a children’s song depicting the graceful descent down snowy mountains on skis, was written by lyricist Otowa Shigure, who penned numerous songs, and released in 1942.
The image of slicing through the wind like a bird and skiing with style will likely stir a desire to try it—not only among skiers but even in those who have never skied before.
Its brisk rhythm and melody further kindle that motivation! It’s a piece that powerfully conveys exactly what skiing is all about.
A small nutSakushi: Umino Yōji / Sakkyoku: Bizē
“Chiisana Ki no Mi” (Little Nut) is a song about a child who gathers nuts that have fallen along the roadside in autumn and winter, and the memories of doing so with their father.
It was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1971, and has been covered by artists such as Peggy Hayama and Shiina Ringo.
The song is based on “Sérénade,” an aria from the opera “La jolie fille de Perth,” composed by Georges Bizet in 1866.
Holding the nuts once collected together with her father, the protagonist recalls something her father once told her.
Now left to pick up the nuts alone, she feels a quiet loneliness, yet the song conveys her resolve to keep living and doing her best.
White RoadSakushi: Umino Yōji / Sakkyoku: Vivarudi
“Shiroi Michi” (“The White Road”) depicts a nostalgic scene of remembering a pure white road blanketed with snow, walked hand in hand with one’s mother.
Set to the melody of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in F minor, “Winter,” Second Movement, it features newly written Japanese lyrics.
The protagonist now walks alone, recalling not only winter but also scenes from spring and autumn.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to do your best—just like the mother who always faced forward and kept walking no matter the circumstances.
As you listen, try to recall your own memories of snow and family.
KodANUKI PonpoSakushi: Suzuki Etsuo / Sakkyoku: Oyama Takateru
Atom Shimojo sings this children’s song, “Kodanuki Ponpo,” with his famous rich voice.
Speaking of Shimojo, he’s recently appeared in Kamen Rider Hibiki, and movie fans also know him as the Japanese dubbing voice for Eddie Murphy.
The lyrics tell the story of a little tanuki who longs for the child who lent him a pair of gloves.
The melody is rather subdued, so some listeners might find it a bit lonely.
The repeated “ponpoko” sound should be comical, but it comes across a little bittersweet.
A recommended track filled with the chilly scenery of winter.