30 Fun and Easy Christmas Songs for Elementary Students to Sing and Enjoy

Finding fun and singable Christmas songs for elementary students can add warmth, laughter, and learning to your classroom or home during the holiday season. Whether you’re preparing for a school concert, organizing a classroom party, or just bringing cheer to your lessons, the right songs can make all the difference. This curated list includes classic carols, playful tunes, modern hits, multicultural songs, and performance-ready favorites—all perfectly suited for younger voices and big holiday smiles.

Classic Christmas Carols for Young Voices

These timeless carols are beloved for a reason—they’re simple, joyful, and easy for kids to learn. Their repetitive melodies and familiar lyrics make them perfect for group singing.

1. Jingle Bells

“Jingle Bells” is a go-to Christmas favorite that’s easy for kids to sing and understand. Its lively rhythm, simple rhyming lyrics, and cheerful melody make it one of the best choices for elementary classrooms. It’s great for introducing concepts like steady beat and phrasing, and the chorus repetition is ideal for helping children learn the structure of a song. You can incorporate jingle bells as instruments to make it interactive and fun. This classic is also a great addition to holiday concerts and school sing-alongs, as students of all ages quickly pick up on the melody and lyrics.

2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

This song is a charming closer for any classroom Christmas event. Its straightforward tune and kind-hearted lyrics make it a favorite for holiday greetings and public performances. Children love singing the repeating chorus, and the fun twist about “figgy pudding” adds an element of curiosity and laughter. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is often used as a farewell or finale in Christmas concerts, where students can sing, wave, and wish the audience joy. It also provides a good opportunity to practice dynamics—starting soft and building up to joyful volume.

3. Deck the Halls

A bright and bouncy classic, “Deck the Halls” gives kids a chance to sing in a call-and-response style with its memorable “fa la la la la” chorus. The melody is energetic and lends itself well to group participation and classroom activities. Teachers can use it as a fun warm-up song, or integrate arts and crafts by pairing it with decorating the classroom. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce traditional language and talk about seasonal customs. For holiday concerts, this carol adds color and energy, especially with simple movements or scarves.

4. Away in a Manger

This gentle lullaby-style carol is especially suitable for younger elementary students due to its slow pace and simple melody. “Away in a Manger” tells the Nativity story in soft, comforting language, perfect for classroom nativity scenes or quieter moments during a concert. The song can also support religious or character education themes around kindness, humility, and care. It’s particularly touching when sung with light harmonies or by candlelight. Whether you’re working in a faith-based school or just want a reflective song in your lineup, this one offers sweetness and sincerity.

5. O Christmas Tree

Also known as “O Tannenbaum,” this carol is both melodic and educational. It introduces vocabulary related to nature and the symbolic meaning of evergreen trees in winter traditions. The melody is repetitive and steady, making it easy for early readers and ESL students to follow. You can enhance learning by having students create tree-themed crafts or explore versions of the song in different languages. It’s often used in winter concerts as a visual and musical centerpiece—some classrooms even sing it during tree-lighting ceremonies or art shows.

6. Silent Night

“Silent Night” is one of the most peaceful and widely recognized carols in the world. For elementary students, this song provides a gentle break from more upbeat tunes, allowing them to practice breath control and emotional expression through music. It’s perfect for candlelit concerts or end-of-day classroom reflection. Because of its slow tempo, even very young singers can learn it with a little help. Teachers might pair it with a reading of the Nativity story or a simple dramatization. It’s a lovely piece to end a quiet moment or to transition into holiday storytelling.

7. The First Noel

This beautiful, narrative carol is wonderful for developing storytelling skills through music. It introduces young singers to a broader melodic range and has more lyrical content than many other carols, making it a good challenge for slightly older students. “The First Noel” fits well into religious and cultural holiday units, giving context to the Christmas story. Its slow build and repeating chorus allow for emotional expression, especially in a concert setting with solo or ensemble verses. When sung by a group of students, it can be a touching and reflective highlight.

Fun and Playful Christmas Songs for the Classroom

These lighthearted songs add energy and excitement to classroom celebrations. They’re perfect for movement, games, and lots of giggles.

8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Everyone knows Rudolph! This classic song doubles as a storytelling exercise and a chance to include fun call-and-response participation. It’s perfect for acting out and for assigning different roles to students who can sing, gesture, or even wear costume antlers. Kids love the playful additions like “like Monopoly!” and “shiny like a lightbulb!” which can be used to boost memory and timing skills. It’s an essential in school holiday concerts and also works great as a stand-alone classroom activity that integrates literacy and movement.

9. Frosty the Snowman

“Frosty the Snowman” is another narrative song that captures kids’ imaginations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a jolly snowman coming to life, making it perfect for pairing with storytelling, drawing activities, or simple skits. Its melody is upbeat and repetitious, which helps children remember it quickly. Teachers can use this song to discuss character traits or the concept of sequencing events in a story. With just a few rehearsals, it becomes a favorite among students and parents alike during holiday performances.

10. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Silly and joyful, this novelty tune is great for building vocal confidence and humor in young singers. The quirky lyrics and unique subject make it a playful alternative to traditional fare, especially for classes that love a laugh. Students can draw pictures, write their own silly Christmas requests, or even choreograph fun hand motions. This song’s upbeat style and easy phrasing make it memorable and fun for classroom parties and talent shows. It encourages clear enunciation and dramatic expression, which are great skills for beginner performers.

11. Must Be Santa

This energetic, call-and-response song is ideal for building memory and rhythm in young learners. “Must Be Santa” lists Santa’s characteristics—like his beard, suit, and reindeer—in a cumulative pattern that challenges students to remember and sing with increasing speed. It’s perfect for classroom games or movement-based activities, such as adding a motion or prop to each line. The cheerful pace and repetitive structure make it engaging even for kids with shorter attention spans, and it can be a hit at assemblies or festive sing-alongs. It’s also great for reinforcing listening and sequencing skills.

12. All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

This humorous tune brings lighthearted fun into the classroom. With its exaggerated lisp and focus on missing teeth, it resonates especially well with lower elementary students—many of whom can relate! The song encourages kids to practice diction and playful expression while enjoying a light and easy melody. It’s often chosen for holiday talent shows or silly moments in a winter concert. Teachers can expand the activity by having students write their own versions about what they want for Christmas, integrating creativity and language arts into the lesson.

13. Up on the Housetop

This cheerful song introduces students to Santa’s rooftop routine with a catchy, rhythmic melody. “Up on the Housetop” is excellent for movement activities and dramatizations—students can act out Santa climbing, dropping gifts, or calling out to reindeer. It also reinforces simple rhyme schemes and character roles. The song’s pace and imagery make it especially well-suited for kinetic learners. It’s great for warm-ups, sing-alongs, or as an energizing number during a school concert lineup, and it adapts well to simple percussion instruments like bells or rhythm sticks.

14. Nuttin’ for Christmas

This mischievous novelty song lets kids explore humor and character through song. Sung from the perspective of a child who’s been “naughty,” “Nuttin’ for Christmas” uses tongue-in-cheek lyrics to deliver a fun cautionary tale. It opens the door to discussions on behavior, consequences, and empathy in a lighthearted way. Teachers can use it as a storytelling exercise or encourage students to perform it in costume for dramatic effect. The melody is repetitive and snappy, ideal for reinforcing musical phrasing and comedic timing.

Modern Holiday Songs Kids Will Love

These newer or popular songs have clean lyrics, fun beats, and easy-to-sing melodies that make them feel fresh for young learners.

15. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Though not technically a Christmas song, this cozy winter tune is a seasonal favorite in the classroom. The melody is gentle and upbeat, and the lyrics celebrate the beauty of snowfall and the joy of being indoors together. It’s perfect for transitions, indoor recess, or calming the class after high-energy activities. Teachers might pair the song with a snow-themed art project or writing prompt. Its smooth, swing-style rhythm also provides a chance to introduce students to jazz influences in holiday music, adding a little sophistication to your playlist.

16. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

A bright and bouncy song, this one is especially effective for introducing musical dynamics. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” includes natural rises and falls in tempo and volume, giving students the opportunity to practice expressive singing. The theme of accountability tied to Santa’s list can also be tied into classroom behavior goals during December. Many schools use this tune as a high-energy opener or finale for Christmas programs. It works wonderfully with choreographed movements and encourages class-wide participation from start to finish.

17. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

A classic holiday hit, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” blends retro fun with easy-to-learn lyrics and a swing rhythm that’s irresistible. Slightly more complex than simpler carols, it’s ideal for older elementary students who want something “cool” and upbeat. It can be used to teach syncopation and rhythm, and it fits well with dance routines or holiday concerts that include group choreography. The song encourages confidence, movement, and performance flair—great qualities for building stage presence in young learners.

18. Jingle Bell Rock

This is another upbeat tune that brings 1950s flair to the classroom. With its playful lyrics and energetic beat, “Jingle Bell Rock” is a favorite for school dance numbers or talent shows. It’s a bit more rhythmically complex, which can help older elementary students develop timing and coordination. Teachers can use it for rhythm pattern games or even as background music for class holiday parties. It’s also a fun song for students to dress up, dance, and let loose while staying within the festive spirit.

19. Holly Jolly Christmas

This cheerful classic is a great middle-ground option—simple enough for younger students to follow but engaging enough for older kids to enjoy. The melody is repetitive and light, with a joyful vibe that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Teachers can use it in the classroom to boost energy levels or include it in a performance lineup for its accessibility. It’s also a good choice for class karaoke, winter assemblies, or creating festive videos. The lyrics’ positive tone makes it ideal for fostering a happy, inclusive holiday atmosphere.

20. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

This gentle, picturesque tune paints a lovely scene of the holiday season unfolding. It introduces students to more descriptive language and imagery while keeping the melody manageable. The pacing is relaxed and ideal for calming group sing-alongs or reflective concert pieces. You can pair it with a classroom activity where students draw or write about what their world looks like at Christmas. The classic nature of the song also provides an opportunity to discuss the history of holiday music and its place in pop culture.

Songs with Educational or Cultural Value

These songs offer more than fun—they teach traditions, include other languages, and expand kids’ understanding of the season worldwide.

21. Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano

This beloved bilingual song is a vibrant way to introduce Spanish language and cultural appreciation into your holiday music curriculum. “Feliz Navidad” combines a joyful melody with a repetitive structure, making it easy for students to pick up and sing confidently. The alternating Spanish and English lyrics help reinforce basic vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. It’s also a great choice for incorporating multicultural lessons into your holiday unit. Teachers often pair this song with festive clapping patterns or light percussion to keep the energy high during performances or sing-alongs.

22. Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

Including this traditional Jewish song in your holiday lineup allows students to learn about Hanukkah while celebrating musical diversity. “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” is upbeat and dance-friendly, often performed with a circle dance or hand motions. It introduces students to another culture’s seasonal traditions and encourages respect and curiosity. The melody is simple and repetitive, making it suitable for young learners. Teachers might use it alongside lessons on world religions or holiday celebrations from different cultures to promote inclusivity in the classroom.

23. O Tannenbaum (German version)

“O Tannenbaum” is the German version of “O Christmas Tree” and provides a lovely way to expose students to foreign-language singing. The lyrics are slow and lyrical, allowing students to focus on pronunciation and tone. It’s an excellent starting point for basic language learning or for comparing how carols vary across cultures. Teachers can extend the lesson by teaching simple German holiday vocabulary or introducing geography with a map of Germany. The tune’s peaceful flow makes it great for a quiet moment during a holiday performance.

24. The 12 Days of Christmas

This cumulative carol is a classic way to reinforce memory, sequencing, and number recognition in a festive format. Each verse builds on the previous one, encouraging students to remember the full list through repetition. It’s often performed with actions or props representing each gift, which adds visual cues and movement to the learning process. “The 12 Days of Christmas” is great for group activities and is especially engaging when students work in small teams to act out different days. It’s also perfect for longer rehearsals or a dramatic concert finale.

25. Children, Go Where I Send Thee

This African-American spiritual is both powerful and educational, with roots in oral tradition and biblical storytelling. Its cumulative format—similar to “The 12 Days of Christmas”—makes it easy to teach and fun to sing. Students can take turns singing the solo parts while the rest of the group joins in on the chorus. The rhythm and repetition make it engaging for all learners, and it introduces kids to a broader musical and cultural heritage. Teachers can also discuss the song’s historical background to enrich the classroom experience.

26. Christmas Is Coming (The Goose Is Getting Fat)

This playful old English rhyme is a quick and lively song perfect for transitions or classroom fun. It’s short and sweet, which makes it great for younger elementary students or those with shorter attention spans. The lyrics are simple but open the door to discussions on holiday customs and older traditions. Some versions incorporate minor harmonies or rounds, allowing more musically advanced classes to experiment with vocal layering. It’s a great choice for teaching timing, tempo, and classic rhyming schemes.

27. Ding Dong Merrily on High

This joyful carol is known for its memorable “Gloria” refrain and its bright, uplifting energy. It introduces children to more advanced choral techniques like breathing control, phrasing, and even early harmony if sung in parts. “Ding Dong Merrily on High” is a strong selection for school concerts, especially when sung by older elementary students. Teachers may use it to talk about musical dynamics and historical carol origins. The bell-like melody is also a fun prompt for incorporating chimes or classroom instruments into the performance.

Performance-Ready Songs for School Concerts

These songs balance musicality, message, and stage presence—perfect for showcasing your students in a holiday performance.

28. Carol of the Bells (Simplified Version)

With its dramatic melody and urgent rhythm, “Carol of the Bells” is an exciting performance piece. The simplified version still captures the essence of the original while making it more accessible for young voices. It’s excellent for building musical stamina, focus, and ensemble awareness. Teachers can assign small vocal groups to echo phrases or use instruments to create a “bell” effect. It’s often a standout song in winter concerts due to its mood and momentum. The layered lines also introduce students to the basics of musical texture.

29. Do You Hear What I Hear?

This modern carol tells a beautiful, poetic story that children enjoy following through its narrative verses. With lyrics that describe a lamb, a shepherd boy, and a powerful king, it adds storytelling depth to any holiday program. The melody is expressive and gentle, making it a good fit for reflective parts of a concert. Teachers can use the song to prompt writing or illustration projects, encouraging students to imagine the scenes described. It also works well as a solo or duet with a group chorus.

30. There’s a Song in the Air

This lesser-known hymn is a lovely way to introduce students to elegant phrasing and lyrical expression. Its peaceful tempo and poetic lyrics focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and the birth of Christ. It’s ideal for schools that include religious carols in their programming. The tune provides room for emotional dynamics and encourages more advanced musicality. Teachers might also explore the literary qualities of the lyrics, integrating this song into cross-curricular lessons with poetry or seasonal writing.