50 Best Christmas Songs for Kids

It's just not Christmas until you hear Mariah Carey's
It's just not Christmas until you hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You". Photo by Dennis Leupold
12/1/22 - By Gina Massaro

Christmas songs have a way of getting everyone in the holiday spirit. You just can't be a Grinch when you're fa-la-la-ing. Your holiday playlist might feature classic Christmas songs, modern pop tunes, easy-to-sing songs, silly Christmas songs—remember Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?—or a great mix of everything. Singing Christmas songs makes decking the halls, trimming the tree, and roasting the chestnuts feel so much more fun and festive. We've listed all the greatest hits here, and linked to videos so you can memorize all the Christmas song lyrics and not just hum the chorus over and over!

Here are the 50 best Christmas songs to listen to with kids this holiday season, no matter what your musical tastes are. For even more holiday fun, including 101 Christmas activities and crafts for kids and the best kids' Christmas movies to watch this season, check out our guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.

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Best Pop Christmas Songs

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey

Mariah may have lost her trademark bid for "Queen of Christmas," but she's the queen of Christmas songs, for sure. It's not really the Christmas season until you've listened to this wildly popular song over and over (and over) again.

2. Last Christmas — Wham!

While there are plenty of covers of this song, there's nothing quite like the original by Wham! Bring on all the feels as you croon this with your kids.

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It's time to introduce your kids to the Christmas music you grew up with! Photo courtesy of Run-DMC

3. Christmas in Hollis — Run-DMC

Run-DMC puts a hip-hop spin on the holidays in this catchy rap song about Christmas in Hollis, Queens. It's never too early to introduce the kids to Run-DMC.

4. You Make it Feel Like Christmas — Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton

This sweet duet by musical powerhouse couple Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton is a little bit pop, a little bit country, and a whole lot of catchy!

5. Mistletoe — Justin Bieber

Even non-Beliebers enjoy this Christmas song about a guy who just wants to be under the mistletoe.

6. Sleigh Ride — TLC

Throw it back to the 90s with this funky version of the popular Christmas song Sleigh Ride.

7. Snowman — Sia

Sia's strong vocals make for a beautifully crafted song in which she croons, "Don't cry, snowman."

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Best Christmas Songs: I Am the Grinch
I Am The Grinch may just make you fall in love with the big green guy. Video still courtesy of Tyler the Creator

8. I Am The Grinch — Tyler the Creator

This modern and catchy song about the Grinch will make everyone's heart grow three sizes.

9. Underneath the Tree — Kelly Clarkson

Kelly belts it out in this fun tune about love being the best Christmas present of all. Warning—this one is a serious earworm.

10. My Only Wish (This Year) — Britney Spears

It's no surprise that the princess of pop made a Christmas song that's catchy and easy to sing along to.

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Best Christmas Songs: It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas by Michael Buble
Michael Buble crooning a Christmas classic will give everyone all the holiday feels. Photo courtesy of Spotify

Best Christmas Songs to Sing While Decorating

12. It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas — Michael Buble

Michael Buble has so many beautiful Christmas songs, it's hard to pick just one. This one, though, is sure to make the whole family smile. 

11. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee

Dance away to Brenda Lee's upbeat classic as you trim the tree with lights, ornaments, and garland. 

13. Wonderful Christmastime — Paul McCartney

This fun and upbeat tune is perfect for Christmas celebrations with family and friends. Also, all grandparents come pre-programmed to perk up when they hear a Beatle.

14. What Christmas Means to Me — CeeLo Green

This extra-energetic version of an already fun song puts everyone in the Christmas spirit.

15. A New York Christmas — Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas' heartfelt lyrics paint a picture of peace and brotherhood at Christmastime, with one of the great Christmas towns of all—New York City—as its backdrop.

16. Wizards in Winter — Trans Siberian Orchestra

The upbeat guitar riffs in this instrumental will really get the family moving and decorating.

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Best Christmas Songs: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Lindsey Stirling
Dance like a ballerina to Lindsey Stirling's version of a popular song from The Nutcracker. Video still courtesy of the artist

17. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy — Lindsey Stirling

Violinist Lindsey Stirling's version of this instrumental from The Nutcracker will fill your house with Christmas cheer.

18. Winter Wonderland / Don't Worry Be Happy — Pentatonix

Trust us—this is the musical mash-up you didn't know your family needed.

19. Jingle Bell Rock — Hot Chelle Rae

This modern pop-rock version of a classic Christmas song will kick off the holiday vibes for the whole family.

20. Christmas Wrapping — The Waitresses

This song has been covered by many artists, but the original is not to be missed. It's about a woman who goes to the store to buy cranberry sauce for her solo Christmas meal and runs into a guy she's been trying to meet up with all year... who also happens to be spending the holiday alone. Looks like they'll now have company!

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Best Christmas Songs: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives
Toddlers will especially love listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—and watching the holiday special. Photo courtesy of Rankin/Bass

Easy to Sing Christmas Songs

21. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — Burl Ives

Even toddlers can sing along to this classic Christmas song about Rudolph using his red nose to guide Santa's sleigh and save Christmas. Try to catch the Christmas special, too!

22. Jingle Bells

The tune of Jingle Bells is so easy to catch on to, many kids even come up with their own, often mischievous lyrics.

23. O Christmas Tree

This pretty tune has some of the easiest Christmas song lyrics to remember—mainly because there are so few of them!

24. Deck the Halls

Deck the Halls is fun to sing, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la. (Sorry—it'll totally be stuck in your head now!)

25. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

This simple song captures the excitement kids feel as they anticipate Santa's arrival.

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Best Christmas Songs: Frosty the Snowman by Gene Autry

Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump... look at Frosty go! Vintage sleeve design courtesy of Columbia Records

26. Frosty the Snowman — Gene Autry

This jolly, happy song about everyone's favorite snowman is a joy to sing. The accompanying Rankin/Bass TV special is a must-watch of the holiday season.

27. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

This simple, short, and sweet song sounds best when the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree and sings it together.

28. Here Comes Santa Claus — Gene Autry

The repetitive lyrics of this fun song are easy for young ones to master and will get them excited for Santa to come.

29. Feliz Navidad

This Christmas song incorporating Spanish lyrics just exudes love, warmth, and happiness.

30. Must Be Santa — Raffi

The Raffi version of Must Be Santa includes Raffi asking questions about Santa Claus and kids singing their responses. "Who's got a beard that's long and white?" "Santa's got a beard that's long and white!"

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Best Christmas Songs: Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
It's impossible to have a blue Christmas with Elvis Presley crooning. Image courtesy of Spotify

Top Classic Christmas Songs

37. Blue Christmas — Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley's version of this song is undoubtedly the most popular, and listening to it certainly won't make you feel blue.

31. Carol of the Bells — Straight No Chaser

This a capella version of a gorgeous Christmas classic will send chills up your spine.

32. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch — Jim Carrey

There are many versions of this song about the cuddly-as-a-cactus Grinch, but Jim Carrey brings so much character to this one. You can also check out a more modern version from Tyler the Creator.

33. Silver Bells — Dean Martin

Rat-pack crooner Dean Martin brings his smooth vocals to this classic Christmas tune.

34. White Christmas — Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby's rich voice just makes it feel like the holidays, and White Christmas is the song everyone sings when hoping for snow on Christmas Day.

35. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas — Judy Garland

Judy Garland's sweet rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is a must-play during the holiday season.

36. The Christmas Song — Nat King Cole

Curl up in front of the fireplace and listen to this Nat King Cole classic while roasting some chestnuts. You won't even notice Jack Frost nipping at your nose!

38. (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays — Perry Como

Everything about this song, from the lyrics to the vocals to the instrumentals, just oozes warmth and make you think of home.

39. Joy to the World

There are so many versions of this song, but it's most spectacular when performed by a choir, as in this rendition. 

40. Silent Night — Frank Sinatra

Silent Night is a song that has been treasured by families for generations, and it's extra special when Ol' Blue Eyes croons it.

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Best Christmas Songs: Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry
Run Rudolph Run will make you want to have a holiday dance party. Image courtesy of Fantoons Animation Studio

Best Silly Christmas Songs

42. Run Rudolph Run — Chuck Berry

How can you not smile at Christmas song lyrics that suggest Rudolph take the freeway so Santa can deliver all his presents in time? The song is also catchy and fun to sing.

41. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer — Elmo and Patsy

This hilarious Christmas song is a favorite among many families. Poor Grandma has an unfortunate accident with a reindeer on Christmas Eve.

43. I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas — Gayla Peevey

The concept of this song is so ridiculous—a girl wants nothing but a hippo for Christmas—it will have kids in stitches. Plus, children love to sing along.

45. Nuttin' for Christmas — Stan Freberg

Nuttin' for Christmas is about all the naughty, but funny things a child did during the year, resulting in him getting nothing for Christmas.

48. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

This adorable jingle was actually written by a second-grade teacher in 1944. There have been numerous covers of the song, but nothing is cuter than this version that played on the Al Alberts Showcase.

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Best Christmas Songs: 12 Days of Christmas by John Denver and the Muppets
Miss Piggy steals the show in the Muppets' version of 12 Days of Christmas. Photo courtesy of ABC

49. 12 Days of Christmas — John Denver and The Muppets

The Muppets sing arguably the best version of this classic Christmas song. Nothing beats Miss Piggy belting out "five goooooooold rings."

44. R2D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas — Star Wars Cast

Yes, this is an actual Christmas song dedicated to everyone's favorite Star Wars droid, R2-D2.

46. The Chipmunk Song — The Chipmunks

Generations have grown up with this classic tune in which kids love the squeaky chipmunk voices. Beware—the entire family will be singing "Me, I want a hula hoop" all season long!

47. Dominick the Donkey — Lou Monte

According to these Christmas song lyrics, Santa's reindeer can't climb the hills of Italy, so Santa enlists the help of Dominick, the Italian Christmas donkey. Jing-a-di-jing!

50. Cats Singing Deck the Halls

This absolutely ridiculous video of cats meowing to the tune of Deck the Halls will be the kids' new holiday favorite.