56 Preschool Christmas Songs

The holiday season is a magical time for young children. Filled with joy, wonder, and excitement, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach preschoolers classic Christmas songs and fingerplays. This collection of 56 tunes includes timeless Christmas classics as well as lesser-known gems. Young children will love singing and acting out these festive fingerplays, chants, and poems. From counting songs to call-and-response, these kid-friendly tunes are sure to get your preschoolers in the holiday spirit. Gather your little ones and spread Christmas cheer with these 56 easy and fun preschool Christmas songs.

Also see Gingerbread Cookies songs

Top Christmas Songs for Preschool Kids:

Whose?

Practice making predictions and reasoning skills with this guessing song about a certain white-bearded gentleman. Upbeat call-and-response lyrics emphasize jolly old St. Nick’s trademark look.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Guess whose beard is long and white?
Long and white? Long and white?
Guess whose beard is long and white?
It’s Dear old Santa.
Guess whose suit is red and white?
Red and white? Red and white?
Guess whose Suit is red and white?
it’s Dear old San-ta!
Guess who comes on Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve? Christmas Eve?
Guess who comes on Christmas Eve?
It’s Dear old San-ta!


Hear His Bells

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Are You Sleeping?”

Are you sleeping?
No more peeking,
Or I’ll tell, or I’ll tell.
Santa Claus is coming.
Santa Claus is coming.
Hear his bells.
Hear his bells.


Five Little Bells

Get festive pretending to ring an increasing numbered chime of merry jingle bells! Upbeat verses in this counting song cover tempos from slow to fast.

Original Author: Unknown

Five little bells hanging in a row.
The first one said, “Ring me slow.”
The second one said, “Ring me fast.”
The third one said, “Ring me last.”
The fourth one said, “I’m a chime.”
The fifth one said, “Ring me at Christmas time.”
The sixth one said, “Ring me with the others.”
The seventh one said, “Ring me for the mothers.”
The eighth one said, “Ring me with a song.”
The ninth one said, “Ring me all day long.”


Five Little Reindeer

Go on a magical adventure with Santa’s troop of toy experts, cookie tasters, and weather reinsdeer! Silly storylines help build narrative skills.

Original Author: Unknown

The first little reindeer went to the market
To buy some Christmas trees.
The second little reindeer went to the elf shop
To supervise the toys.
The third little reindeer hurried to he cookie factory
To prepare for girls and boys.
The fourth little reindeer went to the TV stations
To ready the Christmas shows.
And the fifth little reindeer went to see Heat Miser and Cold Miser
To order the season’s snows.


Twinkle Christmas Star

Relive the nativity story by envisioning the legendary Bethlehem star with this reverent Christmas carol for kids! Gentle lyrics explain how the bright light guided shepherds.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star
How I wonder what you are.
Shining high up in the sky
Show the Shepherds where Christ lies.
Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star.
How I wonder what you are.


5 Little Christmas Trees

Act out this festive tale of lonely evergreens searching for homes to trim! As each tree disappears, kids can practice counting down skills from five to none.

Original Author: Unknown

5 little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their heart were very sad
‘Cause they hadn’t found a home.
Then chop went the ax
And down fell the tree
And off they went with a happy family!
(continue from 4-1 Christmas Trees)
No little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their hearts were very happy
‘Cause they all found a home!!!


Santa Claus

Encourage active listening while building suspense over Santa’s secret hideaway! Repeat verses prompt preschoolers to chime in with silly guesses.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Are You Sleeping?”

Santa Claus, Santa Claus,
Ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho.
Where is Santa?
Where is Santa?
I don’t know.
Do you know?


Santa’s Workshop

Use hands and bodies to mime a bustling workshop filled with busy elves! Creative motions demonstrate holiday vocabulary about North Pole toy crafting operations.

Original Author: Unknown

Here is a great big Christmas tree Trimmed with lights and balls.
(Put tips of fingers of both hands together, palms apart)
Here are Santa’s little elves.
They run when Santa calls.
(Hold up ten fingers and wiggle them)
This is Santa’s workshop,
Filled with gifts and toys
(Use both hands to form a house)
The elves and helpers fill the sleigh,
For all good girls and boys.


Here Is The Chimney

Practice fine motor control while using one hand to mime different parts of a chimney. Pretend to be Santa popping up on cue!

Original Author: Unknown

Here is the chimney
(Make fist, enclose thumb)
Here is the top.
(Palm of hand on top of fist)
Open the lid.
(Remove hand quickly)
And out Santa will pop.
(Pop up thumb)


Here’s a Little Candle

Act out carrying a burning holiday candle with cautious flat palms. Gentle verses praise the coziness of flickering flames in winter darkness.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “I’m a Little Teapot”

Here’s a little candle dressed in white,
Wearing a hat of yellow light.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be.
Here’s a little candle straight and tall,
Shining it’s light upon us all.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be.
Here’s a little candle burning bright.
Keeping us safe all through the night.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be!


 It features a group of diverse preschool children (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, Asian) joyfully singing and acting out various Christmas songs. They are surrounded by Christmas decorations, including a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree, strings of lights, and colorful ornaments. Some children are dressed in Santa hats and reindeer antlers, while others are holding small musical instruments like bells and tambourines. The background is filled with softly falling snow and a cozy, warmly-lit house, creating a magical and cheerful atmosphere.

Toys on the Christmas Tree

Name different instruments & toys as creative prompts for children to invent their own silly sound effects! Bells, rattles, drums, trains, cars, and planes await.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “This Old Man”

This little drum–on the tree
Santa put it there for me
With a boom-boom, rat-a-tat
Rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!
This little train–on the tree
Santa put it there for me
With a chug-chug, choo-choo
Rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!
This little doll–on the tree
Santa put it there for me
With a Ma-ma, Ma-ma
Rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!


Ten Bells

Get festive by acting out ringing sets of increasing numbered jingle bells! Start with one and count up to a holiday hand chime of ten merry bells.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Ten Little Indians”

One bell, two bells, three Christmas bells.
Four bells, five bells, six Christmas bells.
Seven bells, eight bells, nine Christmas bells.
Ten Christmas bells to ring.


HO-HO-HO

Belly laugh & shake round tummies while practicing Santa’s trademark chuckle in this active movement song!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Where is Thumbkin?”

Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Ho, ho, ho,
Ho, ho, ho,
Santa Claus
Ho, ho, ho,
Ho, ho, ho,


Five Little Candles

Roleplay being a twinkling set of conversational candles on a Christmas tree! Quirky responses spark fun while teaching early math concepts.

Original Author: Unknown

Five little candles twinkling on the tree.
The first one said, “What do you see?”
The second one said, “I see Santa big and jolly.”
The third one said, “I see Christmas wreathes or holly.”
The fourth one said, “What do you hear?”
The fifth one said, “Children singing loud and clear,”
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”


Santa Claus

March to the beat of jaunty ho ho hos! This call-and-response song lets kids take turns being the one to spot Santa Claus walking around.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “London Bridge”

See him walking all around,
All around, all around.
See him walking all around,
Jolly Santa Claus
Hear the ho, ho, ho, ho, ho,
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho,
Hear the ho, ho, ho, ho, ho,
Jolly Santa Claus.


I’m A Little Pine Tree

Act out being a small but hopeful little evergreen tree dreaming of growing up to become a magical Christmas centerpiece!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “I’m A Little Teapot”

I’m a little pine tree- as you can see,
All the other pine trees are bigger than me.
Maybe when I grow up-then I’ll be
A great big merry Christmas tree!


Reindeer Pokey

Pretend to be one of Santa’s reindeer by acting out sticking funny body parts in and out! Silly lyrics put a holiday twist on the classic kids’ song.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “The Hokey Pokey”

You put your antlers in. You put your antlers out.
You put you antlers in and you shake them all about.
You do the Reindeer Pokey and you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
You put your hooves in….
You put your red nose in….
You put your fluffy tail in…
You put your reindeer body in…


Where Is Santa

Take turns dramatically revealing Santa’s hiding spots in this suspenseful holiday fingerplay! The sneaky storyline keeps little ones engaged.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Where is Thumbkin”

Where is Santa? Where is Santa?
Here I am! Here I am!
Merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry Christmas
Ho Ho Ho! Ho Ho Ho!


Christmas Bells

Use senses like hearing, sight, and smell to explore symbols that represent the holiday season, from ringing bells to tasty gingerbread.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “The Muffin Man”

Oh, do you hear the Christmas bells,
The Christmas bells, the Christmas bells?
Oh, do you hear the Christmas bells
That ring out loud & clear?

Oh, can you see our Christmas tree,
Our Christmas tree, our Christmas tree?
Oh, can you see our Christmas tree?
It fills the room with cheer.

Oh, do you smell the gingerbread,
The gingerbread, the gingerbread?
Oh, do you smell the gingerbread?
I’m glad Christmas is here.


Let’s All

Get bodies moving by taking turns naming Christmas actions for the group to follow! Ideas include jumping, bending, marching, and more.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”

Let’s all do a little clapping,
Let’s all do a little clapping,
Let’s all do a little clapping,
& spread Christmas cheer.

You can change the clapping to other activities.
2. Jumping
3. Twirling
4. Stretching
5. Bending Ask the kids for other ideas.


Call Rudolph

Practice early math concepts while imagining pulling Santa’s sleigh as reindeer disappear one by one! When only Rudolph remains, the night is saved.

Original Author: Unknown

Eight little reindeer pulling Santa’s sled
One fell down and bumped his head.
The elves called Santa and Santa said,
“Can seven little reindeer pull my sled?”

Seven little reindeer…
Six little reindeer…
Five little reindeer…
Four little reindeer…
Three little reindeer…
Two little reindeer…

One little reindeer pulling Santa’s sled;
He fell down and bumped his head.
The elves called Santa and Santa said,
“Call Rudolph!”


Christmas Presents

Spark imagination by envisioning gifts piled high under the tree waiting to be opened! Descriptive verses emphasize different shapes and sizes.

Original Author: Unknown

See all the presents by the Christmas tree. (Hands in sweeping motion.)
Some for you (Point to children.)
And some for me. (Point to self.)
Long ones, (Hands spread wide apart.)
Tall ones, (Measure from the floor.)
Short ones, too. (Hands close together.)
And here is a round one (Make circle with arms.)
Wrapped in blue.
Isn’t it fun to look and see
All the presents by the Christmas tree? (Nod.)


5 Little Christmas Trees

Act out this festive tale of lonely evergreens searching for homes to trim! As each tree disappears, kids can practice counting down skills from five to none.

Original Author: Unknown

5 little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their heart were very sad
‘Cause they hadn’t found a home.
Then chop went the ax
And down fell the tree
And off they went with a happy family!
(continue from 4-1 Christmas Trees)
No little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their hearts were very happy
‘Cause they all found a home!!!


Christmas Time Is Here

Get in the holiday spirit by singing along as verses prompt preparation for Santa’s arrival! Decking halls, trimming trees & more.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Farmer in the Dell”

Christmas time is near.
Christmas time is near.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Christmas time is near.

It’s time to trim the tree.
It’s time to trim the tree.
Merry Christmas everyone.
It’s time to trim the tree.

It’s time to wrap the gifts.
It’s time to wrap the gifts.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
It’s time to wrap the gifts.

It’s time to hang the stocking.
It’s time to hang the stocking.
Merry Christmas everyone.
It’s time to hang the stocking.

Santa will soon be here.
Santa will soon be here.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Santa will soon be here.


Santa’s Coming

Spread holiday cheer caroling about Old Saint Nick’s impending arrival! Jaunty verses ring in the season as kids shake bells singing tra la las.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Frere Jacques”

Santa’s Coming,
Santa’s Coming,
Sleigh bells ring,
Sleigh bells ring,
It is Christmas eve,
It is Christmas eve,
Ding Ding, Dong,
Ding, Ding, Dong.


S-A-N-T-A

Spell out that familiar name 1 letter at a time in this lively holiday singalong! Silly verses highlight Santa’s trademarks from his beard to reindeer.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “BINGO”

I know a man with a long white beard
And Santa is his name-o
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
And Santa is his name-o

He slides down the chimney with a pack on his back
And Santa is his name-o
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
And Santa is his name-o

Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh
And Santa is his name-o
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
S-A-N-T-A
And Santa is his name-o


Ring the Bells

Let voices ring practicing loud, proud proclamations about Christmas coming! This singalong celebrates ringing in the season.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

Ring, ring, ring the bells,
Ring them loud and clear
To say to people everywhere
That Christmas time is here.


Old St. Nicholas

Name Santa’s signature symbols from trees to candy canes and let kids invent corresponding sounds & actions! Creativity brings his legend to life.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Old McDonald Had a Farm”

Old St. Nicholas had a tree (form tree with arms)
Ho, ho ho ho ho!
And on that tree he had some horns (blow horns)
Ho ho ho ho ho
With a toot toot here and a toot toot there
Here a toot There a toot
Everywhere a toot toot
continue….
lights——-flash flash
candy canes——-yum-yum
drums——-boom-boom
bells———ring ring
birds——peep peep
stars——twinkle twinkle
snowflakes——-flutter flutter


We’ll Decorate The Tree

Deck imaginary halls acting out holiday preparation rituals from trimming trees to wrapping gifts! Upbeat tune gets everyone moving.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “The Farmer in the Dell”

We’ll decorate the tree,
We’ll decorate the tree.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
We’ll decorate the tree.

The presents we will wrap,
The presents we will wrap.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
The presents we will wrap.

Carols we will sing,
Carols we will sing.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
Carols we will sing.


Christmas Colors

Shout out the classic Christmas palette of red, green and white! Simple lines connect each hue to iconic holiday images.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Three Blind Mice”

Red, green, white; red, green, white,
Christmas colors, Christmas colors.
Red is the color on holly wreaths,
Green is the color of Christmas trees,
White is the color from stars so bright.
Red, green, white; red, green, white.


There’s A Little Elf

Pretend pinch-sized elves have invaded personal space by landing on various body parts! This silly song lets kids swat away the mini intruders.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “If You’re Happy & You Know It”

There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my nose,
There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my nose.
He is sitting on my nose,
Then off away he goes.
Now there’s no little elf on my nose.

There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my knee,
There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my knee.
He is sitting on my knee,
Just watch and he will flee.
Now there’s no little elf on my knee.

There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my head,
There’s a little elf that’s sitting on my head.
He is sitting on my head,
Then away he goes to bed.
Now there’s no little elf on my head.


Sing a Song of Christmas

Relish images of frosty, snow-globe landscapes full of sleigh bells & flurries! Playful lyrics adapt a classic rhyme to capture winter magic.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Sing a Song of Sixpence”

Sing a song of winter,
Frost is in the air.
Sing a song of winter,
Snowflakes everywhere.
Sing a song of winter,
Hear the sleigh bells chime.
Can you think of anything,
As nice as Christmas time?


Ring the Bells

Let voices peal practicing loud, proud proclamations about Christmas coming! This singalong celebrates ringing in the season.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “London Bridges”

Ring the bells it’s Christmas time,
Christmas time,
Christmas time.
Ring the bells it’s Christmas time,
Merry Christmas time!

Addition Verse
*Play the drums it’s Christmas time
*Tap the sticks it’s Christmas time
*Clap your hands it’s Christmas time


Here’s Our Little Pine Tree

Act out decorating the perfect evergreen centerpiece from topping with a star to hanging precious handmade ornaments!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “I’m a Little Teapot”

Here’s our little pine tree,
Tall and straight.
Let’s find the things
So we can decorate.
First we want to put
A star on top!
Then we must be careful
The balls don’t drop.

Hang on all the tinsel
Shiny and bright
Put on the canes
And hook them just right.
Finally put some presents
For you and for me.
And we’ll be ready
With our Christmas tree.


Santa

Envision jolly Saint Nick gearing up for the big night with rows of presents and trademark red suit! This rollicking tune builds suspense for the impending sleigh ride.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain”

He’ll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes,
He’ll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes.
He’ll be driving eight brown reindeer,
He’ll be driving eight brown reindeer,
He’ll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes.

He’ll be piled up with toys when he comes,
He’ll be piled up with toys when he comes,
He’ll be piled up with toys,
For all the girls and boys.
He’ll be piled up with toys when he comes.

He’ll be dressed all in red when he comes,
He’ll be dressed all in red when he comes.
He’ll be dressed all in red,
From his toes up to his head,
He’ll be dressed all in red when he comes!


Santa’s in His Shop

Picture Santa’s workshop humming with activity as magical toy-making ensues! Silly verses prompt creative movement and vocal sound effects.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Farmer in the dell”

Santa’s in his shop
Santa’s in his shop
What a scene for Christmas
Santa’s in his shop

Other verses:
Santa takes a drum.
The drum takes a doll
The doll takes a train
The train takes a ball
The ball takes a top
They’re all in the shop.


Advent Song

Mark the anticipation of holiday celebrations by visually tracking the lighting of advent candles one by one until the big day arrives.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

Advent is a time to wait
Not quite time to celebrate
Light the candles one by one
Till the advent time is done
Christmas day will soon be here
Time for joy and time for cheer.


Santa Lives up North

Join Saint Nick way up north where days are short & cold! Interactive verses prompt vocalizations as he prepares presents, trees & more with his trusty elves.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Farmer in the Dell”

Santa lives up North
Santa lives up North
Ho, Ho, did you know? Santa lives up North

Santa picks his elf
Santa picks his elf
Ho ho did you…

They went on to pick
presents
a tree
and a star at the end, we finished with
the star sits on top the star sits on top


Christmas!!

Shout out each letter with frosty breath to literally spell out the holiday! Simple spelling patterns help reinforce early literacy concepts.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Jingle Bells”

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is here
That’s how we spell Christmas
It’s the best time of the year!

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is here
Oh what fun we’ll have today
With all our friends so near!


Another Way to do Rudolph

Use voices, motions and imagination to reinvent the tale of a reindeer who saves Christmas! Upbeat call-and-response lyrics get everyone involved.

Original Author: Unknown

Rudolph, the red nosed… (hands up like antlers)
Had a very shiny… (point to nose)
And if you ever saw it… (wooo, wooo!)
You would even say it… (hands out around face “glowing”)
All of the other… (hands up like antlers)
Used to laugh and call him… (make “raspberries” with mouth)
They never let poor Rudolph… (boo, hoo…use hands to wipe tears while saying it)
Join in any reindeer games… (slap legs, clap, hands out, clap)
Then one foggy Christmas eve,
Santa came to say: (we use deep voices now)
Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the… (hands up for antlers) loved him
As they shouted out with… (rah-rah, ziss-boom-bah!)
Rudolph the red nosed (hands up for antlers)
You’ll go down in history!


The image features a group of diverse children (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, Asian) joyfully ringing Christmas bells. The first scene shows the children ringing the bells loudly and clearly, with bright, exuberant expressions. The second scene depicts the children ringing the bells softly and quietly, with gentle, focused expressions. The final scene portrays the children ringing the bells fast and loud, their faces filled with excitement and energy. The background is festive, with Christmas decorations like holly, lights, and a beautifully decorated tree.

Ring Those Bells

Experiment with tempo, volume & emotion while pretend ringing tuneful bells! Loud, soft and silly variations teach concepts like opposites & rhythm.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain”

(Loudly)
We will ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear.
We will ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear.
We will hear the dingle, dingle
When they jingle, jingle, jingle.
Yes, we’ll ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear.

(Softly)
We will ring those Christmas bells so quietly.
We will ring those Christmas bells so quietly.
We will hear the dingle, dingle
When they jingle, jingle, jingle.
Yes, we’ll ring those Christmas bells so quietly.

(loud and deliberate)
We will ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud.
We will ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud.
We will hear the dingle, dingle
When they jingle, jingle, jingle.
Yes, we’ll ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud.


5 Little Stockings

Act out stockings’ reactions as they await goodies from Santa! Number concepts mix with dramatic play in this cute cumulative tale.

Original Author: Unknown

5 Little stocking hanging by the fire
the first one said “I’m getting tired”
the second one said “But Santa’s in the air”
The third one said “Yeah and we care”
The Fourth one said “oh FUN FUN FUN”
The Fifth one said “Christmas time is fun”
Ding went the clock and out went the fire
And 5 little stockings were filled by Santa that night


Gingerbread Man

Pretend to stir, roll, cut, bake and nibble seasonal shapes using hands and voices! This mini baking song builds fine motor skills.

Original Author: Unknown

Stir a bowl of gingerbread (stir as in bowl)
Smooth and spicy brown
Roll it with a rolling pin
up and up and down (Pretend to roll)
With a cookie cutter, (pretend to cut out)
make some little men.
Put them in the oven (place in oven)
till half past ten!


The Lights on the Tree

Invent silly light show sound effects in this rigging ritual gone haywire! Cascading verses prompt vocally mimicking various decor.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “The Wheels on the Bus”

The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink,
Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink.
The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink
All Christmas Day.

Other Verses:
The presents at the house go rattle, rattle, rattle, etc.
The mom at the house goes bake, bake, bake, etc.
The dad at the house goes snore, snore, snore, etc.
The grandma at the house goes hug, hug, hug, etc.
The grandpa at the house goes kiss, kiss, kiss, etc.


Ring Those Bells

Stomp, jump and twirl while creating festive chimes! Upbeat lyrics inspire creative movement as kids ring in holiday cheer.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Jimmy Crack Corn”

Ring those bells and turn around,
Ring those bells and turn around,
Ring those bells and turn around,
Christmas time is here!

Other Verses:
Ring those bells and stomp your feet, etc.
Ring those bells and jump up high, etc.


Santa Song

Mimic Santa’s trademark looks from beard to sack in this bite-sized fingerplay! Quick motions demonstrate concept of opposites big and small.

Submitted by: Shelly Wellwood

Sung to: “I’m a Little Teapot”

I’m a Little Santa
Sung to: “I’m a Little Teapot”
I’m a little Santa short and fat,
Here is my beard and here is my sack,
On Christmas Eve I hop in my sleigh,
With a “Ho ho ho” I’m on my way.


Gingerbread Boy / Girl

Take a tasty persona by pretending to be a wee cookie critter! Spice up the classic rhyme by adding holiday actions like blowing kisses.

Original Author: Unknown

I’m a little gingerbread boy. (Boys bow.)
I’m a little gingerbread girl. (Girls bow.)
I can jump, (All jump.)
And I can twirl. (All turn around.)

I have raisins (Point to eyes.)
For my eyes,
And bright red buttons (Point to buttons down chest.)
Just this size.

I have a mouth,
It looks like this. (Point to smiling mouth.)
I can even
Blow a kiss. (Blow a kiss.)

I’m warm and tasty,
But don’t eat me. (Shake head.)
Hang me on
Your Christmas tree! (Put hands over head.)


My Peppermint Stick

Pantomime yummy reactions to sampling giant candy cane treats! This silly song emphasizes concepts like size differences and tasting.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung to: “Brownie Smile”

Oh, I took a lick of my peppermint stick,
and I thought it tasted yummy.
It used to be on my Christmas tree,
but I like it better in my tummy.


A Shy Santa

Ponder the mystery of how Santa manages not to get caught each year in this playful poem! The storyline promotes reasoning skills.

Original Author: Unknown

Isn’t it the strangest thing,
That Santa is so shy? (hide face with hands)
We can never, never catch him, (make fingers run)
No matter how we try.
It isn’t any use to watch, (hold hand to eyes and look)
Because my parents said,
“Santa Claus will only come
When children are in bed!” (shake finger)


Christmas Fingerplay

Grow from seedling to towering triangle tree through this creative movement poem! Nature inspired verses teach science concepts creatively.

Original Author: Unknown

I am a Christmas tree growing up tall, (stretch)
But when I first started, I was this small. (crouch)
Then I grew bigger and had branches this wide, (stand slowly, arms out)
And I made pine cones with seeds hiding inside. (hands for pine cone)
The wind shakes my branches, (shake arms)
And down those seeds fall, (flutter fingers downward)
To make new little pine trees for tinsel and balls. (point hands together for tree, opening slowly to form ball shape)


Two Little Candy Canes

Shake imaginary confectionary loose from atop a Christmas tree then savor the sweet rewards!

Original Author: Unknown

Way up high on the Christmas tree
Two little candy canes winked at me
So I shook that tree as hard as I could
And down came the candy canes
Hmm, Hmm, Good!!


It features diverse children (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, Asian) eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. The children are looking up into the starry night sky, where Santa's sleigh, led by reindeer, can be seen in the distance. The ground is covered in snow, and the children are surrounded by beautifully decorated Christmas trees and sparkling lights. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation and joy, as the children listen to the sleigh bells ringing in the distance.

Santa’s Coming

Shush energetic voices, cup hands to ears and strain to hear faint sleigh bells chiming Santa’s impending arrival.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung To: “Are You Sleeping”

Santa’s coming Santa’s coming
Yes he is yes he is
Hear his bells a ringing hear his bells a ringing
Ding ding dong ding ding dong
Santa’s coming Santa’s coming
Hear him laughing Hear him laughing
Ho ho ho ho ho ho


Ten Little Angels

Envision a heavenly chorus heralding the holiday by counting up little angels! The simple pattern reinforces early math.

Original Author: Unknown

Sung To: “Ten Little Indians”

1 little, 2 little, 3 little Angels
4 little, 5 little, 6 little Angels
7 little, 8 little, 9 little Angels
10 little Angels in the band.

Wasn’t that a band on Christmas morning
Wasn’t that a band on Christmas morning
Wasn’t that a band on Christmas morning
Christmas morning coming soon.


The image depicts a joyful scene with a diverse group of children (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, Asian) engaging in various actions as described in the song. The children are ringing small bells, with some ringing them high, others low, some fast, and some slow. Additionally, children are shown ringing bells to the left, right, and even playfully hiding them out of sight. The background is festive and colorful, adorned with holiday decorations and softly falling snow, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere. The children's expressions convey delight and wonder, capturing the playful and merry essence of the song.

Jingle Bell

Practice tempo, directional and dynamic concepts like fast/slow/loud/soft while pretending to vigorously ring bells!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung To: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Jingle, jingle, little bell.
I can ring my little bell.
Ring it high,
Ring it low.

Ring it fast.
Ring it slow.
Jingle, jingle, little bell.
I can ring my little bell.
Jingle, jingle little bell.
I can ring my little bell.
Ring it left.
Ring it right.
Even ring it
Out of sight.
Jingle Jingle, little bell.
I can ring my little bell.


Hear The Bells

Wake senses up to the sound of merry music heralding Christmas with this cheerful singalong!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung To: “Frere Jacques”

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Hear the bells hear the bells
Ringing in the season
Ringing in the season
Ding dong bells, ding dong bells.


Happy Christmas Day

Spread cheer chanting upbeat holiday wishes then acting out signature symbols like lights, trees and wreaths!

Original Author: Unknown

Sung To: “Jingle Bells”

Ring the bell ring the bell
Christmas time is here
Ring the bell ring the bell
Give a great big cheer!
Light the lights, light the lights


Gathering your little ones to sing festive tunes is a treasured holiday tradition that creates lifelong memories. This collection of 56 preschool Christmas songs includes classic carols as well as lesser-known gems that will fill your home with joyful sounds. From lively call-and-response songs to silly fingerplays, these kid-friendly options allow young children to actively participate. Not only do these festive tunes spread Christmas cheer, they also help develop early literacy skills. So let your preschoolers jingle all the way this holiday season by singing along to these easy and entertaining Christmas songs! Wishing you and your family warmth, laughter and happy memories this Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some classic Christmas songs suitable for preschoolers?

Some classic Christmas songs that are easy for preschoolers to sing along to include:

  • Jingle Bells
  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  • Santa Claus is Coming to Town

What benefits do Christmas songs provide for preschool aged children?

Christmas songs provide many benefits for preschool aged children. Singing festive tunes helps to:

  • Develop early literacy skills like rhyming, repetition, and expanding vocabulary
  • Improve memory through engaging in memorization of song lyrics
  • Enhance social skills and bonding through group singing activities
  • Spread holiday cheer and spark creativity and imagination

What are some fun motions and activities to accompany these Christmas songs?

There are many fun motions and activities you can add to Christmas songs to get preschoolers excited to participate. Try having children:

  • Act out verses with hand motions and body movements
  • Use musical instruments like bells and shakers to play along
  • Insert character names and act out parts
  • Come up with new silly verses as a creative exercise

What are some tips for teaching young children Christmas carols?

Here are some useful tips for teaching preschoolers Christmas songs:

  • Focus on short, repetitive songs they can easily memorize
  • Sing slowly and clearly to model proper pronunciation
  • Gesture and dance along to songs to keep them engaged
  • Encourage silliness and creativity by letting them come up with new lyrics
  • Be energetic and upbeat in your delivery to get them excited about singing

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