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The jolliest Christmas songs for kids

Have a listen to the jolliest Christmas songs for kids. Our playlist will inspire you to rock around the Christmas tree!

Written by
Andy Kryza
Contributors
Dorkys Ramos
&
Danielle Valente
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The best Christmas songs of all time are an ecclectic grab-bag of perrennials and influences, but with respect to Kanye, they aren’t all tailor-made for a kiddie sing-along. The 30 songs on this list of the jolliest Christmas songs for kids, however, are perfect for all ages. They include tracks by the best bands for kids, repetition-heavy carols and enough silliness to stuff an entire stocking.

RECOMMENDED: the best Christmas songs of all time

Jolliest Christmas songs for kids, ranked

‘Revvin’ Up the Reindeer’ by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Image: Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

1. ‘Revvin’ Up the Reindeer’ by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could’s jazzy salute to Santa's reindeer is nothing short of lovable. It sounds like a holiday anthem straight out of a jukebox. You’ll totally dig the old-school vibe. 

‘Oh, What a Night’ by Outta the Books
Image: Outta the Books

2. ‘Oh, What a Night’ by Outta the Books

Channeling those Nightmare Before Christmas vibes, Outta the Books put a yuletide – and even somewhat spooky – twist on a Christmas classic. It's the perfect new tune to add to your holiday playlist. 

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‘Santa Shark’ by Super Simple Songs
Image: Super Simple Songs

3. ‘Santa Shark’ by Super Simple Songs

If you were worried about that famous Mariah Carey song getting stuck in your head, you ain’t heard nothing yet! The ‘Baby Shark’ sensation has adapted its highly addicting song for the holiday season, and your tots are going to go bananas for this jam. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. But hey, if you can't beat ’em, join ’em with a few ‘Doo doo doo’ sing-alongs.

‘Fa and a La’ by Gustafer Yellowgold
Image: Morgan Taylor

4. ‘Fa and a La’ by Gustafer Yellowgold

Kindie music sensation Gustafer Yellowgold rings in the most wonderful time of the year with a melodic folk tune that celebrates the best of the season: thick white sheets of snow, loved one with dishes to share and peace on earth. Wind down your Christmas Eve celebration and tuck the kids in with this one.

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‘Raining Tacos (On Christmas Eve)’ by Parry Gripp
Image: Oglio Records

5. ‘Raining Tacos (On Christmas Eve)’ by Parry Gripp

Who’s looking for the seven fishes when you have tacos on Christmas Eve? This upbeat, techno-esque jam from former Nerf Herder frontman Parry Gripp celebrates one of kids’ favorite eats, albeit on an unusual day. Just take a peek in Santa's sleigh, your stocking or under the tree if you fancy a bite or two! 

‘It’s Snowing’ by Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats
Image: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats

6. ‘It’s Snowing’ by Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats

Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats will inspire you to find your mittens and venture out into a winter wonderland. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself swinging and jiving until you get outside in the flurries – this rhythm is simply infectious! 

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‘I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas’ by Kacey Musgraves
Image: Mercury Nashville

7. ‘I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas’ by Kacey Musgraves

An all-time classic and one of the most obnoxious kid-sung Christmas songs of all time, ‘I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas’ is an intentionally annoying earmorm sung by a kid who sounds like Veruca Salt’s bratty American cousin. Delivered through the silky filter of alt-country queen Kacey Musgraves, the song isn’t just tolerable: It’s great. Consider this a compromise between kids who want to hear the classics and parents who want to oblige them without stuffing gingerbread in their own ears. 

‘Must be Santa’ by Raffi
Image: Rounder

8. ‘Must be Santa’ by Raffi

The once and future king of kiddie songs briefly hung up his bananaphone to deliver unto us a sing-along call-and-response holiday song whose biggest surprise is its utter lack of obnoxiousness. 

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‘Little Saint Nick’ by the Beach Boys
Image: Capitol Records

9. ‘Little Saint Nick’ by the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ sweet harmonies and swing-worthy beat conjure a summertime vibe with their Christmas classic. Yes, we’re swaying to a song about ‘way up north where the air gets cold,’ yet we're kind of anxious to hit the waves. We’re sure there's surfing in the Arctic Ocean, right?

‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ by Gene Autry
Image: Columbia Records

10. ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ by Gene Autry

‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ perfectly captures that anticipation kids feel on December 24 as Kris Kringle departs from the North Pole. The popular pop carol is sure to excite little ones as they ready Santa's milk and cookies before bedtime. There are many versions of this one, but we’re still partial to the cut by the original singin’ cowboy Gene Autry. 

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‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee
Image: Decca Records

11. ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee

Don’t forget to play this classic as you deck the halls with boughs of holly. The timeless tune will get you anxious for all of the season’s best activities: decorating, caroling and – a personal favorite of ours – munching on bites of pumpkin pie.  

‘All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)’ by Donald Yetter Gardner
Image: Liberty

12. ‘All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)’ by Donald Yetter Gardner

Some kids fly into a fit of rage when they get the wrong LOL doll under the Christmas tree. The kid at the centre of this classic (who is actually grown man/novelty songsmith Donald Yetter Gardner) simply wants the ability to bite down on a Christmas cookie. This kid/grown adult is a treasure. There are many versions of this classic out there, so pick your flavor, be it in the form of Alvin & the Chipmunks or the fabulous RuPaul. 

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‘Christmas Time is a Wonderful Time’ by Lard Dog & the Band of Shy
Image: High Frivolity Records

13. ‘Christmas Time is a Wonderful Time’ by Lard Dog & the Band of Shy

There's no arguing with this sentiment! This jingle from Lard Dog & the Band of Shy will keep little ones anxiously counting down the days until Santa makes his rounds. 

‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ by the Jackson 5
Image: Motown

14. ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ by the Jackson 5

Before the Elf on the Shelf swooped in to act as Kris Kringle’s spy, children got worried about their naughty-or-nice-list status because of this jingle. In hopes of promoting good behavior during the holidays, the catchy number warns children that the man in the red suit is always watching! The Jackson 5 offered up the definitive version of this one, which takes a child’s-eye-view of the scene. But for Jersey kids, the Boss himself has made this a regular part of his set, even in the summer. 

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‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year’ by Andy Williams
Image: Columbia Records

15. ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year’ by Andy Williams

If you're celebrating the holidays in the greatest city in the world (New York, of course), it’s only fitting to add ‘It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year’ to your playlist. Embrace the superlatives and keep this tune going all season long. 

‘Let It Snow’ by Dean Martin
Image: Capitol Records

16. ‘Let It Snow’ by Dean Martin

Truthfully, who enjoys snow more than children? Most New Yorkers dread a frosty commute, yet the youngest of urbanites pray there is enough snowfall for a ride down Pilgrim Hill in Central Park. ‘Let It Snow’ is wishful thinking for the wintertime, and requires a few plays on snow days: whether you opt for our preferred Dean Martin version or Frank Sinatra’s is up to you.

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‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ by Burl Ives
Image: Decca Records

17. ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ by Burl Ives

A fitting tribute to Santa’s right-hand man. Although that little red nose might make Rudolph an outcast amongst the reindeer clan (shame, shame), it makes him the perfect guidling light – literally – for St. Nick’s Christmas Eve trip around the world. He’s truly gone down in history, and so has Burl Ives’ iconic take on the song from the legendary animated special. 

‘Frosty the Snowman’ by Jimmy Durante
Image: MGM Records

18. ‘Frosty the Snowman’ by Jimmy Durante

Who doesn’t love heading to the park to build a snowman? Channel your inner Anna and Elsa and throw it back to this original snowman jam. Who needs Olaf when you've got this pipe-smoking legend?

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19. ‘Jingle Bells’

Oh what fun it is to ride on a one-horse open sleigh! No one can resist this wintertime jam, and you'd be remiss not to add it to your holiday playlist. It's a classic for a reason, friends!

‘Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano
Image: RCA Victor

20. ‘Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano

This bilingual holiday hit will have everyone busting a move while wrapping presents, making cookies and decorating the tree. Whether spending a quiet night in or hosting a family get-together, ‘Feliz Navidad’ demands some time in the Christmas spotlight.

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21. ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’

This wonderful tune is perfect for tykes just learning how to count. Can they handle counting backwards and remembering all the things their true love gave to them? The only downside? Good luck finding your kid a half-dozen geese ready to lay eggs at the last minute. 

‘Silver Bells’ by Bing Crosby
Image: Decca

22. ‘Silver Bells’ by Bing Crosby

Close your eyes while this song plays and you’ll surely envision your favorite city’s streets decked in twinkling lights and freshly-fallen snow. ‘Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city…’

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‘The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)’ by David Seville & the Chipmunks
Image: Liberty

23. ‘The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)’ by David Seville & the Chipmunks

Long before Alvin, Simon and Theodore became the stars of their own animated show and a live action film franchise, they were simply the result of a novelty songwriter who fell in love with changing voice speeds on a record. And of that simplicity was born an undying classic. No somebody get that poor critter a hula hoop!

‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ by the Jackson 5
Image: Motown

24. ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ by the Jackson 5

Oh my, Mommy! Looks like you've had a little too much eggnog. Although smooching Santa is definitely a questionable move for the family matriarch, we’ll admit that the song is too delightful to pass up. As with ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ the Jackson 5 really nailed the definitive version of this one. 

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‘Welcome Home’ by the Okee Dokee Brothers
Image: Okee Dokee Music

25. ‘Welcome Home’ by the Okee Dokee Brothers

This comforting track on the Okee Dokee Brothers’ Winterland album celebrates how loved ones’ presence are presents during the holidays.  

26. ‘Deck the Halls’

While you're transforming your house into a winter wonderland, make sure you and the kids listen to a few rounds of ‘Deck the Halls,’ the perfect jam that will inspire your holiday feng shui. Grab the tinsel and prepare to go head-to-head with Santa’s workshop!

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‘Space Unicorn Holiday’ by Parry Gripp
Image: Oglio Records

27. ‘Space Unicorn Holiday’ by Parry Gripp

The spaced-out Parry Gripp’s holiday offerings aren’t limited to the aforementioned tacos: Here he imagines a psychedelic unicorn traversing the galaxy bringing peace on Earth, goodwill toward men and colorful rainbows (of course) to all who believe. It’s a goofy, surprisingly rocking jam perfect for any unicorn-obsessed kid. 

‘The Very First Christmas’ by SpongeBob Squarepants
Image: Nickelodeon Records

28. ‘The Very First Christmas’ by SpongeBob Squarepants

‘This Christmas feels like the very first Christmas to me’ sings Bikini Bottom’s happiest yellow metazoan. And while purists might question the presence of Squidward among the wise men of yore, it’s hard not to get swept up in the good cheer of SpongeBob’s quirky, old-fashioned Christmas anthem. 

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29. ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’

Spread warm and loving cheer to everyone you meet this holiday season. If you’re lucky, you might be treated to some figgy pudding and good tidings in return!

‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ by Mariah Carey
Image: Columbia Records

30. ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ by Mariah Carey

Look, from November through December, it’s MiMi’s world, and we’re just living in it. Thankfully, this song slaps. no matter how old you are. For the little ones, it’s also the launchpad for Carey’s addition to the animated holiday canon: The singer stars in her own Christmas special on Amazon, named… well, you know what it’s called. It’s the same title of this song that’s been stuck in your head since before Halloween. 

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