The best Christmas songs of all time are an eclectic grab-bag, but aren’t all tailor-made for a kiddie sing-along. These family-friendly festive tunes are. If you’re after the jolliest Christmas songs for all ages, these holiday songs will have the whole family dancing and feeling merry and bright. They include tracks by the best bands for kids, repetition-heavy carols and enough silliness to stuff an entire stocking.
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.
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.
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 that highly catchy song for the holiday season, and your tots are going to go bananas for this jam. Join ’em with a few “doo doo doo” sing-alongs.
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.
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 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!
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 (faux) flurries – this rhythm is simply infectious.
7. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Kacey Musgraves
An all-time classic and one of the favourite kid-sung Christmas songs of all time, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is an 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 is great.
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.
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 su
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.
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 excited for all of the season’s best activities: decorating, caroling and – a personal favorite of ours – munching on festive sweets.
12. “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” by Donald Yetter Gardner
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.
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
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 behaviour 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.
15. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year” by Andy Williams
Add “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year” to your playlist whether you’re celebrating in NYC or around the world. Embrace the superlatives and keep this tune going all season long.
16. “Let It Snow” by Dean Martin
We will never complain about having Christmas at the beach. Want to make like it’s proper cold outside for Christmas? Opt for our preferred Dean Martin version (or Frank Sinatra’s) of this festive classic.
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 guiding light – literally – for Santa’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.
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
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.
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 som
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.
22. “Silver Bells” by Bing Crosby
Close your eyes while this song plays and you’ll surely envision your favourite city’s streets decked in twinkling lights and freshly-fallen snow. “Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city…”
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. Now somebody get that poor critter a hula hoop.
24. ‘” Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by the Jackson 5
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.
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 cheer. Grab the tinsel.
27. “Space Unicorn Holiday” by Parry Gripp
Parry Gripp’s holiday offerings aren’t limited to the aforementioned tacos: Here he imagines a unicorn traversing the galaxy bringing peace on earth, goodwill and colourful rainbows (of course) to all. It’s a goofy, surprisingly rocking jam perfect for any unicorn-obsessed kid.
28. “The Very First Christmas” by SpongeBob Squarepants
“This Christmas feels like the very first Christmas to me” sings Bikini Bottom’s happiest yellow creature. And while purists might question the presence of Squidward, it’s hard not to get swept up in the good cheer of SpongeBob’s quirky, old-fashioned Christmas anthem.
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.
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.
