14 Best Christian Christmas Songs and Traditional Carols for Kids (with lyrics)
Christmas is a special time of year, especially for kids. As Christians, it’s important to instill in our little ones the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. One way to do this is through music. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best Christian Christmas songs for kids that are sure to fill their hearts with joy and remind them of the true reason for the season.
Last year at our church, each of the kids was invited to come forward and sing their favorite Christmas songs. Kids are so pure, and their love for Jesus is deep and strong. I was surprised at some of their choices!
They chose traditional Christmas carols that celebrated the birth of the Savior. Their voices were as sweet and beautiful as their Christmas spirit. We heard kid-friendly versions of Joy to the World, Hark, the Herald Angel Sing, and The First Noel.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Singing songs that celebrate the birth of Jesus makes the most celebrated holiday even better. Whether you’re looking for religious Christmas songs to sing in church or a fun Christmas classic to sing for family gatherings, I’ve got the perfect choice!
Add these songs to your holiday playlist and press play on your holiday spirit.
Related: Create Your Christmas Prep Masterplan: Save Time, Money, and Stress This Holiday Season
9 Best Christian Christmas Songs for Kids
Here are the best Christmas songs to remind you and your kids of the wonders of His love this Christmas season. Jesus is the light of the world, and these simple songs will help focus your heart on glad tidings of great joy in the Christmas season!
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
This classic Christmas carol written by Charles Wesley in 1739 proclaims the good news of Jesus’ birth and encourages us to join the heavenly angels in praising Him. It’s a great song for kids to learn and sing along with while learning about the biblical account of the nativity.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies.
With angelic hosts proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
“Away in a Manger”
“Away in a Manger” is a gentle lullaby that tells the story of baby Jesus lying in a manger. With its soothing melody and simple lyrics, it’s perfect for little ones to sing along to. It also reminds us of the humble beginnings of our Savior and how His birth brought hope and peace to the world.
Simply Lyrics for Kids:
Away in a manger,
No crib for a bed.
The little Lord Jesus,
Lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky,
Looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
“Joy to the World”
Another popular Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” celebrates the joy that Jesus’ birth brings to the world. It’s a great song for kids to dance and sing along with as it proclaims the good news of our Savior’s arrival and reminds us of His second coming.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Joy to the World,
The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
“Silent Night”
“Silent Night” is a beautiful and peaceful song that captures the quiet and awe-inspiring wonder of Jesus’ birth. It’s a great song for kids to learn about the humble circumstances of His arrival and how it was truly a holy night.
Simple Lyrics for Kids
Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin, mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
“The First Noel”
“The First Noel” tells the story of the shepherds who were visited by angels on the night of Jesus’ birth. This gentle and serene Christmas hymn written by Joseph Mohr in 1816 captures the peace and stillness of the night Jesus was born. Its beautiful melody and lyrics make it a perfect song for kids to learn and sing as they reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
The first noel, the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, noel. Noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
“Go Tell It On The Mountain”
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” is an upbeat and energetic song that proclaims the good news of Jesus’ birth with enthusiasm. Its catchy tune and repetitive chorus make it easy for kids to learn and sing along with, while also sharing the message of Christ’s arrival.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere!
Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.
“We Three Kings”
This traditional Christmas carol tells the story of the three wise men who followed a star to find and worship baby Jesus. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about this important event in the nativity story and reflect on how we can also seek and worship Christ in our lives.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we travel afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder start.
O, star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
“O, Little Town of Bethlehem”
“O, Little Town of Bethlehem” paints a beautiful picture of the humble town where Jesus was born. It’s a gentle and peaceful song that encourages us to remember the simplicity and wonder of that holy night. Kids can learn about the significance of Bethlehem in Jesus’ story and how it reminds us that He came to earth as a humble baby, not in grandeur or wealth.
Simple Lyrics for Kids
O, little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth,
The Everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of all the years,
Are met in thee tonight.
“O, Come All Ye Faithful”
This classic Christmas hymn invites us to come and worship the newborn King. It’s a joyful and celebratory song that reminds us of the true reason for Christmas – to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and His redemption for all mankind. Kids can learn about the importance of faith and how we can all come together as believers to celebrate this special season.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
O, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him,
Born the King of Angels.
O, come let us adore him!
O, come let us adore him!
O, come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
“O, Holy Night”
“O, Holy Night” is a powerful and moving song that beautifully captures the awe and wonder of Jesus’ birth. It proclaims His divine nature as the Savior of the world and encourages us to bow down in adoration and praise. Kids can learn about the significance of Jesus’ miraculous birth and how it changed the world forever.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
O, holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night, of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world, in sin and error pining,
‘Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
Fall on your knees!
O, hear the angel voices,
O, night, divine. O, night when Christ was born.
O, night, O, night divine! O, holy night.
“God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen”
This upbeat and catchy carol is sure to get kids singing and dancing along. But beyond its fun melody, it tells the story of God’s gift of grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that despite our sinfulness, we can find rest in His redemption. Kids can learn about the joy of Christmas and how it truly is a season of love, mercy, and grace.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
God rest ye, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day,
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.
O, tidings of comfort and joy.
7 More Classic Christmas Songs for Kids
In addition to these beloved and classic carols, there are also many other wonderful Christmas songs for kids that share the joy of the season. These simple Christmas songs will bring a smile to your face no matter your age.
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
This cheerful tune is a Christmas favorite, with its catchy melody and simple lyrics. Kids will love singing along and spreading the message of holiday cheer to all they meet. This is a great song to sing during your Christmas caroling party.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
And a happy new year!
“Jingle Bells”
A staple in every Christmas playlist, “Jingle Bells” is a fun and lively song that captures the excitement of the season. Kids can join in on the jingling and sleigh-riding fun as they learn about the traditional symbols of Christmas.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
A beloved character in popular culture, Rudolph reminds us that everyone has a special purpose and gift to share with the world. This song is a delightful way to teach kids about embracing our uniqueness and spreading love and joy to others.
Simple Lyrics for Kids
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say,
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee,
“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, you’ll go down in history.”
“Frosty the Snowman”
With its catchy tune and playful lyrics, this song brings to life the magic of building a snowman and watching him come to life. Kids will enjoy singing along and dreaming of a winter wonderland with their very own Frosty.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose,
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the Snowman was a fairytale they say.
He was made of snow but the children know
how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in that
Old silk hat they found.
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around.
O, Frosty the snowman
Was alive as he could be,
And the children say he could laugh
And play just the same as you and me.
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.
“O, Christmas Tree”
As the classic German carol goes, “O Tannenbaum” or “O Christmas Tree”, this song is a fun way to introduce kids to the tradition of decorating a tree and its significance during Christmas. They can also learn about honoring nature and the beauty of creation.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!
Not only green in summer’s heat,
But also winter’s snow and sleet.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!
“Christmas Time is Here” (from A Charlie Brown Christmas)
This melancholic yet heartwarming song from the beloved Peanuts holiday special captures the true essence of Christmas amidst all the commercialism. It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the little things, like spending time with loved ones and cherishing moments of peace.
Simple Lyrics for Kids:
Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We’ll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year…
“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”
With its cheerful melody and joyful lyrics, this song is a perfect representation of the festive spirit during Christmas. It’s a great way to get kids excited for the holiday season and spread some holly jolly vibes.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh-ho, the mistletoe
Is hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh, by golly
Have a holly, jolly Christmas this year
Let’s Keep Singing!
As we gather with our loved ones during this festive time, let’s remember to keep the spirit of Christmas alive by singing these beautiful songs and spreading love and joy wherever we go.
May these songs remind us of the true reason for the season and bring warmth to our hearts. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, gather around the fireplace, and sing your heart out with these best Christian Christmas songs and traditional carols for kids! Merry Christmas!
More Christmas Fun for Kids
Looking for more Christmas activities to do with your kids this Christmas season? Check out these ideas:
- 15 Free Printable Christmas Mazes for Kids (2023)
- 40+ Best Christian Christmas Movies for Kids in 2023
- 14 Best Christmas Bible Verses to Share with Your Kids
