Christmas Songs and Vocabulary for Kids in Spanish

‘Tis the season for family joy, celebration, bonding. These Christmas songs for children in Spanish are the perfect way to get your kids or classroom into the holiday spirit at the same time that they learn a new language!

Learning through music is one of the most effective and entertaining methods for kids to experience the sound and usage of new words in a foreign language. The attention-catching beat and patterned repetition make it easier for them to remember important vocabulary and pronunciation.

Make your kids’ learning unforgettable with 10 Christmas songs for kids that have become family favorites all over the world!

Scroll to the end of the post to see a list of fun Christmas activity ideas you can do with your children to enjoy the spirit.

10 Christmas Songs for Children

1. Feliz navidad 

Author: José Feliciano

Interpreter(s): 

• José Feliciano
• Mon Laferte 

Growing up in Guatemala, I’ve listened to this Holiday classic since I was a kid! It was released in 1970 and it includes phrases in both Spanish and English. It wishes us all a merry Christmas and a happy (and prosperous) New Year!

Useful Words in Spanish

2. Hoy es navidad

Although the lyrics are different, the tune of this song will quickly remind you of the classic Christmas song “Jingle Bells.” It’s a cheerful song that shares in the joy of Christmas Day.

Useful Words in Spanish

3. Mi burrito sabanero

Author: Hugo César Blanco

Interpreter(s): 

• Juanes
• Lisseth Macedo

From a Venezuelan author, this joyous tune tells us about the donkey that took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to give birth to baby Jesus. 

Useful Words in Spanish

4. Campanas sobre campana

This song comes from Andalucía, Spain. And while we don’t know who the talented author of this Christmas carol is, we know it dates back to the 20th century. It talks about bells ringing in Bethlehem to announce and rejoice on the birth of baby Jesus.

Useful Words in Spanish

5. Rodolfo el reno

This Spanish version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the most beloved Christmas songs for children. The tune about Santa’s special reindeer is a must this season!

Useful Words in Spanish

6. Los peces en el río

A Christmas carol unique to Latin America and Spain, this is one of the songs for kids that will get them dancing.

Many claim that the melody resembles Arab music, which is why they believe that’s where it came from. 

This is the one you or your kids may not have heard before, but give it a chance today and you’ll see how they love it!

Useful Words in Spanish

7. El niño del tambor

This endearing Christmas carol tells the story of a child who makes his living by playing a little drum. This kid visits Mary and Joseph on Christmas Eve before Jesus is born. Because the kid has no money to get them a gift, he plays a song for them. 

This classic dates back to 1941 and it’s had tons of versions by multiple artists. The original name for it was “Carol of the Drum” (Villancico del tambor).

Because it is such an old composition, others claim that the lyrics are based on a short story by Anatole France, which talks about a french legend called “Le Jongleur de Notre Dame” (Our Lady’s Juggler).

Useful Words in Spanish

8. Noche de paz 

Author: Joseph Mohr

Did you know that this Christmas carol is 200 years old? This song is of Austrian origin, and it has evolved over the years. 

In fact, it’s become such an essential song of the holiday season that UNESCO declared it World Heritage.

Joseph Mohr, the writer, performed it for the first time on December 24th, 1818 in a little church in Oberndorf. 

Useful Words in Spanish

9. Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad

That’s right! There is a Spanish version of this jolly carol signaling the return of Santa Claus coming to town. Many have performed this song, but what matters is the warmth the Christmas spirit gives you right away.

Useful Words in Spanish

10. Blanca navidad

A must-have among your Christmas songs for kids in Spanish, Blanca Navidad (White Christmas) dates back to the 1920s. Irving Berlin wrote it, it’s been translated into more than 300 languages.

Prestigious performers like Il Divo and Lady Gaga have made more current versions of it. 

Useful Words in Spanish

Check out: 10 Sensational Mexican Music Artists You Don’t Want To Miss

Christmas Activities for Kids

Aside from the beautiful Christmas songs for kids in Spanish, let me share these amazing activities that will bring up the holiday spirit at home and in the classroom!

Baking

There’s nothing that kids enjoy more than to be a part of grown-up activities! Make these holidays unforgettable by sharing special moments with your kids.

Choose fun, quick recipes: How to Make the Best Sugar Cookies

Make learning fun: A Kid’s Guide to Spanish Cooking Vocabulary

Handmade Decorations

Get crafty and decorate your Christmas tree with heartful, fun, decorations! 

See it here: 6 DIY Christmas Ornaments Decoration Ideas

Making Homemade Stockings

Keep the Christmas classic traditions by adding a special touch at home! 

Check out easy tutorials here: Easy Christmas stocking craft

Don’t Stop Learning

While the winter break is right around the corner, you still have some time to sign up for a free class and make your kids’ learning a lot more fun!

With our one-on-one classes, your kids will be confident to become bilingual in no time! HSA has kid-friendly lessons that will spark your kids’ interest in studying and mastering a new language without even noticing it. 

Needing help in the classroom? Yes, we can help with that, too! Our school solutions guarantee that your classroom is not too crowded and that your students learn just as much. Trust us to help!

Want more free Spanish lessons, fun content, and easy learning strategies for kids? Check these out!

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• Keep Your Spanish Skills Sharp Over Summer Vacation 
• Discover the Joy of Learning Spanish with Summer Fun Activities
• 7 Powerful Reasons Why Bilingualism in Children MattersPowerful Reasons Why Bilingualism in Children Matters
• Fall En Español: Exploring Autumn Activities for Kids
• Fun and Language: Spanish Playdates for Kids
• Milestone Moments: Tracking Kids’ Spanish Progress
• Building Blocks: Kid-Friendly Spanish Grammar

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Alejandra Castellanos

Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

A native Spanish speaker and college student born in Guatemala, I have a passion for writing in English and sharing valuable language information with Spanish learners. If my readers can enjoy the lessons and information I share, I’ll consider my work done!

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