[Children’s Song] A Collection of Hand Play Songs Perfect for Christmas
Santa is coming—what a fun Christmas!
As the day approaches, many families may be noticing their children getting more and more excited.
To build even more anticipation for this once-a-year big event, this article introduces hand-play songs themed around Christmas.
Each of these hand-play songs is simple and easy to try right away.
They’re perfect for playtime at daycare or kindergarten, too.
Be sure to dive in with energy and have fun with these hand-play songs to make it a wonderful Christmas!
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[Children’s Songs] A collection of hand-play songs perfect for Christmas (11–20)
Santa Reindeer
Let me introduce a unique song called “Santa—Reindeeer,” which playfully asks, “Are Santa and the reindeer good friends?” The key is to stretch out the last syllable of “reindeer.” Repeating the same word adds to the fun.
The choreography that represents Santa and the reindeer is adorable, so turning it into a quiz is also recommended! If everyone thinks about the characters who appear at Christmas, it becomes easier to remember the moves.
Children will surely look forward to the presents brought by this friendly duo.
Christmas tree
How about a hand play song that incorporates onomatopoeia kids love? Words associated with Christmas, like “candle” and “Santa,” heighten the sense of excitement, and actions like blowing with a “fwooo” or smiling with a “niko” naturally draw children in.
At the same time, it can also deepen their understanding of words for numbers, such as “first” and “second.” A slow tempo helps create a calm atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy the hand play song with a gentle feeling.
Santa Claus is coming to town
The song where you can enjoy a hand play about Santa riding in a sleigh is “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Match lively gestures to the lyrics celebrating Christmas.
Each movement fits short phrases, so children can learn them easily.
At the end of the chorus, the trick is to move rhythmically along your forearms held parallel.
It’s also fun to face family or friends and try the hand play together.
Why not try this song that will make you look forward to Santa’s visit?
Christmas Itomaki
Itomaki, a classic hand-play song, is about making a hat with thread.
Its distinctive motions, like rotating the arms, are a big part of the appeal.
Since it’s a playful song where you change who receives the finished hat in the lyrics, it’s easy to incorporate seasonal or event-based variations.
For example, you could change the lyrics so you’re making a hat for Santa or a snowman, or adapt the content by making the hat thicker to suit the cold season.
That could be a fun twist.
The Christmas Cake Song
“Christmas Cake Song” is characterized by its cute lyrics about eating a Christmas cake together with Santa Claus and animals.
The adorable choreography—miming the action of eating cake and imitating animals like elephants and squirrels—naturally brings smiles to children’s faces.
By the way, although it’s a Christmas song, it’s surprisingly not very well known, so it’s also recommended when you want to avoid overlapping with songs used at other events, such as nursery school or kindergarten performances.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
One of the best-known Christmas songs is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It’s not only catchy but also notable for its message rejecting bullying and discrimination.
Because of that, doing a hand-play activity to this song can also serve as moral education.
And since the song has a clear story, you can learn the choreography in sync with the lyrics.
Plus, if you read the picture book that inspired the song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” before the hand-play activity, you’re sure to enjoy it even more.
[Children’s Songs] A Collection of Hand-Clapping/Action Songs Perfect for Christmas (21–30)
I turned into Santa
A fun hand game I’d like to introduce for lively group play is “I Turned Into Santa.” It’s a Christmas-themed arrangement of the classic hand-play song “One and One.” In the regular version you make shapes like mountains, but in this one you build up Santa’s features.
Try enjoying it while comparing it with the regular version.
It’s also great because it lends itself to adding your own original choreography.
Coming up with the moves together with the kids is sure to get everyone excited.