Christmas songs dominate the airwaves during December, and it’s hard not to sing along, no matter which holidays you may celebrate. Whether you’re tired of the constant Christmas music, or you just love festive songs of all kinds, it doesn’t hurt to expand your perspective on holiday music!
Teach your kids about some important winter holidays (other than the one that is already most visible in the U.S.) with this list of secular kids’ songs about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and more!
Cross-cultural holiday songs for kids
- “What Do You Celebrate?” by Red Yarn ft. Mil’s Trills, Culture Queen & friends — This multicultural winter holiday song mentions Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Nochebuena, Korean New Year, Filipino parols, Winter Solstice, La Novena, and Boxing Day.
- “First Day of Winter” by John Riggio — This children’s song explains what the Winter Solstice is all about — in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway!
Kids’ songs about Hanukkah
- “Spinning” by Joanie Leeds — A funny song about what would happen if you spun like a dreidel celebrates the most popular game of Hanukkah.
- “Hanukkah” by Mister G — This fast and catchy song mentions the story of the Maccabees, as well as important foods and family activities of the holiday.
- “Hurry Up and Light the Candles” by The Macaroons — Another fun, danceable rock song that captures the anticipation and activities of Hanukkah.
- “Light” by Lisa Loeb — This gentle, hopeful song about the meaning of the lights on Hanukkah could work as a lullaby for the bedtime routine.
Kid-friendly songs about Kwanzaa
- “This Kwanzaa” by FYÜTCH ft. Pierce Freelon — This fun hip hop song goes through the meaning of the seven days of Kwanzaa.
- “Kwanzaa Slide” by Culture Queen ft. FYÜTCH — For kids who love to dance, this fun song and video encourages kids to move while learning the basic facts about Kwanzaa.
- “Happy Kwanzaa” by Fanoko Singers — Teach kids culture with this uplifting beat and celebratory video.
- “7 Days of Kwanzaa Song” by Urban Village — This danceable rap song is a clever play on the 12 days of Christmas.
Kids’ songs about Lunar New Year
- “Nian the Dragon” by Miss Katie Sings — This sweet tune retells the legend of Nian and why red is the luckiest color for Chinese New Year.
- “Korean New Year (Seollal)” by Hi Joe Kye! — This song uplifts the traditions of Korean New Year (Seollal) including family, food, and games.
- “Congratulations (Gong Xi Gong Xi)” by The Shanghai Restoration Project — “Gong xi gong xi” is a Mandarin Chinese greeting for the Lunar New Year, and this version of the traditional song features a children’s chorus and a dance-worthy beat.
Listen to the playlist!
