Looking for Christmas poems for kids?
Look no further with our ultimate collection for holiday poems that has especially curated with children in mind. (We’ve also organized the poems by age group to make your life a little easier over this busy holiday season.)
- Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 3 to 5
- Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 6 to 12
- Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 13 to 18
You are sure to find Christmas poems that your kids will love, whether they are using it in a craft activity, school or church performance, or simply to enjoy reading aloud with you.
Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 3 to 5
This first christmas poem is perfect for kindergarteners and easy to memorize.
I Like to See Christmas
Author Unknown
I like to see the stockings
I like to see the gifts
I like to see the bells
I like to see the tree
And I like to see Santa
Looking at me!
~
When it comes to Christmas poems for kids, this one is a favourite! It is also easy to incorporate into craft activities.
Peppermint Stick
Author Unknown
I took a lick
Of a peppermint stick
And oh it tasted yummy!
It used to be
On the Christmas tree
But now it’s in my tummy!
~
This is a childhood classic when it comes to holiday poetry. The analogy in this Christmas poem is that little children are like little pine trees, waiting to grow up.
Little Pine Tree
Author Unknown
I’m a little pine tree
As you can see,
All the other pine trees
Are bigger than me.
Maybe when I grow up
Then I’ll be
A great big merry Christmas tree!
~
Does your family have a special angel that sits on the top of your Christmas tree? If yes, then this Christmas poem written for children in kindergartener is sure to delight!
A Christmas Angel
By Denise Burke
Oh, I wish I was an angel on the tree
Oh, I wish I was an angel on the tree
I’d give every girl and boy
Lots of Christmas peace and joy
Oh, I wish I was an angel on the tree
~
No collection for Christmas poems for kids would be complete without this next poem.
It would be a wonderful poem for a group of five children to recite at a Christmas concert, either at school or elsewhere.
Have the group of five kids recite lines 1, 7, 8 and 9 of the poem in unison. Also have each child recite one line on a solo basis (for the remaining lines – lines 2 to 6).
Five Little Reindeer
Author Unknown
Five little reindeer playing in the snow
The first one said, “Can you see my nose glow?”
The second one said, “Listen to me sing!”
The third one said, “I can hear the bells ring.”
The fourth one said, “Let’s eat the pie!”
The fifth one said, “I’m ready to fly.”
Then clomp went their hooves
And the snow fell white
As the five little reindeer flew out of sight.
~
This next Christmas poem for kids reminds us how much fun the holiday season is!
Christmas is a Day Full of Joy
Author Unknown
Christmas is a day full of joy,
Ask any girl or boy.
Santa’s reindeers fly up high,
By the twinkling stars in the sky.
Children love a snowball fight,
Although its freezing day and night.
~
Did you grow up with having this next poem read to you on Christmas Eve? Children all over the world love this Christmas poem, with its promise of reindeers, Santa and presents. It is a classic for a reason!
Magic Reindeer Food
Author Unknown
Be sure to take this magic food
and sprinkle it on the lawn.
On Christmas Eve, Santa’s reindeers
travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and glitter
will guide them on their way.
And you’ll wake up to Santa’s gifts
on merry Christmas day!
~
Who doesn’t love Santa? This next Christmas poem is beloved by kindergarteners and older children alike.
Santa
Author Unknown
Two merry blue eyes
A very little nose
A long snowy beard
And cheeks like a rose
A round, chubby man
A big, bulging pack
Hurrah for old Santa
We’re glad he’s come back!
~
Santa cannot work his magic without his team of reindeer! Kids love this next Christmas poem as it lets them be free to imagine themselves as Santa’s reindeer, flying through the sky to deliver gifts to all the waiting children.
I’m a Little Reindeer
Author Unknown
I’m a little reindeer,
Ready to fly.
I’ll pull Santa’s sleigh
Up in the sky.
Christmas is here,
We can’t be late.
All the children
Just cannot wait!
Kids, no matter the age, will have a good laugh at this humorous Christmas poem 🙂
Snowball
By Shel Silverstein
I made myself a snowball,
As perfect as could be,
I thought I’d keep it as a pet,
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pyjamas,
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first, it wet the bed!
~
Little children will love this next Christmas poem because it expresses how much they want Santa to arrive with his sackful of gifts.
Poem for Santa
Author Unknown
Stockings are hung
Christmas carols are sung
Each child is in bed
Slumber stories are read
It’s that magical night
When reindeer take flight
In your sleigh you do sit
(With toys – a tight fit!)
This key is for you
Dear Santa, it’s true
A long wait it’s been
We beg you – come in!
~
Young children will love this Christmas poem, and be delighted that a hungry little bunny ate the snowman’s nose.
If you wanted to incorporate this holiday poem into a craft activity, (in a kindergarten setting or at home), have the kids make a snowman and a bunny with cardboard (for the shape) and cotton balls (for the snow on the snowman and the fur on the bunny).
Have them also make a orange carrot-stick nose for the snowman — which is detachable — so that when the bunny eats it, it can “disappear”.
A Chubby Snowman
Author Unknown
A chubby little snowman
had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny,
and what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny,
looking for some lunch,
Grabbed that snowman’s nose,
Nibble, nibble, crunch!
~
This Christmas poem for kids expresses how hard it is to wait for Christmas morning! It always seems an eternity away.
The Day Before Christmas
Author Unknown
We have been helping with the cake,
And licking out the pan,
And wrapping up our packages,
As neatly as we can.
We have hung our stockings up,
Beside the open grate.
And now there’s nothing more to do,
Except
To
Wait.
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Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 6 to 12
If you have fond memories of your mom buzzing around the house preparing for Christmas, you’ll appreciate this next Christmas poem.
If you are that mom who goes to the extra effort to make Christmas a magical time for your kids, then this poem is also for you!
Mom is Making Christmas
By Vicky A. Luong
Cookies baking in the kitchen,
The smell floats through the air;
Mom is making Christmas
with her usual merry flair
The house she gaily decorated,
Each gift she stiched with love,
And we’ll gather around the Christmas tree
for an evening of old-fashioned fun
This evening she’ll sing a carol for us
With her angel’s voice.
Yes, Mom is making Christmas,
A true reason to rejoice.
~
Are your kids on tender hooks for Christmas to arrive? This next Christmas poem captures how hard waiting is!
I’ve Been Waiting for Christmas
Author Unknown
I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
And it’s almost here.
I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
Santa’s getting near.
Can’t you hear the sleigh bells ringing?
Reindeer up so high.
Can’t you hear the children singing,
As they watch the sky?
~
This next Christmas poem may provide your kids with some extra incentive to help around the house and keep their rooms tidy. All’s fair in love and war — as well as in parenting…lol.
Santa’s Watching
Author Unknown
Christmas time is coming,
It’s time we must be good,
For Santa’s watching everyday,
And we forgot we should.
Clean our room and wash the car,
Help mom with every chore,
For presents we are after,
And a good one we must score.
No time to chat, no time to play,
There’s dishes to be done.
There will be time later,
For us to have some fun!
~
Children all over the world are familiar with this Christmas classic. This excerpt from Dr. Seuss’s famous books is a wonderful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas.
The Grinch (Excerpt)
By Dr. Seuss
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store?
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?
~
This is another classic Christmas poem for kids.
According to Wikipedia: “The poem has been called ‘arguably the best-known verses ever written by an American’ and is largely responsible for some of the conceptions of Santa Claus from the mid-nineteenth century to today. It has had a massive impact on the history of Christmas gift-giving.
“Before the poem gained wide popularity, American ideas had varied considerably about Saint Nicholas and other Christmastide visitors. ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ eventually was set to music and has been recorded by many artists.”
Twas the Night Before Christmas
By Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ’ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
~
This Christmas poem for children is a top favourite.
The character of Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert May as an assignment for a Chicago-based department store, which wanted a colouring book to give away to its customers.
May considered naming the reindeer “Reginald” or “Rollo” before settling on the name “Rudolph.”
May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story of Rudolph into a song. The song was subsequently recorded by Gene Autry and went on to become a No. 1 hit on the Billboard pop singles chart the week of Christmas 1949.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
By Johnny Marks
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
and they shouted out with glee:
“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you’ll go down in history!”
~
This Christmas poem for kids celebrates carollers that regale us with festive songs, no matter how cold and frosty the night is.
This beloved poem was first printed in “The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For Children,” a beautiful illustrated children’s book published in 1903.
The Little Christmas Carollers
By L.A. Franc
We are a band of carollers,
We march through frost and snow,
But care not for the weather
As on our way we go.
At every hall or cottage
That stands upon our way,
We stop to give the people
Best wishes for the day.
We pray a merry Christmas,
Made bright by Christmas cheer,
With peace, and hope, and gladness
And all they may hold dear.
And for all those that happen
To pass us on our way
We have a smile, and wish them
A merry Christmas-day.
~
Looking for a poem that celebrates all the things that children love about Christmas—carollers, stockings, toys, and magic—to read to them? Look no further.
Christmas
By M.E. Miro
Christmas is more than a day in December
It’s all of those things that we love to remember
Its carolers singing familiar refrains
Bright colored stockings and shiny toy trains
Streamers of tinsel and glass satin balls
Laughter that rings through the house and its halls
Christmas is more than a day in December
Its the magic and the love That we’ll always remember
~
This Christmas poem for kids is about the fun anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
When Santa Claus Comes
Author Unknown
A good time is coming, I wish it were here,
The very best time in the whole of the year;
I’m counting each day on my fingers and thumbs —
the weeks that must pass before Santa Claus comes.
Then when the first snowflakes begin to come down,
And the wind whistles sharp and the branches are brown,
I’ll not mind the cold, though my fingers it numbs,
For it brings the time nearer when Santa Claus comes.
~
This Christmas poem has an interesting history and is a favourite of children everywhere.
The original version of this poem was written by Emily Huntington Miller. The original version consisted of the first verse, and was published in December 1865. This Christmas poem was later expanded and set to music.
The music has been attributed to John Piersol McCaskey, a school principal and former Mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who claimed to have written the song in 1867.
The “Johnny” mentioned in the song who wants a pair of skates is McCaskey’s late son, John, who died as a child.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
By John Piersol McCaskey
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way,
Don’t you tell a single soul
What I’m going to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon,
Now you dear old man,
Whisper what you’ll bring to me,
Tell me if you can.
When the clock is striking twelve,
When I’m fast asleep,
Down the chimney, broad and black,
With your pack you’ll creep.
All the stockings you will find,
Hanging in a row,
Mine will be the shortest one,
You’ll be sure to know.
Johnny wants a pair of skates,
Susie wants a sled,
Nelly wants a picturebook,
Yellow, blue and red,
Now I think I’ll leave to you
What to give the rest;
Choose for me, dear Santa Claus,
You will know the best.
~
Christmas Poems for Kids Aged 13 to 18
This Christmas poem is filled with beautiful, descriptive imagery, like “icy-window filigree” and “sweet-voiced carols in the air,” and is perfect for older children to enjoy.
Christmas Long Ago
By Jo Geis
Frosty days and ice-still nights,
Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights,
Sound of sleigh bells in the snow,
That was Christmas long ago.
Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee,
Icy-window filigree,
Sugarplums and candle glow,
Part of Christmas long ago.
Footsteps stealthy on the stair,
Sweet-voiced carols in the air,
Stocking hanging in a row,
Tell of Christmas long ago.
Starry nights so still and blue,
Good friends calling out to you,
Life, so fact, will always slow…
For dreams of Christmas long ago.
~
This Christmas poetry is perfect for teenagers, reminding them that the best gifts are those that come from the heart.
Christmas Giving
By Iris W. Bray
Christmas is for giving
And for showing that we care,
For honoring the Christ Child
With the loving gifts we share.
The wise men gave of riches;
The shepherds, faith and love.
Each gift, in its own measure,
Was smiled on from above.
Let every gift be treasured;
Not always size or price
Determines the extent of love
And willing sacrifice
Handsome gifts with festive trim
Bring smiles of sweet content,
But modest gifts of humble means
are ofttimes heaven sent.
Whether it be large or small,
Each gift will share in part
The message of true Christmas joy
If given from the heart!
~
If your kids have siblings that they frequently squabble with, this Christmas poem promises a time of peace and harmony.
Reason for the Season
Author Unknown
When eggnog’s generously filling
Each and every Christmas mug
And siblings tour miles and miles
To greet you with a hug
There’s scarce else I’ll be wishing
Than this simple little prayer
Of peace and calm and blessings much
On Christmas Day this year.
~
Famed American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem “Christmas Bells” on December 25, 1864, shortly before the end of the American Civil War
Longfellow crafted this poem to express the years of despair from the horrors of the war that had raged across the states, but ends the poem with a message of hope.
The original poem had seven stanzas, but in 1872 John Baptiste Calkin took out two stanzas referencing the American Civil War and gave us the memorable Christmas carol we know today as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
This Christmas poem for kids and adults alike is beloved all around the world.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’
~
What reminds you of Christmas? Is it the Christmas tree and its ornaments? Is is carols or Christmas dinner? Is it presents and time with loved ones?
This wonderful Christmas poem celebrates all the joys of Christmas, and the things that make it special for children and their families.
What Reminds You of Christmas?
By Ernestine Northover
A holly wreath hung on the door,
Or presents strewn across the floor,
Tall Christmas tree with baubles bright,
Which fills our hearts with such delight.
Carols sung out in the snow,
A Snowman built with eyes aglow,
Crackers pulled, a song to sing,
Candles lit, and bells that ring.
Roasted turkey, which tastes divine,
Rich, fruit cake, with an iced design,
No, the most important reminder of all,
Is the birth of a babe in an Ox’s stall.
~
Do you love having a white Christmas? Author Carla Jean Laglia Esely certainly does, and celebrates the beauty of the season with this gorgeous Christmas poem.
It is the perfect poem for teenagers that enjoy the splendours of winter.
A White Christmas
By Carla Jean Laglia Esely
Twas the night before Christmas.
With a blanket of white.
That covered the earth all through the night.
The trees sparkled like diamonds.
With a glitter so bright.
That each little twinkle made its own Christmas light.
A hope and a prayer a white Christmas would be.
Awaiting the dawn so all could see.
The beauty and joy a white Christmas does bring.
To the holiday season as carolers sing.
For twas the night before Christmas.
God answered your prayer.
With a blanket of white.
Placed with God’s loving care.
~
This Christmas poem for kids celebrates the birth of Baby Jesus and the love He brought to the world.
Once Upon a Christmastime
By Dona M. Maroney
Once upon a Christmastime
The angels sang with joy,
To herald the coming
Of a precious Baby Boy.
Their shouting filled the heavens
And shook the mighty Earth,
And sent the shepherds searching
For the place of His glorious birth.
And when they found the manger
And gazed upon His face,
They knelt in adoration
In that low and holy place.
Oh, Father, fill me with the love
That filled the Earth that night,
A love that reaches throughout the world
And fills it with Your light.
~
Christmas is a time for hope and reconnecting with friends. This poem expresses all the hopes that we have for people who are important to us.
My Christmas Wish For You
By
My Christmas wish for you, my friend
Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun
I wish you love and friendship too
Throughout the coming year
Lots of laughter and happiness
To fill your world with cheer
May you count your blessings, one by one
And when totaled by the lot
May you find all you’ve been given
To be more than what you sought
May your journeys be short, your burdens light
May your spirit never grow old
May all your clouds have silver linings
And your rainbows pots of gold
I wish this all and so much more
May all your dreams come true
May you have a Merry Christmas friend
And a happy New Year, too.
~
Looking for religious Christmas poems for kids? Consider this next poem that celebrates the birth of the Christ Child, and promises Him all that we are and all that we have.
A Christmas Carol
By Christina Rossetti
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow, in the bleak mid-winter
Long ago. Our God,
Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak midwinter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air;
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshiped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part,
— Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
~
We love Christmas trees, with their pine smell and evergreen boughs. This Christmas poem honours our love of Christmas trees and is a favourite of children everywhere.
Little Tree
By E.E. Cummings
little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower
who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see — I will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly
I will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid
look — the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arm
and I’ll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy
then when you’re quite dressed
you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they’ll stare!
oh but you’ll be very proud
and my little sister and I will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we’ll dance and sing
“Noel Noel.”
~
From All of Us at Love Lives On, “Merry Christmas”
We hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.
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If you have any comments — or suggestions for more Christmas Poems for Kids to include in this post — let us know in the comments section below. We, along with our readers, would love to hear from you.