5 Festive Christmas Counting Songs for Kids With Free Activity Cards
- Sep 22, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 10
I will never forget the year my toddler started pointing at the Christmas tree decorations while we counted them together. She could barely say the numbers clearly yet, but her eyes lit up each time we pointed to another bauble, bell, or twinkling light.
That moment reminded me that children often learn best when learning feels warm, playful, and connected to real life.
Christmas is full of natural counting opportunities. You can count tree decorations, paper snowflakes, bells, stockings, gift tags, stars, toy elves, reindeer pictures, and steps around the room. When you add music, rhythm, and simple movement, those little number moments can become memories children want to repeat.
These Christmas counting songs for kids are designed to help families, nurseries, preschools, and homeschool parents use festive music in a simple and practical way. You do not need a perfect voice, a piano, or a complicated lesson plan. You only need a few familiar tunes, some festive objects, and a child who is ready to join in.
Why Christmas Counting Songs Help Kids Learn
Counting songs can be useful because they combine rhythm, repetition, movement, and number words. For young children, this can make early maths feel less like a lesson and more like play.
Children often enjoy singing, moving, clapping, tapping, and copying simple patterns. NAEYC notes that young children respond to familiar songs, rhythm, and repeated musical patterns. Music can give children a clear structure they can follow again and again.
Christmas counting songs can help children practise:
Counting forwards.
Counting backwards.
Matching number words to objects.
Remembering simple sequences.
Listening and waiting for their turn.
Using fingers, props, and movement.
Connecting numbers to real objects.
ZERO TO THREE also encourages families to build early math into everyday moments, such as counting steps, toys, snacks, or objects during daily routines. Christmas makes this especially easy because there are so many colourful things to count.
The goal is not to make children “advanced” or put pressure on them. The goal is to give them gentle, joyful practice with numbers during a season they already find exciting.
Five Little Bells
A “five little bells” song is a simple festive counting-down activity. It works well because the number starts small, the objects are easy to see, and children can join in by ringing, tapping, or moving the bells.
You can sing it to a familiar counting-song tune or create your own simple melody. Keep the words original and simple so the song belongs to your family or classroom.
Why it works for learning:This song helps children practise counting from five down to one and then back up again. The repeated pattern supports memory, while the bells give children something physical to touch and hear.
Learning skills supported:
Counting backwards.
Counting objects.
Listening.
Sound awareness.
Fine motor control.
Turn-taking.
How to make it an activity: Give your child five small bells, five blocks, five paper bell cut-outs, or five counters. Each time one bell “goes quiet” or “rings away,” move one object to the side. At the end, count them all back together.
You can ask:
“How many bells are left?”
“Can you show me three bells?”
“Which bell is the loudest?”
“Can we ring them softly?”
This gives children a hands-on way to understand that numbers change when objects are added or taken away.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
This traditional Christmas song can feel long for younger children, but it can still be useful when you use it carefully. Instead of trying to sing the whole song at once, choose a small section and focus on number order, memory, and repetition.
Why it works for learning: This song has a cumulative structure, which means each part builds on the last. That makes it useful for memory, sequencing, and number order, especially for older preschoolers and early primary children.
Learning skills supported:
Number sequencing.
Memory.
Listening.
Pattern recognition.
Vocabulary.
Family participation.
How to make it an activity:Start with only the first three or four numbers. Use picture cards or simple drawings to represent each number. Ask your child to place the cards in order.
For younger children, you might only count the pictures without singing the whole song. For older children, you can make it a family memory game where each person remembers one number.
You can also ask:
“What comes after number three?”
“Can you put these cards in order?”
“Which picture do you remember first?”
This keeps the activity manageable and child-friendly.
Ten Little Elvis.
A “ten little elves” counting song is a festive way to practise counting down from ten. You can use elves, stockings, presents, stars, gingerbread people, or any Christmas objects you already have.
Keep the wording original and simple. The fun comes from counting, moving, and pretending, not from copying existing lyrics.
Why it works for learning:Counting down from ten gives children practice with number order in reverse. Adding movement makes the activity more memorable and gives active children a way to participate.
Learning skills supported:
Counting backwards from ten.
Number order.
Pretend play.
Movement.
Listening.
Storytelling.
How to make it an activity:Create ten simple elf puppets using paper, lolly sticks, or printed cards. Place them in a row. Each time one elf goes to help, rest, hide, dance, or deliver a pretend gift, remove one card and count how many remain.
You can also let your child act like an elf:
Tiptoe like an elf.
Carry a pretend present.
Freeze like a toy.
Wave from Santa’s workshop.
Count the elves back at the end.
This is a lovely activity for quiet play, circle time, or a Christmas learning corner.
Christmas Counting object Song
A simple Christmas counting objects song is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers because it connects numbers with things they can actually see.
You can count:
One shiny star.
Two red stockings.
Three little presents.
Four paper snowflakes.
Five golden bells.
You do not need to use these exact words. Choose the objects around your home, nursery, classroom, or church hall.
Why it works for learning: Children learn number words more easily when they can match the word to a real object. Pointing, touching, clapping, or holding up fingers can all help make counting more concrete.
Learning skills supported:
Counting from one to five.
Object recognition.
Early vocabulary.
Pointing and matching.
Visual memory.
Early maths language.
How to make it an activity: Make a simple Christmas counting poster with five festive objects. As you sing, point to each picture and count together.
You can also place real objects in a basket. Let your child pull out one item at a time and count it.
Try asking:
“How many presents are in the basket?”
“Can you find two bells?”
“Which number comes next?”
“Can you clap five times?”
This supports counting, language, and confidence without making it feel like a test.
Counting Snowflakes
A counting snowflakes song is a gentle festive activity that works well for calmer moments. It can be used while looking out of the window, crafting paper snowflakes, reading a winter story, or decorating a Christmas learning table.
If there is no real snow, paper snowflakes work perfectly.
Why it works for learning:Snowflake counting can be slow, peaceful, and observational. It gives children a chance to count carefully without rushing. It can also be paired with art, fine motor play, and winter vocabulary.
Learning skills supported:
Counting to ten or twenty.
Careful observation.
Fine motor skills.
Winter vocabulary.
Calm attention.
Creative play.
How to make it an activity: Cut out paper snowflakes or use snowflake stickers. Count them together as you place them on a table, window, or sheet of paper.
For younger children, start with five. For older preschoolers, count up to ten or twenty.
You can ask:
“How many snowflakes are on the table?”
“Can you make a group of five?”
“Which snowflake is the biggest?”
“Can you count them slowly?”
This turns a simple winter craft into a gentle maths activity.
Free Printable Christmas Counting Activity Cards
To make this article more useful for families, add a free printable Christmas counting pack. Keep it activity-based and original, rather than offering copied song lyrics.
Inside the printable, include:
✓ Five Little Bells counting card
✓ Ten Little Elves countdown card
✓ Christmas object counting mat
✓ Snowflake counting page
✓ Number tracing from 1 to 10
✓ Count and colour Christmas pictures
✓ Festive finger-counting cards
✓ My Christmas counting tracker
✓ Christmas number hunt activity
✓ Little Christmas Counter certificate
Development Tips: How to Get the Most From Christmas Counting Songs
Christmas counting songs work best when they are simple, repeated, and playful. You do not need to turn every song into a lesson. A few gentle questions and hands-on props are enough.
Repeat the Same Song in Different Ways
Children often enjoy repetition. Sing the same counting song over several days, but change the activity slightly.
One day, use blocks.
Another day, use paper bells.
Another day, use finger counting.
Another day, use drawings.
This helps keep the learning familiar without becoming boring.
Use Real Objects When Possible
Counting is easier to understand when children can see and touch the items. Use safe decorations, paper cut-outs, toy presents, bells, cotton wool snowballs, or picture cards.
Real objects help children connect number words to quantity.
Add Movement
Movement can help children stay engaged. Let them clap five times, tiptoe like elves, spin like snowflakes, ring bells softly, or jump to each number.
This is especially useful for children who do not like sitting still for long.
Connect Counting to Everyday Christmas Routines
You can count during normal holiday moments:
Count stockings.
Count gift tags.
Count steps to the tree.
Count Christmas cards.
Count baubles.
Count spoons while baking.
Count candles, stars, or paper snowflakes.
These everyday moments show children that numbers are part of real life.
Keep It Pressure-Free
Some children will count confidently. Others will skip numbers, repeat numbers, or simply enjoy the movement and music. That is okay.
The aim is exposure, practice, and connection. If your child loses interest, stop and try again another time.
Helpful Related Resources
For more music-based routine ideas, read “5 Energetic Morning Songs for Kids: Boost Mood and Routines with Music.”
For animal-themed counting and movement, read “10 Best Animal Songs for Kids That Boost Learning and Fun.”
For kindness songs and social learning, read “Songs to Teach Kindness and Empathy to Kids.”
For more free activities, visit the Free Preschool Printables Library for song cards, counting pages, routine charts, and early learning printables.
Final Thoughts
Christmas counting songs for kids are more than a festive way to pass the time. They give children a joyful chance to practise numbers, movement, memory, listening, and language during a season that already feels exciting.
You can sing while decorating the tree, cutting paper snowflakes, playing with toy elves, counting stockings, or sitting by the window with a warm drink.
Start with one song and one small activity. Count five bells, ten elves, or a handful of snowflakes. Let your child touch, move, sing, and laugh.
The best learning moments are often the simple ones children want to repeat.
What Christmas counting activity does your child enjoy most? Share your favourite idea in the comments.
About the Author
Janerine Watson is the founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, a mother of three, and a BSc Health and Social Care graduate. She creates music-based learning resources, children’s songs, printable activities, and parent-friendly guides that help toddlers and preschoolers learn through rhythm, repetition, movement, routines, and play. Through parenting and her background in health and social care, Janerine shares practical ways families can support early learning, communication, counting, confidence, routines, and everyday family connection through music.
Educational and Development Disclaimer
This article is for educational, family learning, and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical, psychological, developmental, speech-language, behavioural, occupational therapy, or therapeutic advice. Every child develops counting, communication, attention, movement, and learning skills at their own pace.
Songs and counting activities can support playful learning, number awareness, vocabulary, movement, memory, and bonding, but they do not replace professional guidance when support is needed.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language, hearing, behaviour, sensory processing, movement, communication, development, emotional regulation, number learning, attention, or loss of skills, please speak with your GP, health visitor, paediatrician, nursery team, teacher, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, or another qualified professional.
Helpful External Resources
NAEYC – Playing with Music at Home
. ZERO TO THREE – Help Your Child Develop Early Math Skills
