The Best Holiday Music for Kids

The holidays come alive through sound: chiming bells, cheerful voices, familiar songs. For kids, holiday music is formative - it sets the mood, anchors memories, and often becomes the spark that brings families together during the busiest time of year. With the right playlist, even everyday moments like baking cookies or decorating the tree feel more special. In this article, we’re sharing some of our favorite Platoon-approved holiday tracks for kids. Crafted with warmth and family connection in mind, these songs (and the artists behind them) give little ones and grown-ups alike a soundtrack that feels joyful, bright and perfectly festive.

 

 

Growin’ Up Holiday: Two Perfect Starter Holiday Playlists

 

At the heart of any great family playlist is the Growin’ Up Holiday EP: a four-song collection from Platoon that blends fresh, kid-friendly energy with the season's cozy magic. Each track brings something unique to the mix:

 

  1. “Santa Pick Up the Phone” by Walk Off the Earth: A playful, high-energy opener that feels tailor-made for dancing around the living room.
  2. “S-N-O-W” by Jordin Sparks: A catchy, rhythmic snow-day anthem that kids will want to sing on repeat.
  3. “Sugar High” by Jaden Michaels: Sweet, upbeat, and full of spark - perfect for cookie-baking afternoons.
  4. “Hey Rudolph” by Smithfield: A toe-tapping, country-leaning favorite that makes car rides and family errands more fun.

 

And now, Growin’ Up Holiday Vol. 2 brings even more festive fun. Vol. 2 features warm, family-friendly originals and covers from the Platoon Kids community - expanding the soundtrack with fresh voices and new seasonal moods:

  1. “Christmas Cheer” by Heather Russell

  2. “Shake Your Snowglobe” by Jaden Michaels

  3. “Small Town Santa” by Sammy Arriaga

  4. “Holly Jolly Good Time” by Tyler James Bellinger


Together, these two volumes create a lively, modern holiday foundation - short enough for younger attention spans, diverse enough for the whole family, and full of moments that feel joyful, bright, and perfectly in tune with the season.


How to Build a Holiday Playlist That Grows With Your Kids

 

A great holiday playlist evolves over time. Start with the Growin’ Up Holiday EP as your anchor; it’s upbeat enough for morning dance parties and cheerful enough to play while unpacking ornaments or writing holiday cards. From there, layer in familiar sing-alongs, gentle lullabies and classics kids may already recognize from school or story time. Aim for a mix of tempos so the playlist can flex with the day: lively tracks for crafts or playtime, slower songs for winding down after all the excitement. And as your kids get older, let them add a few of their own picks. They’ll love having a hand in creating a soundtrack that becomes part of your family’s traditions.

 

Why Kids Benefit From Holiday Music

 

Holiday music supports early childhood development in ways that feel natural and fun for kids. The repetition, rhythm and emotional warmth built into seasonal songs can help little ones grow in surprising ways. A few key benefits include:

  • Boosting language development. Singing along to simple, catchy lyrics helps kids practice new words, sounds and sentence patterns.
  • Strengthening memory skills. Repetition in holiday songs allows children to recall melodies and phrases, building early memory pathways.
  • Supporting emotional regulation. Upbeat tracks help release energy during busy days, while softer melodies make it easier to wind down after overstimulation.
  • Encouraging movement and coordination. Clapping, dancing and following along with musical cues promote motor skills and body awareness.
  • Nurturing family connection. Shared musical moments, from caroling to baking cookies with a soundtrack, help kids feel grounded and bonded to loved ones.

 

Expand the Playlist: Other Great Picks From Platoon Artists

 

Once you’ve set the foundation with the Growin’ Up Holiday EP, you can round out the season’s soundtrack with more kid-friendly favorites from across the Platoon roster. These artists bring a mix of energy, warmth and comfort that helps the playlist stretch beyond holiday sparkle into everyday family moments. Consider adding songs by:

  • Megan Piphus: Megan Piphus is a multi-talented, Emmy Award–winning artist who made history as the first Black female puppeteer on Sesame Street. Her music blends purposeful storytelling with themes of confidence, joy, and representation - including a new holiday single that brings warmth and inspiration to young listeners.
  • Station Little: Station Little creates bright, educational pop songs designed to help kids sing, dance and learn through music and animation. Their holiday track “Holiday Season” brings that same playful, lesson-filled energy to festive family moments.
  • The Night Owl: The Night Owl offers soothing piano lullabies and calming baby-sleep music designed to help babies, toddlers and parents unwind. Their gentle, beautifully arranged tracks create a peaceful atmosphere for bedtime, naptime or any moment that calls for quiet comfort.
  • Miss Katie Sings: Miss Katie is a Chicago-based children’s songwriter and teaching artist who creates music that supports social-emotional learning, imaginative play and community care. Her work spans videos, live performances, virtual classes and her signature Singalong Stories - audio adventures that spark curiosity and creativity in young listeners. 


Blending these artists with your core holiday picks creates a playlist that moves naturally with your family’s rhythms - lively when you need energy, warm when you want connection and calming when it’s time to slow down.

 

Create Tailored Playlists for Holiday Activities

 

Music naturally shapes the rhythm of the season, and creating small, intentional “mini-playlists” can make everyday activities feel more meaningful. Families can use music to guide the flow of the day while also building traditions kids will look forward to year after year.


Try creating playlists for:

  • Decorating the tree: Choose upbeat, sparkling songs that bring excitement to the moment and get everyone involved - from hanging ornaments to plugging in the lights together.

  • Baking and kitchen fun: Rhythmic, happy tracks keep kids energized while they mix, taste, and sprinkle. Music helps maintain momentum and adds a playful backdrop to family recipes.

  • Holiday errands and car rides: Sing-along favorites make travel time feel shorter and keep little ones entertained in the back seat.

  • Wind-down evenings: Calmer, lullaby-style songs help balance the sensory overload common during the holidays and set the stage for restful routines.


As you build these mini-playlists, consider turning them into annual traditions: a “first-song-of-the-season” when the tree goes up, a set playlist for cookie day or a special mix saved for Christmas Eve.

 

How Platoon Kids Curates Music for Families

 

At Platoon Kids, we choose every song with intention. We partner with artists who understand the power of storytelling, imagination and emotional connection, and bring authenticity and heart to every track. When we curate music, we look for songs that feel age-appropriate and easy for young listeners to follow, while still offering depth and creativity that grown-ups can enjoy too. We aim for a balance of energy and calm, so families have music that supports every part of their day, from lively playtime to quieter, more restorative moments. Above all, family connection is at the center of everything we do. Our goal is to offer music that brings parents and kids closer together, creating a shared soundtrack filled with joy, curiosity and everyday wonder.

 

FAQs

1. What age range is this holiday music best for?

The songs on Growin’ Up Holiday and the broader Platoon Kids catalog are designed to appeal to a wide range, from toddlers singing along to pre-teens dancing, making them great for families with kids of different ages.


2. Can parents enjoy the holiday playlist too?

Absolutely - the mix of upbeat pop, cozy melodies and warm vocals is enjoyable for all ages, making it a festive soundtrack for the whole family.


3. How often does Platoon Kids release new songs for children?

Platoon regularly curates music for kids across occasions - holidays, everyday fun and special themes, so families can always find fresh, age-appropriate songs to enjoy together.


4. Where can I listen to or download the Growin’ Up Holiday EP?

The EP is available on major streaming platforms and digital music stores under the Platoon label.  See more here.

 

5. Where can I get Platoon Kids merchandise?

If you're interested in getting Platoon Kids merchandise, please see our full assortment!  We're adding new products all the time, so please check back.