10 Winter Songs for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Cold days are here, and little ones want to play in the snow, build snowmen and drink hot cocoa. Winter songs are a fun way to bring that feeling inside on days when it is too cold to go out. They also teach kids about weather, counting, teamwork and taking care of each other.

Below are 10 winter songs for preschoolers and toddlers from Leigha Marina. Each song has a free cartoon video with Bebo and the penguin family, and the full lyrics are on each song page. They work at home, in daycare and in the preschool classroom.

Fun Winter Songs for Playtime

Let's Build A Snowman

This song shows kids how to build a snowman one step at a time. First you gather the snow. Then you make three big snowballs and put them on top of each other. Two buttons make the eyes, a carrot makes the nose, and two sticks make the arms. Then you give your snowman a name. The chorus says "Keep trying I know you can," which is a nice message for little ones who give up fast.

Try this: Build a snowman outside, or make one with paper circles at the table. Sing each step as you do it.

Let's Build A Log Cabin

Five little penguins work together to build a cozy cabin in the snowy mountains. They chop long logs, stack four walls and add a roof that keeps out the water. Then they add windows, a chimney and a rocking chair, and pick a paint color. The song says it is "so much better when we work together."

Try this: Build a cabin with blocks or pretzel sticks while the song plays. Ask your child what color they would paint it.

Five Little Penguins Sliding On The Snow

This is a snowy version of a classic counting rhyme. Five little penguins slide, jump, climb and run on the snow and ice. One by one, they get hurt, and Mamma calls the doctor. At the end, the doctor says no more playing on snow or ice. Kids love to count down with their fingers.

Try this: Hold up five fingers and put one down in each verse. It is also a good way to talk about playing safely on ice. For more tips, read our post on fall prevention for toddlers.

Christmas Time

This happy holiday song is full of family fun. The penguins write to Santa, bake cookies, build a gingerbread house and decorate the tree with lights and stars. They sip hot chocolate, eat candy canes and build a snowman outside. Mommy cooks a special meal for Christmas night, and maybe Santa will want some too.

Try this: Play it while you decorate the tree or bake cookies together.

Winter Songs for Learning

Snowflakes

Every snowflake is different, and so is every child. That is the big idea of this sweet song. One penguin can swim deep in the sea, and another likes to fly. One likes to joke, and another likes to draw and paint. One likes chocolate ice cream, even in the snow. The song says "Neither things are right or wrong," so kids learn that it is good to be yourself.

Try this: Cut paper snowflakes together. Point out that no two look the same, just like people.

Get Ready For The Weather

What should you wear when it snows? In this song, a polar bear, a kangaroo and a frog each need help getting dressed for the weather. The frog in the snowy weather tries a raincoat and sunglasses, but the right answer is a warm sweater. Kids love to shout "no" and "yes" as they guess.

Try this: Sing it before you get dressed to go outside. Let your child pick the right clothes for the day.

Seasons Of The Year

This song teaches all four seasons: autumn, winter, spring and summer. Winter is the time for sweaters, snow, freezing weather and building a snowman. It is a great song for the start of winter, when kids notice that the weather is changing.

Try this: Use it at circle time. For more classroom ideas, see our circle time and clean up songs.

Cozy Winter Lullabies for Bedtime

Little Snowflake Lullaby

This gentle song mixes counting with bedtime. On a snowy night, the little penguins count ten snowflakes falling on their tongues. "Yum yum yum, that's fun!" The last snowflake falls into their hands. It is a calm way to practice numbers 1 to 10 before sleep.

Igloo Lullaby

After a long day in the snow, a little penguin comes home to his cozy igloo. He puts his sled by the door, folds his scarf and puts his mittens on the shelf. He turns his lantern down low and gets into bed. He dreams of playing in the snow. The song shows kids a simple bedtime routine they can copy.

Try this: Put away hats, scarves and mittens together as you sing, just like the little penguin.

Adventure In The Arctic Lullaby

A little penguin slides across the arctic snow to say goodnight to his friends. He plays with a fox, eats a tasty meal with a seal and reads stories with a polar bear while they drink hot cocoa. Then he says goodnight to them all. It is a soft, dreamy song for the end of a cold winter day.

For more ideas for calm nights, read our post on soft bedtime songs for toddlers.

Easy Ways to Use Winter Songs

• Snow days: Have a winter dance party inside with the playtime songs.
• Getting dressed: Sing Get Ready For The Weather while you put on coats and boots.
• Circle time: Start each winter week with Seasons Of The Year.
• Crafts: Play Snowflakes while you cut paper snowflakes.
• Bedtime: End the day with Igloo Lullaby or Little Snowflake Lullaby.

You can find all of these songs and more winter songs and cartoons for kids on our music page. Want to know more about the penguins in the videos? Meet Bebo and the Leigha Marina penguin family.

Questions About Winter Songs for Preschoolers

What are good winter songs for preschoolers?

Let's Build A Snowman, Snowflakes, Get Ready For The Weather and Five Little Penguins Sliding On The Snow are fun picks. They teach steps, weather, counting and being yourself.

Is there a winter song that teaches counting?

Yes. Little Snowflake Lullaby counts snowflakes from 1 to 10. Five Little Penguins Sliding On The Snow counts down from 5 to 1.

What winter songs are good for bedtime?

Igloo Lullaby, Little Snowflake Lullaby and Adventure In The Arctic Lullaby are soft and calm. They help little ones wind down after a busy day.

Is there a song that teaches kids what to wear in winter?

Yes. In Get Ready For The Weather, a frog in the snow learns that a warm sweater is the right choice, not a raincoat or sunglasses.

Are these winter songs free to watch?

Yes. Every song has a free cartoon video, and the lyrics are on each song page.