Discover Christmas vocabulary in English with games, songs and fun
Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year for children. Lights, carols, decorations, excitement… everything is filled with positive energy and opportunities to learn without even realising it. That’s why this season is perfect for expanding Christmas vocabulary in English in a natural, fun and meaningful way.
Through games, songs and activities, young learners can discover new words related to this festive time of year, improve their pronunciation and associate English with happy moments. Whether at home, in class or during a camp, learning becomes part of the celebration.
In this article, you’ll find practical ideas, examples and tips to teach and reinforce Christmas vocabulary in English, adapted to different ages and levels.
Why teach Christmas vocabulary in English
Learning Christmas vocabulary in English goes far beyond memorising words: it’s a way to connect with culture, traditions and the emotions of the season. Through vocabulary, children discover how Christmas is celebrated in other countries, learn about different customs and broaden their understanding of the world while strengthening their relationship with the language.
During Christmas, children tend to be more motivated and engaged, which makes it easier to naturally absorb English. Talking about familiar topics such as Santa Claus, gifts, snow or the Christmas tree sparks their curiosity, stimulates their imagination and encourages them to express themselves with confidence. Even the youngest children are willing to repeat new words or sing songs without fear of making mistakes.
Moreover, when activities are combined with music, movement and play, learning becomes an emotional and lasting experience. Children associate the language with positive and enjoyable moments, which motivates them to keep learning.
From my experience, when children learn while having fun, English stops being just a subject and becomes a living tool: part of their games, their songs and their way of communicating with the world.
Essential Christmas vocabulary in English
Christmas vocabulary in English is very extensive, but there are some key words that shouldn’t be left out. Here is a selection organised by themes to help children learn step by step::
Typical Christmas elements
- Christmas tree
- Star
- Bauble
- Tinsel
- Lights
- Gift / Present
- Candle
Characters and traditions
- Santa Claus / Father Christmas
- Elf
- Reindeer
- Rudolph
- Snowman
- Christmas stocking
Typical food and sweets
- Candy cane
- Gingerbread
- Turkey
- Hot chocolate
- Christmas pudding
Common expressions
- Merry Christmas!
- Happy New Year!
- Let’s decorate the tree!
- I love Christmas songs!
These words and expressions are perfect for introducing in games and songs that keep children’s attention and help them internalise the language effortlessly.
Games to learn Christmas vocabulary in English
Language learning becomes much more effective when children experience it through action. These Christmas-themed English activities combine movement, creativity and oral expression, helping children internalise vocabulary without feeling like they’re in a traditional class.
Christmas Treasure Hunt
Organise a small treasure hunt with clues in English related to Christmas. Each clue should include a Christmas vocabulary word, for example:
“Look under the tree for something shiny!” or “Find a red object that Santa loves!”
Children decipher the clues while reviewing vocabulary and basic structures such as colours, objects or places.
Build Your Own Snowman
Hand out simple materials (paper, card or modelling clay) and encourage children to create a snowman by following instructions in English: Add a hat! Draw two buttons! Make a carrot nose!
Besides being a fun craft, it reinforces body parts and adjectives.
The Christmas Market
Create a small “Christmas market” in class or at home. Each child can sell or buy imaginary items using the vocabulary they have learned: How much is the star? – It’s two candies!
This game promotes real communication and practice of daily phrases in a festive context.
Christmas Charades
The classic mime game adapted to Christmas. Write words or expressions in English (snowman, wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, singing carols…) and let children act them out without speaking.
The rest of the group must guess the word in English. It’s an excellent way to reinforce vocabulary through movement and laughter.
Songs to practice Christmas vocabulary in English
Music is a powerful learning tool. Christmas songs in English help internalise words and expressions through melody and repetition.
Some perfect options for children include:
- “Jingle Bells” – ideal for learing bell, sleigh, snow, ride.
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – teaches expressions like good tidings o happy new year.
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – perfect for exploring Christmas characters.
You can accompany them with gestures, instruments or simple choreography. I often use them at the end of the lesson: children relax, repeat without fear and remember the rhythm of the words.
How to reinforce Christmas vocabulary in English at home
Learning English doesn’t end in the classroom. With a little creativity, families can help keep the language alive at home:
- Place English labels on Christmas decorations (tree, lights, star…).
- Watch Christmas films in the original version, with English or Spanish subtitles.
- Prepare a simple recipe like gingerbread cookies while talking about the ingredients in English.
- Sing Christmas carols and review the key words.
These small routines make English part of daily life in a natural and enjoyable way.
Learning English with Christmas spirit
At English Summer we believe that the best way to learn English is by living it. That's why, in our summer camps children immerse themselves in the language through dynamic activities, sports, outdoor games and creative workshops where English becomes their natural language of communication.
Each day is designed for children to practise English spontaneously, build confidence when speaking and discover that learning can be as fun as playing. Because when a language is lived, it’s truly learned.
Christmas vocabulary in English is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn effortlessly and with motivation. Through games, songs and activities, the language becomes something familiar, useful and exciting.
With a bit of creativity, the holiday season becomes the perfect setting to continue practising and reinforcing everything learned. If you want more ideas for this Christmas, you can also check out our list of Christmas movies or the best Christmas songs in English. Because when learning is fun, English stays forever.