Inside: The ultimate list of Christmas songs in Spanish from all over Latin America, as well as popular American Christmas classic songs translated and performed in Spanish.
Who doesn’t love Christmas music? I know I sure do.
Come November 1st, if you enter my house, you will find Christmas songs on blast.
However, they might not be the typical Christmas songs one might expect, because in my bilingual household, we listen to Christmas music in Spanish!
While some of the Christmas songs we listen to might have a familiar tune, simply with Spanish words, the majority of the Christmas songs in Spanish that we listen to don’t even really sound like Christmas songs, in the jingle bell, cheery sense.
Some Christmas songs in Spanish have a melancholic mariachi feel, or a cumbia beat that will get you on your feet.
Have you heard of any of these Christmas songs that I am referring to?
If not, I want you to hear them today!
That’s why today, I want to share the ultimate list of Christmas songs in Spanish that you can browse through and add to your Christmas playlist this year!
Enjoy and ¡felices fiestas!
Get the Spotify playlist for these songs here! Like and share with all your friends and family.
Translated Classic Songs in Spanish
I will begin this list of Christmas songs in Spanish with popularized American Christmas classics like Jingle Bells or Let it Snow that are translated into Spanish.
Why am I adding these songs? First starters, these songs are catchy and popular on a global scale, so I want to share their Spanish comparisons.
Secondly, you can use these songs to learn more Spanish.
Did you know that one of the ways I became fluent in Spanish is through music? You can too with these Christmas songs in Spanish by listening to them on repeat and learning the lyrics. Or, you can go the extra mile like I did by printing out the lyrics and dissecting them. Learn more about how I did in this post here.
Read more: Learn Spanish Through Music With These Artists
After the Christmas classics, I want to dive into traditional Spanish Christmas songs. These songs might add a little spice to your Christmas playlist going forward.
“Feliz Navidad”
We cannot start with any other song than this bilingual classic “Feliz Navidad” written by José Feliciano, Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer. He wrote this song with the hopes of uniting people with the song’s bilingual cheer and lyrics.
Written in 1970, Feliz Navidad is one of the most-played Christmas songs in the world!
Below is a video from 2016. I love this version with José Feliciano and FaWiJo!
“Noche de Paz”
“Noche de Paz” in the Spanish version of “Silent Night”, a Christmas carol composed in 1818 by German Franz Xaver Gruber.
Below are the lyrics in Spanish:
| Noche de paz Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor. Entre los astros que esparcen su luz Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús Brilla la estrella de paz Brilla la estrella de paz. Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor Sólo velan en la oscuridad Los pastores que en el campo están; Y la estrella de Belén Y la estrella de Belén. Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor; sobre el santo niño Jesús Una estrella esparce su luz, Brilla sobre el Rey Brilla sobre el Rey. Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor Fieles velando allí en Belén Los pastores, la madre también. Y la estrella de paz Y la estrella de paz. |
My favorite version of “Noche de Paz” is by Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor and multi-instrumentalist. All of his music is just breathtaking. I’ll leave the video below.
I also like this version of “Noche de Paz” by Luis Miguel, Mexican singer of Spanish and Italian descent.
Furthermore, I LOVE this bilingual version of “Noche de paz” by Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony.
“Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad”
“Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad” is the Spanish version of “Santa is Coming to Town.” Luis Miguel has a classic version, however I love this take (see video below) by Mexican regional band Grupo Firme. It’s fun, upbeat, and gets you to your feet!
Here are the lyrics to the song:
| Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Sabes mi amor, pórtate bien No debes llorar ya sabes por qué Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Él todo lo apunta, él todo lo ve Y sigue los pasos estés donde estés Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Te observa cuando duermes Te mira al despertar No intentes ocultarlte de él Pues siempre te verá Él sabe de ti Él sabe de mí Él lo sabe todo No intentes huir Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad Te observa cuando duermes Te mira al despertar No intentes ocultarlte de él Pues siempre te verá Él sabe de ti Él sabe de mí Él lo sabe todo No intentes huir Santa Claus llegó Santa Claus llegó Santa Claus llegó a la ciudad, hey |
Related: Free Letter to Santa and Envelope in Spanish for Kids this Christmas
“Blanca Navidad”
“Blanca Navidad” is the Spanish version of “White Christmas.”
My favorite version is by Mexican artist Alejandro Fernández and his two daughters América and Camila Fernández.
Below you can find the lyrics and the video to this Christmas song in Spanish:
| Blanca Navidad Oh, blanca Navidad, sueño Y con la nieve alrededor Blanca es mi quimera y es mensajera De paz y de puro amor Oh, blanca Navidad, nieve Un blanco sueño y un cantar Recordar tu infancia podrás Al llegar la blanca Navidad (ah-ah, eh) Oh, blanca Navidad (Navidad), sueño Y con la nieve alrededor (nieve alrededor) Blanca es mi quimera y es mensajera De paz y de puro amor Oh, blanca Navidad, nieve Un blanco sueño y un cantar (un cantar) Recordar tu infancia podrás Al llegar la blanca Navidad |
“Cascabel, Cascabel”
“Cascabel, Cascabel” is the translated version of “Jingle Bells”, the all-time kids’ favorite Christmas Carol.
You might also find this song translated as “Navidad, Navidad.”
Here’s a fun fact about the song Jingle Bells— Written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” was not originally written as a Christmas song. It was originally sung in Sunday schools or even as a drinking song. In the 1860s and 70s it became associated as a fun winter and Christmas song and to this day it is one of the most popular American songs in the word.
Below is a kids video of Cascabel, Cascabel on YouTube.
Related: The Best YouTube Videos in Spanish for Toddlers and Preschoolers
“Rodolfo el reno”
I bet you guessed what this song is? If you guessed “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, you’re right!
Below is my favorite version by Mexican norteño quartet group, Los Dos Carnales and the lyrics.
| Rodolfo el reno Esta melodia Un regalo especial para todos los niños, Se llama Rodolfo el reno ¡Feliz navidad! Era Rodolfo un reno, que tenía la nariz Roja como un tomate y de brillo singular Todos sus compañeros se reían sin parar Y nuestro buen amigo, no paraba de llorar Pero Navidad llegó y Santa Claus bajó Y a Rodolfo lo eligió por su singular nariz Tirando del trineo, fue Rodolfo sensación Y desde aquel momento, toda burla se acabó Era Rodolfo un reno, que tenía la nariz Roja como un tomate y de brillo singular Todos sus compañeros se reían sin parar Y nuestro buen amigo, no paraba de llorar Pero Navidad llegó y Santa Claus bajó Y a Rodolfo lo eligió por su singular nariz Tirando del trineo, fue Rodolfo sensación Y desde aquel momento, toda burla se acabó Pero Navidad llegó y Santa Claus bajó Y a Rodolfo lo eligió por su singular nariz Tirando del trineo, fue Rodolfo sensación Y desde aquel momento, toda burla se acabó Toda burla se acabó Toda burla se acabó |
“El niño del tambor”
This song is the translation of “The Little Drummer Boy” written in English by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. This song is about a little poor boy who makes a living with his drum.
This song was interpreted in Spanish by Raphael, a multilingual Spanish singer and actor in 1967.
Below you can find the lyrics and the video:
| El niño del tambor Rom pom pom El camino que lleva a Belén Baja hasta el valle que la nieve cubrió Los pastorcillos quieren ver a su Rey Le traen regalos en su humilde zurrón Rom po pom pom, rom po pom pom Ha nacido en un portal de Belén el niño Dios Yo quisiera poner a tus pies Algún presente que te agrade, Señor Mas tú ya sabes que soy pobre también Y no poseo más que un viejo tambor Rom po pom pom, rom po pom pom En tu honor frente al portal tocaré con mi tambor Así Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom El camino que lleva a Belén Yo voy marcando con mi viejo tambor Nada mejor hay que te pueda ofrecer Su ronco acento es un canto de amor Rom po pom pom, rom po pom pom Cuando Dios me vio tocando ante él me sonrió Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom Rom pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom Rom pom pom, rom po pom pom |
Related: Christmas Scavenger Hunt in Spanish (Free Printable)
Va a nevar
This is the translated version of “Let is Snow” by Laura Pausini, Italian singer. She has a divine Christmas album in Spanish I highly recommend checking it out. It includes the songs: Blanca Navidad, Santa Claus Llegó a la Ciudad and more!
| Va a nevar Las tardes ya son más frías Pon tus manos entre las mías Y siempre está por llegar Va a nevar, va a nevar, va a nevar El fuego ya está prendido Anda, ven a gozar conmigo Muy pronto en este lugar Va a nevar, va a nevar, va a nevar Cuando llegue el amanecer Las montañas serán de cristal Cada pino va entretejer Hilos de color de sal El cielo se está nublando Y en tus ojos, me estoy mirando Mi vida no hay más que hablar Va a nevar, va a nevar, va a nevar Hey Pi-riri-tiri-rata Tara Cuando llegue el amanecer Las montañas serán de cristal Cada pino va entretejer Hilos de color de sal El cielo se está nublando Y en tus ojos me estoy mirando Mi vida no hay mas que hablar Va a nevar, va a nevar Ooh |
“Mamacita Dónde está Santa Claus”
I’m sure you have heard of this fun bilingual Christmas song in Spanish and English by Augie Rios. This song came out in 1958.
Traditional Christmas Songs in Spanish
Now that you know a few more classic American Christmas songs translated into Spanish, let’s dive into some traditional Christmas carols, otherwise known as villancicos in Spanish. Below you can find some more popular traditional Christmas songs in Spanish, their origin and lyrics. Further down I will separate Christmas songs further by genre.
Related: 130+ Spanish Christmas Words: Enrich Your Holiday Vocabulary
“Campana sobre campana”
This villancico is a traditional Andalusian song and one of the most famous Spanish Christmas carols. In this song, heavenly angels ring the bells of Bethlehem, inviting all to join with the Shepherds to see Christ child in the manger.
Below are the lyrics and the video interpreted by Pandora, a Mexican musical trio.
| Campana sobre campana Campana sobre campana, Y sobre campana una, Àsómate a la ventana, Verás al Niño en la cuna. Belén, campanas de Belén, Que los angeles tocan, ¿Qué nuevas me traéis? Caminando a medianoche ¿Donde caminas pastor? Le llevo al Niño que nace, Como Dios mi corazón. Campana sobre campana, Y sobre campana dos, Àsómate a la ventana, Porque esta nanciendo Dios Si aún les estrellas alumbran ¿Pastor, donde quieres ir? Voy al portal si el Niño Con El me deja dormir. |
“Los peces en el rio”
Los peces en el río, translated as Fish in the River, originated in Spanish by an anonymous author. The song does not have an exact date, but it popularized in the second half of the 20th century.
What differentiates this song from other popular carols like Silent night and Campana sobre campana is that this song talks about the Virgin Mary and the care she gives to her newborn son.
I love the following rendition by Mexican banda group Banda El Recodo.
| Los peces en el río Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río Pero mira cómo beben por ver al Dios nacido Beben y beben y vuelven a beber Los peces en el río por ver a Dios nacer. La Virgen está lavando Y tendiendo en el romero Los pajaritos cantando Y el romero floreciendo. Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río Pero mira cómo beben por ver al Dios nacido Beben y beben y vuelven a beber Los peces en el río por ver a Dios Nacer. La Virgen se está peinando Entre cortina y cortina Los cabellos son de oro Y el peine de plata fina. Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río Pero mira cómo beben por ver al Dios nacido Beben y Beben y vuelven a Beber Los peces en el río por ver a Dios nacer. |
Related: 57+ Merry Christmas Quotes in Spanish
“Mi burrito sabanero”
“Mi burrito sabanero” is a Venezuela villancico written in 1972 by Hugo Blanco. It’s about a little donkey on his way to Bethlehem. Over the years it has been covered by many artists, but I must say, my favorite version is by Colombian singer, songwriter Juanes.
Below are the lyrics and the video:
| Mi burrito sabanero Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén El lucerito mañanero ilumina mi sendero El lucerito mañanero ilumina mi sendero Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Con mi cuatrico voy cantando, mi burrito va trotando Con mi cuatrico voy cantando, mi burrito va trotando Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Tuki tuki tuki tuki Tuki tuki tuki ta Apúrate, mi burrito Que ya vamos a llegar Tuki tuki tuki tuki Tuki tuki tuki tu Apúrate mi burrito Vamos a ver a Jesús Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén Si me ven, si me ven Voy camino de Belén |
“Navidad sin ti”
Navidad sin ti came out in the year 1987 by Mexican artist Marco Antonio Solis. The song is about a man that is sad without his partner in December.
The following video includes the lyrics.
“Ven a mi casa esta navidad”
Released in 1973 by Argentine Luis Aguilé.
“Así es la navidad”
“Así es la navidad” by Mexican singer, composer and actress is one of my favorites. Her raspy voice really touches my soul!
“Te Regalo”
For another contemporary Christmas song in Spanish, check out “Te regalo” by Colombian singer, songwriter and actor, Sebastián Yatra.
‘Llegó la navidad”
I’m LOVING this urban take on a contemporary Christmas song by Ozuna, a Puerto Rican singer. I have a feeling this one will be all over the radios soon.
Mexican Christmas Songs in Spanish
In the next couple of sections, I want to share some Christmas songs in Spanish from two popular categories of Latin music: Traditional Mexican music and Tropical Latin Christmas Music.
- “Oye Santa Claus”- Los Dos Carnales
I am absolutely loving this song by Mexican norteño quartet, Los Dos Carnales. Through this traditional corrido song, you can experience the clash of two cultures as the artist sings about the jolly old red man that skipped past his poor Mexican barrio year after year and yet, the children still wait every year with hope. A sad reality, relatable reality for many people.
If this song reaches your heart, then I insist you check out some of Los Dos Carnales’ other songs. Each of their songs fills my body in goosebumps with their honest descriptions of reality.
- Another great Christmas corrido by Los Dos Carnales is “Tristes Navidades” which also represents the reality of what Christmas was like in their barrio pobre.
- “24 de Diciembre” by Mexican singer, songwriter and actor Juan Gabriel.
- “Navidad de los pobres”
By popular Mexican, Los Tigres Del Norte this is a melancholic song to show how sometimes the humble poor enjoy the holiday season in a different, more beautiful way.
- “Arbolito de navidad” by José Hernández founder of Mariachi Sol de México
- “Regalo de Reyes”- Javier Solis. This song is a bolero, a type of romantic love song. The lyrics often reflect themes of bittersweet, unrequited love.
- “Ritmo navideño”- by Mexican norteño band, Los Tucanes de Tijuana.
Tropical Christmas Songs in Spanish
The next couple of Christmas songs in Spanish come from the tropical genre of Latin Music. Tropical meaning that it comes from Spanish-speaking areas in the Caribbean, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, and Carribean Costal regions of Colombia and Venezuela.
Some of the popular genres included in tropical Latin music are Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and Vallenato.
- “Eterna Navidad” by Cuban Group La Sonora Matancera featuring Celia Cruz. This band was founded in 1924 and played a mix of urban dance music.
Merengue Christmas Songs in Spanish
The next few upbeat Merengue Christmas songs in Spanish will have everyone up and dancing at your next Christmas party!
- “Prende el arbolito”- La Makina – A Dominican band formed in the 1990s
- “Me huele a fiesta” – Eddy Herrera (Dominican)
- “Llegó Navidad” – José Peña Suazo
Bachata Christmas Songs in Spanish
- “Esta Navidad”- Yoskar Sarante. One of my personal favorite bachata singers from the Dominican Republic. A fun, upbeat bachata song.
- “Navidad” – Frank Reyes
- “Vientos de navidad”- Frank Reyes
- “Un nuevo amanecer”- Joe Veras
Salsa Christmas Songs in Spanish
- “Ya se ven las bombillas”- Victor Manuelle
- “El árbolito” – Charlie Aponte
- “El niño Dios”- Joe Arroyo
Cumbia Christmas Songs in Spanish
- “Año Viejo”- by Mexican singer Tony Camargo.
Well I hope you enjoyed this variety of Christmas songs in Spanish.
I will continue to add to this list as I discover more songs, but I sure do hope that you found some songs that will get you in the holiday spirit this Christmas. If there is a song that you know of that needs to be added to this list, please let me know in the comments below!
¡Feliz navidad!
Keep reading:
- Learn Spanish Through Music With These Artists
- Happy Birthday Songs in Spanish: Free Printable Lyrics and Coloring Pages for Kids
- Bingo Navideño: An Entertaining Christmas Vocabulary Bingo Game in Spanish for Kids
Imanni Burg
Tuesday 6th of December 2022
What a terrific list! I'd like to make them into a Spotify list (crediting you of course), but I don't want to step on your toes if you're already doing so.
Imanni
Friday 9th of December 2022
@Lorena, that's terrific news! My daughter's 3-to 6-year-old Spanish immersion classroom is going to love it 🥰
Lorena
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
Thank you, Imanni. I'm glad you are enjoying this list of Christmas songs in Spanish!
A Spotify playlist is actually in the works! Great minds think alike!