In this post: Get in the Christmas spirit with these classic villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols) you can sing with your kids.
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It’s often said that the Christmas season is one of the happiest times of the year. As with many festivities and celebrations, Christmas has its own set of food, traditions and music which make the holiday extra special and enjoyable.
Today we’re going to take a closer look at the music and explore typical Spanish Christmas carols (villancicos).
Whether you’re hanging decorations around the house or making your favorite Christmas dishes, these catchy songs will have you singing along and dancing all day.
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What are ‘Villancicos’?
Villancicos can be described as traditional Spanish songs with religious or spiritual significance that are usually sung at Christmas time.
They’re easy to learn because they are typically made up of short verses (coplas) and refrains (estribillos). In English, we refer to them as Christmas carols.
Traditional Villancicos
Here’s a list of some of the most popular and traditional carols in Spanish along with the lyrics so you can learn and sing as a family.
Mi Burrito Sabanero
Eager to get to Bethlehem, the little donkey and his owner hurry along the way while singing.
| Con mi burrito sabanero voy camino de Belén. Con mi burrito sabanero voy camino de Belén. Estribillo: Estribillo Tuqui Tuqui Tuquituqui Estribillo |
With my little donkey, I’m going to Bethlehem, With my little donkey, I’m going to Bethlehem. Refrain: The little morning star, Refrain With my little cuatro I go singing, Tuqui Tuqui Tuquituqui, Refrain |
Arre Borriquito
This song ‘Villancico’ is filled with anticipation as a donkey makes his way to Bethlehem to join those eagerly awaiting the birth of Jesus.
| Tengo puesto un nacimiento, en un rincón de mi casa. Con pastores y pastoras y un palacio en la montaña. Allí vive el rey Herodes, allí viven sus soldados. Todos están esperando que lleguen los reyes magos. Estribillo: En el cielo hay una estrella que a los Reyes Magos guía, Estribillo Hacia el portal de Belén se dirige un pastorcito Estribillo |
I have a nativity scene in the corner of my house with shepherds and shepherdesses and a palace on the mountain. King Herod lives there, soldiers live there, They are all waiting for the Magi to arrive. Refrain: There in the sky a star that guides the Magi to Bethlehem Refrain To the gateway of Bethlehem a shepherd is directed Refrain |
Tun Tun
This ‘villancico’ explores a Hispanic take on carolling as friends visit each other to celebrate Christmas with music and sweets.
| Estribillo: Tun Tun ¿Quién es? Gente de paz. Ábrannos la puerta que ya es Navidad. (x2) Que vengan los amiguitos, Estribillo |
Refrain: Knock knock. Who’s there? Friends and good cheer. Open up the door Christmas is here. (x2) Come all our friends, Refrain |
Noche de Paz
This is a Spanish version of ‘Silent Night’ with variations from the English classic carol, however, you can sing along as you’ll already know the melody.
| Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme derredor Entre los astros que esparcen su luz Bella anunciando al niño Jesús Brilla la estrella de paz Brilla la estrella de amor. Noche de paz, noche de luz, Desde el pesebre del niño Jesús |
Night of peace, night of love, All nearby, sleeping tight. Among the stars that spread their light, Beautifully announcing the baby Jesus, The star of peace shines, The star of love shines. Night of peace, night of love, From the manger of baby Jesus |
Cascabel
Sung in the melody of the all time favorite, ‘Jingle Bells’, the ringing of the bells in this ‘villancico’ reflects the joy of Christmas and proclaims the birth of Jesus.
| Ha llegado Navidad, la familia alegre está, celebrando Nochebuena en la paz del santo hogar Estribillo: Ha llegado Navidad, Estribillo x2 |
Christmas is here The family is happy, Celebrating Christmas Eve the peace of the holy home Refrain: Christmas is here Refrain x2 |
Blanca Navidad
Think about the ambiance of a white Christmas, beautiful trees, children singing and of course snow all around. A classic villancico to enjoy!
| Con una blanca Navidad sueño, y pareciera que fue ayer. Árboles brillando, niños cantando, nieve y campanas por doquier. Con una blanca Navidad sueño, |
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas and it seems like yesterday Trees shining, children singing, Snow and bells all around. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas |
Navidad Spanish Lessons for Kids
For an even more in-depth look at how Hispanics celebrate Christmas, we’ve compiled lots of fun, kid-friendly activities and resources you can use throughout the season. Find them here.
We also have a Navidad thematic unit in our Llamitas Spanish Seasonal Curriculum that includes vocabulary flashcards, an activity pack with Christmas-themed learning and a music playlist in Spanish (even more songs to enjoy).
The unit also comes with a magazine full of engaging cultural readings, recipes and more.
Take advantage of the $30 discount when you purchase all seven Llamitas Spanish seasonal and holiday units!
More ‘Villancicos’ and Christmas Resources
Check out the following posts for more Spanish resources for Christmas and winter thematic learning!
Spanish Christmas Songs on YouTube
Spanish Christmas Themed Books
Kimberly is a freelance writer from Trinidad and Tobago who was always fascinated by language and holds a B.A in Spanish with a minor in Linguistics. She considers herself to be a multipotentialite due to her many interests and a few of her favorite things include coffee, pasta and scented candles.