I love Christmas music! Whether you talking about time-honored pop songs or classical Christmas songs, they’re all on my playlist for the holiday season. But it’s the classical Christmas songs that help set a relaxing, happy and cozy mood that keeps me centered during what can be a hectic time. Some of my favorite times when my kids were little toddlers where when we’d snuggle together reading Christmas stories while classical Christmas songs quietly played in the background. Suddenly the crazy running around subsided and the kiddos were ready for sugar plums to dance in their heads.
Classical Christmas Songs on Youtube
It’s great for the kids to see orchestras play live. But it can be expensive, especially if you bring the whole family. So if you haven’t been able to catch any free performances during the Christmas season, you can easy introduce them to “live” performances of classical Christmas songs on Youtube. Here are a few of some world-renowned orchestras playing some of my classical Christmas favorites.
The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky
This one everyone knows. But you usually cannot see the orchestra down in the pit while the ballerinas dance on stage. This is a lovely video that focuses on the musicians, so that you can see them play their instruments when they’re featured in a song.
Christmas Oratorio by J.S. Bach
This vibrant classical Christmas work describes the nativity, the adoration of the shepherds and the naming of Jesus.
Carol Symphony by Victor Hely-Hutchinson
You’ll recognize several Christmas classics woven throughout this piece written in 1927. You’ll hear hints of “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “The First Noel”.
Handel: Messiah, For unto us a child is born
During the holiday season you can usually find at least on Messiah sing-a-long. If you missed it, you can do your own sing-a-long in the privacy of your own home to the part about the birth of Jesus.
Vivaldi – Winter
While not necessarily a Christmas song, it’s hard not to think about swirling snow on Christmas night when listening to this piece.
Carol of the Bells
“Carol Of The Bells” was composed in 1904 by Mykola Leontovych (music) and Peter J. Wilhousky (lyrics). When I was a kid, George Winston was super popular at the time. This song with him playing is synonymous with Christmas for me. This is one of the rare videos of him on YouTube playing it.
Classical Christmas Songs for your TV
If you have a networked TV that can play Youtube videos, you can put this one on in the background during a party. It makes a little more sense than playing a fireplace on the TV. (I know, I know. That’s sacrilege!)
Written by Amelia Vitarelli, owner and educator of My Little Conservatory in San Jose, CA. Amelia has been enriching the lives of children in Silicon Valley for over 20 years.
