Famous and Fun Holiday Poems for Kids

The holidays are a magical time of year, filled with celebrations, family, and fun! But did you know they’re also a great time to enjoy poetry? Many famous poets have written about Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, and the winter season. Poetry can capture the joy, warmth, and excitement of the holidays in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. You’ll find classics that have been around for over 100 years, as well as newer poems by modern authors. Whether you’re in the mood for something funny, sweet, or thought-provoking, there’s a holiday poem just for you. Let’s explore!

Thanksgiving Poems

Before we dive into Christmas poems, let’s take a moment to talk about Thanksgiving poetry! One of the most famous Thanksgiving poems is “Over the River and Through the Wood” by Lydia Maria Child. This cheerful poem celebrates a journey to visit family for Thanksgiving dinner, capturing the excitement and joy of the holiday season:

Over the river and through the wood,
To Grandmother’s house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.

It’s a timeless favorite that many families enjoy reciting during Thanksgiving.

For something a little sillier, my Thanksgiving poem, “The Dog Ate Our Dinner,” from my book The Elephant Repairman, offers a playful twist on the holiday. It tells the story of a Thanksgiving feast gone hilariously wrong thanks to a mischievous pet. Kids will love the laugh-out-loud moments and the relatable chaos of holiday gatherings.

Classic Christmas Poems

One of the most famous Christmas poems ever written is “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. Here’s how it begins:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

This poem paints a magical picture of Santa Claus delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, with his reindeer and a sleigh full of toys. It’s a must-read during the holiday season! The imagery and rhythm of the poem make it a delight to read aloud with family by the tree.

Another classic is “Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Written during the American Civil War, this poem captures the contrast between the despair of war and the hope of peace that Christmas represents. Its opening stanza sets the tone beautifully:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.

Modern Christmas Poems

If you’re looking for something fun and sweet, check out Jack Prelutsky’s book, It’s Christmas! This collection is packed with short, rhyming poems about Christmas trees, presents, and holiday surprises. Jack Prelutsky has a wonderful way of making you laugh while getting into the holiday spirit. The poems are perfect for kids who love playful language and a good chuckle.

You can also enjoy some of my poems, such as “Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney” from my book of the same name. Here’s a sneak peek:

Poor Santa got stuck in our chimney.
I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.
His feet made it down, but his belly
was one size too large for the flue.

His reindeer are up on our rooftop.
His sleigh is still loaded with toys.
And Santa, that kindly old fellow,
is making a whole lot of noise.

This funny poem will have you giggling as you imagine Santa’s adventures on Christmas Eve. It’s just one of many holiday poems in my books that aim to bring laughter and joy to the season.

Hanukkah Poems

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, also has beautiful poetry. One popular song that began life as a poem is “The Dreidel Song,” which celebrates the fun of spinning a dreidel during Hanukkah. It’s a lively tune that kids love to sing while playing the traditional dreidel game. The song’s catchy lyrics make it an enduring part of Hanukkah celebrations for families everywhere.

For something a little lighter, the book “Hanukkah Haiku” by Harriet Ziefert is a wonderful choice. Each haiku (a short poem with three lines) describes a special moment during the eight nights of Hanukkah, like playing dreidel, eating latkes, or lighting the menorah. These poems are simple yet evocative, making them a perfect introduction to poetry for young readers.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Poems

New Year’s is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. One classic poem to enjoy is “The Year“ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. This poem captures the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye to the old year while welcoming the new with hope and determination. Here’s how it begins:

What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That’s not been said a thousand times?

The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream, we dream we know.

This thoughtful and reflective piece encourages readers to cherish the passing of time while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

Another beloved piece is Robert Burns‘ “Auld Lang Syne,” originally a poem that later became a song, is often sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Its message of cherishing old friendships and memories makes it a perfect addition to any New Year’s celebration. The tradition of singing this song together reminds us of the importance of connection and the passage of time.

If you would prefer something a little sillier, one of my New Year’s poems, “On New Year’s Day,” is a lighthearted look at all the terrible things that happened in the last twelve months and why someone might be looking forward to the fresh start of a new year. Through humor and a touch of optimism, the poem reflects on the ups and downs of life, making it a fun and relatable read for anyone ready to leave the old year behind and embrace new possibilities.

Winter Poems to Warm Your Heart

Winter is also a great inspiration for poets! Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a quiet and beautiful poem about snowy woods. While it isn’t about a specific holiday, it captures the peacefulness of winter:

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

This poem’s simple yet vivid imagery makes it perfect for cozy winter reading. It reminds us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the season.

One of my New Year’s poems, “Whenever It’s December,” is a wistful reverie about the year that has gone by, as well as an optimistic look forward to the new year. It reflects on the memories and moments of the past twelve months while embracing the excitement and possibilities that lie ahead. With its heartfelt tone and hopeful message, it’s a wonderful poem to read as you welcome the New Year (if I do say so myself).

More Holiday Poetry Books for Kids

If you’re looking for books full of holiday-themed poetry, here are a few more great ones to check out:

• Where Did They Hide My Presents? by Alan Katz – A collection of funny holiday poems perfect for kids who love to laugh.
• A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas – This classic story in poetic prose describes Christmas in a small Welsh town, painting a nostalgic and vivid picture of holiday traditions.
• Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman – Beautiful nature poems that celebrate animals and the winter season, perfect for readers who enjoy the wonders of the natural world.

So, whether you’re snuggled up by the fire or sitting by the menorah, there’s a holiday poem waiting for you. Reading holiday poetry is a great way to celebrate the season, spark your imagination, and share laughs with your family. Poetry can be a special way to connect with loved ones and create memories that last a lifetime. Which poem will you read first?