8 Christmas Songs About Animals You Need To Know

Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and celebrating with loved ones, including our furry friends. As we get into the holiday spirit, we often find ourselves humming along to our favorite Christmas tunes. But have you ever stopped to think about Christmas songs that feature animals? From festive felines to jolly reindeer, animals play a starring role in many of our favorite holiday tunes. In this article, we'll delve into the wonderful world of Christmas songs about animals that you need to know.

The festive season is the perfect time to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to Christmas playlists. Why stick to the same old classics when you can introduce some animal-themed fun to your holiday gatherings? Whether you're a dog lover, a cat enthusiast, or simply a fan of all creatures great and small, there's something for everyone in this list of Christmas songs about animals.

From the fun and upbeat to the heartwarming and sentimental, these animal-themed Christmas songs are sure to bring a smile to your face and get you in the mood for the holiday season.

1. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

This classic Christmas tune tells the story of Rudolph, a misfit reindeer with a shiny red nose who saves Christmas by leading Santa's sleigh through a foggy night. Written by Johnny Marks in 1949, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" has become a beloved holiday staple, with its catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was originally written as a promotional gimmick for Montgomery Ward, an American department store chain? The song's success soon eclipsed its original purpose, and it has since become a timeless Christmas classic.

2. "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"

Who can resist the charms of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, the lovable chipmunk trio from the classic cartoon series? "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" was written by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958 and has since become a holiday favorite, with its catchy melody and adorable chipmunk harmonies.

Fun fact:

Did you know that Ross Bagdasarian Sr. provided the chipmunk voices for the song, using a speeded-up recording technique to create the high-pitched sounds?

3. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

This quirky Christmas song, written by John Rox in 1953, tells the story of a young girl who wants a rather unusual gift for Christmas – a hippopotamus! With its playful melody and humorous lyrics, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" was inspired by a real-life fundraising campaign for the Oklahoma City Zoo? The song's writer, John Rox, was inspired by the zoo's efforts to raise funds for a new hippopotamus enclosure.

4. "The 12 Days of Christmas"

This traditional Christmas carol, which dates back to the 16th century, features a variety of animals, including partridges, doves, hens, and even geese. The song's cumulative structure and repetitive melody make it a fun and engaging holiday classic.

Historical fact:

Did you know that "The 12 Days of Christmas" is believed to have originated in medieval England, where it was sung as a way of counting down the days between Christmas and the Epiphany (January 6th)?

5. "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen"

This festive holiday song, written by Robert L. May in 1939, introduces us to the names of Santa's reindeer, from Dasher to Blitzen. With its catchy melody and fun lyrics, "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen" is sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that Robert L. May wrote the original poem, which later became the song, as a way to entertain his daughter during a long road trip?

6. "The Animals Went in Two by Two"

This charming Christmas song, which dates back to the 19th century, tells the story of Noah's Ark and the animals that boarded the ark two by two. With its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics, "The Animals Went in Two by Two" is a fun and engaging holiday classic.

Historical fact:

Did you know that the story of Noah's Ark, which inspired this song, is one of the most enduring and iconic stories in the Bible?

7. "Santa's Little Helper"

This modern Christmas song, written by Michael Lanning in 2008, tells the story of Santa's loyal dog, who helps him prepare for the big night. With its catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics, "Santa's Little Helper" is sure to delight dog lovers of all ages.

Fun fact:

Did you know that "Santa's Little Helper" was inspired by the real-life experiences of the songwriter's own dog, who was a loyal companion and constant source of inspiration?

8. "The Reindeer Waltz"

This beautiful Christmas waltz, written by Johnny Marks in 1949, features a memorable melody and lyrics that celebrate the magic of Santa's reindeer. With its elegant and sophisticated sound, "The Reindeer Waltz" is sure to add a touch of class to any holiday playlist.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that Johnny Marks, the songwriter, was also responsible for writing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"? Both songs have become beloved holiday classics.

We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the wonderful world of Christmas songs about animals. From classic reindeer tunes to quirky songs about hippos, there's something for everyone in this festive playlist. So why not get creative and add some animal-themed fun to your holiday gatherings this year?

Share your favorite Christmas songs about animals in the comments below! Do you have a special holiday playlist that features animal-themed tunes? Let us know!