December in the music classroom is… a whole vibe.
Concert prep, report cards, exams, assemblies, snow days (?!), and students who are equal parts excited and exhausted. If you’re anything like me, December lessons require a balance of fun, meaningful learning, and low prep—because teachers are also surviving on caffeine and adrenaline.
Today I want to share some of my favourite Christmas music activities that work beautifully in vocal classes, instrumental classes, and general music. These are activities I use with my own students at Catholic Central High School, and they always bring the right mix of creativity, musicianship, and seasonal spirit.
👇 I’ve also included links to the resources I’ve created to make these lessons totally no-prep for you.
1. Christmas Musicianship Worksheets (Sight Singing, Ear Training & Dictation)
If you’re looking for something that actually builds skills but still feels festive, this is it. My students LOVE these because they get to work with real carols while still practicing core musicianship elements.
These worksheets include:
- Levelled sight-singing exercises using Christmas melodies
- Ear training with intervals found in popular carols
- Rhythmic and melodic dictation inspired by familiar tunes
- A separate teacher guide + answer key to make marking a breeze
They work beautifully for:
- Last-minute sub plans
- Independent station work
- A quiet lesson after a big concert
- Skill-building on “tired” December days
👉 Link to Christmas Musicianship Worksheets
2. Easy Piano Arrangements for Christmas Beginners
If you teach piano students or run a piano lab, you know December is PRIME TIME for getting kids excited about music. Simple arrangements of classic carols let students experience success quickly.
My arrangements are:
- Beautifully simplified
- Perfect for quick wins
- Great for recitals, hallway concerts, or just for fun
Pieces include Joy to the World, Silent Night, O Christmas Tree, and more.
👉 Link to Easy Christmas Piano Arrangements
3. Elements of Music: Christmas Listening & Analysis Posters
Sometimes you need something visual, structured, and curriculum-aligned — especially during those final days before break.
These Christmas Elements of Music posters help students analyze:
- Dynamics
- Texture
- Timbre
- Form
- Melody & Harmony
They look fantastic on your classroom walls and pair perfectly with a listening activity to keep students engaged while still thinking musically.
👉 Link to Elements of Music Christmas Posters
4. Last-Minute December Music Activities (No-Prep!)
This is one of my favourite packs to pull out when December hits peak chaos. These activities require absolutely no prep, work for any grade level, and help you finish the term strong.
Teachers have used them for:
- Emergency supply days
- Post-concert “we are all exhausted” days
- Fun Fridays
- Bell-ringer activities
Activities include rhythm clapbacks, melody challenges, quick listening prompts, and reflection tasks.
👉 Link to End-of-December Music Activities Bundle
5. SAB Christmas Carols for Choir (Rehearsal-Ready & Performance-Ready)
If you teach vocal music, you know how rare it is to find SAB arrangements that sound rich, are accessible for young choirs, and don’t require hours of reformatting or fixing. My SAB Christmas Carol set has quickly become one of my classroom staples — and a lifesaver during concert season.
These arrangements are:
- Voiced intentionally for developing choirs
- Beautifully musical without being overwhelming
- Perfect for quick learning and strong performances
- Aligned to real choral pedagogy (phrase shaping, breath points, dynamics, vowel unification)
Included titles:
- Angels We Have Heard on High
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
- Silent Night
- Huron Carol
- Joy to the World
Each piece comes with:
- Clear, singer-friendly notation
- Thoughtful phrasing and dynamic markings
- A clean layout your students can read easily
- Teacher notes for interpretation and rehearsal strategies
They’re fantastic for:
- Advent concerts
- Masses and liturgical services
- School assemblies
- Last-minute repertoire swaps
- Small choirs or groups with changing voices
👉 Link to SAB Christmas Carol Set
Why Seasonal Activities Still Build Real Skills
December doesn’t have to be “throwaway lesson” season. When you choose the right resources, students still practice:
- Melodic reading
- Aural skills
- Rhythmic accuracy
- Creative thinking
- Musical vocabulary
…all while having fun with familiar repertoire.
Final Thoughts
December can be hectic, but it can also be magical in the music classroom. With the right mix of structure and celebration, students stay focused, you keep your sanity, and everyone gets to enjoy the last few weeks of the year.
If you try any of these ideas, tag me on Instagram @lessonswithshana — I love seeing these resources in action!
Wishing you a joyful, musical, and low-stress December! 🎶✨
—Shana
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