Spread Holiday Cheer in Your Classroom with These Festive ESL Lesson Plans!
Can you feel it in the air? That special holiday energy is starting to build, and it’s my absolute favorite time to bring a little extra sparkle and JOY into the classroom.
And what’s the quickest way to create that merry mood? Music, of course! But I also know how CRAZY busy the end of the year gets for us teachers. Who has time to create meaningful, engaging holiday lessons from scratch?
That’s why I wanted to share this with you!
I’ve put together four of my favorite creative, step-by-step Christmas-themed lesson plans that are ready to go. These aren’t just your typical gap-fills. Each one is an interactive experience designed to get your students thinking critically and practicing their language skills, all while building those important 21st-century competencies.
So, if you want to save time and add something truly unique and memorable to your holiday lessons, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore these festive ideas together!
1. Teaching with Songs: Jigsaw Viewing with Sia’s Adorable “Snowman”!
Quick description:
Language Level: A2-B1
Skills: Listening, Writing, Reading, Speaking
Duration: About an hour
This lesson plan uses Sia’s “Snowman” to teach vocabulary, narrative skills, and collaboration. Start with a Hangman game to introduce a key phrase from the song, followed by a vocabulary video that covers words related to the winter-themed video. Students then speculate on the song’s genre with a word cloud activity, encouraging critical thinking.
In the heart of the lesson, students complete a Jigsaw Viewing task with the “Snowman” music video, piecing together the story collaboratively. They finish with a writing exercise in which they create their own short narratives about the video and share them in a Google Doc. Finally, they do a listening activity using an interactive worksheet, reinforcing the vocabulary and themes introduced earlier.
Get the full lesson plan here!
2. Let’s Ditch Boring Lessons! Teach English with Billie Eilish’s “Come Out & Play”
Quick Description:
Language Level: B1-B2
Skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Critical Thinking
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Based on the Apple holiday ad featuring Billie Eilish’s “Come Out & Play,” this lesson is all about self-expression and sharing talents. Students begin with a discussion on talents and sharing, connecting their ideas with inspiring quotes. Next, they watch the ad and play a Quizizz game to check their comprehension.
The lesson includes an optional listening activity using an interactive worksheet where students listen to Billie Eilish talk about her creative process. Wrap up with an analysis of the song lyrics, giving students a chance to discuss and relate their ideas to the holiday theme of sharing one’s gifts.
Find the full lesson plan here!
3. Six Little-Known Steps to Boost English Skills with This Classic Christmas Song
Quick Description:
Language Level: B2
Skills: Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Vocabulary Expansion
Duration: About an hour
Perfect for B2-level students, this lesson combines language skills with themes of self-reflection and holiday spirit. Through six structured steps, students will engage in discussions about the song’s message, debate its themes, and expand vocabulary. They watch the music video for Wham!’s Last Christmas and write reflections on its message, promoting speaking fluency and critical thinking.
Designed to align with the Cambridge English B2 First exam, this lesson offers a meaningful and exam-oriented approach to learning through music, helping students build fluency in a fun and festive way.
See the complete lesson plan here!
4. Teaching With Songs: “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran & Elton John
Quick Description:
Language Level: A2-B2
Skills: Listening, Speaking, Vocabulary, Phonetics
Duration: Flexible, with options for different levels
Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” brings holiday magic and a variety of activities for different levels. Kick things off with a discussion about snow angels and snow butterflies to spark interest and get students in a wintery mood. Working in pairs, students can talk about winter-themed images before moving on to a music video lottery, a fun guessing game with the video.
The lesson also offers optional activities for different levels: A2 students can work on vowel sounds, B1 students can complete a word search and listening exercise, while B2 students can focus on use-of-English skills with an interactive worksheet. This flexible lesson plan caters to a wide range of language skills, making it a go-to resource for mixed-level holiday classes.
Access the full lesson plan here!
Wrap Up the Season with Festive, Song-Based Learning!
So there you have it. My little holiday gift to you!
I truly believe these lessons—using beautiful songs like “Snowman” and “Merry Christmas”—are about so much more than just filling that last week before the break.
It’s a chance for our students to do more than practice skills. It’s a chance for them to connect with the real feeling of the season, to think a little deeper, and to share a piece of themselves in English. That’s the magic, right?
My biggest hope is that these ideas bring some genuine joy to your classroom and save you some precious time. Let’s make sure the last lessons of the year are memorable for all the right reasons.
Happy Teaching and Happy Holidays!
Check Out The Latest Blog Post For Another Xmas Classic!
Looking for even more festive inspiration? Dive into our latest ESL song lesson plan featuring another timeless Christmas classic! Perfect for engaging your students this holiday season.
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