The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some classic Christmas songs? From Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, these timeless tunes have been delighting audiences for generations. In this article, we'll take a look at 15 classic Christmas songs that are sure to become a part of your holiday tradition. Plus, we've included printable lyrics for each song, so you can sing along with your loved ones.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, singing in a choir, or simply enjoying some quiet time with family, these classic Christmas songs are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season. So grab some hot cocoa, gather 'round the piano, and let's get started!
Classic Christmas Songs for the Ages
These 15 classic Christmas songs have been selected for their enduring popularity and timeless appeal. From traditional carols to modern classics, there's something for everyone on this list.
1. "Jingle Bells"
One of the most recognizable Christmas songs of all time, "Jingle Bells" was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. Its catchy melody and easy-to-remember lyrics make it a favorite among children and adults alike.
Printable Lyrics: "Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh"
2. "Silent Night"
This beautiful carol was written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818. Its soothing melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved Christmas classic around the world.
Printable Lyrics: "Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant, so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace"
3. "Deck the Halls"
This traditional Welsh carol is thought to have originated in the 16th century. Its lively melody and festive lyrics make it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
Printable Lyrics: "Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa la la la la, 'tis the season to be jolly Don we now our gay apparel Fa la la la la, troll the ancient Yuletide carol See the flowing bowl before us Fa la la la la, strike the harp and join the chorus"
4. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
This fun and catchy song was written by Johnny Marks in 1949. Its memorable melody and quirky lyrics have made it a holiday favorite.
Printable Lyrics: "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw him You would even say it glows All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games"
5. "Frosty the Snowman"
This classic winter song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1950. Its catchy melody and fun lyrics make it a great choice for kids of all ages.
Printable Lyrics: "Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say He was made of snow, but the children know how he came to life one day"
6. "Winter Wonderland"
This festive song was written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith in 1934. Its beautiful melody and winter-themed lyrics make it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
Printable Lyrics: "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland Gone away is the blue bird Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along Walking in a winter wonderland"
7. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)"
This beautiful song was written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells in 1944. Its soothing melody and nostalgic lyrics make it a holiday classic.
Printable Lyrics: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight"
8. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
This heartwarming song was written by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent in 1943. Its beautiful melody and sentimental lyrics make it a holiday favorite.
Printable Lyrics: "I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams"
9. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
This fun and catchy song was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934. Its memorable melody and playful lyrics make it a great choice for kids of all ages.
Printable Lyrics: "Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Better watch out, better not cry Better not pout, I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list and checking it twice Gonna find out who's naughty or nice Santa Claus is coming to town"
10. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
This traditional English carol is thought to have originated in the 16th century. Its lively melody and festive lyrics make it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
Printable Lyrics: "We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year Good tidings we bring To you and your kin Good tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year"
11. "The First Noel"
This traditional English carol is thought to have originated in the 16th century. Its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics make it a holiday classic.
Printable Lyrics: "The first Noel, the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night that was so deep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel"
12. "Joy to the World"
This traditional English carol was written by George Frideric Handel in 1719. Its beautiful melody and festive lyrics make it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
Printable Lyrics: "Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing"
13. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
This traditional English carol was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics make it a holiday classic.
Printable Lyrics: "Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem"
14. "O Holy Night"
This beautiful carol was written by Adolphe Adam in 1847. Its soaring melody and poignant lyrics make it a holiday favorite.
Printable Lyrics: "O holy night, the stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn"
15. "White Christmas"
This beautiful song was written by Irving Berlin in 1942. Its soothing melody and nostalgic lyrics make it a holiday classic.
Printable Lyrics: "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white"
Conclusion
These 15 classic Christmas songs are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, singing in a choir, or simply enjoying some quiet time with family, these timeless tunes are sure to delight. So grab some hot cocoa, gather 'round the piano, and let's get singing!
What is the most popular Christmas song of all time?
+According to various sources, including the Guinness Book of World Records, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is the best-selling Christmas song of all time, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies worldwide.
What is the oldest Christmas carol still sung today?
+The oldest Christmas carol still sung today is "Jesus Refulsit Omnium Gentium" (Jesus, Light of All Nations), which dates back to the 4th century. However, the oldest Christmas carol with a known melody is "Corde natus ex Parentis" (Of the Father's Love Begotten), which dates back to the 5th century.
What is the most popular Christmas song of the 21st century?
+According to various sources, including Billboard and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey is the most popular Christmas song of the 21st century, with estimated sales of over 16 million copies worldwide since its release in 1994.