Christmas carols have been a beloved tradition for centuries, spreading joy and festive cheer to people of all ages. Singing along to these classic tunes is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but sometimes it's nice to have the lyrics handy to ensure everyone is singing the same words. In this article, we'll provide you with 15 Christmas carols lyrics to print, making it easy to share with friends and family during the holiday season.
The Importance of Christmas Carols
Christmas carols have been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, with the first recorded carols dating back to ancient Rome. These traditional songs were often sung while going door-to-door, sharing the joy and spirit of the season with neighbors and friends. Today, Christmas carols continue to play a significant role in holiday festivities, with many people gathering around the piano or fireplace to sing along to their favorite tunes.
Why Print Christmas Carol Lyrics?
Printing Christmas carol lyrics can be a thoughtful and practical way to share the holiday spirit with others. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, attending a church service, or simply gathering with loved ones, having the lyrics on hand can ensure everyone is singing along to the same words. Additionally, printing the lyrics can be a great way to create a special holiday keepsake or activity for children.
Christmas Carol Lyrics to Print
Below, you'll find 15 Christmas carol lyrics to print, along with a brief history and interesting facts about each song.
1. Jingle Bells
Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, "Jingle Bells" is one of the most recognizable Christmas carols of all time. The song was originally written for Thanksgiving, but its catchy melody and lyrics made it a staple of Christmas celebrations.
Lyrics: Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way
2. Silent Night
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818, "Silent Night" is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol. The song was written in just a few hours, with Gruber composing the melody on his guitar.
Lyrics: Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant, so tender and mild
3. Deck the Halls
This traditional Welsh carol dates back to the 16th century and is known for its catchy melody and lyrics. "Deck the Halls" is often sung while decorating the home or church for the holiday season.
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
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Written by Johnny Marks in 1949, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is a fun and festive Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Montgomery Ward's Christmas promotion and has since become a holiday classic.
Lyrics: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw him You would even say it glows
5. Frosty the Snowman
Written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1950, "Frosty the Snowman" is a beloved winter song that has become a Christmas classic. The song was originally written for Gene Autry, who recorded it in 1950.
Lyrics: Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal
6. Winter Wonderland
Written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith in 1934, "Winter Wonderland" is a fun and festive winter song that has become a Christmas classic. The song was originally written for Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians.
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
7. The First Noel
This traditional English carol dates back to the 16th century and is known for its beautiful melody and lyrics. "The First Noel" tells the story of the birth of Jesus and is often sung during Christmas services.
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
8. Joy to the World
Written by George Frideric Handel in 1719, "Joy to the World" is a beautiful and uplifting Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Handel's oratorio "Messiah" and has since become a holiday classic.
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
9. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This traditional English carol dates back to the 16th century and is known for its catchy melody and lyrics. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is often sung while going door-to-door during the holiday season.
Lyrics: We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year
10. The Little Drummer Boy
Written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, "The Little Drummer Boy" is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol. The song was originally written for the Trapp Family Singers and has since become a holiday classic.
Lyrics: Come they told me, pa rum pum pum A newborn king to see, pa rum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum To lay before the king, pa rum pum pum
11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a beautiful and uplifting Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Wesley's hymnal "Hymns and Sacred Poems" and has since become a holiday classic.
Lyrics: Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth, and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled
12. I'll Be Home for Christmas
Written by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent in 1943, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a beautiful and sentimental Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Bing Crosby, who recorded it in 1943.
Lyrics: I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams
13. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" is a fun and festive Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Eddie Cantor, who recorded it in 1934.
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
14. Do They Know It's Christmas?
Written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a powerful and thought-provoking Christmas carol. The song was originally written to raise awareness and funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Lyrics: It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time
15. O Come, All Ye Faithful
Written by John Francis Wade in 1743, "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol. The song was originally written for Wade's hymnal "Cantus Diversi" and has since become a holiday classic.
Lyrics: O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold him
Christmas Carol Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this collection of 15 Christmas carols lyrics to print. Whether you're singing along with friends and family or creating a special holiday keepsake, these lyrics are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your holiday celebrations.