I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.
Norman Vincent Peale
You can’t say “Christmas carols” without immediately thinking of your favorite one. Most people will know one or two Christmas carols or Christmas songs and you can’t stop yourself from humming along to them during the holiday season.
Each Christmas song evokes a particular Christmassy theme: Santa Clause, a Christmas tree, a snowman, the birth of Jesus, etc. Generally, Christmas music is designed with joy and happiness in mind and getting people in a good mood.
In this article, we’re looking at some of the most famous Christmas songs including chart-topping hits, traditional Christmas carols, and hymns that are often sung in churches during the holiday season and how they can help you learn how to sing.
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Key Takeaways
- The 15 Most Popular Christmas Carols listed
- Carol Origins: Many carols come from old traditions, with roots in Europe and England, and were often sung in churches or by carolers.
- Lyrics and Music: The lyrics focus on themes of joy and the Christmas story, with melodies ranging from slow and peaceful to lively and festive.
- Learn to Sing with Superprof: You can learn how to sing these carols by taking lessons with Superprof, where expert tutors can help you improve your singing skills.
Silent Night
Silent Night was originally an Austrian song written in the 19th century. This is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs and also one of the most famous. This song was sung by British, Belgian, French, and German soldiers during a temporary ceasefire on Christmas day during the First World War.
While originally a hymn, it’s now recognized as a Christmas carol. When starting to learn how to sing, this song is ideal on account of its slow tempo.
Jingle Bells
The song “Jingle Bells” is one of the most popular Christmas carols and has versions all over the world. So many artists have done a version of this song:
- James Pierpont
- Elvis Presley
- Carl Perkins
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- Johnny Cash
The song was originally published as One Horse Open Sleigh and was written with Thanksgiving in mind. That said, you can’t enjoy Christmas without hearing this song sung by carolers.
O Christmas Tree
If you want to learn to sing, this song is great as the melody is fun and the lyrics are fairly simple. These are the first few lyrics to O Christmas Tree, a song that you’ll regularly hear during the Christmas period.
This song originated in Germany in the 17th century as “O Tannenbaum” and was adopted into English before becoming popular in the 20th century. This is another great Christmas song that the whole family can practice singing with. After all, Christmas trees are symbolic of Christmas.
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Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith. Many artists have performed this song. The lyrics tell the story of a couple building a snowman together.
This song has made its way into our list because there’s no doubt that you’ll hear it during the holiday season and it’s great for singing around the warmth of a fire while it’s cold outside.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This is the traditional Christmas song that you'll probably the most during the holiday season. The song originated in the UK and was populariced by Arthur Warrell, a conductor and organist who arranged it for the University of Bristol Madrigal Singers. It was later published by Oxford University Press. Initially, the song was used "I" rather than "We".
The earliest records of this song date back to the mid-19th century in which it would be sung by children who'd go door to door asking for presents and the original verses referenced beer rather than figgy pudding.
Discover some great British patriotic songs for aspiring singers.
White Christmas
White Christmas was written by Irving Berlin in the 1940s and the most famous version was performed by Bing Crosby. This is a Christmas classic all over the world.
Many different artists have covered this song.
- Frank Sinatra
- The Drifters
- Elvis Presley
- Louis Armstrong
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Beach Boys
- Lady Gaga
- Eddy Mitchell
- The Supremes
- Tony Bennett
- Céline Dion
- Michael Bublé
- Katy Perry
- Taylor Swift
If you’re just getting started with some Christmas songs, White Christmas is the perfect place to start. With so many different versions, there’s bound to be a style you like.
Check out some of the best songs for practicing singing.
Angels We Have Heard on High
“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a Christmas carol with English lyrics by James Chadwick. It, like many other Christmas carols and hymns, covers the birth of Jesus. It’s one of the songs that you’ll probably hear over the holidays. Whether you’re a practicing Christian or not, you can still enjoy the music and melody of this song.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert Lewis May. The song has been performed by plenty of different artists over the years.
This story of Rudolph is very popular with children and isn’t difficult to sing.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
This Christmas carol was written in the early 18th century in a collection Hymns and Sacred Poems. It was written by Charles Wesley and later adopted by George Whitefield, founding ministers of Methodism. The music was adapted from the piece "Vaterland, in deinen Gauen" by Felix Mendelssohn.
The current version that's commonly sung around the world is based on the version from the Oxford University Press publication Carols for Choirs from 1961:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
There are plenty of other great hymns you could use to practice.
Deck the Halls
A cheerful, traditional Welsh carol, "Deck the Halls" celebrates the festive spirit of Christmas. Its lively tune encourages listeners to decorate their homes with boughs of holly and join in joyful song. The carol’s repeated "Fa la la" chorus makes it an easily recognizable and fun-to-sing holiday favorite.
Frosty the Snowman
"Frosty the Snowman" is a fun and whimsical Christmas song about a magical snowman brought to life by a children's snowman creation. With his joyful personality, Frosty enjoys a brief but exciting adventure before he melts away, promising to return again. This carol captures the magic and innocence of winter.
O Holy Night
"O Holy Night" is a powerful, reverent Christmas carol celebrating the birth of Jesus. With its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song reflects the wonder and peace of that sacred night. Known for its dramatic high notes, it’s a favorite for vocal performances during religious holiday services and gatherings.
The Little Drummer Boy
"The Little Drummer Boy" tells the touching story of a poor boy who plays his drum as a gift for the newborn Jesus. The carol's simple yet moving lyrics and rhythmic "pa rum pum pum pum" chorus express the message that even the smallest, humblest gifts can be meaningful and heartfelt.
Joy to the World
"Joy to the World" is a celebratory Christmas carol that proclaims the arrival of Jesus Christ. With its uplifting melody and jubilant lyrics, it invites everyone to rejoice in the coming of the Savior. Its triumphant tone and universal message of joy and peace make it a beloved holiday anthem.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
This song is a peaceful, reflective Christmas carol written during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The song tells the story of the birth of Jesus through a conversation between the wind, a lamb, a shepherd, and a king. Its message of hope and peace resonates deeply during the holiday season.
How to Learn How to Sing with Superprof
Now that you know a few great Christmas songs, you can start using them to learn how to sing. To learn more about learning how to sing, check out our other articles in this series or get in touch with one of the many talented private tutors on Superprof!
Learning to sing with Superprof, especially Christmas carols, is fun and flexible! Superprof offers experienced vocal coaches who can teach you how to sing classics with perfect pitch. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your singing, Superprof's lessons are personalized to your needs! You'll master vocal techniques such as breath control, tone and pitch while practicing your favorite Christmas songs. With both online and in-person learning options, Superprof makes it easy to spread holiday cheer with beautiful carol performances this season.
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