What Are the Most Popular Christmas Carols of All Time?

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like Christmas carols. Whether it’s singing along to our favorite tunes or listening to them while decorating the tree, Christmas carols are an essential part of the holiday season. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most popular Christmas carols of all time, and the history behind these beloved songs.

1. “Silent Night”
“Silent Night” is perhaps the most beloved Christmas carol of all time. It was written in 1818 by Austrian priest Joseph Mohr, and the music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. Legend has it that the organ in Mohr’s church was broken, so he wrote the song to be accompanied by guitar. Today, “Silent Night” is sung in over 300 languages around the world.
2. “Joy to the World”
“Joy to the World” was written in 1719 by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, and was originally intended to be a poem based on Psalm 98. The music was later added by American composer Lowell Mason in 1836. It has since become one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time.

3. “O Holy Night”
“O Holy Night” was written in 1847 by French composer Adolphe Adam. The lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet, and the song was first performed at a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Roquemaure, France. Today, “O Holy Night” is a favorite of many, and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
4. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley, brother of Methodist founder John Wesley, in 1739. The music was later added by composer Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. It has since become one of the most popular Christmas carols, and is often sung in churches and at Christmas concerts.
5. “The First Noel”
“The First Noel” is a traditional English carol that dates back to the 18th century. The exact origin of the song is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the west of England. Today, it is one of the most popular Christmas carols, and is often sung in schools and churches.

These are just a few of the most popular Christmas carols of all time. Sing along with our printable Christmas carol coloring pages and get into the festive spirit!