Caroling began in the 13th century, but did not yet involve singing. Better known as “wassailing,” this form of caroling was predominantly a way for neighbors to go door to door and provide well wishes during colder months. The term “wassail” derives from the Old Norse term “ves heill,” which meant “be well and in good health.” Carols are meant to be shared and their main purpose is to bring people together. This list of classic carols and hymns will definitely do just that! Get your group together and pick your favorites to go a-wassailing this Christmas!
45 Best Christmas Carols
1. “Silent Night” - Michael Buble
Listening to this calming carol will have you completely at peace!
2. “O Come All Ye Faithful” - Martina McBride,
This carol is a reference to the shepherds going to Bethlehem to adore their newborn Savior.
3. “12 Days of Christmas” - Ray Conniff
Contrary to popular belief, the 12 days of Christmas are actually after Christmas! They mark the amount of time it took the three wise men to reach Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth.
4. “Do You Hear What I Hear” - Bing Crosby
Created as an appeal for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis, this carol is now sung during Christmas and tells the story of Jesus’ birth.
5. “The Little Drummer Boy” - The Harry Simeone Chorale
This classic carol depicts the gifts presented to the newborn King on Christmas Day.
6. “Joy to The World” - Nat King Cole
Exclaiming feelings of joy due to Christ’s birth, this carol will have you exclaiming “Joy to The World!”
7. “The First Noel” - Carrie Underwood
In French, “Joyeux Noel” means “Merry Christmas.” This carol describes the events of the first Christmas.
8. “Jingle Bells” - Frank Sinatra
Originally written to be sung during Thanksgiving, Jingle Bells is now much more widely known as a classic Christmas carol.
9. “Deck The Halls” - Nat King Cole
This is the perfect carol to play while decorating for Christmas!
10. “O Christmas Tree” - Crouch End Festival Chorus
This classic carol definitely has us in the mood to decorate our tree!
11. “We Three Kings” - Nathan Drake
Describing the story of the three wise men making their way to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth, this carol depicts His birth, death and resurrection.
12. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” - Pentatonix
The title of this carol means “may God keep you in harmony and happiness”.
13. “I Saw Three Ships” - Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole is always a classic but this version by Lindsey Stirling is a lovely alternative, especially if you prefer instrumental.
14. “O Holy Night” - Mariah Carey
Carey’s version of this classic Christmas carol will give you goosebumps!
15. “Away In A Manger” - Martina McBride
Bolstering the principles of humility, this carol is a reminder of the importance of love and giving, especially during the holiday season.
16. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” - Cedarmont Kids
Urging listeners to tell the story of Jesus’ birth, this hymn can be dated back to the mid-19th century (possibly even further).
17. “Caroling, Caroling” - Nat King Cole
This happy tune will have you filled with joy this season!
18. “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” - Glasgow and Edinburgh Churches of Christ Choirs
“Hark” means to listen, and “herald” refers to a report. Therefore the title of this carol can be translated to “Listen to the report the angels are singing.”
19. “The Holly and The Ivy” - Mediaeval Baebes
This classic carol holds many representative meanings. The thorns on the holly represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore, the red berries represent His blood shed for humankind and the ivy represents the Virgin Mary.
20. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” - Selah
Emmanuel is a masculine Hebrew name and translates to “God is with us”.
21. “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” - Frank Sinatra
Just as this carol portrays the angels bringing peace, you too will find peace any time you listen to it!
22. “I Wonder As I Wander” - Barbra Streisand
Reflecting on the story of Jesus’ birth, this carol is sure to take your breath away.
23. “What Child Is This” - Josh Groban
Groban’s version of this carol urging the world to accept Christ is almost hauntingly beautiful.
24. “Carol of The Bells” - Pentatonix
You’ll be reaching for as many bells as you can find after hearing this carol!
25. “March of The Kings” - Georges Bizet
Hearing this classic carol will make you want to join in on the march as well!
26. “How Far is it To Bethlehem” - Emily Taubl
This beautiful carol describes the anticipation to reach the miracle at Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth.
27. “Good King Wenceslas” - Bing Crosby
Just as the statue of good King Wenceslas is thought to bring peace to the Czech Republic, this traditional carol will bring you peace!
28. “Once in Royal David’s City” - The Choir of St. Bride’s Church
First published as a poem in 1848, this classic hymnal was set to music just one year later.
29. “Children Go Where I Send Thee” - Kenny Rogers
Traditionally an African-American spiritual song, this carol has similarities to “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
30. “Angels We Have Heard on High” - Pentatonix
Sung a cappella, this hymn is wonderfully done and calls the listener to Bethlehem to see the miraculous new King.
31. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” - Enya
A classic Christmas carol that is sure to bring you good tidings, and possibly even figgy pudding!
32. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” - Atlanta Master Chorale
Written in 1700 and originally titled “Song of the Angels”, this hymn was the only one to hold official recognition from the Church of England until “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” came along in 1782.
33. “Ding Dong Merrily on High” - The King’s Singers
This carol is reminiscent of church bells ringing, and is quite catchy!
34. “In The Bleak Midwinter” - Susan Boyle
Boyle’s version of this carol describing the nativity is nothing short of angelic.
35. “The Sans Day Carol” - Maddy Prior with The Carnival Band
Otherwise known as “Saint Day” Carol, this hymn was written in the 19th century!
36. “Here We Come A-Wassailing” - Ian Giles
To ‘wassail’ was to sing to the health of fruit trees so their harvest may be plentiful. This joyful tune definitely carries the blessings of a happy new year!
37. “Angels From The Realms of Glory” - The Piano Guys, Peter Hollens and David Archuleta
This powerful carol is a beautiful call to worship the newborn King!
38. “I Saw a Maiden” - Ottawa Choir, The Stairwell Carolers
Originally written in Middle English in the fifteenth century this carol describes the Virgin Mary and her conception of Jesus Christ.
39. “Truth From Above” - Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
This choir perfectly captures the truth of God’s love!
40. “Whence is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing” - Aled Jones
What better fragrance is there than the smell of Christmas? Pine, cinnamon, chocolate, cloves and nutmeg and the list could go on! Yet this carol describes a more poignant aspect of Christmas, that of Jesus Christ.
41. “Wassail Song” - The Angel City Chorale
This upbeat tune has us in the mood for a good mulled wine this season!
42. “Of The Fathers Heart Begotten” - Ely Cathedral Choir
This hymn is a reminder that Jesus is the promised Messiah who brought redemption to the world.
43. “O Tannenbaum” - Andrea Bocelli
Tannenbaum is another word for pine tree, the perfect choice for a Christmas tree!
44. “The Cherry Tree Carol” - The Oxford Choir
This carol tells the story of the Virgin Mary’s plight in telling her husband that she is with child.
45. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” - Frank Sinatra
This melancholy carol will have you rejoicing in the miracles that occurred in Bethlehem. Continue Reading: Religious Christmas Songs 100 Christmas Quotes Christmas Trivia
