List Of Best Christmas Carol Of All Time For A Joyful Celebration

Q: What are traditional Christmas Carols to sing with family?

We wish you a merry Christmas , Go tell it on the mountains, Jingle bells , are some of the traditional best Christmas Carols to sing with family.

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“In hearts and homes, our spirit sings

Calm and warm nights Christmas brings

With every carol we sing

Most magic and love, we also bring”

I just thought of these words that fill my heart with joy and cheer. You know what! Christmas Carols don’t just evoke nostalgia but have become an integral part of the Christmas season. From Classic Christmas Carols list to contemporary tunes, the joy of caroling has evolved leaps and bounds over these centuries. Let’s delve into exploring a few of the Best Christmas Carols of all time to make your Christmas merry and bright.

1. Silent Night: An Anthem of Peace And Tranquility!

We can all agree that Silent Night is one of the most iconic and top Christmas Carols since the beginning of time! An Austrian priest, Franz Xaver Gruber composed the carol in 1818. Joseph Mohr wrote the original lyrics. I’ve read that “Silent Night” was written to be performed in a small church in a corner of Austria. Yet again we can all agree that the humble beginnings lead it to become a universal anthem of peace and tranquility.

Did You Know?

Silent Night was originally written in German, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”

2. O Holy Night: A Christmas Illumination!

Yet another powerful and one of the most popular Christmas Carols of all time. O Holy Night Known for its stirring melody and profound lyrics about the birth of baby Jesus. This timeless classic was written by Placide Cappeau in 1847 and was composed by Adolphe Adam

Did You Know?

O Holy Night was originally written in French, “Cantique De Noel!”

The lyrics paint a picture about how Jesus Christ’ birth brings a ‘thrill of hope, joy and reverence. The verses tell us about everyone being guided by the light of faith , next to the cradle of Baby Jesus with “glowing hearts” as the star of Bethlehem continues to shine.

3. Feliz Navidad: A Christmas Cheer!

Jose Feliciano, a Puerto Rican singer wrote and performed this holiday classic in 1970 and boy, do we love this musical piece! The lyrics translates to “Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and Happiness!” The simple and repetitive tune brings happiness to the one who sings this even if they don’t speak spanish. Though it came out in the 70’s, it remains No 1 on Classic Christmas Carols list!

The bilingual nature helps connect people of different cultures and traditions. I don’t think that a Christmad has gone by without having sung this Top Christmas Carol, i.e Feliz Navidad.

4. Joy To The World: A Triumphant Christmas Carol!

One of the most popular Christmas Carols is “Joy To The World” This jubilant melody was written by Isaac Watts in 1719. The lyrics are based on the powerful message of hope, salvation and joy that the arrival of Christ comes with. Lowell Mason composed the uplifting melody in 1839. The upbeat rhythms often evoke a sense of celebration.

Did You Know?

This hymn is based on the verses of Psalms 98 from the Bible!

Joy To The World is usually sung with straightforward harmonies. I must mention the accents used on the words like ‘Joy,’ ‘Reign,’ and ‘Glory’ etc. Dynamics is generally strong and emphatic, sung in Forte. The carol builds in volume and intensity, especially in the chorus to build a sense of excitement.

5. Carol Of Bells: Chimes Of Christmas!

No doubt that “Carol of Bells” is one of the favorite for most of us during the Christmas season. It was composed by an Ukranian musician, Mykola Leontovych in 1914. The english lyrics were written by Wilhousky in 1936 and henceforth, it became a staple during the holiday season.

Did You Know?

“Carol of Bells” was originally titled as Shchedryk and based on an Ukrainian Chant about New Year.

The melody is quite fast-paced and rhythmically challenging. It’s usually the harmonies and overlapping musical phrases that create a sense of excitement and festivity. The lyrics focus on the cheer and joy that comes along with the festival. The ringing of church bells and its refrain creates an energetic feel and adds more festive appeal.

6. In The Bleak Midwinter: A Silent Winter Hymn!

Somewhere along reflecting on the stillness of winter and the humble nature of Jesus’ birth, In The Bleak Midwinter, had become our treasured Christmas track. The Gustav Holst’ version and Harold Darke’ version of this carol have been interpreted in various ways in recent days.

The piece is typically performed in E minor to bring out the somber tone. It has a soft, flowing melody beautifully contemplating the nativity story. Imagine listening to lush orchestration and blending harmonies accompanying soprano voices bringing out the best sound of the carol!

7. O Come All Ye Faithful: Emmanuel’ Invitation!

The carol begins with an invitation to come together in joyful worship celebrating the divine birth of Jesus Christ! Written by John Wade in 1743 and is traditionally sung in 4/4 Time Signature. The melody has wide Intervals to create the sense of grandeur. The carol’s stirring melody and the profound message has made it one of the top Christmas carols.

Checkout this article to uncover the chords and lyrics of O Come All Ye Faithful, one among the Classic Christmas Carols list.

Did You Know?

“This carol was originally written in Latin titaled, “Adeste Fideles.”

8. Away In A Manger: A Lullaby Of Bethlehem!

A gentle melody about the humble and simple settings of Jesus’ birth. It has been sung for so many generations of musicians and about hundreds of versions can be found online! Sung in waltz time in a slower tempo to create the sense of peacefulness and serenity that reflects the nativity setting. It’s safe to say that Away In A Manger stands out for its soothing melody and simple lyrics.

9. The First Noel: The Song Of Noel!

The First Noel is one of the beautiful traditional Christmas carols. The hymn focuses on the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, from the Angel’ perspective. The melody has gentle leaps making it easier to sing. The carol’ verse reflects on the angel’s announcement and the shepherd’s journey in the refrain.

The Tempo is usually moderate to allow the lyrics unfold with reverence and awe. The Dynamics shifts from Piano to Forte as the progresses from verse to refrain.

Go ahead and check out this article on The First Noel, to learn the chords and everything about this timeless carol.