Top 12 Most-Listened English Christmas Songs Worldwide

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1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2. Last Christmas

6. Jingle Bell Rock

7. All I Want for Christmas is You

8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

9. Feliz Navidad

12. Festive Harmony

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

This is a commonly heard song worldwide during the Christmas season, originating from the West of England around the 16th century. The song We Wish You A Merry Christmas is cherished everywhere as it is used to wish for a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas has a warm melody that evokes various emotions in the listeners. Despite its age, the song continues to be a favorite among audiences due to its widespread popularity and meaningful content. Because of its ubiquity, the song has been adapted into various versions over the years.

Lyrics of the song We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2. Last Christmas

Seemingly, Last Christmas is the only light-hearted song about Christmas that has been adapted into various genres including RnB and reggae, metal rock or smooth jazz, bossa nova or bolero, country or dance pop, acapella or semi-classical...

The music Last Christmas tells a bitter love story. A man reminisces about the sad memories of last Christmas before encountering his ex-lover. The man, once passionately in love, devoted his whole heart, only to be betrayed. There is a strong possibility that George Michael wrote this song in a heartbroken state.

Over time, Last Christmas has captivated fans and become one of the most successful pop songs with nearly a thousand cover versions. 30 years after its first release, Last Christmas has been recognized as a song dedicated to the Christmas season, joining the ranks of classics like Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, and even Jingle Bells. The original version of the song encapsulates profound emotions, making it timeless.

Last Christmas stands as the sole light music piece dedicated to the Christmas theme.

3. Jingle Bell

Jingle Bells, a renowned Christmas song, holds widespread influence and resonates with all age groups. Many commit it to memory and sing along during this festive season. The song has been translated into numerous languages, including Vietnamese. Its pervasive popularity often leads people to mistakenly perceive it as a folk song. Jingle Bell was first composed in 1840 under the title 'One Horse Open Sleigh' by James S. Pierpont, a musical talent hailing from Medford, Massachusetts. Initially crafted for Thanksgiving, its successful holiday performances eventually led to it being embraced as a Christmas tune.

The song holds broad influence and is heard by people of all ages.

4. The First Noel

This renowned folk song dates back to the 16th century. 'The First Noel' is the earliest appearing song that has endured through the ages. Music researchers believe it was written by a less-educated commoner, giving it a folksy charm that resonates with everyone, universally cherished by the world. 'The First Noel' praises the purity of the Christmas celebration, serving as the joyous bell announcing the birth of Christ. In many Christian traditions worldwide, it serves as the opening song for every Christmas occasion.

The song is the festive bell announcing the joyous day when the Lord descended.

5. Silent Night

On the Christmas night of 1818, the parishioners of a small village in Oberndorf, Austria were surprised to hear a completely new and unfamiliar song. It was performed with a guitar instead of the usual organ. Little did anyone anticipate that nearly 200 years later, this unique and unfamiliar song would become famous worldwide. Not only that, but this song has been translated into at least 140 languages worldwide. It is none other than the classic melody, Silent Night, recognized by UNESCO as a 'masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage' in March 2011. On December 18, according to Time magazine, after a period of examination at the U.S. Copyright Office, the song Silent Night was declared the most beloved Christmas song worldwide. This song set a record with 733 recorded versions, only counting from 1978 onwards.

This song has been translated into at least 140 languages worldwide.

6. Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle Bell Rock is a famous Christmas song in the United States, first performed by Bobby Helms in 1957. The song is energetic, with a fast tempo and a distinctive Rock’n’Roll vibe. Every Christmas, it continues to be broadcast on various stations. 'Jingle Bell Rock' is the first Christmas song of the Rock’n’Roll era, paving the way for many more rock-themed Christmas songs in the subsequent years.

Energetic Rock-inspired Christmas Anthem

7. All I Want for Christmas is You

Released in 1994, this song, written and performed by Mariah Carey, quickly dominated the music charts in the UK, Australia, and Japan during that Christmas season.

All I Want for Christmas is You delivers the message of a young girl to her lover: “I don't want much for Christmas, nor do I need fancy gifts. The only thing I desire for Christmas is you.”

Two decades later, Mariah Carey's soaring and enthusiastic vocals continue to sweeten every Christmas season, creating a festive atmosphere for couples in love.

A Christmas song that once topped music charts in the UK, Australia, and Japan

8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Christmas song Santa Claus is Coming to Town, written in 1934, draws inspiration from the charming legend of Santa Claus. According to the legend, well-behaved children receive gifts from Santa Claus, while mischievous ones only get coal.

The song created a sensation across the United States from its first radio broadcast by singer Eddie Cantor. The lyrics are intriguing: “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.”

A charming Christmas song

9. Feliz Navidad

This is a bilingual song, born in 1970, written by Puerto Rican singer and songwriter José Feliciano. With a simple melody and the repetitive phrase “Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad,” which translates to “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart” in English, the song quickly became a popular Christmas pop tune in the United States, Spanish-speaking communities, and worldwide.

The lyrics of Feliz Navidad are lively, the melody is cheerful and energetic, creating a warm and festive atmosphere of the Christmas season.

Snowy Celebration

12. Festive Harmony

Festive Anthem originated in 1719. By the late 20th century, “Festive Anthem” became the most sung Christmas hymn in North America. It is also one of the most famous and widely heard Christmas songs globally. The song's message conveys joy and love replacing sin and sorrow. This carol stands out for its widespread popularity in Protestant churches and the credibility of its composers.

Lyrics:

'Festive Anthem

The lord has come

Let the earth welcome its king

Let every heart make room for him

And let heaven and nature sing

And let heaven and heaven and nature sing

Festive Anthem

The savior reigns

Let people use their songs

While fields and floods

Rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the joyful sounds

Repeat, repeat the joyful sounds

Repeat, repeat the joyful sounds'

Celestial Euphoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin and history of the song We Wish You A Merry Christmas?

We Wish You A Merry Christmas originated in the West of England during the 16th century. It is a popular song used to wish for a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year, celebrated worldwide for its warm melody and meaningful content.

How has the song Last Christmas been received over the years?

Last Christmas has captivated fans and is recognized as a classic, with nearly a thousand cover versions. Its bittersweet narrative about lost love resonates with many, making it a staple in holiday music for over 30 years.

Why is Jingle Bells often mistaken for a folk song?

Jingle Bells is frequently mistaken for a folk song due to its widespread popularity and translation into numerous languages. Originally composed in 1840 by James S. Pierpont, it was first meant for Thanksgiving before becoming a Christmas favorite.

What makes Silent Night a beloved Christmas song worldwide?

Silent Night, composed in 1818, is celebrated globally and has been translated into at least 140 languages. Recognized by UNESCO, it is often seen as the most beloved Christmas song, with 733 recorded versions since 1978.

How did All I Want for Christmas is You impact Christmas music?

All I Want for Christmas is You, released in 1994, topped charts in various countries and remains a Christmas favorite. Mariah Carey’s heartfelt message and powerful vocals continue to create a festive atmosphere, especially for couples in love.