Jingle Bells Lyrics

Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierpont and published in the United States in 1857, originally under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh," making it one of the older secular winter songs still sung today. It appeals broadly to children ages 2 through 8, since its upbeat tempo and simple, bouncy chorus are approachable for toddlers while its verses about sleigh rides give older children a fuller story to follow. Early-childhood educators often bring seasonal songs like this into classrooms each winter because a familiar, anticipated tune tied to a specific time of year helps children build a sense of rhythm and tradition around the calendar, alongside straightforward vocabulary practice around snow, bells, and sleighs. Its fast, jingly chorus also lends itself naturally to shaking bells or tambourines, giving children a simple instrument-play activity alongside the singing. Because it's recognized across generations, singing it together often becomes a small shared ritual between parents, grandparents, and children. Its wide familiarity also makes it an easy song for group settings where children arrive with very different musical backgrounds. For more seasonal favorites to add to a winter playlist, browse this list of Christmas songs for kids.

Dashing through the snow,
In a one-horse open sleigh,
O'er the fields we go,
Laughing all the way.
Bells on bobtail ring,
Making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing,
A sleighing song tonight!

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride,
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride,
In a one-horse open sleigh!