We Wish You a Merry Christmas Lyrics

This carol traces back to the West Country of England as early as the 16th century, developed within an English wassailing tradition where singers went door to door in exchange for treats like figgy pudding, referenced directly in the lyrics. It's suited to a wide range, roughly ages 3 to 10, since younger children can join the simple repeated chorus while older children can follow the fuller verses about wishing neighbors well. Early-childhood educators often use group carols like this one during the holiday season because singing in unison gives children practice matching pitch and tempo to a group, a skill that supports broader listening and coordination. The song's tradition of door-to-door singing also offers a natural entry point for talking with children about community customs and sharing good wishes with neighbors. Its short, cheerful chorus repeats enough that children usually pick it up within one or two listens, even without reading the lyrics. Because it names a specific treat, figgy pudding, it can also spark curiosity about food traditions from other times and places. For more music tied to seasonal traditions, see this collection of Christmas songs for kids.

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring,
To you and your kin.
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year!

Oh, bring us some figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding,
And bring it right here!