The Christmas Song

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Most notable performance: Nat King Cole
Written by: Mel Tormé and Bob Wells

A Christmas classic

"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole is a timeless holiday classic that captures the warmth and nostalgia of the festive season. Cole's smooth and velvety voice delivers the lyrics with a heartfelt charm, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The iconic opening line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," sets the tone for a song that has become synonymous with the joy and magic of Christmas celebrations.

The Christmas Song Lyrics

Song lyrics to The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeers really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

The Christmas Song - Preview

The Christmas Song - A History of the Carol

The Christmas Song, was written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. In 1961, Cole's daughter, Natalie Cole, posthumously released a version featuring a virtual duet with her father, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners.

The Story behind the Christmas Carol - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)

The Christmas Song was originally written during a blistering hot summer in an effort to cool down the mood, with Tormé and Wells hoping to evoke the wintry holiday atmosphere. Though, Nat King Cole's definitive version, recorded in 1946 with his trio and later re-recorded with a full orchestra in 1953, is the most celebrated rendition. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists, solidifying its status as a holiday standard. Today, "The Christmas Song" remains a cherished and enduring emblem of the festive season.

The Christmas Song Sheet Music

Sheet music for The Christmas Song is sold through MusicNotes.com. We are not able to post printable copies of sheet music on this website. Please click the image to see the sheet music.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - The Christmas Song — Musicnotes Edition