PagineGood King Wenceslas is a 1853 Christmas carol that begins “Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.
In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
Good King Wenceslas · words: John Mason Neale (1853) · music: Spring carol “Tempus adest floridum” (Piae Cantiones, 1582) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of Good King Wenceslas are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Good King Wenceslas was written by John Mason Neale in 1853 about a kind Bohemian duke who goes out in the snow on St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) to help a poor man — a carol about kindness and giving.
Step in each other’s footprints, like the page following the king through the snow.
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The words are by John Mason Neale (1853) and the music is by Spring carol “Tempus adest floridum” (Piae Cantiones, 1582); it dates from 1853.
Yes. Good King Wenceslas is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Good King Wenceslas is a good fit for children aged 5+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026