PagineJingle Bells is a 1857 Christmas song that begins “Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, sheet music and easy letter notes, its history and fun actions 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!
Jingle Bells · words: James Lord Pierpont · music: James Lord Pierpont · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Simple one-line melody in C major — easy for beginner piano, recorder or xylophone. Play it here or print it.
Full piano and choir arrangements of Jingle Bells are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierpont and published in 1857 as “One Horse Open Sleigh”. It was first a winter sleigh-ride song — it doesn’t mention Christmas at all — but it became one of the best-known Christmas songs in the world.
Shake a bell or jingle keys on every “jingle”; pretend to hold sleigh reins.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by James Lord Pierpont and the music is by James Lord Pierpont; it dates from 1857.
Yes. Jingle Bells is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Jingle Bells is a good fit for children aged 3+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026