PagineJolly Old Saint Nicholas is a traditional Christmas song that begins “Jolly old Saint Nicholas, Lean your ear this way!…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way!
Don’t you tell a single soul
What I’m going to say;
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you’ll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.
When the clock is striking twelve,
When I’m fast asleep,
Down the chimney, broad and black,
With your pack you’ll creep;
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest one,
You’ll be sure to know.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas · words: Traditional (19th-century American) · music: Traditional · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full piano and choir arrangements of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is a 19th-century American Christmas song in which a child whispers their Christmas wishes to Santa.
Lean in and “whisper” the first verse; count the stockings on your fingers.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Traditional (19th-century American) and the music is a traditional.
Yes. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is a good fit for children aged 3+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026