PagineO Little Town of Bethlehem is a 1868 Christmas carol that begins “O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
O Little Town of Bethlehem · words: Phillips Brooks (1868) · music: Lewis Redner (“St. Louis”, 1868); in the UK, “Forest Green” arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of O Little Town of Bethlehem are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
O Little Town of Bethlehem was written in 1868 by Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia minister, after visiting Bethlehem. His church organist, Lewis Redner, wrote the American tune.
Make a “sleeping town” by closing your eyes on “how still we see thee lie”.
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The words are by Phillips Brooks (1868) and the music is by Lewis Redner (“St. Louis”, 1868); in the UK, “Forest Green” arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams; it dates from 1868.
Yes. O Little Town of Bethlehem is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
O Little Town of Bethlehem is a good fit for children aged 5+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026