PagineThe Holly and the Ivy is a traditional Christmas carol that begins “The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The Holly and the Ivy · words: Traditional English · music: Traditional English (collected by Cecil Sharp, 1909) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of The Holly and the Ivy are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
The Holly and the Ivy is a traditional English carol about two evergreen plants long used as winter decorations. The tune usually sung was collected by the folk-song collector Cecil Sharp.
Make “deer” antlers with your hands on “the running of the deer”.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Traditional English and the music is a traditional english (collected by cecil sharp, 1909).
Yes. The Holly and the Ivy is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
The Holly and the Ivy is a good fit for children aged 5+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026