PagineThe Twelve Days of Christmas is a 1780 Christmas song that begins “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me A partridge in a pear tree.…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day … four calling birds
On the fifth day … five gold rings!
On the sixth day … six geese a-laying
On the seventh day … seven swans a-swimming
On the eighth day … eight maids a-milking
On the ninth day … nine ladies dancing
On the tenth day … ten lords a-leaping
On the eleventh day … eleven pipers piping
On the twelfth day … twelve drummers drumming
(Each day, sing all the gifts counting back down to
“…and a partridge in a pear tree!”)
The Twelve Days of Christmas · words: Traditional English (published 1780) · music: Traditional; best-known tune arranged by Frederic Austin · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full piano and choir arrangements of The Twelve Days of Christmas are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a cumulative counting song first printed in England around 1780. The twelve days run from Christmas Day to Epiphany on January 6. Its most-sung tune was arranged by Frederic Austin in 1909.
Hold up fingers for each number; everyone shouts “five gold rings!”.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Traditional English (published 1780) and the music is a traditional; best-known tune arranged by frederic austin; it dates from 1780.
Yes. The Twelve Days of Christmas is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a good fit for children aged 4+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026