PagineUp on the Housetop is a 1864 Christmas song that begins “Up on the housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
Up on the housetop reindeer pause,
Out jumps good old Santa Claus;
Down through the chimney with lots of toys,
All for the little ones’ Christmas joys.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click,
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick.
First comes the stocking of little Nell;
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well;
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries,
One that will open and shut her eyes.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click,
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick.
Up on the Housetop · words: Benjamin Hanby · music: Benjamin Hanby · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full piano and choir arrangements of Up on the Housetop are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Up on the Housetop was written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864 and was one of the first popular songs about Santa Claus landing on the roof and coming down the chimney.
Tap the “roof” (your head) on “up on the housetop”; click your tongue for “click, click, click”.
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The words are by Benjamin Hanby and the music is by Benjamin Hanby; it dates from 1864.
Yes. Up on the Housetop is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Up on the Housetop is a good fit for children aged 3+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026