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Traditional · James Lord Pierpont

Jingle Bells — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

Jingle Bells is one of the most recognized and frequently sung Christmas songs in the world, beloved for its upbeat melody and imagery of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow. Originally composed in the 19th century, it has become a staple of holiday celebrations across cultures and generations. The song's infectious chorus and simple lyrics make it a favorite for carolers, school performances, and holiday playlists alike.

First released
1857
Years old
169

Last updated:

The History of "Jingle Bells"

Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierpont and published in 1857 under the original title 'One Horse Open Sleigh.' Pierpont composed the song in Medford, Massachusetts, reportedly inspired by the popular sleigh races held on Salem Street. The song was republished in 1859 under its now-famous title and quickly became associated with the Christmas season. Interestingly, it was also the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts performed it in December 1965.

Fun Facts About "Jingle Bells"

  • Originally titled 'One Horse Open Sleigh' when first published in 1857
  • Was the first song ever broadcast from space by Gemini 6 astronauts in 1965
  • The song was actually written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas
  • There is a dispute over whether it was composed in Medford, Massachusetts or Savannah, Georgia
  • It is one of the few songs to have been performed on every continent, including Antarctica

Movies & TV Appearances

"Jingle Bells" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:

  • Jingle All the Way
  • Die Hard
  • Lethal Weapon
  • Batman Returns
  • A Christmas Story

Listen to "Jingle Bells"

You can listen to "Jingle Bells" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by James Lord Pierpont or explore the many popular covers recorded over the years.

More to watch and sing

Film picks, carol histories and what's newly streaming — one email a week through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote "Jingle Bells"?
"Jingle Bells" was written by James Lord Pierpont and first composed in 1857. Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierpont and published in 1857 under the original title 'One Horse Open Sleigh.
When was "Jingle Bells" released?
"Jingle Bells" was originally composed in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont. It has since become one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
What movies feature "Jingle Bells"?
"Jingle Bells" has been featured in several popular films and TV shows, including Jingle All the Way, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Batman Returns, A Christmas Story.

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