O Holy Night — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

O Holy Night is a powerful and dramatic Christmas hymn that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope he brought to a weary world. Known for its soaring melody and emotionally stirring climax, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written. The song is a highlight of Christmas church services and concert performances around the globe.

The History of "O Holy Night"

O Holy Night was originally composed in French as 'Cantique de Noel' by Adolphe Adam in 1847, with lyrics written by Placide Cappeau, a French poet and wine merchant. Cappeau was commissioned by a parish priest to write a poem for Christmas, and he later asked Adam to set it to music. The English translation by John Sullivan Dwight became the standard version heard today. Notably, it was one of the first pieces of music ever broadcast on radio, performed by Reginald Fessenden on Christmas Eve 1906.

Fun Facts About "O Holy Night"

• It was one of the first pieces of music ever broadcast on radio on Christmas Eve 1906
• The original French lyrics were written by a wine merchant named Placide Cappeau
• The French Catholic Church initially rejected the song because Cappeau was a socialist and Adam was Jewish
• John Sullivan Dwight, an abolitionist, translated it to English partly because the lyrics contained anti-slavery sentiments
• It is consistently ranked as the most beautiful Christmas song by music critics

Movies & TV Appearances

"O Holy Night" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:

• Home Alone
• The Family Stone
• Little Women (2019)
• Better Watch Out

Listen to "O Holy Night"

You can listen to "O Holy Night" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Adolphe Adam or explore the many popular covers recorded over the years.