Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree is an upbeat and energetic rock-and-roll Christmas anthem that captures the festive spirit of a holiday party with dancing, singing, and decorating. Recorded by Brenda Lee when she was just 13 years old, the song has become one of the most commercially successful Christmas singles of all time. Its infectious rockabilly rhythm and Lee's powerhouse vocals have kept it at the top of holiday charts for over six decades.
Last updated: February 2026
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
by Brenda Lee (1958)
Holiday Pop/RockRockin' Around the Christmas Tree is an upbeat and energetic rock-and-roll Christmas anthem that captures the festive spirit of a holiday party with dancing, singing, and decorating. Recorded by Brenda Lee when she was just 13 years old, the song has become one of the most commercially successful Christmas singles of all time. Its infectious rockabilly rhythm and Lee's powerhouse vocals have kept it at the top of holiday charts for over six decades.
The History of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree was written by Johnny Marks, the same songwriter behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958 when she was only 13 years old. The song initially failed to chart upon its release and was considered a commercial disappointment. It was re-released in 1960 on the strength of Lee's rising fame and gradually grew in popularity over the following decades. In 2023, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time, 65 years after its initial release, making it one of the longest journeys to the top of the charts in music history.
Fun Facts About "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
- Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded the song in 1958
- It took 65 years for the song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, finally doing so in 2023
- The song was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- It initially flopped upon its 1958 release and had to be re-released in 1960
- Brenda Lee's recording has earned over 46 million streams on Spotify in a single month during peak holiday season
Movies & TV Appearances
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:
- Home Alone
- Jingle All the Way
- The Santa Clause
- Mean Girls
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Listen to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
You can listen to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Brenda Lee or explore the many popular covers recorded over the years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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