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Traditional · Franz Xaver Gruber

Silent Night — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

Silent Night is a serene and deeply moving Christmas hymn that celebrates the peaceful nativity scene of Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, it is the most recorded Christmas song in history and has been translated into over 300 languages. Its gentle melody and reverent lyrics make it a centerpiece of Christmas Eve services and candlelight ceremonies worldwide.

First released
1818
Years old
208

Last updated:

The History of "Silent Night"

Silent Night was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Father Joseph Mohr in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg. According to tradition, the church organ had broken down, so Mohr asked Gruber to compose a melody for guitar to accompany his poem for the Christmas Eve Mass. The song spread across Europe through traveling folk singers and eventually gained worldwide recognition. In 2011, UNESCO declared Silent Night an intangible cultural heritage, cementing its place as one of humanity's most treasured songs.

Fun Facts About "Silent Night"

  • UNESCO declared it an intangible cultural heritage in 2011
  • It was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 with guitar accompaniment because the church organ was broken
  • The song has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects
  • During the Christmas Truce of 1914 in World War I, soldiers from both sides sang Silent Night together
  • Bing Crosby's 1935 recording is one of the best-selling singles of all time

Movies & TV Appearances

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

  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Home Alone
  • The Nativity Story
  • Silent Night (2021)

Listen to "Silent Night"

You can listen to "Silent Night" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Franz Xaver Gruber 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 "Silent Night"?
"Silent Night" was written by Franz Xaver Gruber and first composed in 1818. Silent Night was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Father Joseph Mohr in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg.
When was "Silent Night" released?
"Silent Night" was originally composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber. It has since become one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
What movies feature "Silent Night"?
"Silent Night" has been featured in several popular films and TV shows, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, The Nativity Story, Silent Night (2021).

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