We Wish You a Merry Christmas — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a cheerful and spirited English carol that extends warm holiday greetings and playfully demands figgy pudding from the listener. One of the few traditional carols that references both Christmas and the New Year, it captures the festive social customs of the English West Country. Its catchy melody and participatory lyrics make it one of the most popular songs for closing out caroling sessions and holiday gatherings.

The History of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

We Wish You a Merry Christmas is believed to have originated in the West Country of England in the 16th century, reflecting the tradition of wealthy families giving treats to carolers who sang in the streets. The reference to figgy pudding reflects the custom of wassailing, where singers would go door to door expecting food and drink in exchange for their performances. The song was first published in its current arrangement by Arthur Warrell at the University of Bristol in 1935. Despite its ancient roots, the song's cheerful melody and inclusive message have kept it relevant as a beloved holiday standard for centuries.

Fun Facts About "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

• The demand for figgy pudding reflects the medieval tradition of wassailing
• It originated in the West Country of England, possibly in the 16th century
• It is one of the few traditional carols that mentions both Christmas and the New Year
• The current musical arrangement was first published in 1935 by Arthur Warrell
• The song was originally sung by groups of carolers visiting wealthy neighbors expecting treats

Movies & TV Appearances

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:

• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
• Arthur Christmas
• Deck the Halls

Listen to "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

You can listen to "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Traditional English or explore the many popular covers recorded over the years.