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Holiday Pop · Richard Himber

Winter Wonderland — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

Winter Wonderland is a playful and romantic holiday song that conjures images of a magical winter landscape where couples stroll, build snowmen, and dream by the fire. Though it makes no direct reference to Christmas, its wintry imagery and warm sentiment have made it one of the most frequently covered and played songs during the holiday season. The song has been recorded by over 200 artists, making it one of the most versatile and enduring winter standards in popular music.

First released
1934
Years old
92

Last updated:

The History of "Winter Wonderland"

Winter Wonderland was written by Felix Bernard (music) and Richard B. Smith (lyrics) in 1934. Smith reportedly wrote the lyrics while in a sanatorium being treated for tuberculosis, inspired by the snowy view of Central Park from his window. The song was first recorded by Richard Himber and his orchestra, though Guy Lombardo's version became the early hit. Over the decades, recordings by Perry Como, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and many others have kept the song in heavy rotation, and it has become one of the most covered songs in the history of popular music.

Fun Facts About "Winter Wonderland"

  • Lyricist Richard B. Smith wrote the words while recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium
  • The 'Parson Brown' mentioned in the song is a reference to a traveling country clergyman
  • It has been recorded by over 200 different artists across nearly every musical genre
  • The song never mentions Christmas or any specific holiday
  • Smith passed away just a year after writing the song, at age 34

Movies & TV Appearances

"Winter Wonderland" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:

  • Elf
  • Four Christmases
  • Bridget Jones's Diary
  • The Santa Clause 3

Listen to "Winter Wonderland"

You can listen to "Winter Wonderland" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Guy Lombardo 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 "Winter Wonderland"?
"Winter Wonderland" was written by Richard Himber and first released in 1934. Winter Wonderland was written by Felix Bernard (music) and Richard B.
When was "Winter Wonderland" released?
"Winter Wonderland" was originally released in 1934 by Guy Lombardo. It has since become one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
What movies feature "Winter Wonderland"?
"Winter Wonderland" has been featured in several popular films and TV shows, including Elf, Four Christmases, Bridget Jones's Diary, The Santa Clause 3.

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