Must Be SantaChristmas Song LyricsWho's got a beard that's long and white?
Who comes around on a special night?
Special night, beard that's white, Must be Santa must be Santa,
Who wears boots and a suit of red?
Who wears a long cap on his head?
Cap on head, suit that's red,
Must be Santa must be Santa,
Who's got a big red cherry nose?
Who laughs this way:
HO HO HO, cherry nose,
Must be Santa must be Santa,
Who very soon will come our way?
Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh,
Reindeer sleigh, come our way,
Must be Santa, must be Santa,
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,
Reindeer sleigh, come our way,
Must be Santa, must be Santa,
About This Lively Christmas SongMust Be Santa is a fun, fast-paced Christmas song written in 1960 by Hal Moore and Bill Fredericks. Known for its spirited call and response style, the tune was designed to be interactive and easy for children to join in. Its catchy structure invites listeners to list Santa's qualities one by one, adding new details with each verse in a cheerful, cumulative pattern. The earliest popular recording came from Mitch Miller and the Gang, whose singalong albums were already beloved by families across America. Their lively version helped cement the song's reputation as a perfect choice for holiday parties, school programs, and festive family gatherings. The quick tempo and playful repetition make it especially appealing to children, who enjoy trying to keep up as the list grows longer. The song received fresh attention decades later when Bob Dylan recorded an unexpected and delightfully quirky version for his 2009 album Christmas in the Heart (see his video below). His take featured a jaunty polka arrangement and a spirited music video, introducing the tune to a whole new audience and proving that Must Be Santa has a charm that works across generations. With its upbeat melody and merry sense of humor, Must Be Santa remains a lively addition to the holiday season. It celebrates Santa in a way that's joyful, inclusive, and endlessly fun to sing. Performance Video from Bob Dylan |