Up On The Housetop

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Clause
Down thru the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones
Christmas joys.

Chorus

Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down thru the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Repeat Chorus

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks

Repeat Chorus

 
Written by B.R. Hanby

History Of This Carol

Up on the Housetop is one of the earliest American Christmas songs to focus on Santa Claus, and its playful energy has made it a favorite with children for generations. Written in 1864 by Benjamin Hanby, a minister and composer from Ohio, the song reflects a growing fascination with Saint Nick in 19th century America. Hanby was inspired in part by Clement Clarke Moore's poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, which helped shape the modern image of Santa and his rooftop travels.

The carol tells a simple, jolly story. Santa lands on the housetop, slips down the chimney, and fills the stockings with toys that perfectly match each child's personality. The rhythm of the song is light and bouncy from the start, making it easy to imagine reindeer hooves tapping across snowy shingles.

Its catchy structure and lively refrain of "Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go" helped it become a staple in school concerts and family singalongs. Many artists have recorded it over the years, but its charm remains rooted in the straightforward excitement of a child waiting for Christmas magic.

Up on the Housetop captures the sparkle and anticipation of Christmas Eve. It invites listeners to picture Santa hard at work and reminds everyone just how thrilling those quiet moments before dawn can be.

Lyric Video

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