Winter Wonderland

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

History Of This Carol

Winter Wonderland is a beloved seasonal standard that paints a picturesque scene of snowy fun and romantic cheer. Written in 1934 during the heart of the Great Depression, the lyrics were penned by Richard B. Smith, a lyricist from Pennsylvania who was reportedly inspired by the wintry landscape of his hometown while recovering from tuberculosis. The music was composed by Felix Bernard, giving the song a jazzy, upbeat flair that caught on quickly.

Interestingly, Winter Wonderland isn't a Christmas carol in the traditional sense - there's no mention of the holiday at all. Instead, it captures the broader magic of winter: sleigh rides, snowmen, and cozy strolls through a sparkling world of frost and laughter. Over time, it became closely associated with Christmas due to its seasonal imagery and frequent inclusion in holiday albums.

The song's most iconic moment is the snowman verse - "In the meadow we can build a snowman…" - which adds a playful, slightly whimsical tone that has made it a favorite with both children and adults. Some versions keep the romantic theme, while others, especially those aimed at kids, skip straight to the fun.

From Bing Crosby to Ella Fitzgerald to Michael Bublé, countless artists have recorded Winter Wonderland, cementing its place as a classic that evokes the nostalgic beauty of snowy days and holiday spirit.

Bing Crosby Animated Performance Video

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