The One Horse Open Sleigh

November 14, 2025

"Jingle Bells" is one of the most iconic holiday songs, beloved for its cheerful melody and festive spirit. Surprisingly, it wasn't originally intended as a Christmas carol. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the song was first published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh." Pierpont penned it for a Thanksgiving program at his church in Savannah, Georgia, and its jolly theme quickly caught on, becoming a staple for Christmas celebrations.

Fun fact: "Jingle Bells" holds the distinction of being the first song broadcast from space. In December 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford aboard NASA's Gemini 6 mission made history by playing the tune on a harmonica and sleigh bells they had smuggled aboard, sending holiday cheer back to Earth.

Another interesting tidbit is that Pierpont's "Jingle Bells" was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, further cementing its place in musical history. Despite its simple structure, the song's catchy melody and joyful lyrics have made it an enduring favorite across generations. Whether sung around the fireplace or broadcast from outer space, "Jingle Bells" continues to ring in the holiday season with its timeless charm.

"Jingle Bells"

Lyrics & Chords

Verse:

G
Dashing through the snow
C G
In a one-horse open sleigh
Am D
O'er the fields we go
D7 G
Laughing all the way

G
Bells on bobtail ring
C G
Making spirits bright
Am G
What fun it is to ride and sing
A7 D7
A sleighing song tonight, oh!