Whether you're in the mood for a musical break or just want to get into the Christmas spirit, these 28 best Christmas carols of all time will be sure to put you in a festive mood. From classics like "Joy To The World" and "Silent Night," to modern, this list has something for everyone. What's your favorite song on this list? 

What is a Carol?

A carol is a religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas.

What does a carol mean?

The word carol actually means a dance or song of praise and joy. Early Christians took over the pagan solstice celebrations for Christmas and gave people Christian songs to sing instead of pagan ones. In 129, a Roman Bishop said that a song called "Angel's Hymn" should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome.

Why are carols sung?

Carols are sung to celebrate the Christian message by singing about the birth of Jesus. Christian words were added to favourite songs. By the late Middle Ages, carols had become more associated with Christmas and the nativity.

The 28 Best Carols:

1. Silent Night

2. Joy to the World

3. O Come All Ye Faithful

4. We Three Kings

5. O Little Town of Bethlehem

6. The First Noel

7. Ding Dong Merrily on High

8.The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy

9. Go Tell it On the Mountain

10. Angels We Have Heard on High

11. Little Drummer Boy

12. O Holy Night

13. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

14. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

15. Once in Royal David's City

16. Good King Wenceslas

17. Holly and the Ivy

 18. Angels from the Realms of Glory

19. The Friendly Beasts

20. I Saw Three Ships

21. Here We Come A-Carolling

22. What Child is This?

23. Infant Holy Infant Lowly

 24. Christ Was Born on Christmas Day

25. When Jesus Born Oh Happy Day

26. Children Go Where I Send Thee

 27. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

28. O Come O Come Emmanuel

In the spirit of Christmas, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite carols for you to enjoy. We hope that this will help create an atmosphere in your home and on your playlist full of festive cheer! Which is your favorite? Let us know by tweeting @SongsCarols or leave a comment below!

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