A Holly Jolly Christmas

by Johnny Marks

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Lyrics

Have a (C)hol ly jol ly Christ mas, it’s the best time (C#dim)of the (G7)year.

I don’t know if there’ll be (Gdim)snow, but (G7)have a cup of (C)cheer.

Have a hol ly jol ly Christ mas, and when you walk (C#dim)down the (G7)street,

say hel lo to friends you (Gdim)know and (G7)ev ’ry one you (C)meet.

(F)Oh, ho, the (Em)mis tle toe (Dm)hung where (G7)you can (C)see.

(Dm)Some (E7)bod y (Am)waits for you, (D7)kiss her once for (G7)me.

Have a (C)hol ly jol ly Christ mas, and in case you (C#dim)did n’t (G7)hear,

oh, by gol ly, have a (C)hol ly jol ly (D7)Christ mas (G7)this (C)year.

Have a (C)hol ly jol ly Christ mas, it’s the best time (C#dim)of the (G7)year.

I don’t know if there’ll be (Gdim)snow, but (G7)have a cup of (C)cheer.

Have a hol ly jol ly Christ mas, and when you walk (C#dim)down the (G7)street,

say hel lo to friends you (Gdim)know and (G7)ev ’ry one you (C)meet.

(F)Oh, ho, the (Em)mis tle toe (Dm)hung where (G7)you can (C)see.

(Dm)Some (E7)bod y (Am)waits for you, (D7)kiss her once for (G7)me.

Have a (C)hol ly jol ly Christ mas, and in case you (C#dim)did n’t (G7)hear,

oh, by gol ly, have a (C)hol ly jol ly (D7)Christ mas (G7)this (C)year.

Have a (D7)Christ mas

(G7)this (C)year.

A Holly Jolly Christmas by Johnny Marks — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Johnny Marks in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 105 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Same song, different levels

Very Easyarrangement

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Holly Jolly Christmas" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "A Holly Jolly Christmas"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.