Jolly Old Saint Nicholas ✧
A calm Christmas melody with repeated notes and no octave changes.
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
Opening
Answer
D whistle · G major · 4/4 · 100 BPM · + upper octave
Opening
Answer
Lyrics
Traditional nineteenth-century words · Franklin Square Song Collection (1881)
The three verses printed in 1881, based on Emily Huntington Miller’s earlier poem.
Jolly old Saint Nicholas, Lean your ear this way; Don't you tell a single soul What I'm going to say, Christmas Eve is coming soon; Now you dear old man, Whisper what you'll bring to me; Tell me if you can.
When the clock is striking twelve, When I'm fast asleep, Down the chimney broad and black With your pack you'll creep; All the stockings you will find Hanging in a row; Mine will be the shortest one; You'll be sure to know.
Johnny wants a pair of skates; Susy wants a dolly; Nellie wants a story book, She thinks dolls are folly. As for me, my little brain Isn't very bright; Choose for me, dear Santa Claus, What you think is right.
About this tune
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is a familiar American Christmas song addressed directly to Santa Claus. The singer shares a quiet wish for Christmas gifts.
The melody uses small steps and repeated notes, giving the song an intimate, conversational feel. Its gentle phrasing suits the confidential tone of the words.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas on tin whistle
McGee Wathen
A solo performance on a Dixon D whistle.
Watch on YouTube — Jolly Old Saint Nicholas on tin whistle by McGee Wathen (opens in a new tab) ↗