Full Lyrics
You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!"
About This Song
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved Christmas classic that tells the touching story of a reindeer who is different but becomes a hero. Created in 1939 by Robert L. May as a promotional booklet for Montgomery Ward, the story was inspired by May's own childhood feelings of being an outsider.
Children adore Rudolph because of his shiny red nose, the fun reindeer names, and the happy ending where being unique saves the day. It's wonderful for teaching kindness, inclusion, and bravery during the holidays.
The song version (lyrics by Johnny Marks, May's brother-in-law) became hugely popular thanks to Gene Autry's 1949 recording and remains a staple in kids' Christmas playlists, cartoons, and school performances.