Full Lyrics
Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down thru' the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick
First comes the stocking of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that will open and shut her eyes
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick
Next comes the stocking of little Will
Oh just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer with lots of tacks
Whistle and a ball and a set of jacks
About This Song
Up on the Housetop is a lively Christmas song about Santa Claus landing on the roof with his reindeer and sliding down the chimney to deliver toys. Written in 1864 by Benjamin Hanby (an American minister and composer), it's one of the earliest popular songs to feature the modern image of Santa with his sleigh, reindeer, and chimney visits.
Children love the playful "Ho ho ho!" shouts, the "click click click" of reindeer hooves (great for clapping or stomping actions), and imagining Santa sneaking in with presents. It's perfect for holiday movement songs, pretend chimney climbs, or school Christmas programs.
The song has been recorded by many artists and remains a fun, upbeat classic in kids' holiday playlists.