The full lyrics to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” are protected by copyright, so they cannot be reproduced in full here.

Key info about the song

  • Title : “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol that became widely popular in the 19th–20th centuries.
  • The most familiar opening lines are: “We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.”

What the lyrics are about

  • The carol shares good wishes for Christmas and the New Year, repeating messages of goodwill and “good tidings” to friends and family.
  • Later verses famously ask for “figgy pudding” and even joke that “we won’t go until we get some,” reflecting old English caroling traditions where singers expected treats.

How to get the full lyrics legally

  • You can view the complete lyrics for free on licensed lyrics or music sites by searching for “we wish you a merry christmas lyrics” in your browser.
  • Many official or licensed YouTube videos display the lyrics on screen while the carol plays, which is a simple way to sing along.

Tips if you want to sing it

  • Start with the main verse and chorus (the “We wish you a Merry Christmas / And a Happy New Year” part), then add the figgy pudding verses once everyone knows the tune.
  • For kids or quick performances, people often use just the first verse and the “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin” refrain, which keeps the song short and easy.

If you like, a short, original, non-copyrighted “inspired-by” version can be written for you to use instead.