Carol of the Bells

The Story Behind Carol of the Bells

“Carol of the Bells” is one of the most recognizable Christmas melodies in the world. A fast, cascading celebration of joy that instantly brings the season to life. Though widely known as a Christmas carol, its origins reach back to Ukrainian folk music and the artistry of early 20th-century arrangers who helped bring it to global audiences.

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Who Wrote “Carol of the Bells”?

The melody itself began long before the English lyrics we know today. In the early 1900s, Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych wrote a choral work called Shchedryk, based on a traditional New Year’s folk chant. Its driving four-note pattern became the foundation of what would eventually become “Carol of the Bells.” But the version familiar to most listeners emerged in the United States.

In 1936, American composer Peter J. Wilhousky, an arranger for the NBC Symphony Orchestra, re-imagined Leontovych’s music with new English lyrics. Because the harmony reminded him of the pealing of handbells, he shaped his text around that idea, beginning with the now-iconic line:

“Hark! How the bells…”

Wilhousky’s arrangement was first aired during the Great Depression and quickly reached a nationwide audience through radio. Although the melody had been published nearly twenty years earlier in Ukraine, Wilhousky’s widely broadcast version popularized it in the United States and cemented its association with Christmas.

Its themes of bells ringing, caroling, and the joyful refrain “merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas” helped transform the song from a New Year’s folk piece into a global Christmas favorite.

Biblical Inspiration for "Carol of the Bells"

On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar.

Zechariah 14:20

On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

Exodus 28:33-35

Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150:1-6

What's the Best Version of "Carol of the Bells?"

There’s no single “best” version, but depending on your mood, certain renditions of “Carol of the Bells” stand out as exceptional and beloved by many:

• Pentatonix — Their a cappella take brings tight harmonies and modern energy, turning the carol into a fresh, vibrant holiday anthem.
• Lindsey Stirling — A dazzling violin-driven rendition that blends classical and modern flair.
• Christmas Lights Show — A stunning synchronized light display set to “Carol of the Bells.” This festive performance is captivating, creative, and an absolute treat to watch.

Further Reading

• The Beautiful Story and Meaning behind ‘Carol of the Bells’
• 12 Most Biblical Christmas Carols

Collection of Popular Christmas Hymns and Carols:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The First Noel
Joy To The World
O Holy Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful
Go Tell It On The Mountain
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
We, Three Kings of Orient, Are
Ave Maria
Away in a Manger
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas