"White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) by Bing Crosby

A truly classic Christmas song, this Irving Berlin-penned song has been recorded by dozens of artists, selling over 50 million copies in total (and perhaps many more). The best known and most loved version remains Bing Crosby's original, recorded in 1942 for the movie Holiday Inn and released during the United States' first year of involvement in World War II.

With its nostalgic mix of longing and hope, Berlin's lyrics hit a note with wartime listeners. Crosby's version became a smash hit Christmas song that year and has remained an annual holiday favorite ever since.

"White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) lyrics

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Recordings of "White Christmas"

The original version of "White Christmas" from the movie Holiday Inn, a duet between Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds (actually the dubbed voice of Martha Mears).


Non-movie recording of the Christmas song by Bing Crosby


"White Christmas" sung by Shania Twain