View source for O Holy Night

{{Short description|Christmas song}}
{{other uses}}
{{redirect|O Night Divine|the Trace Bundy album|O Night Divine (album)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox musical composition
| composer            = [[Adolphe Adam]]
| name                = {{lang|fr|Cantique de Noël}}<br />O Holy Night
| image               = File:Partition originale de Minuit Chrétiens.jpg
| caption             = Front cover of the 6th edition of "Cantique de Noël", 1852
| native_name         = Minuit, chrétiens
| native_name_lang    = fr
| genre               = [[Classical music|Classical]], [[Christmas music|Christmas]]
| text                = [[Placide Cappeau]]
| language            = French, English
| composed            = {{start date|1847}}
| misc                = {{Audio sample
 | type               =
 | header             = Recording
 | file               = O Holy Night - Concert Band - United States Air Force Heritage of America Band.mp3
 | description        = Performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band
 }}
}}

"'''O Holy Night'''" (original title: '''{{lang|fr|Cantique de Noël}}''') is a [[sacred song]] about the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, described in the first verse as "the dear Saviour", and frequently performed as a [[Christmas carol]]. Based on the  French-language poem '''''Minuit, chrétiens''''', written in 1843 by poet [[Placide Cappeau]], it was set to music by composer [[Adolphe Adam]]. The English version, with small changes to the initial melody, is by [[John Sullivan Dwight]].

In recent times the song has been covered by many popular performers.

{{TOC limit|3}}

== Origin and composition ==
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| footer            = [[Placide Cappeau]] (left), the lyricist, and [[Adolphe Adam]] (right), the composer, of "Minuit, chrétiens"
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"O Holy Night" is derived from the poem ''Minuit, chrétiens'', written in 1847 by [[Placide Cappeau]], who was a wine commissionaire and a part-time poet.<ref name="CarolFacts">{{Cite book |title=Christmas Music Companion Fact Book |last=Nobbman |first=Dale |publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]] |year=2000 |pages=36|isbn=9781574240672}}</ref> Stained glass had been renovated at a church he frequently attended in [[Roquemaure, Gard|Roquemaure, France]], and this led parish priest Maurice Gilles to ask Cappeau if he would write a new song to be sung at that year's Christmas [[Midnight Mass]].<ref name=":0"/><ref name="Collins, Ace">{{Cite book|last=Collins|first=Ace|title=Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas|publisher=Zondervan|year=2001|isbn=9780310873877|location=Grand Rapids|pages=132–138}}</ref> Cappeau was friends with Emily Laurey, a singer, and Laurey had connections to the famous opera composer [[Adolphe Adam]], who had written his most famous work, ''[[Giselle]]'', just a few years prior. The plan was to refer the writing to Adam upon Cappeau's arrival to [[Paris]] while on a business trip, where Adam was located.<ref name="CarolStudy">{{Cite book |title=The Christmas Carol Reader |pages=84–86|last=Studwell |first=William |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |year=2012 |isbn=9781136591457 |publication-date=12 October 2012 |author-link=William Studwell}}</ref> As such, Cappeau wrote ''Minuit, chrétiens'' on 3 December 1847, during a [[stagecoach]] ride from [[Mâcon]] to [[Dijon]], about a six-hour trip.<ref name="CarolStudy"/><ref name="TG"/>

Cappeau's understanding of Christian theology was derived from [[Jesuit]] educators at the [[Collège de France]] in [[Paris]].<ref name=":0"/> The words are based on the [[Nativity of Jesus]], specifically from the [[Gospel of Luke]], and were inspired by the hypothesis of being a witness of the moment.<ref name="Collins, Ace"/> His poem was generally anthemic, reflective of Cappeau's socialist and abolitionist views. ''Minuit, chrétiens'' spoke commands to kneel and demonstrate humility before God. Its opening line, which spawned early controversy for the song adaptation, reads: "Midnight, Christian! It is the solemn hour when the Man-God descended unto us, to erase original sin, and to stop the wrath of his Father."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Ivry |first=Benjamin |date=19 November 2020 |title=A brief history of 'O Holy Night,' the rousing Christmas hymn that garnered mixed reviews |language=en |website=[[America (magazine)|America]] |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2020/11/19/brief-history-o-holy-night-christmas-hymn-review |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> The original French text more directly refers to the [[The gospel|Christian gospel]] message.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season |last1=Leeman |first1=Barbara |date=6 October 2020 |publisher=Moody Publishers |isbn=9780802498854 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RUXNDwAAQBAJ |last2=Leeman |first2=David}}</ref>

Cappeau was proud of his work on ''Minuit, chrétiens'', and requested Adolphe Adam set the poem to music within the same trip. Adam's exact beliefs regarding Christianity are unknown, although it is known that he was raised in a non-Christian environment,<ref name="TG"/> and he would frequently play organ in churches in Paris and had a Catholic funeral.<ref name="CarolStudy"/><ref name="TG"/> The composition was completed within a few days of the original request,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Helen T. |date=23 December 2000 |title=Musical memories |pages=E4 |work=[[The Spokesman-Review]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qmRWAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22Adolphe+Adam%22+o+holy+night++-wikipedia&pg=PA21&article_id=5375,1392276 |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> and Cappeau referred to the completed piece as "Cantique de Noël".<ref name="TG">{{Cite web |title=Sacred Mysteries: O Holy Night – an unlikely mix of words and music |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2022/12/24/sacred-mysteries-o-holy-night-unlikely-mix-words-music/?ICID=continue_without_subscribing_reg_first |last=Howse |first=Christopher |date=24 December 2022 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref>

The most popular English rendition of "Cantique de Noël" was translated by American music critic and minister [[John Sullivan Dwight]] in 1855. An ordained [[Unitarianism|Unitarian]], he soon departed from the vocation of ministry to instead pursue a career in music and teaching.<ref name="CarolFacts"/> Dwight was influenced by the works of [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]].<ref name="TG"/> It is accepted that Dwight altered Cappeau's lyrics significantly more than would have been necessary to produce a singable translation, changing the meaning of certain parts.<ref name="TG"/><ref name="BAUM"/> "O hear the angel voices [...] O night divine" replaced "Await your deliverance [...] Behold the Redeemer" and "With all our hearts we praise his holy name" replaced "It is for us that he was born, that he suffered and died."<ref name="BAUM">{{Cite magazine |date=1 November 2013 |title=Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity |magazine=[[Touchstone (magazine)|Touchstone]] |last=Baum |first=Michael |page=4}}</ref> Another English translation, "O Night Divine", was done by American musician [[Hart Pease Danks]], who was influenced by Dwight's version as early as 1885, and both competed in popularity.<ref name=":0"/>

=== Lyrics ===
{{multiple image
| footer            = Sheet music for "Cantique de Noël" as it appears in the ''Social Evenings'' collection by [[G. Schirmer Inc.]], 1871. The lyrics display both the original French by [[Placide Cappeau]] and its English translation by [[John Sullivan Dwight]].
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| image1            = O Holy Night, Social Evenings page 1 (1871).png
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{|
! "Cantique de Noël" ([[Placide Cappeau]], 1847)
! style="padding-left: 1em;"|"O Holy Night" (English version – not a translation – by [[John Sullivan Dwight]], 1855)
|- valign="top"
|<poem>
Minuit ! Chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle 
Où l'homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous, 
Pour effacer la tache originelle 
Et de son père arrêter le courroux: 
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance 
A cette nuit qui lui donne un sauveur 
Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance 
Noël ! Noël ! Voici le Rédempteur ! 
Noël ! Noël ! Voici le Rédempteur !

De notre foi que la lumière ardente 
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'enfant 
Comme autrefois, une étoile brillante 
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient 
Le Roi des Rois naît dans une humble crèche, 
Puissants du jour fiers de votre grandeur,
A votre orgueil c'est de là  qu'un Dieu prêche, 
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur ! 
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur !

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave, 
La terre est libre et le ciel est ouvert 
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave 
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer, 
Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance? 
C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt: 
Peuple, debout ! chante ta délivrance, 
Noël ! Noël! chantons le Rédempteur ! 
Noël ! Noël! chantons le Rédempteur !
</poem>
|style="padding-left: 1em;"|<poem>
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from the orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, your King, before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
</poem>
|}

== History ==
"Cantique de Noël" was first sung at the Midnight Mass of 1847 in Roquemaure. "Within a generation or so", according to Christmas carol historian [[William Studwell]], "Cantique de Noël" has been translated into many languages and received many renditions. One of the earliest publications was an organ arrangement published around 1855.<ref name="CarolStudy"/> The song saw large popularity throughout France as early as 1864, where the Catholic music journal ''Revue de Musique Sacrée'' stated that the song "has been performed at many churches during [[Midnight Mass]]es" and "is sung in the streets, at social gatherings, and at bars with live entertainment." In 1848 [[French Revolution of 1848|France underwent a revolution]];<ref name=":0"/> "Cantique de Noël" was praised by the French poet [[Alphonse de Lamartine]] as "a religious [[La Marseillaise|Marseillaise]]",<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Études | language = fr | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OcsWAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA838 | page = 838 | first = Gaston | last = Sortais | title = Bulletin d'Histoire de l'Art | date = 20 September 1911 | volume = 128 }}</ref> in reference to the 1792 revolutionary song that became the national anthem of France, which worried some amidst the revolution.<ref name="TG"/> Additionally, many leaders within the Christian church criticized the song's "militant tone and dubious theology", according to [[America (magazine)|''America'']] magazine. They particularly opposed the line "Et de son Père arrêter le courroux” ("to cease the wrath of his Father"), which they felt depicted an angry and vengeful God in contrast to Jesus. This resulted in the song's exclusion from Catholic [[hymnal]]s. Most of the song's criticism was however directed at its lyricist and composer. Catholic music critics derided Cappeau as a socialist and a drunk, and his apostasy from Christianity in his later years also garnered criticism;<ref name="CarolStudy"/> And Adam received criticism when false rumors spread about him supposedly being Jewish. A notable example of this was in 1930, when the composer [[Vincent d’Indy]] wrote an article that erroneously included Adam's name in a list of Jewish composers and declared they were motivated purely by financial gain, as opposed to the article's subject, [[Richard Wagner]].<ref name=":0"/>

{{multiple image
| footer            = [[Ernest Gagnon]] (left), and [[John Sullivan Dwight]] (right) popularized "O Holy Night" in North America.
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| image2            = John S. Dwight Boston.jpg
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''Revue de Musique Sacrée'' declared "Cantique de Noël" "debased and degenerated" in 1864, recommending that the song "go its own way, far from houses of religion, which can do very well without it."<ref name=":0"/> This did not however prevent the song's popularity increasing internationally. The Canadian composer and [[folklorist]] [[Ernest Gagnon]] first heard the song performed at a Midnight Mass at the [[Church of Saint-Roch]], and imported it to Canada in 1858, starting in [[Quebec]] at a Midnight Mass performance by the eldest daughter of [[René-Édouard Caron]].<ref name="canada"/> Although some concern about the song began in ecclesiastic circles there as well, the song became very popular in the country, and it became a tradition for soloists to perform the song at Midnight Masses.<ref name=":0"/> On 22 September 1936, the [[Catholic Church in Canada]] banned "O Holy Night" from being performed in churches, along with other songs and wedding marches, [[O Canada|the Canadian national anthem]], and many versions of ''[[Ave Maria]]'', including those by composers such as [[Franz Schubert]], [[Charles Gounod]], [[Pietro Mascagni]], and [[Jules Massenet]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=22 September 1936 |title=Canadian Prelate Bans Music in Catholic Churches |pages=3 |work=[[The Day (New London)|The Day]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WqktAAAAIBAJ&dq=catholic+church+%22O+Holy+Night%22+banned+-wikipedia&pg=PA2&article_id=3516,1800052 |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> According to the secretary of the archbishop, the reason for the ban of these songs was the desire for the promotion and exclusive use of [[Gregorian chant]] and Gregorian music.<ref name=":1" />

John Sullivan Dwight first discovered "O Holy Night" while researching songs to critique for his publication ''[[Dwight's Journal of Music]]''. Dwight praised the song, but as an abolitionist, also resonated with its themes of equality: "Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all oppression shall cease!" This perfectly captured views of abolishing slavery, which was the primary source of opposition amidst the ongoing [[American Civil War]]. His publishing of "O Holy Night" saw high levels of popularity in the United States, especially within the North.<ref name="Collins, Ace"/> Although disputed due to a lack of formal documentation, the first song played over a radio broadcast is usually attributed to inventor [[Reginald Fessenden]]'s performance of "O Holy Night" on violin in 1906.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Merry Christmas! 107 years ago tonight, Americans heard the world's first radio show. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2013/12/24/merry-christmas-107-years-ago-tonight-americans-heard-the-worlds-first-ever-radio-show/ |last=Fung |first=Brian |date=24 December 2013 |access-date=1 November 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref>

Meanwhile, it was still common to be discriminatory of the song in France after [[World War II]]; French composer [[Auguste Sérieyx]] notably would rebuke those who performed the song on organ and in choirs, and the priests who "tolerate or encourage them." By 1956 the song was "expunged from many dioceses due to the emphatic aspect of its lyrics as much as the music itself, and the contrast they provide with the holiday liturgy", according to Paris publication ''Le Dictionnaire du Foyer Catholique''.<ref name=":0"/>

Since the song's creation, there have been demonstrations of spiritual usage of the song within Christian circles. One legend states that in 1870, French troops sung the song on Christmas Eve during the [[Franco-Prussian War]] during [[trench warfare]], and combat temporarily ceased. In 2004, the song was sung by a Catholic priest to a dying [[United States Marine Corps|American Marine]] soldier while deployed in [[Fallujah, Iraq]].<ref name=":0"/>

== Modern usage ==
[[William Studwell]] stated in his book ''The Christmas Carol Reader'' that "O Holy Night" is "the most popular carol in France and belongs in the upper echelon of carols on an international basis."<ref name="CarolStudy"/> It is common tradition in French and Canadian culture to have a solo performance at Midnight Mass. Its difficult higher registers result in anticipation that its wide range of notes be sung on pitch.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Forget |first1=Dominique |title=Minuit, chrétiens et l'aigu fatidique |journal=Québec Science |date=24 December 2017 |url=https://www.quebecscience.qc.ca/societe/minuit-chretiens-et-laigu-fatidique/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522144105/https://www.quebecscience.qc.ca/societe/minuit-chretiens-et-laigu-fatidique/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="canada">{{cite journal |last1=Bronze |first1=Jean-Yves |title=The Minuit, Chrétiens in Québec |journal=La Scena Musicale |date=6 December 2003 |volume=9 |issue=4 |url=http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-4/Minuit_en.htm |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126150001/http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-4/Minuit_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In recent history the song has been covered in a variety of [[Christmas album]] collections, across a range of genres and song styles. Popular covers of the song include renditions by [[Michael Crawford]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[NSYNC]], [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]], [[Josh Groban]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Ella Fitzgerald]], [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Andrea Bocelli]], [[Jennifer Hudson]], and [[Kelly Clarkson]].{{cn|date=December 2024}} In a 2010 survey conducted by [[Zogby International]], "O Holy Night" was ranked as the most popular Christmas song, ahead of "[[White Christmas (song)|White Christmas]]" and "[[The Christmas Song]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1 December 2010 |title="O Holy Night" Tops the Charts |magazine=[[USA Today Magazine]] |page=9 |volume=139 |issue=2787}}</ref>

=== On record charts ===
The song has been recorded by numerous pop, classical, and religious singers. Several renditions by popular artists have appeared on record charts:

* 1994: [[Mariah Carey]], from her first studio holiday album, ''[[Merry Christmas (Mariah Carey album)|Merry Christmas]]'', reached {{Numero|70}} on the U.S. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Holiday 100]] chart.<ref name="Billboard">{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hsx/|title=Mariah Carey Chart History (Holiday 100)|website=[[Billboard.com]]|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207135518/https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hsx/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was re-released as a single in 1996 and 2000; a re-recorded live rendition is included on her 2010 follow-up album ''[[Merry Christmas II You]]''. In 2023, her single was certified Platinum in the United States by [[RIAA]] for selling over 1 million units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=mariah+carey#search_section|title=Mariah Carey 'O Holy Night'|website=[[RIAA]].com|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624070657/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Mariah+Carey#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref> It reached {{Numero|28}} in Italy and it was certified Gold.<ref>{{cite web |title=Certificazioni - FIMI |url=https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/certificazioni/certificazioni.kl#/certifications |publisher=Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=4 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231332/https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/certificazioni/certificazioni.kl#/certifications |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached the top-twenty in Iceland, peaking at number 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/12177974.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.12.1994 – 27.12.1994)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313005558/http://timarit.is/files/12177974.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|archive-date=13 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 1996: [[John Berry (country singer)|John Berry]] {{Numero|55}} on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Country Songs]] chart<ref>{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|author-link=Joel Whitburn|title=Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008|publisher=Record Research|year=2008|page=49|isbn=978-0-89820-177-2}}</ref>
* 1996: [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]] recorded a medley of the song along with "[[O Come, All Ye Faithful]]" for ''[[Christmas Eve and Other Stories]]''; in 2021 it peaked at No. 3 on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales,<ref name="tsohard">{{Cite web |title=Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Hard Rock Digital Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/trans-siberian-orchestra/chart-history/hrd/ |access-date=16 December 2024 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> and in 2023 it peaked at No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' Christian Digital Song Sales chart,<ref name=tsochr>{{Cite web |title=Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christian Digital Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/trans-siberian-orchestra/chart-history/crt/ |access-date=16 December 2024 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> No. 11 on the Rock Digital Song Sales,<ref name=tsorock>{{Cite web |title=Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Rock Digital Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/trans-siberian-orchestra/chart-history/rkt/ |access-date=16 December 2024 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>  and No. 23 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales chart<ref name=tsoholiday>{{Cite web |title=Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Holiday Digital Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/trans-siberian-orchestra/chart-history/xdt/ |access-date=16 December 2024 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
* 1997: [[Martina McBride]] {{Numero|74}} on Hot Country Song chart (also {{Numero|67}} in 1998, {{Numero|49}} in 1999, {{Numero|57}} in 2000, and {{Numero|41}} in 2001){{sfn|Whitburn|2008|p=263}}
* 1998: [[Celine Dion]] {{Numero|44}} on ''Billboard'''s Holiday chart;<ref>{{cite web |title=Chart History: Celine Dion{{snd}}Holiday 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/celine-dion/chart-history/hsx/ |website=[[Billboard.com]] |access-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102052518/https://www.billboard.com/music/celine-dion/chart-history/HSX |archive-date=2 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref> in 2014, [[Nielsen SoundScan]] reported that her version had sold 240,000 copies in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web|title="All I Want For Christmas": Which Song Renditions Top the Tree?|url=https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2014/all-i-want-for-christmas-which-song-renditions-top-the-tree|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Nielsen.com|language=en-US|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519030640/https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2014/all-i-want-for-christmas-which-song-renditions-top-the-tree/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2002: [[Josh Groban]] {{Numero|1}} ''Billboard'' Adult Contemporary chart<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/josh-groban/chart-history/hsx/|title=Chart History: Josh Groban{{snd}}Adult Contemporary|website=[[Billboard.com]]|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108163935/https://www.billboard.com/artist/josh-groban/chart-history/hsx/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2006: [[Josh Gracin]] {{Numero|59}} on Hot Country Songs chart{{sfn|Whitburn|2008|p=166}}
* 2010–2011: [[Glee (TV series)|''Glee'']] cast {{Numero|1}} U.S. [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' Holiday Digital Song Sales]] chart<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/glee-cast/chart-history/xdt/ |title=''Glee'' Cast Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales) |website=[[Billboard.com]] |access-date=7 November 2020 |archive-date=3 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203083818/https://www.billboard.com/artist/glee-cast/chart-history/xdt/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 2012: [[Ladywell Primary School]] in [[Motherwell]], Scotland, released "O Holy Night" as a digital download on 21 November 2012. The school donated 90 percent of proceeds from the song to the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of a student who had died of [[meningococcal septicaemia]]. The remaining 10 percent went to school funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13082286.tribute-schoolboy-chart-hit/|title=Tribute to schoolboy is chart hit|website=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|Heraldscotland.com]]|date=24 November 2012|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825151853/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13082286.tribute-schoolboy-chart-hit/|url-status=live}}</ref> It reached {{Numero|39}} on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=ladywell>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/o-holy-night/|title='O Holy Night'{{snd}}Ladywell Primary School|website=[[Officialcharts.com]]|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521231247/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/o-holy-night/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2017–2018: [[Lauren Daigle]] {{Numero|14}} U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Christian adult contemporary]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ica/ |title=Lauren Daigle – Christian AC History |website=[[Billboard.com]] |access-date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108164006/https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ica/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{Numero|33}} U.S. [[Hot Christian Songs]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ico/ |title=Chart History: Lauren Daigle{{snd}}Hot Christian Songs |website=[[Billboard.com]] |access-date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118040422/https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ico/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and {{Numero|33}} U.S. [[Christian Airplay]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/cri/ |title=Chart History: Lauren Daigle{{snd}}Christian Airplay |website=[[Billboard.com]] |access-date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=17 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117222344/https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/cri/ |url-status=live }}</ref> charts

=== Charts ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

==== Mariah Carey version ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (1994–2023)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| France ([[SNEP]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?semaine=52&annee=2023&categorie=Top%20Singles|title=Top Singles (Week 52, 2023)|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|language=French|access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref>
| 42
|-
!scope="row"| Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/12177974.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.12.1994 – 27.12.1994)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313005558/http://timarit.is/files/12177974.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|archive-date=13 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 19
|-
{{single chart|Italy|28|artist=Mariah Carey|song=O Holy Night|rowheader=true|access-date=30 December 2023}}
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands ([[MegaCharts|Single Tip]])<ref name="Single Tip">{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/weekchart.asp?cat=st&date=20231230&year=2023|title=Dutch Single Tip 30/12/2023|publisher=[[MegaCharts]]|language=nl|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 9
|-
! scope="row"| South Korea International ([[Circle Chart|Circle]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?serviceGbn=ALL&termGbn=week&hitYear=2012&targetTime=51&nationGbn=E&year_time=|title=South Korean International Singles (Week 51, 2012)|website=[[Circle Chart]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 84
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard charts|Holiday 100]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hsx/|title=Mariah Carey Chart History (Holiday 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=21 May 2020}}</ref>
| 70
|}

==== John Berry version ====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (1996)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Hot Country Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''){{sfn|Whitburn|2008|p=49}}
| 55
|}

==== Martina McBride version ====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (1997–2001)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Hot Country Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/martina-mcbride/chart-history/csi/|title=Martina McBride Chart History (Hot Country Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 41
|}

==== Celine Dion version ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2013–2025)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 30 December 2024|magazine=The ARIA Report|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|issue=1817|page=4|date=30 December 2024}}</ref>
| 57
|-
{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|84|artist=Celine Dion|rowheader=true|access-date=31 December 2024}}
|-
{{single chart|Ireland4|46|date=20241227|rowheader=true|access-date=27 December 2024}}
|-
! scope="row"| Lithuania ([[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s52-3/|title=2024 52-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)|publisher=[[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]]|language=lt|date=27 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref>
| 73
|-
{{single chart|UK|62|date=20241227|rowheader=true|access-date=27 December 2024|refname=UK-2024}}
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard charts|Holiday 100]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/celine-dion/chart-history/hsx/|title=Celine Dion Chart History (Holiday 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 44
|}

==== Josh Groban version ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2002–2011)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Adult Contemporary]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/josh-groban/chart-history/asi/|title=Josh Groban Chart History (Adult Contemporary)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 1
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard charts|Holiday 100]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/josh-groban/chart-history/hsx/|title=Josh Groban Chart History (Holiday 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 26
|}
{{col-2}}

==== Josh Gracin version ====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2006)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Hot Country Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/josh-gracin/chart-history/csi/|title=Josh Gracin Chart History (Hot Country Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 59
|}

==== ''Glee'' cast version ====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2010–2011)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"|US [[Holiday Digital Song Sales|Holiday Digital Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/glee-cast/chart-history/xdt/|title=Glee Cast Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 1
|}

==== Ladywell Primary School version ====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2012)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|UK|39|date=20121202|rowheader=true|access-date=30 December 2023}}
|}

==== Lauren Daigle version ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2017–2018)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Hot Christian Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ico/|title=Lauren Brant Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 33
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Christian AC]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/ica/|title=Lauren Brant Chart History (Christian AC)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 14
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Christian Airplay]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lauren-daigle/chart-history/cri/|title=Lauren Brant Chart History (Christian Airplay)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>
| 33
|}

==== Trans-Siberian Orchestra version ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2010–2023)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| US Christian Digital Song Sales (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name=tsochr />
| 2
|-
! scope="row"| US Rock Digital Song Sales (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name=tsorock />
| 11
|-
! scope="row"| US Hard Rock Digital Song Sales (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name=tsohard />
| 3
|-
! scope="row"| US Holiday Digital Song Sales (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name=tsoholiday />
| 23
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-end}}

=== Certifications ===
==== Mariah Carey version ====
{{certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1994|certyear=2024|certmonth=1|access-date=22 December 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Italy|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Gold|certyear=2021|relyear=1994|access-date=30 December 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Gold|relyear=1994|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=6 January 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United States|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Platinum|certyear=2023|relyear=1994|access-date=30 December 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

==== Celine Dion version ====
{{certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|title=O Holy Night|artist=Celine Dion|award=Platinum|relyear=1998|certyear=2024|access-date=28 December 2024}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

== See also ==
* [[List of Christmas carols]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{cc|O Holy Night}}
{{Wikisource|Minuit, chrétiens|O Holy Night}}
* {{Wikisourcelang-inline|fr|Minuit chrétiens}}
* {{IMSLP|work=Cantique de Noël (Adam, Adolphe)|cname="Cantique de Noël"}}
* [http://cantorion.org/music/673/O_Holy_Night_%28Cantique_de_No%C3%ABl%29_Sheet_music Free sheet music] for voice and piano, Cantorion.org
* [https://artsongcentral.com/2007/adam-cantique-de-noel/ Sheet music and musical details], artsongcentral.com
* {{YouTube|id=vzAQ9IbJ9yM|title="Minuit Chrétien"}}, {{ill|Charles Jauquier|fr}} (original French version)

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1847 compositions]]
[[Category:1847 songs]]
[[Category:19th-century hymns]]
[[Category:Christian hymns in French]]
[[Category:Christmas carols]]
[[Category:Compositions by Adolphe Adam]]
[[Category:French-language Christmas carols]]
[[Category:Religious controversies in music]]
[[Category:Songs about Jesus]]
[[Category:Songs based on poems]]