How to use these lead sheets

A lead sheet gives you the melody and chord symbols so you can shape your own accompaniment. Start with simple held chords or a steady chord pattern, then add movement as you become comfortable with the song. Choose a key that suits the singer or instrument you are accompanying.

Each song below has seven available keys. “Away in a Manger” and “Away in a Manger (Cradle Song)” are listed separately so you can choose the melody you want. Open a key menu to see the available editions.

For traditional hymnal settings, browse Christmas Hymns from the Hymnal.

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Choose a key — 7 available

Angels We Have Heard on High

Choose a key — 7 available

Away in a Manger

Choose a key — 7 available

Away in a Manger (Cradle Song)

Choose a key — 7 available

Carol Of The Bells

Choose a key — 7 available

Deck The Halls

Choose a key — 7 available

Ding Dong Merrily on High

Choose a key — 7 available

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Choose a key — 7 available

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Choose a key — 7 available

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Choose a key — 7 available

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Choose a key — 7 available

I Saw Three Ships

Choose a key — 7 available

In the Bleak Midwinter

Choose a key — 7 available

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Choose a key — 7 available

It Came upon the Midnight Clear

Choose a key — 7 available

Jingle Bells

Choose a key — 7 available

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Choose a key — 7 available

Joy to the World

Choose a key — 7 available

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Choose a key — 7 available

O Christmas Tree

Choose a key — 7 available

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Choose a key — 7 available

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Choose a key — 7 available

O Holy Night

Choose a key — 7 available

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Choose a key — 7 available

Once in Royal David’s City

Choose a key — 7 available

Silent Night

Choose a key — 7 available

Sussex Carol

Choose a key — 7 available

The First Noel

Choose a key — 7 available

The Holly and the Ivy

Choose a key — 7 available

Twelve Days Of Christmas

Choose a key — 7 available

Up On The Housetop

Choose a key — 7 available

We Three Kings

Choose a key — 7 available

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Choose a key — 7 available

What Child Is This?

Choose a key — 7 available

Choosing a key for singing

Try the highest and lowest notes of the melody with your singer before settling on a key. A familiar piano key is useful, but a comfortable vocal range matters more when you are accompanying. Use the matching edition for everyone who will be playing from the same lead sheet.

For a simple piano accompaniment, begin with the chord root in your left hand and a chord or melody in your right. Listen to the phrasing and leave room for the singer to breathe.