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 = 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, Christmas | text = Placide Cappeau | language = French, English | composed = {{start date|1847}} | misc = {{Audio sample | 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 associated with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Its text is based on the 1847 French poem ''Minuit, chrétiens'' by Placide Cappeau, which was set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. The widely known English version was written by John Sullivan Dwight, who introduced notable changes to the meaning of the original French lyrics.

The carol has become a standard part of Christmas repertoire and has been recorded by numerous artists.

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== Origin and composition == {{multiple image | footer = Placide Cappeau (left), lyricist, and Adolphe Adam (right), composer of "Minuit, chrétiens" | align = right | total_width = 300 | image1 = Placide Cappeau (cropped).jpg | image2 = Adolphe Adam.jpg }}

"O Holy Night" originates from Placide Cappeau's 1847 poem ''Minuit, chrétiens''.<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> After stained glass in the parish church of Roquemaure was restored, the local priest Maurice Gilles asked Cappeau to write a new text for the upcoming 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, who had connections to singer Emily Laurey, was introduced to composer Adolphe Adam, then known for works such as ''Giselle''.<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>

Cappeau wrote the poem on 3 December 1847 during a stagecoach journey from Mâcon to Dijon.<ref name="CarolStudy" /><ref name="TG" /> His understanding of Christian theology came from Jesuit teachers at the Collège de France.<ref name=":0" /> The poem draws on themes from the Nativity of Jesus and reflects Cappeau's social and abolitionist views. Its opening line, later the subject of debate, reads: "Midnight, Christians! 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 |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2020/11/19/brief-history-o-holy-night-christmas-hymn-review |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref>

Adam completed the musical setting within days.<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> Cappeau referred to the finished work 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 familiar English adaptation was written in 1855 by American critic and minister John Sullivan Dwight.<ref name="CarolFacts" /> Influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dwight altered the French text more extensively than required for a direct translation.<ref name="TG" /><ref name="BAUM" /> For example, "O hear the angel voices [...] O night divine" replaced "Await your deliverance [...] Behold the Redeemer".<ref name="BAUM">{{Cite magazine |date=1 November 2013 |title=Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity |magazine=Touchstone |last=Baum |first=Michael |page=4}}</ref> Another English version, "O Night Divine", was produced in the late 19th century by American musician Hart Pease Danks, and both adaptations circulated widely.<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 the English text by John Sullivan Dwight. | align = right | total_width = 300 | image1 = O Holy Night, Social Evenings page 1 (1871).png | image2 = O Holy Night, Social Evenings page 2 (1871).png }}

{| ! "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 performed at Midnight Mass in 1847 in Roquemaure. According to Christmas carol historian William Studwell, the piece was translated into numerous languages and widely adapted "within a generation or so". One of the earliest known publications was an organ arrangement issued around 1855.<ref name="CarolStudy" /> By 1864 the song had become popular throughout France; the Catholic music journal ''Revue de Musique Sacrée'' noted that it "has been performed at many churches during Midnight Masses" and "is sung in the streets, at social gatherings, and at bars with live entertainment."

Following the revolution of 1848,<ref name=":0" /> the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine praised "Cantique de Noël" as "a religious 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> a comparison that caused unease among some observers. According to ''America'' magazine, several church leaders criticised the song for what they viewed as its militant tone and questionable theology. They objected in particular to the line "Et de son Père arrêter le courroux" ("to cease the wrath of his Father"), believing it portrayed God as angry and vengeful in contrast to Jesus. As a result, the song was excluded from Catholic hymnals.

Much of the criticism, however, focused on the song's creators. Catholic music critics attacked Cappeau for his political views and personal reputation, and his later break with Christianity drew further disapproval.<ref name="CarolStudy" /> Adam was also targeted when false rumours circulated that he was Jewish. A notable example occurred in 1930, when composer Vincent d'Indy published an article incorrectly listing Adam among Jewish composers and claiming they were motivated solely by financial gain, in contrast to the article's subject, Richard Wagner.<ref name=":0" />

{{multiple image | footer = Ernest Gagnon (left) and John Sullivan Dwight (right) helped popularize "O Holy Night" in North America. | align = right | total_width = 300 | image1 = Ernest Gagnon.jpg | image2 = John S. Dwight Boston.jpg }}

In 1864 ''Revue de Musique Sacrée'' described "Cantique de Noël" as "debased and degenerated", recommending that it "go its own way, far from houses of religion, which can do very well without it".<ref name=":0" /> Despite this, the song's international popularity continued to grow. The Canadian composer and folklorist Ernest Gagnon first heard it at a Midnight Mass at the Church of Saint-Roch and introduced it to Canada in 1858, beginning with a performance in Quebec by the eldest daughter of René-Édouard Caron.<ref name="canada" /> Although some ecclesiastical concerns arose there as well, the song became widely embraced, and performances by soloists at Midnight Mass became a tradition.<ref name=":0" />

On 22 September 1936, archbishop Joseph-Guillaume-Laurent Forbes banned "O Holy Night" from churches in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa, along with various other songs, wedding marches, the Canadian national anthem, and many settings of ''Ave Maria'' by composers including 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 |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> Forbes' secretary stated that the ban aimed to promote the exclusive use of Gregorian chant and Gregorian music.<ref name=":1" />

In the United States, John Sullivan Dwight encountered "O Holy Night" while reviewing music for his publication ''Dwight's Journal of Music''. As an abolitionist, he admired the song's emphasis on human equality, quoting lines such as: "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!" These themes resonated during the American Civil War, and Dwight's publication helped the song gain significant popularity in the North.<ref name="Collins, Ace" />

Although not formally documented, the first song broadcast over radio is often attributed to inventor Reginald Fessenden's 1906 violin performance of "O Holy Night".<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>

In France, criticism of the song persisted after World War II. Composer Auguste Sérieyx condemned those who performed it on organ or in choirs, as well as the priests who "tolerate or encourage them". By 1956 the song had been "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 the Paris publication ''Le Dictionnaire du Foyer Catholique''.<ref name=":0" />

Since its creation, the song has been associated with various accounts of symbolic or spiritual use. One legend claims that French troops sang it on Christmas Eve in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, prompting a temporary ceasefire during trench warfare. In 2004 a Catholic priest reportedly sang the song to a dying American Marine in Fallujah, Iraq.<ref name=":0" />

== Modern usage == William Studwell wrote in ''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" /> In both French and Canadian traditions, the carol is typically performed as a solo at Midnight Mass. Its demanding high register has become part of its identity, with audiences anticipating whether the singer will reach the climactic notes accurately.<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 the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the carol became a staple of Christmas recordings across a wide range of genres. It appears on numerous holiday albums, with notable renditions by Michael Crawford, Mariah Carey, NSYNC, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Weezer, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald, Carrie Underwood, and Andrea Bocelli.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} A 2010 survey by Zogby International ranked "O Holy Night" as the most popular Christmas song in the United States, ahead of "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 carol has been recorded by many pop, classical, and religious artists, and several versions have appeared on music charts: * 1994: Mariah Carey's version, from her album ''Merry Christmas'', reached number 70 on the US ''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, and a live re-recording appears on her 2010 album ''Merry Christmas II You''. In 2023 it was certified platinum by the RIAA.<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> * 1996: John Berry reached number 55 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart.<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |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 with "O Come, All Ye Faithful" for ''Christmas Eve and Other Stories''. In 2021 it peaked at number three on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart,<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 reached number two on Christian Digital Song Sales,<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> number 11 on 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 number 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 reached number 74 on the Hot Country Songs chart, later reappearing at number 67 (1998), number 49 (1999), number 57 (2000), and number 41 (2001).{{sfn|Whitburn|2008|p=263}} * 1998: Celine Dion reached number 44 on the ''Billboard'' 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}}</ref> In 2014, Nielsen SoundScan reported US sales of 240,000 copies.<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 |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 reached number one on the ''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 reached number 59 on the Hot Country Songs chart.{{sfn|Whitburn|2008|p=166}} * 2010: The ''Glee'' cast reached number one on the US ''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 released a digital version on 21 November 2012, donating 90% of proceeds to the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of a student who died of meningococcal septicaemia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13082286.tribute-schoolboy-chart-hit/ |title=Tribute to schoolboy is chart hit |website=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 number 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: Lauren Daigle reached number 14 on the US ''Billboard'' Christian adult contemporary chart,<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> number 33 on 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 number 33 on 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 === {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

==== Mariah Carey version ==== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! 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 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 (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)<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 Holiday 100 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/hsx/ |title=Mariah Carey Chart History (Holiday 100) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 May 2020}}</ref> | 70 |}

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

==== Martina McBride version ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (1997–2001) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| US Hot Country Songs (''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 |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> | 41 |}

==== Celine Dion version ==== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2013–2025) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| Australia (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 |- ! scope="row"| Canada Digital Song Sales (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/celine-dion/chart-history/cns/ |title=Celine Dion Chart History (Canadian Digital Song Sales) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=17 February 2026 |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203002922/https://www.billboard.com/artist/celine-dion/chart-history/cns/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> | 36 |- {{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)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s52-3/ |title=2024 52-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100) |publisher=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 Holiday 100 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/celine-dion/chart-history/hsx/ |title=Celine Dion Chart History (Holiday 100) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> | 44 |}

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

==== Josh Gracin version ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2006) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| US Hot Country Songs (''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 |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> | 59 |}

==== ''Glee'' cast version ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2010–2011) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"|US Holiday Digital Songs (''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 |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> | 1 |}

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

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

==== Ravyn Lenae version ==== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2025) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| Portugal (AFP)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://audiogest.pt/uploads/files/file_2025-12-30-16-16-30.pdf |title=Top 200 Singles Semana 52 de 2025 |page=9 |publisher=Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa |access-date=31 December 2025 |lang=pt-pt}}</ref> | 183 |- {{single chart|UK|99|date=20251226|rowheader=true|access-date=27 December 2025|refname=UK2025}} |} {{col-2}} {{col-end}}

=== Certifications === ==== Mariah Carey version ==== {{Certification Table Top|caption={{sro|Certifications}}}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=1994|certyear=2024|access-date=22 December 2024}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1994|certyear=2025|id=16415|access-date=19 January 2026}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Gold|type=single|certyear=2021|relyear=1994|id=9595|access-date=30 December 2023}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1994|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=6 January 2025}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Mariah Carey|title=O Holy Night|award=Platinum|type=single|certyear=2023|relyear=1994|access-date=30 December 2023}} {{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

==== Celine Dion version ==== {{Certification Table Top|caption={{sro|Certifications}}}} {{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 == {{commons category|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 at Cantorion.org * [https://artsongcentral.com/2007/adam-cantique-de-noel/ Sheet music and musical details] at Artsong Central * {{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