9 min read · Christmas Guide

12 Days of Christmas Lyrics (Gifts, Meanings & FAQs)

Looking for the full "12 Days of Christmas" lyrics?
You're in the right place. Below you'll find the complete lyrics (public domain), the gift list by day, the math behind the famous 364 total gifts, the traditional dates, symbolic meanings, and quick answers to the most-asked questions.

Quick links: 12 gifts list · Full lyrics · How many gifts? · Traditional dates · Song order · Meanings · FAQs

The 12 Gifts (Quick Answer)

  1. A partridge in a pear tree
  2. Two turtle doves
  3. Three French hens
  4. Four calling birds
  5. Five gold rings
  6. Six geese a-laying
  7. Seven swans a-swimming
  8. Eight maids a-milking
  9. Nine ladies dancing
  10. Ten lords a-leaping
  11. Eleven pipers piping
  12. Twelve drummers drumming

Full Lyrics (Public Domain)

Traditional English carol; wording can vary slightly by region/performance.

Verse 1
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:
A partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 2
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:
Two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 3
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:
Three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 4
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 5
Five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 6
Six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 7
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 8
Eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 9
Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 10
Ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 11
Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Verse 12
Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings; four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

How Many Gifts Are There in Total?

364 gifts in total.
Because the song is cumulative, each day includes all previous gifts again. That yields 12 + 11 + ... + 1 sets — i.e., the triangular number T12 = 78 — applied to each gift's quantity by day, summing to 364. A fun trivia note: that's one for almost every day of the year.

Fast fact: On the 12th day alone, the recipient hears all gifts again — including twelve drummers, eleven pipers… all the way down to the partridge.

What Are the Traditional 12 Days of Christmas?

Traditionally, the 12 days run from December 25 (Christmas Day) through January 5, with Epiphany on January 6. Many families end Christmas decorations on or around Epiphany.

What Is the Order of the 12 Days Gifts?

The order is exactly as listed above (1–12). For easy scanning:

  • Days 1–5: partridge, turtle doves, French hens, calling birds, gold rings
  • Days 6–12: geese, swans, maids, ladies, lords, pipers, drummers

What Do the Gifts Represent?

Modern audiences often read symbolic meanings into the gifts (love, generosity, festivity, etc.). Historically, it's best understood as a festive cumulative carol from children's/party traditions. Some later interpretations propose deeper symbolism, but these are not universally attested in early sources.

Make Christmas Morning Magical

Pair these lyrics with a surprise from Santa to elevate the tradition. Explore our guide to compare Santa letter services and find a keepsake your family will treasure.

FAQs

How many gifts are given on the 12th day alone?

On day 12, you hear (and traditionally "receive") all gifts again — twelve drummers down to the partridge.

Why do some versions say "calling birds" vs "colly birds"?

"Colly" (old dialect for black as coal) appears in older texts; modern performances favor "calling."

Are the lyrics public domain?

Yes — the traditional lyrics are in the public domain.

Editor's note: This article is reviewed annually for accuracy and clarity for the upcoming Christmas season.