
About the Song
Album: The Andy Williams Christmas Album
Released: 1963
When you think of timeless holiday voices, Andy Williams belongs at the very top of the list. And few songs capture the magic of a joyful, bustling Christmas quite like his energetic medley “Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season,” featured on the classic The Andy Williams Christmas Album released in 1963.
Right from the opening notes, this medley sets the tone for the most wonderful time of the year. “Happy Holiday,” originally written by Irving Berlin, flows seamlessly into Kay Thompson’s “The Holiday Season”—a cheerful celebration of sleigh rides, mistletoe, and the sparkle of winter nights. With his signature velvet voice and upbeat swing, Andy Williams delivers each phrase with joy, ease, and a twinkle in his eye.
The arrangement is rich and festive, backed by full orchestration and lively background vocals that lift the song into full holiday splendor. There’s something undeniably magical in the way Williams sings phrases like “So hoop-de-do and dickory dock…”—playful, charming, and full of spirit. It’s not just a medley—it’s an invitation to embrace the season with open arms and a grateful heart.
For many, hearing Andy Williams at Christmastime is as essential as trimming the tree or sipping cocoa by the fire. This medley in particular has become a staple in homes, malls, and radios around the world, year after year, generation after generation. It embodies the feeling of nostalgia and celebration all at once—a reminder of snowy nights, bustling streets, and warm greetings exchanged with loved ones.
If Christmas had a soundtrack, “Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season” would be one of its most joyful highlights—a sparkling gem from the golden age of holiday music, delivered by one of the most beloved voices of all time.