Make Your Own "The Twelve Days of Christmas: Coloring Book

The popular Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," has obscure and uncertain origins. There are several variations of the song following its first known publication in 1780. Originally published not as a song, but as a children's counting rhyme in England, musical variations of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" didn't appear until the early 1900s.

In the late 20th century, assertions began circulating that the Christmas carol was actually an underground catechism song that developed for Catholics during a time when practicing Catholicism was illegal in Britain. There is no historical evidence to back up this claim.

Whatever the history of the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a fun, well-known carol to sing during the holiday season. Use the following free printables to create your own "Twelve Days of Christmas" coloring book.

01

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"The Twelve Days of Christmas" Cover Page

Print the PDF: Twelve Days of Christmas Cover Page

Download and print the cover page along with each of the following lyric pages. After printing the pages, assemble them in the correct order with the cover page on top and bind them to create the coloring book.

Try one of these suggestions for binding your completed "Twelve Days of Christmas" coloring book:

Staple the pages together.
Three-hole punch the pages and insert them into a three-prong folder.
Take the pages to an office supply store to have them comb-bound.
Insert the pages into a plastic report cover with a sliding bar.

02

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The First Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Print the PDF: T he First Day of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

A partridge in a pear tree.

03

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The Second Day of Christmas Coloring Page

The Second Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Second Day of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

04

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The Third Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Print the PDF: The Third Day of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

05

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The Fourth Day of Christmas Coloring Page

The Fourth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Fourth Day of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

06

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The Fifth Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Fifth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Fifth Day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

07

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The Sixth Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Sixth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Sixth Day of Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

08

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The Seventh Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Seventh Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

09

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The Eighth Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Eighth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the eighth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

10

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The Ninth Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Ninth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

11

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The 10th Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Tenth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Tenth Day of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Ten lords a-leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

12

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The 11th Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Eleventh Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

Eleven pipers piping

Ten lords a-leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

13

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The 12th Day of Christmas Coloring Page

Twelfth Day of Christmas. Beverly Hernandez

Print the PDF: The Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me:

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 golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtledoves

And a partridge in a pear tree

14

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The "Twelve Days of Christmas" Lyrics

Print the PDF: "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Lyrics

Once you've completed your "Twelve Days of Christmas" coloring book, print the lyrics to the song and sing together.

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"The Twelve Days of Christmas" Alternate Lyrics

Print the PDF: "The Twelve Days of Christmas" simplified lyrics

A more concise lyrics sheet is available here. Download the "Twelve Days of Christmas" alternate lyrics page. This version would work better for younger children or students.

Updated by Kris Bales