Bing & Frank Christmas
A Merry Christmas with Frank and Bing is a compilation of tracks drawn from their 1957 Christmas television special, Happy Holidays with Bing & Frank. Across the program, the two icons exchange warm holiday stories, sing timeless carols, and deliver unforgettable duets that showcase their effortless chemistry. It remains, without question, one of the greatest televised Christmas specials of all time, two musical legends at the height of their powers.
In this piece, we’ll go track-by-track through the special. Directed by Frank Sinatra with music arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle, the broadcast takes us back to a Christmas of an earlier era—filled with sincerity, tradition, and joy. The atmosphere captures a distinctly Victorian spirit, evoking the charm of Charles Dickens’ 19th-century Christmases, especially during the outdoor scenes where Frank, Bing, and a group of carolers gather in the cold to sing shoulder-to-shoulder.
This is Christmas nostalgia at its finest: warm, musical, and timeless.
Happy Holidays – Track by Track
The show opens with Frank Sinatra whistling and carefully hanging ornaments on a silver-tinsel Christmas tree, welcoming the audience with a warm Merry Christmas. He begins with “Mistletoe and Holly,” a song he co-wrote and first recorded earlier that same year—making this likely its first televised performance. The scene, from the tree’s shimmering tinsel to Frank’s impeccable suit and green tie, immediately transports viewers into the timeless, classic Christmas aesthetic only Sinatra could deliver.
As Frank finishes the song, Bing Crosby enters through the front door, briefly singing “Happy Holiday” before handing Sinatra a wrapped copy of his new Christmas record, complete with a green bow. Frank responds gifting Bing his latest holiday release, A Jolly Christmas. After swapping albums like two old friends, they head toward the punch bowl for some hot toddy, where Sinatra serves with a ladle as they effortlessly go into “Jingle Bells.”
Their harmonies are stunning—quick, intuitive, and playful. At one moment, Bing casually nudges Frank to “take the verse,” an unscripted cue that showcases how naturally these two legends could improvise together. It’s a performance that feels alive, natural, and spontaneous.
After the song, Frank remarks that the hot toddy recipe is “over a hundred years old,” and this leads them outside into the snow to join a group of carolers. Here, the special takes on its most visually striking mood: an English Victorian scene straight from Dickens. Top hats, scarves, lanterns, and winter coats set the tone as the crowd strolls through town singing “Deck the Halls.” There’s a real feeling of unity and joy in the air—voices blending, neighbors gathering, Christmas spirit radiating.
The group continues with “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” where Crosby’s celebrated baritone shines, supported by a caroler with an exceptionally deep bass voice. Without pause, they move into “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and from above, townspeople toss small gifts from windows as Frank reaches into his upper register. They conclude the outdoor segment with “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” before wishing the town a Merry Christmas and heading back inside.
Once indoors, Bing settles onto a green couch with a green typewriter set behind him—color coordination that feels delightfully mid-century. Over at the piano, Frank delivers a beautifully crooning reading of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” showcasing his silky vibrato at its purest. You’re reminded how naturally people sang in this era; the voice was so pure and natural.
Back on the couch, Bing responds with “Away in a Manger,” tapping into that unmistakable Crosby tone—the gentle warmth and sincerity that made him the world’s most beloved voice of Christmas.
The two then reunite at the piano for a heartfelt duet of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” before shifting to Frank’s holiday-decorated table. Sinatra tells Crosby dinner will be ready shortly and asks him to “wing it” on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Bing delivers with humor, charm, and an unexpectedly impressive vocal solo.
Sinatra flips through a Christmas songbook and launches into “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” interpreting it with a swinging jazz phrasing that gives the song fresh life. His voice opens beautifully during the second section, reminding the audience why this remains one of the greatest Christmas recordings of all time.
Next, Frank and Bing sit near a crackling wood fire place to sing “The Christmas Song.” Their voices blend perfectly creating one of the most seamless duets of the entire special—warm, intimate, and masterfully delivered.
For the finale, Bing stands alone at the window and sings “White Christmas,” the defining holiday song of the 20th century and still unmatched in emotional resonance. Frank joins him, handing over a fresh cup of hot toddy. When Frank hesitates, Bing gently urges him to join in—an iconic moment between two giants closing out the night.
They wish each other, and the audience, “Merry Christmas.” Outside, the snow begins to fall. Through the window, we see the two men sit down for Christmas dinner—captured in a simple, perfect moment of friendship, music, and holiday warmth.
There has never been another television Christmas special that captures this spirit—and there never will be.
