Popular Christmas carols include 'Silent NIGHT, ' 'Away in a Manger, ' and 'Joy to the World.' 'Silent NIGHT' is a traditional Christmas carol that was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr. It is about the birth of Jesus and is sung in many languages around the world. 'Away in a Manger' is a popular Christmas carol that was written by James R. Murray in 1887. It is about the nativity of Jesus and is often sung by children. 'Joy to the World' is a popular Christmas carol that was written by Isaac Watts in 1719. It is based on Psalm 98 and is one of the most popular Christmas carols in the world.