She also discovered that “Jingle Bells” was first performed in Boston in 1857 during a minstrel show, a finding that highlighted the song’s complex history.

This plaque marks the birthplace of “Jingle Bells,” and claims Pierpont wrote the song there in 1850 at the Simpson Tavern, a boarding house with the only piano in town.

James Lord Pierpont, a Boston native, penned globally renowned holiday classic song "Jingle Bells" in the 1850s. ... Pen and piano proved no match for the allure of sword and rebellion.

Further evidence that the song Pell performed was the same one we now know as "Jingle Bells" can be found on the cover of the song's original 1857 sheet music, which Pierpont dedicated to the ...

Jingle Bells is a cheery festive tune that always raises spirits at this time of year. But, little you may know, it was never actually meant to be a Christmas song.

ZALESKI: That song, you know, celebrates love and celebrates Christmas, and jingle bells really kind of represent that exuberance. HENSEL: There's a reason they're so ubiquitous at this time of year.

The “Jingle Bells” origin story is a vague and much-contended one. The tale definitely begins with composer James Pierpont in the mid-19th century. From there, the details get a little frosty.

The holiday classic "Jingle Bells" may have you dashing through the snow and longing for a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, but the 19th-century song was never intended to celebrate the Christmas season.

The holiday classic "Jingle Bells" may have you dashing through the snow and longing for a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, but the 19th-century song was never intended to celebrate the Christmas season.

ZALESKI: That song, you know, celebrates love and celebrates Christmas, and jingle bells really kind of represent that exuberance. HENSEL: There's a reason they're so ubiquitous at this time of year.