It was released in December 1965 by Fantasy Records to coincide with the debut of the television special A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring the Peanuts comic characters.

Other musicians have claimed to have recorded the special's music: bassists Eugene Firth and Al Obidinski and drummers Paul Distel and Benny Barth.

[16] Guaraldi incorporated "Linus and Lucy" as the central theme for the Peanuts franchise, a piece originally recorded on October 26, 1964, with Budwig and Bailey for the album Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

The second bridge section of this rendition is notably highlighted during a scene where Snoopy exuberantly dances on Schroeder's piano before halting mid-performance in embarrassment.

This new music played a pivotal role in defining the tone of the production, with its instrumentation effectively conveying the whimsical yet introspective nature of the Peanuts characters and their world.

Several takes were needed to refine the structure and feel of the piece, with Guaraldi eventually guiding the group to the final version after numerous attempts.

[14] The recording process for "Christmas Time Is Here", originally titled "Snow Waltz," was characterized by meticulous attention to detail as Guaraldi and his trio worked through multiple takes to achieve a balance between the song's inherent melancholy and a warm, inviting tone.

Later, a choral rendition featuring lyrics hastily penned by producer Lee Mendelson in approximately 15 minutes was recorded by the St. Paul's Episcopal Church choir.

Mineah's pursuit of perfection contrasted with Mendelson and Guaraldi's desire for a more natural sound, resulting in the use of a slightly off-key version of "Hark!

In addition to their musical contributions, the children recorded dialogue for the special's closing scene, joyfully exclaiming, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!

One choir member, Candace Hackett Shively, became an elementary school teacher and fondly recalled the recording sessions, including post-session ice cream outings, which she shared with her students every holiday season.

One of these brief interpretations (#2, Take 5) was used during a pivotal scene, adding emotional depth as Charlie Brown exits the school theater carrying his small Christmas tree.

The bright, bossa nova-inflected track showcases Guaraldi's ability to balance jazz improvisation with the structured demands of an animated special.

It's the kind of realization that, even unconsciously, opens the door for later discoveries in Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Robert Glasper and everything beyond, to say nothing of all the other sounds and ensembles waiting to be heard with jazz at its pulse.

AllMusic reviewer Shawn M. Haney called it "joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season"[6] writing, "Guaraldi strings together elegant, enticing arrangements that reflect the spirit and mood of Schulz's work.

"[6] Dominique Leone at Pitchfork called the songs "small, observant miracles...If there's a muted quality to a lot of this music, it's smiling nonetheless.

"[32] Chris Barton of the Los Angeles Times asserts that the soundtrack introduced jazz to an entirely new generation, having been heard by more individuals than the work of the genre's most influential players, including Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

[37] All tracks are written by Vince Guaraldi, except where notedNote: Vince Guaraldi Trio Children's chorus for the songs "Christmas Time Is Here", "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing" and when the kids all shout "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown" was the Children's choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California.