c. 1300, "a round dance accompanied by singing," verbal noun from carol (v.). As "a going from place to place in a group singing Christmas carols" by 1879.
Entries linking to caroling
carol v.
c. 1300, "to dance in a ring," from Old French caroler, from carole (see carol (n.)). As "to sing with joy or festivity" from late 14c. As "go around from place to place in a group singing Christmas carols" it is from 1879, said to be a Victorian revival of an older English custom. Related: Caroled; caroling; caroler.