Over the decades, some tracks have become iconic staples of the season, while others merely reflect the music trends of their time.
Here’s a chronological look at some standout Christmas songs that have captured the nation's hearts since the 1960s.
1960s: The Beatles Era
The Beatles dominated the Christmas charts, securing four consecutive number ones with hits like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963) and "Hello, Goodbye" (1967). Their infectious melodies brought a festive vibe to the swinging '60s.
1970s: Glam Rock and Nostalgia
The 1970s featured enduring festive anthems. Slade’s "Merry Xmas Everybody" (1973) became a Christmas staple, while Mud’s "Lonely This Christmas" (1974) captured seasonal sentimentality. Paul McCartney’s Wings also delivered "Mull of Kintyre" (1977), a poignant ballad perfect for the holidays
1980s: Charity Singles and Synth-Pop
The '80s saw the rise of charity singles, notably Band Aid’s "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" (1984), a powerful anthem addressing famine in Ethiopia. Shakin’ Stevens’ "Merry Christmas Everyone" (1985) added a dose of cheerful nostalgia, while The Flying Pickets’ a cappella rendition of "Only You" (1983) showcased musical innovation
1990s: Pop Ballads and Boy Bands
Cliff Richard’s "Saviour’s Day" (1990) and the Spice Girls’ "2 Become 1" (1996) exemplified the era’s penchant for sentimental pop. Novelty songs also found success, such as "Mr Blobby" (1993), showing the UK’s love for a bit of festive fun
2000s: Reality TV Influence
With the rise of reality TV, winners of shows like The X Factor dominated the charts. Alexandra Burke’s "Hallelujah" (2008) and Matt Cardle’s "When We Collide" (2010) became instant holiday favourites. However, 2009 saw a grassroots campaign push Rage Against the Machine’s "Killing in the Name" to the top, a protest against the predictable chart dominance of reality TV
2010s: Quirky and Emotional Hits
This decade included a mix of heartfelt tracks and novelty hits. Clean Bandit’s "Rockabye" (2016) offered a modern take on holiday music, while charity-focused singles like "Wherever You Are" by the Military Wives (2011) touched hearts nationwide
2020s: Nostalgia and Humour
LadBaby’s novelty tracks supporting food banks ("We Built This City" and "Sausage Rolls for Everyone") became festive fixtures from 2018 to 2021. Wham!'s "Last Christmas" finally secured its number-one spot in 2023, nearly four decades after its release
Conclusion
The UK Christmas charts capture the spirit of their time, from heartfelt ballads to playful novelty songs. Whether it's the timeless charm of Slade and The Beatles or the cheeky humour of LadBaby, these tracks embody the joy and warmth of the season.
For a complete list of UK Christmas number ones, visit the
https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/every-official-christmas-number-1-ever-__3618