UK listeners embrace modern Christmas hits, and streaming data reveals the most popular tunes of the 21st century. Every holiday season, Wham!’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You dominate the charts.
Yet newer songs show Brits enjoy contemporary festive music alongside classic 80s hits. The Official Charts Company recently published a list of the most-streamed UK Christmas songs released since 2000.
At number one sits Leona Lewis’ One More Sleep, a jubilant 2013 original celebrating time with loved ones at Christmas. Lewis co-wrote the track with Iain James, Jez Ashurst, Bradford Ellis, and Biff Stannard.
The single originally appeared on her album Christmas, With Love while she was signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco label. At number two, Coldplay’s Christmas Lights offers a more reflective mood for the season.
Both tracks have resurged in the streaming era, peaking at numbers three and thirteen in recent years. The list also features a few non-Christmas songs associated with December ads or holiday campaigns.
Other top 10 entries include Lily Allen’s Somewhere Only We Know (2013) and Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s Merry Christmas (2021).
Alexandra Burke’s Hallelujah (2008), The Darkness’ Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End) (2003), and Sam Smith’s Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (2014) also appear.
Jess Glynne’s This Christmas (2020), George Ezra’s Come On Home For Christmas (2021), and Sam Ryder’s You’re Christmas To Me (2023) round out the top 10.
Looking ahead to 2025, Wham!’s Last Christmas remains a contender for the festive number one spot. George Michael’s classic is currently at number three in the UK charts, making a strong comeback likely.
Kylie Minogue’s new festive track could challenge the top spot, climbing streaming charts rapidly this month. Other competitors include non-festive songs like Taylor Swift’s The Fate Of Ophelia, Raye’s Where Is My Husband!, and Olivia Dean’s recent hits.
Streaming trends show that while listeners shift to holiday music, modern UK Christmas songs continue to captivate audiences. The mix of classics and contemporary tracks demonstrates the evolving taste of UK festive music fans.
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