For generations, Christmas playlists have been dominated by the same beloved songs – the booming voice of Noddy Holder, the nostalgic imagery of Wham!, and the spirited singalongs to “Fairytale of New York.” We cling to these traditions, a comforting soundtrack to the season’s familiar joys.
But a shift is happening. A new generation of festive favorites is emerging, quietly building a following and challenging the established order. It turns out the last decade has quietly gifted us a modern Christmas classic, one that’s resonated with millions.
Leona Lewis’s “One More Sleep” has been crowned the most-streamed British Christmas tune of the 21st century. Released in 2013, it didn’t immediately reach the pinnacle of the charts, peaking at number three. Yet, it has amassed over 190 million streams in the UK, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” follows closely behind, securing the second spot in this new wave of festive hits. Lily Allen’s poignant cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” originally featured in a beloved Christmas advertisement, rounds out the top three.
The influx of modern classics is a welcome development, according to music industry experts. It demonstrates that the canon of Christmas songs isn’t static, and that new tunes can indeed capture the magic of the season and earn a place in our hearts.
Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John’s collaboration, “Merry Christmas,” lands at number four, while Alexandra Burke’s powerful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” claims fifth. Burke’s single actually reigns supreme when considering physical media sales, showcasing its broad appeal.
The early 2000s saw a period of dominance by reality television contestants on the Christmas charts, even sparking a public campaign to break their hold. In 2009, Rage Against The Machine unexpectedly topped the charts, briefly disrupting the trend.
Beyond the top five, tracks like The Darkness’s “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)” and Sam Smith’s version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” continue to gain popularity. Newer hits from Jess Glynne, George Ezra, and Sam Ryder are also making their mark.
Despite these rising stars, the older classics still hold a powerful grip on our collective Christmas spirit. The Pogues, whose “Fairytale of New York” remains a perennial favorite, even joked about not wanting the competition, acknowledging the difficulty of crafting a truly timeless Christmas song.
Legendary songwriter Spider, of The Pogues, revealed that creating “Fairytale of New York” was a painstaking process, taking at least two years to perfect. He emphasized the challenge of writing a song that genuinely embodies the spirit of Christmas, rather than simply being a seasonal novelty.
Artists continue to attempt to write the next great Christmas anthem. Sabrina Carpenter released a festive EP in 2023, and Tom Grennan even got a celebratory tattoo anticipating a chart-topping hit, though it narrowly missed the mark.
This year’s contenders include Olivia Dean with “The Christmas Song,” and Kylie Minogue with “XMAS,” both generating significant buzz. A charity single, “Lullaby” for Together For Palestine, is also poised to make an impact, adding a meaningful dimension to the festive season.
While Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has topped the charts for the past two years, bookmakers are predicting its continued success in 2025. Only time will tell if a new classic emerges, but for now, the sound of “One More Sleep” signals a broadening of our Christmas musical landscape.
