The 10 Timeless Christmas Tracks That Missed The Top Holiday Spot

When we think of Christmas, certain songs immediately spring to mind, filling us with holiday cheer. Yet, surprisingly, some of the most iconic Christmas tunes have never secured the number one spot on Christmas day. The annual race to the Christmas number one is a cherished tradition, with some songs becoming perennial favorites despite never reaching the chart-topping position during the festive season.

The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

Despite its endearing status and annual recurrence on the holiday playlists, Fairytale of New York reached number two in the '80s but never claimed the top spot. In 2023, its absence from the number one position became significantly poignant with the passing of singer Shane MacGowan.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

John Lennon and Yoko Ono inspired generations with a message of peace through their song, which climbed to the second spot after Lennon's death but was never crowned number one during Christmastime.

Wonderful Christmastime

Sir Paul McCartney's 1979 hit Wonderful Christmastime could not outshine Pink Floyd on the charts, peaking only at number six during its debut year.

Walking in the Air

Associated with the heartwarming film The Snowman, Aled Jones's version of Walking in the Air delighted the public but only managed to reach the fifth position on the UK charts.

Last Christmas

Despite its immense popularity and recent chart success, Wham!'s Last Christmas never celebrated the holiday as a Christmas day number one, originally blocked by Band Aid's hit in 1984.

Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)

The Darkness's glam Christmas contribution in 2003 was beaten by a cover of Mad World, despite its rock and roll seasonal appeal.

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day

Wizzard missed out on the number one spot in the 70s thanks to Slade's competing Christmas anthem, and has been trying to claim it ever since.

Step Into Christmas

Elton John may be a household name, but his festive hit Step Into Christmas didn't make it past number 25 when it was first released in 1973.

White Christmas

Despite being a seasonal staple, Bing Crosby's White Christmas has never ascended to the top of the UK charts since it debuted decades after its original release.

All I Want for Christmas Is You

Mariah Carey's iconic holiday song has achieved number one status in later years, but never on the coveted December 25th, often coming close yet kept from the spot by other contenders.

Christmas, Music, Charts