Christmas Songs Dominate 2025: Classic Hits and Fresh Festive Releases
The Enduring Power of Christmas Music
As December arrives, Christmas songs once again flood streaming services and radio stations across the United Kingdom and beyond. These festive melodies have become an essential part of the holiday season, transforming shopping centres, family gatherings, and even commutes into celebrations of yuletide spirit. In 2025, the Christmas music landscape continues to evolve, blending timeless classics with innovative new releases that capture the magic of the season.
Chart-Topping Classics Lead the Way
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” currently holds the number one position on iTunes, maintaining its reign as the ultimate modern Christmas anthem. Wham!’s “Last Christmas” made Official Chart history in 2024 when it became the first song ever to clinch the Christmas Number 1 crown in two consecutive years, and contenders are wondering if it can achieve a hat-trick in 2025. Meanwhile, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” remains the best-selling Christmas song of all time with over 50 million copies sold.
2025’s New Holiday Releases
This year has seen an impressive slate of new Christmas music from both established and emerging artists. Pentatonix released “Christmas in the City,” featuring 18 tracks that celebrate the magic of cosmopolitan life around the holidays and showcase the group’s vocal athletics. Country music has contributed significantly to the festive season as well, with Mickey Guyton releasing “Feels Like Christmas” in October 2025 via MCA Nashville. 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year, with both longtime favourites and fresh voices bringing new albums, deluxe editions, and festive soundtracks to fans everywhere.
The Battle for Christmas Number 1
The 2025 Christmas Number 1 single will be announced Friday, 19 December live on BBC Radio 1’s The Official Chart. This year’s race features an eclectic mix of contenders beyond traditional festive fare. 20-year-old London singer-songwriter Sienna’s emotional ballad “Die On This Hill” enters the festive season in a very strong position, having recently broken the Top 10. Additionally, K-pop phenomenon HUNTR/X from Netflix’s “Kpop Demon Hunters” enters the race with multiple tracks, including “What It Sounds Like,” which receives a vinyl pressing shipping on December 12.
What Makes Christmas Songs Timeless
The appeal of Christmas songs extends far beyond nostalgia. One of the most effective ways to get into the holiday mood is to listen to Christmas music, whether enjoying classic carols or modern pop interpretations. The genre continues to attract diverse artists, from pop stars to country musicians, each adding their unique voice to the festive canon. As 2025’s Christmas season unfolds, these songs—both old and new—remind us of the joy, warmth, and togetherness that define the most wonderful time of the year.