Who is xmas number 1

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The UK Christmas number 1 single is the top-selling song during the first week of December, officially announced by the Official Charts Company. In 2023, LadBaby claimed the title for the fifth consecutive year with 'Don't Stop Me Eatin'', a parody of Queen and David Bowie's 'Under Pressure'. This marked a record-breaking streak, surpassing previous acts like The Beatles and Spice Girls.

Key Facts

LadBaby achieved the UK Christmas number 1 in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 with charity sausage roll-themed parodies
The Beatles hold the record for most Christmas number 1s with four, from 1963 to 1967
In 2022, the Christmas number 1 was 'Gratitude' by Tems, marking the first African artist to top the chart at Christmas
The Official Charts Company has tracked the Christmas number 1 since 1952, with Al Martino's 'Here in My Heart' as the first ever UK number 1
Since 2009, reality TV show 'The X Factor' winners dominated the Christmas chart, including Leona Lewis and Joe McElderry

Overview

The UK Christmas number 1 single is one of the most anticipated music events each year, reflecting both public taste and cultural moments. Officially determined by the Official Charts Company, it ranks the best-selling single during the week ending just after Christmas Day, typically based on physical sales, downloads, and streaming data.

This chart position has become a cultural battleground, often influenced by fan campaigns, charity efforts, and media attention. Over the decades, it has featured legendary artists, surprise hits, and even novelty songs engineered to win the festive top spot.

LadBaby's 2023 win with 'Don't Stop Me Eatin'' marked their fifth consecutive Christmas number 1, a modern record unmatched by any other act in the 21st century.
The Beatles were the first to dominate the Christmas chart, securing the top spot in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1967, missing only 1966 due to 'Penny Lane' being held off by 'Green Slime'.
In 2022, Nigerian artist Tems reached number 1 with 'Gratitude', becoming the first African solo artist to achieve the Christmas top spot in UK chart history.
The X Factor effect from 2005 to 2014 saw winners like Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke dominate the Christmas chart, with Lewis’s 'Cry Me a River' cover nearly winning in 2008.
Streaming rules changed in 2014, allowing songs to chart based on 100 streams equaling one sale, significantly altering how campaigns like LadBaby’s were structured.

How It Works

The Christmas number 1 is determined by the Official Charts Company using a combination of sales, downloads, and streaming data over a specific tracking week, usually ending on a Friday just after December 25.

Chart Week: The official tracking week runs from Friday to Thursday. The Christmas number 1 is confirmed the following Sunday on BBC Radio 1. This system ensures accurate data aggregation.
Sales and Streams: Since 2014, 100 audio streams count as one single sale. Video streams from platforms like YouTube are included, which helped songs like 'Rage' by Elton John chart.
Eligibility: Any commercially released single is eligible, including re-releases. In 1987, Band Aid II’s 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' reclaimed the top spot 12 years after the original.
Charity Singles: Many Christmas number 1s are charity-driven, such as 1984's Band Aid release and 2009's Rage Against the Machine campaign to block a X Factor winner.
Public Campaigns: Grassroots movements, like the 2009 'Killing in the Name' campaign, have successfully disrupted expected winners using social media and coordinated purchasing.
Artist Eligibility: There is no restriction on artist nationality or label affiliation, allowing global hits like Ed Sheeran’s 'Perfect' in 2017 to claim the title.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of notable Christmas number 1 singles over the past decade:

Year	Artist	Song	Notable Fact
2023	LadBaby	Don't Stop Me Eatin'	Fifth consecutive win; charity single for food banks
2022	Tems	Gratitude	First African solo artist to top Christmas chart
2021	LadBaby	Sausage Rolls for Everyone	Parody of 'We Are the Champions'; raised over £100,000
2020	LadBaby	Don't Stop Me Eatin'	First parody song to win twice; supported food aid
2019	LadBaby	I Love Sausage Rolls	Second win; parody of 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll'

This table illustrates a shift from traditional pop dominance to socially driven campaigns and charity efforts. The rise of digital streaming has also allowed non-British artists and independent releases to compete effectively, reshaping the landscape of the Christmas chart race.

Why It Matters

The Christmas number 1 is more than a chart position—it reflects national sentiment, media influence, and the power of collective action. From charity anthems to protest campaigns, it has become a barometer of cultural priorities and public engagement with music.

Charity Impact: LadBaby’s singles raised over £100,000 for food banks across the UK, demonstrating how chart success can translate into real-world aid.
Cultural Moments: The 2009 Rage Against the Machine campaign highlighted public fatigue with X Factor dominance, sparking national debate on music authenticity.
Artist Exposure: Winning the Christmas spot often boosts an artist’s profile internationally, as seen with Tems gaining wider recognition in Europe.
Streaming Influence: The inclusion of streams has democratized the chart, allowing older songs like Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' to re-enter and win decades later.
Historical Legacy: Holding the Christmas number 1 cements an artist’s place in UK pop history, joining legends like The Beatles and Spice Girls.
Media Attention: The announcement receives extensive coverage on BBC Radio 1 and news outlets, making it a key moment in the UK’s festive calendar.

As music consumption evolves, the Christmas number 1 continues to adapt, remaining a unique blend of commerce, culture, and community. Whether driven by nostalgia, satire, or social cause, it remains one of the most watched music events of the year.