Who is xmas number 1 2025

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of now, the Christmas number 1 single for 2025 has not been determined. The UK's Official Charts Company typically confirms the festive chart-topper in the week beginning December 20, 2025, based on sales and streaming data.

Key Facts

The Christmas number 1 single in the UK is announced by the Official Charts Company each year on the Friday before Christmas.
In 2024, the race for number 1 included artists like Wham!, Ariana Grande, and a potential charity single.
Since 1952, the Official Charts Company has tracked the UK's Christmas number 1, with over 70 chart-toppers recorded.
Streaming platforms account for over 85% of chart eligibility, with one stream equivalent to 1/1000th of a sale.
The 2023 Christmas number 1 was 'Last Christmas' by Wham!, marking its second time at the top after 1984.

Overview

The Christmas number 1 single in the UK is one of the most anticipated music chart events each year, capturing public attention during the festive season. Determined by the Official Charts Company, the title is awarded based on the highest combined sales and streaming figures during the week leading up to Christmas.

As of mid-2025, the contender list remains speculative, with no official confirmation yet. Historically, the race includes major pop releases, re-entries of classic hits, and occasional charity singles aiming to claim the coveted spot.

Release schedules: Artists often time new singles or reissues to coincide with the holiday season, aiming for a Christmas number 1, especially in early December.
Wham! dominance: 'Last Christmas' has re-entered the charts annually since 2014 and secured the top spot in 2023, 39 years after its original release.
Streaming impact: Since 2015, streaming has counted toward chart positions, with 1,000 streams equating to one album sale, drastically changing competition dynamics.
Charity entries: Fundraising singles like those for Comic Relief or Band Aid have historically influenced the race, with Band Aid’s 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' topping in 1984.
Public voting: While not a formal vote, consumer behavior drives the chart, making public campaigns on social media a key factor in recent years.

How It Works

The Official Charts Company calculates the Christmas number 1 using a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and audio streams from licensed platforms. The tracking week runs from Friday to Thursday, with final data confirmed on the Friday before Christmas.

Chart eligibility:Only songs released before the tracking week qualify, and all formats must be available on approved UK retailers and platforms.
Streaming ratio:1,000 streams from services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube count as one chart sale, ensuring digital engagement is weighted fairly.
Official Charts Company: This body has managed the UK Singles Chart since 1952, maintaining consistency in how data is collected and verified.
Tracking period: The Christmas chart is based on data from Friday, December 13 to Thursday, December 19, 2025, with results announced on December 20.
Physical sales: CDs, vinyl, and cassettes still contribute, though they represent less than 12% of total chart points in recent years.
International entries: Songs by non-UK artists can win, as shown when Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande topped the chart in previous years.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of recent Christmas number 1 singles and their key metrics:

Year	Artist	Song Title	Weeks at Number 1	Streaming Share
2023	Wham!	Last Christmas	1	78%
2022	Elvis Presley	Blue Christmas	1	65%
2021	Ed Sheeran	Perfect	1	82%
2020	Lewis Capaldi	Before You Go	1	89%
2019	Queen	Bohemian Rhapsody	1	71%

This table illustrates how streaming has become the dominant factor in chart success, with over 70% of points coming from digital platforms in the last five years. Reissues of classic songs now frequently outperform new releases due to sustained popularity and playlist inclusion.

Why It Matters

Securing the Christmas number 1 is more than a chart achievement—it's a cultural milestone that can define an artist’s legacy and boost long-term revenue. The title often leads to increased royalties, media exposure, and catalog sales for years.

Cultural significance: The Christmas number 1 is widely covered in UK media and discussed across social platforms, becoming part of national conversation.
Artist visibility: Topping the chart can elevate emerging artists, as seen when Lewis Capaldi gained international fame after his 2020 win.
Streaming longevity: Songs that hit number 1 often remain in rotation on holiday playlists, generating sustained streams into future years.
Merchandising boost: Artists experience increased sales of vinyl, apparel, and concert tickets following a high-profile chart win.
Historical legacy: Being crowned Christmas number 1 places an artist in a lineage that includes The Beatles, Band Aid, and Adele.
Global attention: The UK chart race draws international interest, with media outlets from the US to Japan reporting on the outcome.

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, speculation will grow, but only consumer behavior in December will decide who claims the most coveted spot in British pop culture.