There’s something special about those Christmas songs that we all love to hear year after year. Most of us have fond memories of singing along to some seasonal classics in the back of the car, so we decided to find out your favourites for a festive road trip. First we asked around the office and put together a longlist, then we asked our Facebook and Twitter followers to vote for their Christmas number one.
That gave us a top 10, so whether you prefer to rock out with The Boss, croon along with Bing or swoon over George, here they are! We’ve also put together an extended playlist on both Spotify and YouTube.
Here is a List of Songs for a Festive Road Trip
10. Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
This version of the seasonal standard was recorded in 1975, but Springsteen still plays it in his December gigs to this day.
9. Michael Bublé – It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Canadian crooner Bublé has followed in the footsteps of legends like Perry Como and Bing Crosby by re-popularising this Fifties favourite.
8. Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
Believe it or not, Brenda Lee is still only in her early 70s – she was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1958!
7. Wizzard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
This classic lost to Wizzard’s glam rock rivals Slade in the race for 1973’s Christmas number one, but it wins out in our chart!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r89CjMZDQpQ
6. Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You
This is the most modern song in our list, but it’s still more than 20 years old! Nostalgia is a powerful thing at Christmas…
5. Wham! – Last Christmas
This huge 1980s hit is as popular as ever – and all the more poignant following George Michael’s sad passing on Christmas Day 2016.
4. Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Led by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure and featuring a host of 1980s stars, this charity supergroup shot to number one in 1984 and has spawned three more spin-offs since.
3. Bing Crosby and David Bowie – Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
An unlikely combination and an awkward video, but it worked! Nice cardie, Bing.
2. Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas
Surely the ultimate Christmas driving song, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czhZbqpyBm8
1. The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl – Fairytale Of New York
Wrong! You voted Shane, Kirsty and the lads to the number one spot with a true Irish classic.
Looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts? Check out our picks here!