Music is a big part of our lives. We listen to it every day, we have very strong opinions on what is good and what is terrible, and it’s ingrained in our culture. Music events bring us together, and we’re not just talking about concerts and festivals – we’re talking about the Christmas No 1.
The charts may have dwindled in overall relevancy since the dawn of streaming, but it’s still a pretty big deal each year to find out who’s going to make it to the top in time for Christmas. It’s a hallowed hall of fame, with artists like the Beatles, the Spice Girls, and one year Bob the Builder taking their places among the chosen. Yes, like the cartoon – 2000 was a weird time.
There’s always a few contenders vying for the title, and for a dark five years nobody could topple the empire of Ladbaby singing about sausage rolls, but we’re back to business now, and anything could happen. Only a few things are actually likely to happen, but hey, you never know. This could be the year Bob makes his triumphant return.
Realistically, there are only a few songs that are in with a chance. The full Christmas charts will be revealed tomorrow (December 20) on BBC 1 from 4pm, so it’s not long until we know for sure who’s taking home that trophy. But in the meantime, here are the tunes that have a fighting chance to win tomorrow.
UK Christmas Chart No 1 Contenders
Wham! – ‘Last Christmas’
Did you know that ‘Last Christmas’ was never a Christmas no 1 until last year? It has become such a staple of the festive season that an entire game, ‘Whamageddon’, has been invented which is based around trying to go as long as you can into December without hearing it. If you venture outside at all the game tends to end on December 3 or 4, and it only feels right that a song that inescapable should be somehow rewarded.
‘Last Christmas’ is the frontrunner, currently sitting in the top spot and being given odds of 1:6 from multiple bookies including Paddypower and Betfair. All it needs to do is hold its ground, and it’ll be claiming the title a second year in a row.
Gracie Abrams – ‘That’s So True’
Peaking at no 1 back in November and now sitting comfortably at two, ‘That’s So True’ is technically a Christmas hit. However, Bet365 aren’t so confident about this American popstar’s chances at outdoing Wham!, giving her odds of 33:1.
Mariah Carey – ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’
Perhaps the only song which rivals ‘Last Christmas’ in terms of ubiquitousness, ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’ is currently third on the UK singles chart. Although it’s below Abrams, it’s seeing better odds; 12:1 from William Hill.
ROSÉ and Bruno Mars – APT
Peaking at two last week but currently fourth, this collab is fighting a losing battle if it wants to make it to the top in tomorrow’s charts. Its odds are 66:1, according to Bet365, so we wouldn’t put money on it if we were you.
Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
Vintage is in, and so is this 1958 holiday classic. It’s fifth in the UK singles’ charts as of right now, but could it secure the No 1 spot? The chances are 33:1, exactly the same as ‘That’s So True’ according to Bet365.
Tom Grennan – ‘It Can’t Be Christmas’
This song is on the up, currently at six, the highest it has been in the charts since its release just over a month ago. Coral has given it odds of 10:1, officially making the bookies second choice, but it’s only available on Amazon’s streaming platform, which could hinder its ability to really take on the big leagues.
Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Did you know that they released a Band Aid song this year? It apparently went over a lot of people’s heads, as it is only at 14 in the charts, and heading down. It did peak at No 1, but it’s looking like it won’t be a Band Aid Christmas this year. Bet365 has given them odds of 20:1.
Tis’ the season at Time Out
Looking to spread the Christmas cheer? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a ranking of the UK’s best Christmas lights displays, and if you’re in the mood for mulled wine, here’s where you can find the best Christmas markets in the country. We are also keeping you up to date on all the latest Christmas news, including exactly where you can find the Coca-Cola truck.
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