Christmas Number One: Current Favourites

As December draws near, the season of festive cheer is upon us, bringing with it the unmistakable sound of classic Christmas songs filling the airwaves around the globe.

But along with the jingling bells and timeless carols comes the much-anticipated battle for the coveted Christmas Number One spot. The race is heating up as familiar favourites and fresh contenders alike set their sights on claiming the crown for 2024.

Join us as we dive into the top three frontrunners vying to be named the UK’s Christmas Number One this year.

Bet on the UK Christmas Number One 2024

Wham! 6/4

Wham! has been a dominant force on the Christmas charts for decades, first making waves in 1984 with their iconic holiday hit. Released that year, the track spent an impressive five consecutive weeks at number two, edged out only by the monumental success of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?.

By February 2020, the Wham! classic had achieved an extraordinary milestone, selling over 1.9 million copies and earning the title of the biggest-selling single in UK chart history never to reach the number-one spot. However, later that same year, the timeless anthem finally claimed its long-overdue crown, entering the charts on November 19 and clinching the top position for the very first time.

Since that breakthrough, the track has continued to dominate the festive charts, claiming the number one-spot again in both 2022 and 2023. Today, it stands as not only a beloved Christmas staple but arguably one of the most recognisable songs of all time. Decades after its release, George Michael and Andrew Ridgley’s masterpiece remains a perennial favourite, and at odds of 6/4, it’s this year’s frontrunner to top the Christmas charts once again.

Band Aid 40 2/1

Band Aid 40 is making waves this holiday season, emerging as the second favourite at 2/1 to claim the coveted Christmas Number One spot in the UK. This year holds special significance, marking the 40th anniversary of the original Do They Know It’s Christmas?, a song that not only defined the festive charts but also became a cultural phenomenon. First released in 1984, the track brought together some of the biggest names in music to raise awareness and funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

In celebration of its milestone anniversary, Band Aid 40 breathes fresh life into the iconic anthem with a modern twist. Featuring a stellar lineup of modern artists alongside nods to the original cast, this tune blends nostalgia with modern relevance, reminding audiences of the power of music to unite people for a greater cause. The song’s message of giving and compassion remains as poignant today as it was four decades ago, making it a fitting choice for the Christmas Number One battle in 2024.

The original version famously dominated the charts, holding the top spot for five weeks during the festive period of 1984, and went on to become one of the UK’s best-selling singles of all time. This anniversary edition seeks to replicate that magic and is a formidable contender to take the festive crown.

Mariah Carey 5/1

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You once again finds itself in the holiday spotlight, currently the third favourite at 5/1 odds to claim the UK Christmas Number One title for 2024. As one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever recorded, this festive classic is celebrating its 30th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its enduring popularity and timeless appeal.

Released in 1994 as part of Carey’s Merry Christmas album, the song has transcended generations, becoming a global staple of holiday playlists and the ultimate soundtrack to the festive season. Carey’s powerhouse vocals have cemented it as the quintessential Christmas anthem, breaking records along the way. In 2019, All I Want for Christmas Is You finally achieved a long-awaited milestone by hitting the number-one spot on the UK charts for the first time – 25 years after its release – and has repeated the feat every year since.

As the holiday season approaches, Carey’s masterpiece is poised to make yet another triumphant run at the Christmas charts.