The Battle for the Festive Crown Begins
The annual race for the coveted UK Christmas number one is officially underway, promising one of the most eclectic clashes in recent chart history. A diverse mix of global superstars, theatre icons, and festive newcomers are set to compete for the top spot, with the winner being announced on Friday, December 19.
Heavyweight Contenders and Surprise Entries
Taylor Swift emerges as a formidable force in this year's competition. The US pop sensation, who released her 12th studio album The Life Of A Showgirl in October, is a strong contender with her chart-topping hit 'The Fate Of Ophelia'. The Official Charts Company has also highlighted her tracks 'Opalite' and 'Elizabeth Taylor' as potential dark horses. With five previous UK number one singles to her name, Swift's bid for the festive crown is significant.
In a fascinating twist, one of Swift's potential chart rivals is Denise Welch. The Loose Women star and mother of The 1975's frontman Matty Healy—who was romantically linked to Swift—is entering the fray with her new Christmas single, 'Slayyy Bells'. Boldly described as "the hyperpop Christmas banger of 2025", the track features memorable lyrics including "we’re serving looks, not turkey" and promises a uniquely modern festive offering.
Meanwhile, theatre powerhouse Cynthia Erivo and pop superstar Ariana Grande could also be in contention with their track 'For Good', featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming Wicked sequel. The song appears on Wicked: For Good – The Soundtrack, which also includes 'No Good Deed' and 'No Place Like Home'.
A Diverse Field of Festive Hopefuls
Beyond these headline acts, a wide array of artists are hoping to capture the nation's festive spirit. McFly's Tom Fletcher has penned a song for Paddington The Musical, a new version of 'One Of Us', which is already a bookmaker's favourite. Its accompanying music video features Michael Bond’s beloved bear alongside the singer at Paddington Station, continuing a tradition of children's characters reaching the Christmas top spot.
December will also see new releases from Raye, with 'Where Is My Husband!', and Labrinth, whose 'Where Love Lives' serves as this year’s soundtrack for the John Lewis Christmas advert. Other notable contenders include:
- Kylie Minogue’s new pop single 'Xmas'
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s '(Christmas) Time'
- Pixie Lott’s 'First Christmas'
- Olivia Dean’s 'The Christmas Song'
- The Divine Comedy’s 'All The Pretty Lights'
- Picture This’s 'It’s Christmas Time'
Charity singles, historically strong contenders, are also in the running, including 'Lullaby' by Together For Palestine and the Home Care’s Got Talent rendition of Robbie Williams’ 'Angels'. Last year’s victor, Wham!’s 'Last Christmas', which finally claimed the top spot after its 1984 release, could make a return alongside other festive classics.
The Countdown to Christmas Chart Glory
Martin Talbot, chief executive at Official Charts Company, commented on the impending competition: "It’s that time of year again – Christmas is coming and the release schedules are fattening up with every day. This year, there is a wide variety of contenders – including children’s favourites, charity fundraisers, daytime TV icons and Aussie pop queens, among many more."
The official Christmas number one race for 2025 commences on Friday, December 12, with sales and streams being tallied until 11:59 pm on Thursday, December 18. The highly anticipated 2025 Christmas number one single will be unveiled live on BBC Radio 1’s The Official Chart at 4pm on Friday, December 19.
