Christmas number one: A look at UK’s best

Since Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody hit the charts back in 1973, the Christmas number one has truly been part of the festive season. This year, as expected, the contenders for the top position have brought us quite an eclectic mix of sounds, subjects and songs, with many donating proceeds from sales of their tracks to various charities and good causes. From celebrity covers to public campaigns against the “X-Factor machine“, the bestselling Christmas single has become something of a celebration of the country’s general mood at the end of the year. While we wait for the all-important announcement of the 2018 winner next week, why not take a look at this infographic find out – from romance to Rudolph – what we’ve chosen to listen to over the years, the bands that have enjoyed the most Christmas number ones and the favourite holiday songs that remain on our Christmas playlist year after year.

The editorial unit