A Christmas No. 1 May 2026

A deliberate rivalry between glam-rock bands Slade ("Merry Xmas Everybody") and Wizzard ("I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday") transformed the chart into a competitive annual "race".

The is the single that tops the UK Singles Chart in the week containing or preceding December 25th. While most charts mark popularity, the festive top spot is a deep-seated British cultural institution, characterized by intense public debate, betting, and often bizarre chart battles. Historical Background A Christmas No. 1

Dominated by established icons like Elvis Presley , Tom Jones , and The Beatles (who hold four festive chart-toppers). Most hits in this era were not festive in theme. A deliberate rivalry between glam-rock bands Slade ("Merry

Snow joke: why the Christmas No 1 single is still big business characterized by intense public debate