Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea is a beloved holiday song known for its warm, nostalgic tone and relatable theme of traveling to be with loved ones during the festive season. Released in November 1988 as a single, it has since become a classic, especially in the UK and Europe, where it regularly returns to the charts every Christmas. Its smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics, and jazzy instrumentation make it a standout track in the holiday music canon.
Chris Rea, a British singer-songwriter known for hits like Fool (If You Think It’s Over) and On the Beach, wrote Driving Home for Christmas in 1978. The inspiration came during a car journey with his wife, Joan, as they were driving home to Middlesbrough from London during the Christmas season. Stuck in holiday traffic, Rea began to observe other travelers and their shared anticipation of reuniting with loved ones. He initially wrote the song as a lighthearted piece, never intending it to become a holiday classic. The song wasn’t recorded until nearly a decade later, as part of a BBC session. Rea officially released it in 1988 as a B-side to Hello Friend and included it on various compilations, where it gradually grew in popularity. Its charm and timeless appeal eventually made it a seasonal favorite.
Driving Home for Christmas captures the universal experience of traveling home to spend the holidays with family and friends. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, reflecting the joy, nostalgia, and anticipation of the journey. The song’s jazzy, laid-back arrangement sets it apart from more bombastic or overly festive Christmas tracks. The gentle piano melody and subtle string arrangements give the song a cozy, cinematic feel. Rea’s husky, soulful voice conveys warmth and sincerity, adding to the song’s intimate atmosphere. The swing rhythm and light instrumentation reflect Rea’s blues and jazz influences, creating a relaxed, timeless vibe.
Initially, Driving Home for Christmas wasn’t a major hit upon its release, but over time, it gained popularity through consistent radio play during the holiday season. It eventually became a chart regular in the UK, re-entering the charts each year as Christmas approaches. In 2021, it reached the UK Top 10 for the first time, nearly three decades after its debut. The song has also been certified Platinum in the UK, reflecting its enduring appeal and widespread streaming during the holiday season.
Driving Home for Christmas has become a holiday staple, especially in the UK and Europe. Its relatable theme and understated charm have made it a favorite for holiday playlists, Christmas parties, and seasonal advertising campaigns. The song has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous holiday compilations, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
The video clip was broadcast on 23 December 1986 by Dutch pop music TV show TopPop, interspersed with stock footage of the motorways around Hilversum in the Netherlands. The music video was made in 2009, 21 years after the song was first released, in aid of Shelter charity that campaigns to end homelessness and bad housing in England and Scotland.