Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree: The Best 80s Holiday Hits
Step into a nostalgic winter wonderland with the magical sounds of the 1980s! From festive pop hits to timeless ballads, these Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season with all the charm and cheer of the decade.
Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas
Originally released as the B-side to his single “Hello Friend” in 1986, “Driving Home for Christmas” was re-recorded in 1988 for Chris Rea’s compilation album New Light Through Old Windows. Issued as the album’s fourth single in November 1988, the new version is the one most listeners recognize today. Although it only reached No. 53 on the UK Singles Chart at the time, the song has since become a beloved holiday classic, re-entering the charts regularly and finally peaking at No. 10 in 2021.
In 2009, an official animated video was produced in support of the UK housing charity Shelter, with proceeds donated to help fight homelessness.
Bros – Silent Night
Originally composed in 1818, “Silent Night” (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) was reimagined by the British boy band Bros in 1988. Their cover, released as a double A-side with “Cat Among the Pigeons,” climbed to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 in Ireland. Bros, consisting of twins Matt and Luke Goss and bassist Craig Logan, brought a pop twist to the timeless carol.
Run–D.M.C. – Christmas In Hollis
This energetic holiday rap classic was released in 1987 as part of the compilations A Very Special Christmas and Christmas Rap. “Christmas in Hollis” mixed hip-hop with holiday spirit and featured samples from festive favorites like “Back Door Santa,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Joy to the World.” It reached No. 56 in the UK, No. 75 in the Netherlands, and No. 78 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984, this iconic charity single united some of the biggest British and Irish music stars of the time — including Bono, George Michael, Sting, and Phil Collins — to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Released on December 3, 1984, it became the fastest-selling single in UK chart history and held the No. 1 spot throughout the holiday season.
Band Aid II - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
In 1989, a new generation of pop stars came together to re-record the iconic track under the name Band Aid II. Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, the lineup included Kylie Minogue, Lisa Stansfield, Bros, and Bananarama. The single matched the success of the original, spending three weeks at No. 1 on the UK chart.
Wham! – Last Christmas
Written and produced by George Michael, “Last Christmas” was released in 1984 as part of a double A-side single with “Everything She Wants.” Although it originally peaked at No. 2 — held off the top spot by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” — the song became a timeless holiday classic. After re-entering the charts nearly every year, “Last Christmas” finally reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2021, 36 years after its initial release, setting a new record for the longest journey to the top.
Jona Lewie – Stop the Cavalry
Released in 1980, “Stop the Cavalry” was intended as an anti-war protest song, but its memorable brass melody and the lyric “Wish I was at home for Christmas” helped it become a seasonal classic. The track reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and has since become a staple of Christmas playlists.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – The Power Of Love
Though not originally written as a Christmas song, “The Power of Love” became associated with the season thanks to its release date (November 1984), its nativity-themed video, and religious artwork on the single cover. The emotional ballad topped the UK chart and remains a powerful, if unconventional, Christmas favorite.
The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl – Fairytale of New York
Released in December 1987, “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl has become one of the most beloved and enduring Christmas songs in the UK. With its bittersweet lyrics, Irish folk style, and unforgettable duet, it peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart — kept from the top spot by the Pet Shop Boys’ “Always on My Mind.” Despite never reaching No. 1, the song re-enters the chart nearly every year and has become a holiday classic.
Shakin’ Stevens – Merry Christmas Everyone
Released in December 1985, “Merry Christmas Everyone” quickly became one of the UK’s most popular festive songs. Written by Bob Heatlie and performed by Welsh rock and roll singer Shakin’ Stevens, the track hit No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart during the Christmas week of 1985. Its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics have made it a perennial favorite, regularly reappearing on holiday playlists and charts every year since its release.
Cliff Richard – Mistletoe and Wine
Released in November 1988, “Mistletoe and Wine” became Cliff Richard’s 12th UK No. 1 single and his first Christmas No. 1. Originally written for a TV adaptation of The Little Match Girl as a satirical piece, Richard reworked the lyrics into a more traditional celebration of the season. The single topped the UK Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks, including Christmas week, and became the best-selling single in the UK in 1988. Its warm, classic feel and sing-along chorus have helped it remain a fixture of British Christmas music ever since.
Kim Wilde & Mel Smith – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
In 1987, British pop singer Kim Wilde teamed up with comedian Mel Smith for a playful cover of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Released as a charity single for Comic Relief, the duet mixed festive cheer with light-hearted humor and a comedic video to match. The single was a commercial success, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, and has remained a nostalgic favorite of ’80s Christmas playlists ever since.
80s Christmas songs bring a unique blend of synth-pop and holiday cheer. With iconic hits like Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis”, these tracks capture the festive spirit of the decade. The 80s produced many classic Christmas songs that continue to be enjoyed today.