The public’s top 15 Christmas tunes for 2024 have been revealed – and the results see Tchaikovsky, Frederick Oakeley, Handel and even Martin Luther rubbing shoulders with George Michael, Wizzard, The Pogues and BandAid, as Britain picks the playlist to kick-start this year’s Christmas countdown.

The national poll by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) asked a representative sample of 2,000 adults which songs or pieces of music (from a range of genres) were their go-to choices to mark the start of the festive season this year.

Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ once again comes top and the iconic Band Aid song – this year in its fourth incarnation -  also makes the playlist. But it’s not all pop music, as six of the top 15 choices are from the choral and orchestral genre. For orchestral fans, music from their favourite genre accounted for half the top 10.

Top song choices to kick start the festive season (UK national average)

Top song choices to kick start the festive season (for orchestral music fans)

Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra comments: “For decades, December has been a time of year when rock and pop acts across the UK aspire to secure the coveted Christmas number one position in the charts. Our poll on the nation’s favourite Christmas music also reminds us of the timeless appeal of the hymns, religious and choral music that have a special place in people’s hearts. In fact, the popularity of Christmas music from the choral and classical genre comes at a time of year when engagement with classical music has hit an annual peak. Our research indicates that 83% of UK adults say they will engage with classical and choral music in some shape or form during the month of December – and many people that have no prior connection with the genre say Christmas is the right time for them give it a go. With this in mind, the RPO has put together a special Christmas playlist for everyone to enjoy. We hope it will inspire a journey of discovery that will lead to the magic of a live concert experience in the New Year.”

Listen to our specially-curated Christmas playlist that showcases orchestral music fit for the season

Listen on Spotify

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