These are, in our view, the biggest-selling singles about Christmas and the festive season.

Detailed sales figures have long since ceased to exist (if they ever did) for many of the older titles in this chart. Where unavailable, we have estimated figures. We are indebted to Simon Walters for his detailed record-keeping and input into this chart. The top 7 are million-sellers. The Top 14 sold half a million+. By the time we get to no. 30 sales figures are around the 200,000 mark and tracks in the region of no. 40 have sales of approx 100,000. You should be aware that titles at the lower end of this Top 50 are probably almost 'too close to call.'

It is tough to decide which tracks should be included. Some are obvious. Others are borderline. Being a 'Christmassy' single isn't enough; there has to be an explicit reference to a clear aspect of Christmas / New Year etc in the title or lyric. The line lies somewhere between "Walking In The Air" (included) and Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Power Of Love" (not included). A good indicator is whether or not the track would sound inappropriate when played outside the festive season. The only truly contentious track is East 17's 1994 Christmas Number One, "Stay Another Day." By our definition, it is not a true song about Christmas, though it's heavy use of sleigh bells does imply it! Anyway, it would be no. 8 in the list if included.