The UK Christmas charts delivered a surprise twist this year, and at the centre of it all is Kylie Minogue.
As festive playlists filled homes and smart speakers echoed holiday tunes, Kylie quietly climbed to the very top with her brand-new song XMAS, officially landing her first-ever UK Christmas Number 1.
Kylie Minogue Makes Chart History Again
At 57, the Australian pop icon isn’t just celebrating a seasonal win — she’s rewriting music history.
With this latest achievement, Kylie has become the first woman to score UK Number 1 singles across four different decades, spanning the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and now the 2020s.
That milestone puts her in elite company, drawing level with legends like Elton John, Elvis Presley, and Queen.
A Christmas Classic Knocked Off the Throne
Kylie’s festive hit also brought an end to WHAM!’s recent dominance.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s beloved Last Christmas had claimed the top spot for two consecutive years, but this time it settled for second place.
Mariah Carey’s timeless All I Want For Christmas Is You followed closely behind at Number 3 for the second year running, while Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree secured the fourth spot.
Kylie Reacts to Her Festive Triumph
Speaking about the moment, Kylie didn’t hide her excitement.
She described the achievement as incredibly emotional, calling the Christmas Number 1 “the most wonderful gift.”
She also thanked fans for their support and shared warm holiday wishes with listeners who helped make the moment possible.
Another Record for the Pop Icon
XMAS marks Kylie’s eighth UK Number 1 single, but that’s not the only first tied to the track.
It also becomes the first Amazon Music Original to ever reach Number 1 on the Official Christmas Chart.
The success follows closely on the heels of her chart-topping festive album Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), which claimed the Number 1 album spot just a week earlier.
A Meaningful Message Enters the Top Five
One of the most talked-about entries this year was Lullaby by Together For Palestine, which debuted at Number 5 and became the best-selling song of the week.
The track brings together more than 15 UK and Palestinian artists, united in a message of hope and solidarity.
Rather than relying solely on streaming, many fans have chosen to purchase the song outright, knowing proceeds are supporting urgent humanitarian aid for children in Gaza.
The supergroup features names such as Bastille’s Dan Smith, Celeste, Neneh Cherry, Nadine Shah, Brian Eno, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix.
Familiar Favorites Still Holding Strong
Rounding out the Top 10, The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s Fairytale Of New York landed at Number 6, proving once again that festive nostalgia never truly fades.
TV Appearances and Streaming Power Boost the Win
Kylie’s chart momentum was fuelled by major exposure.
Nearly seven million viewers watched her perform XMAS on Strictly Come Dancing, and she followed that up with a high-profile appearance on BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show with Scott Mills.
The song’s Amazon Music exclusivity also played a role, with heavy placement on Alexa-enabled playlists driving strong streaming numbers.
How Streaming Has Changed the Christmas Charts
The way Christmas Number 1 is decided has shifted dramatically in recent years.
With physical sales declining, 100 streams now count as one sale, a change that has reshaped the chart race.
According to Official Charts Company CEO Martin Talbot, streaming has given classic holiday songs a renewed chance to return to the top year after year — something that was far less likely in the era of CDs and vinyl.
What’s Next?
With her festive takeover complete and records still tumbling, all eyes are now on what Kylie Minogue does next.
Whether it’s more holiday magic or a brand-new era altogether, one thing is clear — she’s still very much at the top of her game.
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