We wish we could say that driving home for Christmas is a joyful experience, but anyone who’s travelled in the days leading up to December 25th knows that this is rarely the case. With the whole country on the move and bad weather threatening to throw a spanner in the works, driving during the run up to Christmas often brings anything but festive cheer.
But if there’s one thing certain to get us feeling festive on our travels, it’s a Christmas car playlist. From Chris Rea’s ultimate festive motoring anthem, Driving Home for Christmas, to crackers like Mariah’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, there are dozens of Christmas hits out there that can bring a little festive feeling to that yuletide tailback.
To help you get in the spirit of things while tackling the traffic, here we share our favourite Christmas driving songs to provide you with the perfect playlist for your festive travels.
- All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
If the opening jingle isn’t enough to get you in the mood, we guarantee the whole car will be dancing when those drums kick in at the 1-minute mark.
- Last Christmas – Wham!
From one Christmas cracker to another, let George and co. soundtrack the next mile or so with this festive favourite.
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
Take things down a notch with this cheerful jazz number – we think the lyrics are perfect for anyone travelling to see loved ones.
- Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
Back to Christmas cheese now, with Paul McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime – a good reminder to stay cheerful however bad the traffic.
5. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow – Dean Martin
While you might not want it to snow quite as much as Dean Martin, this song sure does add a little Christmas cosiness no matter where you are.
6. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – The Jackson 5
Put on those Santa hats and crack a window for this Christmas classic; it’s guaranteed to add a little festive magic.
7. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
No song’s as fitting for a festive drive than this stone-cold classic from Chris Rea. Top to toe with tailbacks your journey may be, but this song will keep you smiling.
8. Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
With its cynical lyrics and infectious melody, Christmas Wrapping is perfect for those feeling fed up with the endless holiday traffic jams.
9. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry wrote some great driving hits in his day, and Run Rudolph Run is a festive take on an uplifting motoring anthem.
10. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band
If the Christmas karaoke singing hasn’t started yet, this singalong hit from John Lennon and Yoko Ono is bound to get you and your passengers going.
11. Lonely This Christmas – Mud
May the singing continue, as Mud do their best Elvis impersonation and bring us this heartfelt slow-burner.
12. Step Into Christmas – Elton John
Crank up the volume for this jolly banger from Elton John, easily one of our favourite Christmas hits.
13. White Christmas – Darlene Love
The opening track on Phil Spector’s iconic A Christmas Gift for You, this is a car karaoke must (even if you’d prefer the snow to hold off a little longer).
14. I Believe in Father Christmas – Greg Lake
Ideal if you’ve got little ones travelling with you, Greg Lake manages to capture a little seasonal nostalgia in his hit, I Believe in Father Christmas.
15. Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade
The song that’s paid Noddy Holder’s wages for over 40 years, Merry Xmas Everybody is one festive favourite that will never go out of style.
16. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
If you’re feeling stressed at the wheel, let Andy Williams remind you what a special time of year it really is, brake lights and all.
17. Stop the Cavalry – Jona Lewie
This madcap Christmas classic from Jona Lewie continues to bring charm to even the dreariest of motorway journeys – add it to your playlist.
18. Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
Up there with the very best Christmas songs of all time, Shakin’ Stevens’ wonderful Merry Christmas Everyone is sure to get the whole car singing along.
19. 2000 Miles – Pretenders
Another song that seems to have been written with Christmas car journeys in mind, The Pretenders’ 2000 Miles had to make our shortlist.
20. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl
Bet you were wondering when this would show up? Saving the best ‘til last, Fairytale of New York is, to many, the ultimate Christmas hit for any occasion.
Agree with our playlist? Or think we’re missing a Christmas cracker? Tell us what your favourite Christmas driving songs are by joining the Redex Club Facebook Group – a place for fans of Redex to chat motors, make friends and more.
However far you’re driving to reach friends and family this Christmas, make sure your car is protected all season long with a shot of Redex. Our innovative fuel additives ensure a healthy, efficient and protected engine – click here to find out more.