Last Christmas

Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox song "Last Christmas" is a song credited to the English duo Wham!, written and recorded by its member George Michael. The track was released on 3 December 1984 via CBS Records internationally and as a double A-side via Epic Records with "Everything She Wants" in multiple European countries. Andrew Ridgeley, the other half of Wham!, had no involvement in the recording or writing of the record. Michael sang, produced, and performed (by use of a sequencer) all of the parts on the record.

"Last Christmas" initially spent five consecutive weeks at number two on the UK singles chart. It was beaten to Christmas number one by the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", on which Michael also performed. Wham! donated their royalties to relief efforts for the Ethiopian famine.

"Last Christmas" re-entered the chart various times in later years, becoming the highest-selling UK single never to reach number one. It reached number one on New Year's Day 2021, and became the Christmas number one in 2023, 39 years after its release. Combining sales and streams, it also became the third-best selling UK single, with 5.34 million sales, including streams. In 2024, it became the first song to become Christmas number one for consecutive years. "Last Christmas" topped the charts in 15 other countries and reached the top ten in countries including Australia, Canada and the United States. It reached number two on the Billboard Global 200 in January 2021.

In the UK, "Last Christmas" was voted eighth on the 2012 ITV television special The Nation's Favourite Christmas Song and voted the most popular 1980s song in Channel 5's Christmas 2020 countdown Britain's Favourite '80s Songs. It has been covered by artists including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Whigfield, Crazy Frog and Billie Piper.

Composition

"Last Christmas" describes a Christmastime breakup. The engineer, Chris Porter, said the upbeat rhythm track contrasted against the sadness of unrequited love.<ref name="Grdn2017" /> The same chord progression and melody is used for both the verse and chorus, with no middle eight.<ref name="Aroesti-2017">Template:Cite news</ref>

Production

George Michael wrote "Last Christmas" in his childhood bedroom in February 1984, while he and his bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley, were visiting his parents.<ref name="Grdn2017"/> Michael played Ridgeley the introduction and chorus melody, which Ridgeley later called "a moment of wonder".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Savage-2021">Template:Cite web</ref>

Wham! recorded "Last Christmas" in August 1984, at Advision Studios, London, with Michael having covered the studio in Christmas decorations "to set the mood".<ref name="Savage-2021" /> Michael produced the song and wrote and performed every part, using a LinnDrum drum machine, a Roland Juno-60 synthesiser and sleigh bells.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> Though Michael had no musical training, he performed each part himself, playing the keyboards "with two or three fingers", according to Porter.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> The only other people in the studio were Porter and two assistants, Paul Gommersal and Richard Moakes.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" />

Chart performance

On release, "Last Christmas" reached number two on the singles chart, beaten by the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid, on which Michael also performed. Wham! donated their "Last Christmas" royalties to the Ethiopian famine relief fund, the same cause as Band Aid.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> "Last Christmas" entered the UK top 40 15 times and the top 10 six times, including five consecutive years between 2016 and 2020. In 1985 and 2017, it returned to number two.

In December 2019, "Last Christmas" reached number one on the Official Vinyl Singles Chart<ref name="Official Vinyl Singles Chart">Template:Cite web</ref> and the Official Video Streaming Chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, it was streamed 17.1 million times, a UK record for the most streams in a week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was the year's best-selling vinyl single in the UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:As of, "Last Christmas" had more than over 1.90 million copies. It was the 10th-bestselling UK single in history, and the bestselling single not to reach number one.<ref name="Grdn2017" /><ref name="UK sales">Template:Cite news</ref> It was the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century in the UK until 2011, when it was overtaken by "Fairytale of New York" (1987) by the Pogues.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

"Last Christmas" reached number one on 1 January 2021, achieving the record for the longest time for a single to reach UK number one, previously held by "(Is This The Way To) Amarillo?" by Tony Christie.<ref name="Savage-2021" /> The record was surpassed in 2022 by Kate Bush with "Running Up That Hill", which took 37 years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In December 2023, "Last Christmas" became Christmas number one.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It also became the third-best selling UK single, with 5.34 million sales, including streams.<ref name="Savage-2023">Template:Cite web</ref> As of December 2023, "Last Christmas" had sold over 1.93 million physical copies and downloads, making it the eighth-bestselling single ever in the UK. It was certified six-times platinum in December 2023.<ref name="bpi" /> In 2024, it became the first song to be Christmas number one for two consecutive years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> That year, PRS for Music estimated that "Last Christmas" generates £300,000 of royalties per year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

UK singles chart
Year	Peak No.	Chart run
1984	2	13 weeks (15 December 1984 – 9 March 1985)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
1985	6	7 weeks (14 December 1985 – 25 January 1986)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
1986	45	5 weeks (13 December 1986 – 10 January 1987)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2007	14	5 weeks (8 December 2007 – 5 January 2008)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2008	26	5 weeks (6 December 2008 – 3 January 2009)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2009	34	4 weeks (12 December 2009 – 2 January 2010)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2010	53	4 weeks (11 December 2010 – 1 January 2011)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2011	26	4 weeks (10 December 2011 – 31 December 2011)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2012	34	5 weeks (8 December 2012 – 5 January 2013)
2013	36	5 weeks (7 December 2013 – 4 January 2014)
2014	28	5 weeks (6 December 2014 – 3 January 2015)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2015	18	5 weeks (10 December 2015 – 7 January 2016)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2016	7	5 weeks (8 December 2016 – 5 January 2017)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2017	2	6 weeks (30 November 2017 – 4 January 2018)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2018	3	5 weeks (6 December 2018 – 3 January 2019)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2019	3	6 weeks (28 November 2019 – 2 January 2020)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2020	1	8 weeks (19 November 2020 – 7 January 2021)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2021	2	8 weeks (18 November 2021 – 6 January 2022)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022	1	8 weeks (17 November 2022 – 5 January 2023)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023	1	9 weeks (16 November 2023 – 11 January 2024)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024	1	9 weeks (14 November 2024 – 9 January 2025)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2025	50	2 weeks (13 November 2025 – 20 November 2025)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other territories

In Germany, "Last Christmas" is the most successful Christmas single of all time, having spent 169 weeks on the German Singles Chart. It reached number one on 24 December 2021.<ref>Offizielle Deutsche Charts Template:Webarchive – Peaked at #1 on 24 December 2021 – Germany Songs. Retrieved 23 December 2021.</ref> It has charted every year since 1997.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2008, the song fell from No. 4 to No. 64, also making it the biggest fall out of the top 10 on the singles chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Ireland the single went to number one on 30 December 2022 and returned to the top of the Irish charts on 27 December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In Japan, the single was originally released in two different formats with different cover art, a 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl (Long version) both with "Credit Card Baby" as their B-side. The former entered the top 20 of the Oricon Singles Chart peaking at No. 15, while the latter reached No. 47.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The single was released in 1993 on CD single in the country and peaked at No. 17, selling nearly 40,000 copies that week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was reissued in November 2001 and 2004 as a two-track CD with the single edit and the "pudding mix".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> "Last Christmas" is the eighth-best-selling single in Japan released by a foreign act, with total physical sales of 683,000 units.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the Netherlands, the song never reached No. 1, peaking at No. 2 in January 1985 (behind Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"). In the Dutch Singles Top 100 (one of three charts in the Netherlands that claims to be the "official" chart, but it is the only one that is not broadcast and remains unpublished except on its own official web page), the song has now entered on 16 different occasions, including every year since 2006. Its highest position after 1984 was No. 4 (during the 2016 and 2018 Christmas season).<ref name="hitparade">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Dutch Mega Top 50 (which was first published in 1993), the song re-appeared in 1997, 2000, 2007, 2008, and 2013.

"Last Christmas" was not released as a single in the United States until November 2014, when it was made available on 12" vinyl as a Record Store Day exclusive.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It has re-entered the Billboard Holiday 100 chart on a regular basis, peaking at No. 3 on 7 December 2019.<ref name="Wham Chart History Holiday 100">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Wham!'s 1984 Classic 'Last Christmas' Hits Billboard Hot 100's Top 40 for First Time Template:Webarchive – Billboard</ref> In November 2016, total US sales of the digital track stood at 751,000 downloads according to Nielsen SoundScan, placing it 10th on the list of best-selling Christmas/holiday digital singles in US SoundScan history.<ref name="ussales">Template:Cite web</ref> The song debuted at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the chart dated 7 January 2017, after George Michael died.<ref name="Hot 100 debut">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In December 2018, the song re-entered the Hot 100, reaching No. 25 in January 2019,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and then a new peak of No. 11 in the first issue of 2020. On the issue dated 2 January 2021, "Last Christmas" reached No. 9 on the Hot 100, its first foray into the top 10 and returning Wham! to the top 10 after a 35-year break. The following year, on the issue dated 1 January 2022, the song reached No. 7.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="Hot 100" /><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On the issue dated 24 December 2022, the song reached a new peak of No. 6 on the Hot 100.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On the year's last issue of the Billboard Hot 100, dated 31 December 2022, "Last Christmas" reached the top five.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2024, the song became the first Christmas single to chart during the year-end holiday season, debuting at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending 23 November. On BillboardTemplate:'s 50th issue of 2024, dated 14 December, the song reached a new peak position of No. 3 on the Hot 100.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On 10 December 2024, the digital single was certified seven-times platinum, indicating US sales of 7 million digital units.<ref name="RIAACertificationOrginalWham" /> In 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, "Last Christmas" reached No. 1 on the Swedish singles chart.<ref name="Sverigetopplistan">Template:Cite web</ref>

In the UK, "Last Christmas" was voted eighth on the 2012 ITV television special The Nation's Favourite Christmas Song<ref>"The Nation's Favourite Christmas Song". ITV. 22 December 2012.</ref> and voted the most popular 1980s song in Channel 5's Christmas 2020 countdown Britain's Favourite '80s Songs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Music video

The music video has Michael and Ridgeley accompanying girlfriends at a ski resort, contrasting scenes of a happy Christmas holiday with "wistful memories about past romance".<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> According to Wham!’s manager at the time, Simon Napier-Bell, Michael planned "Last Christmas" as part of a "Christmas package" including the video and a performance at Wembley Stadium. Michael instructed the director, Andrew Morahan, to create a Christmas version of the video for Wham!'s single "Club Tropicana".<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> It was filmed in a ski resort in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, with friends and family members, including the Wham! backing singers Pepsi & Shirlie.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" /> Michael's ex-girlfriend was played by the model Kathy Hill.<ref name="Aroesti-2017" />

The music video, originally shot on 35mm film, was re-released on 13 December 2019 in 4K Ultra HD resolution.<ref name="postmagazine.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Morahan had found seven out of the eight rolls of original 35mm rushes and worked with teams at Cinelab London and VFX artist Russ Shaw at Nice Biscuits post production to recreate the video using the higher-resolution film.<ref name="postmagazine.com"/>

Plagiarism allegations

On behalf of the writers of the 1975 song "Can't Smile Without You", made popular by Barry Manilow, the publishing company Dick James Music sued Michael for plagiarism in the mid-1980s, claiming that "Last Christmas" had taken its melody. The case was dismissed when a musicologist presented numerous songs from the past century that had a comparable chord sequence and melody.<ref name="Grdn2017" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Other media

A sixty-minute TV documentary about the story of "Last Christmas" aired on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in December 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of its release.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It features Ridgeley, Shirlie, Pepsi and other close friends from the original music video, and revisits Saas-Fee in Switzerland where the music video was made, as well as looking into the creation of the song.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film Last Christmas (2019) prominently features the music of George Michael, including this song.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personnel

George Michael – vocals, bass guitar, Roland Juno-60 synthesiser, LinnDrum programming, sleigh bells

Charts

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Weekly charts

Chart (1984–2025)	Peak position
Croatia (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	4
Croatia International Airplay (Top lista)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref name="DanishChart">Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	3
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	1
France (SNEP)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	2
Greece International (IFPI)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Hong Kong (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	13
Iceland (RÚV)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Italy (Musica e dischi)<ref>Template:Cite web Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Wham!".</ref>	1
Japan (Oricon)<ref name="JAP">Template:Cite web</ref>	12
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	31
Latvia (LaIPA)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	2
Latvia Airplay (LaIPA)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	3
Lebanon Airplay (Lebanese Top 20)<ref name="LE">Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Lithuania (AGATA)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	4
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	7
Luxembourg (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	1
Malaysia (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	13
Malaysia International (RIM)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	11
Malta Airplay (Radiomonitor)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	5
MENA (IFPI)<ref name="MENA">Template:Cite web</ref>	4
Moldova Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	23
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	74
Philippines (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	17
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
Romania (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	7
Singapore (RIAS)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	2
Slovenia (SloTop50)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	1
South Korea (Circle)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	93
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref name="Sverigetopplistan"/>	1
UAE (IFPI)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	2
US Holiday 100 (Billboard)<ref name="Wham Chart History Holiday 100"/>	3
US Rolling Stone Top 100<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	7
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	50

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Monthly charts

Chart (2023Template:Ndash2024)	Position
CIS Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	52
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	36
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	9
Paraguay (SGP)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	47
Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	65

Year-end charts

Chart (1984)	Position
UK Singles (Gallup)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	6

Chart (1985)	Position
Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref name="aus85">Template:Cite web</ref>	31
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	65
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	65

Chart (2016)	Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	95

Chart (2017)	Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	69

Chart (2018)	Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	66

Chart (2019)	Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	39
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	95

Chart (2020)	Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	38
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	67
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	60

Chart (2021)	Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	71
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	97
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	77
Germany (GfK)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	61
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	143
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	61
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	77
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	92
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	34

Chart (2022)	Position
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	70
Germany (GfK)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	75
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	138
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	57
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	76
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	92
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	71
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	35
US Streaming Songs (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	73

Chart (2023)	Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	72
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	78
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	58
Germany (GfK)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	51
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	129
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	38
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	98
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	76
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	71
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	18
US Billboard Hot 100<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	84

Chart (2024)	Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	30
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	76
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	74
Germany (GfK)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	49
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	123
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	100
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	62
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	30
US Billboard Hot 100<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	74

All-time charts

Chart	Position
US Holiday 100 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	8

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Certifications

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Version(s)	Label(s)	Template:Abbr
U.K.	3 December 1984	Template:Hlist	Template:Hlist	Epic	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	3 December 1984	12-inch vinyl	Pudding mix	Epic	<ref name="Wham! Last Christmas 12-inch">Template:Cite web</ref>
Various	10 December 1984	Template:Hlist	Template:Hlist	Epic, CBS	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan	15 December 1984	7-inch vinyl	Template:Hlist	Epic	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan	21 December 1984	12-inch vinyl	Original "long version"		<ref name="Wham! Last Christmas 12-inch" />
Europe	December 1985	7-inch vinyl	Template:Hlist		<ref name="Wham! Last Christmas">Template:Cite web</ref>
Europe	December 1985	12-inch vinyl	Pudding mix		<ref name="Wham! Last Christmas" />
U.K.	December 1986	7-inch vinyl	Template:Hlist		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan	9 December 1988	Template:Hlist	Template:Hlist		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Europe	December 1988	Template:Hlist			<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan	21 November 2001	CD single			<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan	17 November 2004	CD single			<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	22 November 2004	Digital download	Template:Hlist	Sony	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
United States	28 November 2014	12-inch vinyl	Template:Hlist	Columbia	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Various	13 December 2019	7-inch vinyl	Template:Hlist	RCA	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	15 December 2023	Template:Hlist	Template:Hlist	Sony Music	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	15 December 2023	7-inch vinyl	85 version		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	13 December 2024	Template:Hlist	Template:Hlist		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.K.	13 December 2024	12-inch vinyl 40th Anniversary EP

Cover versions

Whigfield version

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Italian dance act Whigfield covered "Last Christmas" and released it as a double A-side with "Big Time" in the UK in December 1995. The single was also released as a double A-side single in Germany with "Close to You". In other countries, "Last Christmas" was released on its own with various remixes. The single was produced by Larry Pignagnoli and reached number 21 in the UK, which was Whigfield's final release on Systematic Records. It also appears on various Special Edition versions of her debut album, Whigfield (1995), and also on Whigfield II (1997). The accompanying music video for Whigfield's cover was directed by Italian director Giacomo De Simone, featuring the singer performing the song in a winter landscape.

Chart performance

Whigfield's cover of "Last Christmas" climbed into the top 10 in both Denmark and Spain, peaking at numbers six and five, respectively. It was also a top-20 hit in Finland and a top-30 hit in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, "Last Christmas" / "Big Time" peaked at number 21 during its first week on the UK singles chart, on 10 December 1995.<ref name="ukwhigfield"/> It was additionally a top-40 hit in Belgium, as well as on the European Hot 100 Singles, on which the song reached number 38.

Critical reception

John Perry from NME named "Last Christmas" by Whigfield Single of the Week, writing, "Gird your loins and don that silly party hat, pop-pickers, because what we have here is the classic Christmas single. [...] The Whigster has taken what was a definitive Christmas song and given it a monster 'I Feel Love' hi-NRG fuel-injection that will have the nation stomping those accursed parsnips into Auntie Mabel's best rug in front of The Queen..."<ref name="nme"/> Gill Whyte from Smash Hits gave it two out of five, describing it as "a cover of the George Michael swoon choon for the festive season, given the usual tinny pop Whiggers treatment, with lots of bingy-bongy synths. A classic song, so you can't go wrong, um, only she has, 'cos it just ain't as good as the original."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Track listings

12-inch single, Italy (1995)		CD single, UK (1995)
1. "Last Christmas" (MBRG Version) – 5:25		1. "Last Christmas (Major Cut) – 4:10
2. "Last Christmas" (Major Version) – 4:10		2. "Big Time (Dancing Divas Club Mix) – 6:54
3. "Big Time" (Album Version) – 3:21		3. "Saturday Night (Spike Vocal) – 7:28
4. "Last Christmas" (David Version) – 8:00		4. "Saturday Night (Afternoon Mix) (Fishbone Beat's Remix)
5. "Last Christmas" (Minor Version) – 4:10
CD single, Italy (1995)		CD maxi, Scandinavia (1995)
1. "Last Christmas" (Major Version)		1. "Last Christmas" (MBRG Version) – 5:25
2. "Last Christmas" (MBRG Version)		2. "Last Christmas" (Major Version) – 4:10
3. "Last Christmas" (David Version)		3. "Last Christmas" (Minor Version) – 4:20
4. "Last Christmas" (Minor Version)		4. "Last Christmas" (Major Mild Eq. Version) – 4:10
5. "Close To You" (Down Town Remix)		5. "Last Christmas" (K. David Version) – 8:00

Charts

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Chart (1995)	Peak position
Denmark (IFPI)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	6
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)	38
Europe Eurochart Hot 100	61
Ireland (IRMA)	24
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	2
Scotland (OCC)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	21
Spain (AFYVE)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	4
UK Singles (OCC)<ref name="ukwhigfield">Template:Cite web</ref>	21

Ashley Tisdale version

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"Last Christmas" was recorded in 2006 for Warner Bros. Records by Ashley Tisdale. The song was released to US radios on 11 November 2006 and as a digital download on 21 November 2006. This song was the first single released by Ashley Tisdale in her deal with Warner Bros. Records and became her official first holiday single. Tisdale performed the single in 2007 on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas in Rockefeller Center, and in 2009 in the Citadel Outlets of Los Angeles, California. The song was one of the B-sides on the European CD singles of Tisdale's first single "Be Good to Me" and Tisdale's second single "He Said She Said", from the album Headstrong.<ref name="cdsingle2">Template:Cite web</ref> The song has been included on several compilation albums, including Disney Channel Holiday and A Very Special Christmas 7.

Charts

Chart (2011)	Peak position
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	47

Crazy Frog version

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"Last Christmas" was covered in 2006 by Crazy Frog and released as a Christmas single.

Charts

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Chart performance for "Last Christmas"
Chart (2006)	Peak position

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Cascada version

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"Last Christmas" was recorded in 2007 by Cascada. It was released on iTunes in November 2007. The single had only a digital release but six days later, it was released on the single "What Hurts the Most" which was the first single from their second album. It was also released as part of their Christmas album, It's Christmas Time.

Charts

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Chart (2007)	Peak position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	111Template:Efn

Chart (2010)	Peak position
US Dance/Electronic Digital Songs Sales (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	43

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Notes

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Glee cast version

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The song was covered by the cast of Glee, led by Lea Michele, Cory Monteith with Amber Riley, and was released in 2009 exclusively on iTunes as a charity single, then in 2010 on Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first time a cover version of the song appeared on that chart.

Charts

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Chart (2009–2025)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)<ref>Template:Cite report Template:Cbignore</ref>	60
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	4
US Holiday Airplay (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	39
US Holiday Digital Songs (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	3

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Joe McElderry version

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British singer Joe McElderry covered the song in 2011. This version was released as a single on 19 December 2011,<ref>Joe McElderry announces new album 'Classic Christmas' Template:Webarchive Digital Spy. Retrieved on 31 October 2011.</ref> an EP was also released digitally in Ireland on 4 November 2011, and in the UK on 7 November 2011. McElderry's version is taken from his third studio album, Classic Christmas, released 28 November 2011. 7th Heaven Remix & Production have done a remix for the song.

A short music video was made using footage which was filmed for the Classic ChristmasTemplate:'s album advertising, it features McElderry outside in the snow, collecting logs and taking them to a large house preparing for a Christmas party, a similar video was made for McElderry's version of "O Come All Ye Faithful". The advert and both videos were directed by Steve Lucker.<ref>Behind The Scenes at Joe's Classic Christmas Winter Wonderland! Template:Webarchive Decca Records on YouTube. Retrieved on 21 December 2011.</ref> Template:Clear

Ariana Grande version

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The American singer Ariana Grande covered "Last Christmas" on her 2013 EP Christmas Kisses. It was released as a single on 19 November 2013 in the iTunes Store.<ref name="AG iTunes US">Template:Cite web</ref> Grande's cover draws primarily from pop music, contemporary R&B and soul and also alters some lyrics.<ref name="musictimes AG">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The verses have been described as having a more poppy and R&B vibe than the original.<ref name="musictimes AG" />

Charts

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Chart (2013–2025)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	95
Lithuania (AGATA)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	93
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref name="NLD">Template:Cite web</ref>	59
South Korea (Circle)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	23
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	92
US Holiday 100 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	32
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	1
US Holiday Streaming Songs (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	22

Certifications

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Carly Rae Jepsen version

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"Last Christmas" was covered by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen in 2015 and was released to digital retailers on 20 November 2015 through 604 Records (in Canada) and Interscope Records and School Boy Records (internationally).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Jepsen's rendition was praised by critics for combining stylistic elements similar to the original with modern production.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> She performed the song live at the annual NBC television special Christmas in Rockefeller Center airing on 2 December 2015,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and on the episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden airing on 16 December 2015.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Bianca Gracie of Idolator described the song as "quintessential Carly" for highlighting Jepsen's unique vocals and synth production and wrote that her cover will "charm your... socks off".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Nolan Feeney of Time echoed those sentiments, noting that "Last Christmas" is "the kind of brokenhearted yet warm and sweet song [Jepsen] excels at".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Jackson McHenry of Vulture applauded Jepsen for her straightforward approach to the song and avoiding the "vocal gymnastics" that bog down some Christmas covers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

A more critical review came from music blog Popcrush, who deemed the cover overproduced, saying "The slick production is a disservice to both Jepsen's vocals and the original's emotional heft."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Charts

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Chart (2015–20)	Peak position
Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	38
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	43

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Others

Billie Piper originally recorded a cover of the song as a B-side of her 1998 single "She Wants You". It was released as a CD single in limited areas of Europe, charting at No. 47 in Sweden.<ref name="Sweden">Template:Cite web</ref>
Hilary Duff covered the song for her 2002 debut album, Santa Claus Lane. This version peaked at number 68 on the South Korean Gaon Chart in 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Taylor Swift covered "Last Christmas" for her 2007 EP, The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection. Swift's cover peaked at number 28 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in January 2008<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and at number 46 on the Hot Digital Songs chart in December 2008.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On Billboard's Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 chart, which measured chart data 1958–2016, Swift's "Last Christmas" charted at number 56.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
American rock singer Eric Martin covered the song for the album Mr. Vocalist X'Mas, released in 2009 for the Japanese market by Sony Music Japan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
James TW's version in 2018 peaked at number 22 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart, and at number 38 on Sverigetop plistan, the official Swedish singles chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Backstreet Boys released a cover of the song on September 6, 2022, as a part of their first Christmas album, A Very Backstreet Christmas. It was accompanied by a music video on November 1 the same year and reached number 1 on the Billboard Holiday AC chart.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Lauren Spencer-Smith released a cover of the song on November 11, 2022. Her version peaked at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 2022.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
One, who represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002, adapted the song in Greek as "Οι καμπάνες χτυπούν" (Bells are ringing) in their 2003 album Όνειρα (Dreams).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Remi Wolf covered the song, releasing it along with a cover of "Winter Wonderland" in November 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The cast of The Only Way Is Essex covered the song in 2011. It peaked at number 33 in the UK Singles Chart Christmas chart, a place higher than the original.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Alanis Morissette released a cover of the song on the EP of the same name in November 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Philly Specials covered the song for their charity album A Philly Special Christmas Party, released on 22 November 2024.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Sabrina Carpenter performed a cover of the song with Chappell Roan for the Netflix special A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, released in December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

References

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External links

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Last Christmas

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Cover versions

Whigfield version

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Ashley Tisdale version

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Crazy Frog version

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Cascada version

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Glee cast version

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Joe McElderry version

Ariana Grande version

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Carly Rae Jepsen version

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