Last Christmas

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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

File:Wham! circa 1984-1985 (editing).jpg
Wham! in 1985: George Michael (left) and Andrew Ridgeley

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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Savage-2021">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the Official Video Streaming Chart.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The following week, it was streamed 17.1 million times, a UK record for the most streams in a week.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was the year's best-selling vinyl single in the UK.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It also became the third-best selling UK single, with 5.34 million sales, including streams.<ref name="Savage-2023">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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 citation CitationClass=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 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2021 2 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2022 1 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2023 1 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2024 1 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2025 50 citation CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was reissued in November 2001 and 2004 as a two-track CD with the single edit and the "pudding mix".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The film Last Christmas (2019) prominently features the music of George Michael, including this song.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Personnel

Charts

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2

Weekly charts

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart (1984–2025) Peak
position
Croatia (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 4
Croatia International Airplay (Top lista)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref name="DanishChart">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

3
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 1
France (SNEP)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2
Greece International (IFPI)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Hong Kong (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 13
Iceland (RÚV)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Italy (Musica e dischi)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}} Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Wham!".</ref>

1
Japan (Oricon)<ref name="JAP">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

12
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

31
Latvia (LaIPA)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2
Latvia Airplay (LaIPA)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

3
Lebanon Airplay (Lebanese Top 20)<ref name="LE">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Lithuania (AGATA)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

4
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

7
Luxembourg (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 1
Malaysia (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 13
Malaysia International (RIM)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

11
Malta Airplay (Radiomonitor)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

5
MENA (IFPI)<ref name="MENA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

4
Moldova Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

23
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
Romania (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 7
Singapore (RIAS)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2
Slovenia (SloTop50)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1
South Korea (Circle)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

93
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref name="Sverigetopplistan"/> 1
UAE (IFPI)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=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

Template:Col-2

Monthly charts

Chart (2023Template:Ndash2024) Position
CIS Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

52
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

36
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

9
Paraguay (SGP)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

47
Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

65

Year-end charts

Chart (1984) Position
UK Singles (Gallup)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

6
Chart (1985) Position
Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref name="aus85">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

31
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

65
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

65
Chart (2016) Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

95
Chart (2017) Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

69
Chart (2018) Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

66
Chart (2019) Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

39
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

95
Chart (2020) Position
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

38
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

67
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

60
Chart (2021) Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

71
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 97
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

77
Germany (GfK)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

61
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 143
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

61
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

77
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

92
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

34
Chart (2022) Position
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

70
Germany (GfK)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

75
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 138
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

57
Hungary (Stream Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

76
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

92
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

71
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

35
US Streaming Songs (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 73
Chart (2023) Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

72
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 78
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

58
Germany (GfK)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

51
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 129
Hungary (Single Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

38
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

98
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

76
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

71
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

18
US Billboard Hot 100<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 84
Chart (2024) Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

30
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 76
Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

74
Germany (GfK)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

49
Global 200 (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 123
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

100
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

62
UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=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

Template:Col-end

Certifications

Template:Certification Table Top Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Separator Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Bottom

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Version(s) Label(s) Template:Abbr
U.K. 3 December 1984 Template:Hlist Template:Hlist Epic citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

12-inch vinyl Pudding mix citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Various 10 December 1984 Template:Hlist Template:Hlist Epic, CBS citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Japan 15 December 1984 7-inch vinyl Template:Hlist Epic citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

21 December 1984 12-inch vinyl Original "long version" <ref name="Wham! Last Christmas 12-inch" />
Europe December 1985 7-inch vinyl Template:Hlist citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

12-inch vinyl Pudding mix <ref name="Wham! Last Christmas" />
U.K. December 1986 7-inch vinyl Template:Hlist citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Japan 9 December 1988 Template:Hlist Template:Hlist citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Europe December 1988 Template:Hlist citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Japan 21 November 2001 CD single citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

17 November 2004 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

U.K. 22 November 2004 Digital download Template:Hlist Sony citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

United States 28 November 2014 12-inch vinyl Template:Hlist Columbia citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Various 13 December 2019 7-inch vinyl Template:Hlist RCA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

U.K. 15 December 2023 Template:Hlist Template:Hlist Sony Music citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

7-inch vinyl 85 version citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

U.K. 13 December 2024 Template:Hlist Template:Hlist <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

12-inch vinyl 40th Anniversary EP

Cover versions

Whigfield version

Template:Infobox song

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

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2
Scotland (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

21
Spain (AFYVE)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 4
UK Singles (OCC)<ref name="ukwhigfield">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

21

Ashley Tisdale version

Template:Infobox song

"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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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

Template:Infobox song

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

Charts

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart performance for "Last Christmas"
Chart (2006) Peak
position

Cascada version

Template:Infobox song

"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

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart (2007) Peak
position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

111Template:Efn
Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Dance/Electronic Digital Songs Sales (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 43

Notes

Template:Notelist

Glee cast version

Template:Infobox song

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

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart (2009–2025) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)<ref>Template:Cite reportTemplate:Cbignore</ref> 60
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

4
US Holiday Airplay (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 39
US Holiday Digital Songs (Billboard)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 3

Joe McElderry version

Template:Infobox song

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>

Ariana Grande version

Template:Infobox song

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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart (2013–2025) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 95
Lithuania (AGATA)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

93
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref name="NLD">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

59
South Korea (Circle)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

23
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=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

Template:Certification Table Top Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Entry Template:Certification Table Bottom

Carly Rae Jepsen version

Template:Infobox song

"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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=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

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart
Chart (2015–20) Peak
position
Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 38
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

43

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">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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  • James TW's version in 2018 peaked at number 22 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart, and at number 38 on Sverigetopplistan, the official Swedish singles chart.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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  • Remi Wolf covered the song, releasing it along with a cover of "Winter Wonderland" in November 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • Alanis Morissette released a cover of the song on the EP of the same name in November 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

See also

References

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