“Last Christmas” Tops Global Charts, Reigning as the worlds Moast Popular Holiday Song
Table of Contents
Despite Mariah Carey’s continued dominance on the US Billboard Hot 100, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has ascended to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Global 200 chart, marking a historic moment for the 1984 holiday classic.The song’s ubiquitous presence has even spawned a playful avoidance game known as #Whamageddon, demonstrating its cultural impact.
A Holiday Anthem’s Long Journey to the Top
For years, “Last Christmas” has been a staple of the holiday season, playing on repeat in stores and on radio stations worldwide. However, it wasn’t until Monday, december 15, 2025, that the song officially reached the pinnacle of global music charts. Billboard announced that “Last Christmas” was the No. 1 song on the planet, based on streaming and sales data from over 200 territories, compiled by Luminate.
This achievement makes “Last Christmas” only the second holiday hit to reach No. 1 on the Global 200 since the chart’s inception in September 2020. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” currently holds the record for most weeks at No. 1 with 19, and is presently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Last Christmas” at No. 2.
reactions to the Chart-Topping success
Andrew Ridgely expressed his delight at the song’s success, stating, “I’m delighted to learn that Wham!’s perennial Christmas favorite, ‘Last Christmas,’ has secured the Billboard No. 2 spot this week.” He continued, “Since its release over 40 years ago, ‘Last Christmas’ has established itself worldwide as one of the most cherished Christmas classics, beloved by all generations.”
The estate of the late George Michael,who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53,also celebrated the milestone. They described the song as “a brilliant song and timeless record that embodies the very sound of Christmas and continues to resonate with audiences, while captivating new listeners around the world.” They extended gratitude to everyone who has embraced the song as a cherished part of their holiday traditions.
From UK No. 1 to Global Domination
“Last Christmas” finally reached No. 1 in Wham!’s home country, the UK, in 2021. This success was followed in 2024 by the premiere of the Netflix documentary, Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped, further cementing the song’s legacy.
The Rise of #Whamageddon
The song’s pervasiveness has inspired a unique tradition: #Whamageddon. Originating approximately 19 years ago with a group of friends in Denmark,the game challenges participants to avoid hearing “Last Christmas” for as long as possible.”We kind of realized this song was being played constantly, over and over. It was just in really heavy rotation,” explained Thomas Mertz, one of the game’s founders. “And instead of getting annoyed with it, we decided to make a game out of it and have a little bit of fun.”
The game has gained significant traction, becoming a festive challenge for many. Though, the song’s reach proved too strong for one DJ in 2023, who played “Last Christmas” at a soccer game in Northampton town, resulting in a swift apology after a negative online reaction. A senior official stated, “I gave it a spin, thinking it would be quite funny to wipe out 7,000 people who couldn’t avoid it, but clearly it isn’t funny.”
“Last Christmas” has undeniably become more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a source of playful competition, and a timeless reminder of the holiday spirit.
