A record number of Christmas songs made it into the top 40 singles chart during 2020, with many appearing earlier than ever, analysis has found.
Of the current top 40, a total of 26 have a festive theme – the highest proportion for any Christmas chart in history.
The previous record was 16 out of 40, in 2017.
Eight of the current top 10 are seasonal hits, including All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey (number 2), Last Christmas by Wham! (3) and Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens (7).
(PA Graphics)
This year also saw the earliest appearance in the top 40 for a festive song.
All I Want For Christmas Is You entered the chart on November 20 – five weeks before Christmas week.