Dominated by established icons like Elvis Presley , Tom Jones , and The Beatles (who hold four festive chart-toppers). Most hits in this era were not festive in theme.

A deliberate rivalry between glam-rock bands Slade ("Merry Xmas Everybody") and Wizzard ("I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday") transformed the chart into a competitive annual "race".

The tradition began in 1952 when the first-ever UK Singles Chart was established; ’s "Here in My Heart" became the inaugural Christmas No. 1.