Christmas Songs Dominate U.K. Chart Race

Brits are getting into the Christmas spirit early, as three holiday-themed songs set the pace in this week’s U.K. chart race.

Based on early sales and streaming data, Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” is in pole position for a second week at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, while Wham and Mariah Carey’s winter wonderland classics are in a close fight for No. 2.

“Merry Christmas” easily leads the First Look chart, which ranks the most popular singles after the first 48 hours in the chart week.

Based on the first weekend’s activity, less than 2,00 chart sales separate Wham’s “Last Christmas” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Ed and Elton are expected to make a charge for the coveted Christmas No. 1 when, next week, the British pop superstars team up with LadBaby for a remix of the track, “Sausage Rolls For Everyone.” If it gets to the top, LadBaby (YouTuber and “Dad Blogger” Mark Hoyle) will break an Official Charts record as the first act to snag four consecutive Christmas chart toppers.

Christmas make a splash across the chart blast, with The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl at No. 6 with “Fairytale of New York,” George Ezra’s Amazon Original exclusive number “Come On Home For Christmas” at No. 8, Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath The Tree” at No. 14, Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” at No. 16 and Andy Williams’ “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” at No. 17.

The Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, local time.