John Lennon’s Holiday Classic Debuts Inside The Top 10, Decades After Its Release

John Lennon was not known as a religious man. In fact, in one of his more famous tunes, he even wonders aloud what the world would be like without any religion at all. It makes sense, then, that the former Beatle and late solo superstar wouldn’t have many Christmas tunes in his discography.

But there is one that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among millions: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” It’s one of many jolly tunes that becomes a commercial success every year, and its annual comeback is off to an impressive and early start in 2025.

Lennon’s tune, which is credited to John and Yoko as well as their Plastic Ono Band, reappears on multiple charts in the United Kingdom this week, and even manages to become a top 10 hit for the first time on one tally across the Atlantic.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” Debuts Inside the Top 10

Thanks to an issue on vinyl, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” debuts on the Official Vinyl Singles chart. That roster looks only at the bestselling individual songs available for fans to purchase on wax. For many years, vinyl singles seemed to disappear from stores, but they’ve become more and more popular as the format returns to its former splendor. This frame, Lennon and Ono’s cut starts at No. 8 on the tally.

Yoko Ono Charts Her First Top 10 Hit

Ono scores her first top 10 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart as “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” debuts, and the same can be said for the Plastic Ono Band. Lennon, however, has appeared inside the competitive space before under his own name. The rock superstar has pushed three tracks to the Official Vinyl Singles list, as “Instant Karma,” “Mind Games,” and now “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” have all spent time within the top 10.

How Many Top 10 Hits Did The Beatles Chart?

The Beatles saw a dozen tunes appear on the Official Vinyl Singles chart, and all but two of them became top 10 successes. That roundup includes a pair of No. 1s, as both “Yellow Submarine” and “Now and Then,” which wasn’t released until 2023, spent multiple frames running the show.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney Chart Holiday Hits Together

Speaking of The Beatles, half of the four members of the biggest band of all time score new top 10s on the Official Vinyl Singles chart this week. As Lennon and his wife launch at No. 8, while Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” appears just beneath the pair, at No. 9.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” Reaches a New Chart Peak

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” lives on three charts in the U.K. at the moment, and the song finds space inside the top 10 on two of the rosters. The track returns to the Official Physical Singles chart, which often closely mirrors the Official Vinyl Singles tally. This time around, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” flies back in at No. 10 — a new high for the decades-old cut.

When Did John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” Debut?

As is the case on the vinyl roster, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” marks an initial top 10 for both Ono and the Plastic Ono Band, and a fourth such win for Lennon. “Imagine,” “Instant Karma,” and “Mind Games” have all reached the same tier.

Notably, two versions of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” have landed on the Official Physical Singles chart. The first arrived in 2003 and peaked at No. 33, while the edition that is currently living inside the top 10 debuted in 2012.

John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” Becomes a Bestseller Again

Thanks to purchases largely on wax, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” also finds its way back to the Official Singles Sales chart, which is not specific to any one genre, era, or format. The track performs significantly worse on that list than the vinyl or physical rosters, as the holiday tune reenters at No. 48. Just as is the case on the Official Physical Singles list, Lennon’s seasonal smash reaches a never-before-seen peak as it kicks off the holiday season.