Leona Lewis’ festive favourite One More Sleep may not have reached the top of the Official Singles Chart upon release; however, it has steadily grown into a genuine modern Christmas classic. Twelve years after its debut, the Official Charts Company has now confirmed that One More Sleep is officially the biggest new British Christmas hit of the 21st century. This recognition reflects the song’s remarkable rise and its lasting appeal among listeners.

Why One More Sleep Became a Festive Phenomenon

Originally released in 2013 as part of Leona’s holiday album Christmas, with Love, the upbeat and charming One More Sleep peaked at Number 3 on the UK chart. Even though it was not her best-selling single at the time, it gradually became her most-streamed track. In fact, according to Official Charts data, it has now surpassed 190 million UK streams, making it the most-played British Christmas release since 2000.

The song, co-written by Leona Lewis, Richard “Biff” Stannard, Iain James, Jez Ashurst, and Bradford Ellis, blends nostalgic Motown flavours with modern festive warmth. As a result, its joyful sound and heartwarming message helped it return to the UK Top 40 for eight consecutive Christmas seasons. Consequently, it has cemented its place as an essential holiday favourite.

Leona’s festive success did not begin here. In 2006, she famously won the coveted Christmas Number 1 with A Moment Like This. Therefore, her latest achievement—topping the brand-new list of the Top 10 New British Christmas Hits of the 21st Century—adds another impressive milestone to her career. Moreover, Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts, highlighted how exciting it is to see modern tracks entering the Christmas canon, praising One More Sleep as the “runaway leader.”

Top 10 New British Christmas Hits of the 21st Century

10. You’re Christmas to Me – Sam Ryder (2023)

• Peak position: Number 2
• Total UK streams: 32 million

Sam Ryder’s You’re Christmas to Me, released through Amazon Music Originals, became a surprising success. Although he performed 26 shows in six days aiming for the Christmas Number 1, he narrowly lost out to Wham!’s Last Christmas. Nevertheless, the song’s energetic spirit and fresh holiday charm quickly secured its place among recent festive favourites.

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9. Come On Home for Christmas – George Ezra (2021)

• Peak position: Number 8
• Total UK streams: 32.8 million

After nearly three years of no releases, George Ezra returned with this warm and inviting track. As an Amazon Original, it resonated immediately with fans. Furthermore, Ezra’s signature soothing voice brought a comforting glow that helped the song perform strongly during the festive season.

8. This Christmas – Jess Glynne (2020)

• Peak position: Number 3
• Total UK streams: 34.8 million

Jess Glynne’s soulful version of Donny Hathaway’s classic adds a modern twist to a timeless favourite. Moreover, her smooth vocals transformed the track into a holiday hit that soared to Number 3. Additionally, it became another well-received Amazon Christmas Original.

7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Sam Smith (2014)

• Peak position: Number 53
• Total UK streams: 64 million

Sam Smith’s enchanting cover never reached the Top 40; however, it has flourished on streaming platforms. Their emotional and melodic delivery created a comforting version that listeners return to year after year.

6. Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) – The Darkness (2003)

• Peak position: Number 2
• Total UK streams: 65.4 million

The Darkness brought theatrical humour and holiday chaos with this unforgettable track. Although it narrowly missed the Christmas Number 1 spot, its cheeky charm and memorable style ensured it remained a seasonal staple.

5. Hallelujah – Alexandra Burke (2008)

• Peak position: Number 1
• Total UK streams: 76.3 million

Alexandra Burke’s emotive Hallelujah dominated Christmas 2008. It became the first million-selling single by a British female artist. Moreover, its powerful delivery and strong chart performance helped it maintain long-term festive relevance.

4. Merry Christmas – Ed Sheeran & Elton John (2021)

• Peak position: Number 1
• Total UK streams: 118.3 million

Ed Sheeran and Elton John joined forces to release a cheerful, nostalgic anthem. Although it lost the Official Christmas Number 1 to a charity parody, the song remained highly streamed. Consequently, it has become another must-play modern Christmas hit.

3. Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen (2013)

• Peak position: Number 1
• Total UK streams: 127 million

Lily Allen’s gentle and magical rendition, used in the John Lewis Christmas advert, quickly captivated audiences. Furthermore, its emotional depth and storytelling quality made it one of the most memorable festive tracks of the decade.

2. Christmas Lights – Coldplay (2010)

• Peak position: Number 13
• Total UK streams: 127.2 million

Coldplay’s reflective Christmas Lights beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions often felt during the holidays. Consequently, listeners have continued to embrace it year after year, helping it climb the ranks of modern Christmas classics.

1. One More Sleep – Leona Lewis (2013)

• Peak position: Number 3
• Total UK streams: 189.8 million**

Leona Lewis takes the crown with One More Sleep, which leads the list by more than 62 million streams. Therefore, it stands proudly as the number one new British Christmas hit of the 21st century. With its sparkling production, emotional warmth, and irresistible festive charm, it truly earns its title as a modern Christmas classic.

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