As much as the dulcet tones of Chris Rea portray Christmas on the road as a calm and romantic experience, most of us know the harsh truth…
Driving at Christmas is hectic and stressful – and if but one flake of snow should fall in this country so completely incapable of dealing with the weather, you should probably not even venture outside.
Luckily, for those braving it, we’re here to make those hours stuck behind the wheel a little more bearable – with our ultimate Christmas driving playlist. Come rain or snow, from the M1 to the B310, we’ve got your back (and your ears)…
Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea
Okay, it might present a slightly rose-tinted view of bumper to bumper traffic, but you didn’t really think we wouldn’t include it, did you?
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Calming self-motivation for a successful journey?
Baby it’s Cold Outside – Nina Simone and Ray Charles
Covered by a myriad of male and female maestros, but this one is particularly melodic. If you have a long suffering partner in the car with you, we expect a full-blown duet.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
Beautiful and heart-warming, this will definitely inject a bit of positivity into your journey.
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) – Nat King Cole
Every Christmas cliché in one place means no Christmas playlist is complete without this.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Is it? Maybe not if you’re the one making the mince pies for the local carol service and getting up to cook the turkey at 6am. Nevertheless, a great tune.
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
Let’s face it, no one really knows all the words, and we all know which words you do know, so just accept it and shout those ones extra loud.
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
This will make you want to get on your feet and dance – not recommended whilst driving – but some steering wheel finger dancing will suffice nicely.
Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
For a truly authentic feel, check out our tips on how to turn your car into a veritable sleigh.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Fun Fact – Lee recorded this at age 13. Don’t worry we feel inadequate too.
Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) – Laura Marling
A beautiful ode to the English winter. Let’s just hope the roads aren’t covered in snow.
Frosty the Snowman – Jackson 5
A children’s classic – with the potential to be very annoying – made significantly more enjoyable by the Jackson 5’s Motown take.
Let it Snow – Dean Martin
One for when you’ve reached your destination and you’re ready to get in the Christmas spirit – with fears of the M1 being brought to a standstill melting away like the snow on the ground.
So there you have it, folks – a sumptuously seasonal playlist to make sure you’ve got that festive feeling on your drive home next week.
Our bonus stress-saving tip: give yourself and your wallet a break this Christmas, and book your parking with JustPark. After all, how do you think Santa finds a spot for his sleigh?