Dance in the Kitchen While Embers Glow: Elton’s Christmas Moments

Some say Christmas is a state of mind. If that’s true, few artists have captured it with as much joy, irony, and emotion as Elton John. From his very first holiday single, Step Into Christmas (23 November 1973), to his special concerts and recent collaborations, Elton has delivered songs that feel like postcards full of light and memory.

In December 1973, Elton recorded Step Into Christmas as a thank you to his fans after an incredible year of record sales and the release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Reflecting years later, he said:

“Let’s do a Christmas record! we thought … Bernie absolutely loves Christmas songs, so he was all for it.”

The result was a holiday anthem that still shines today. The B-side, Ho, Ho, Ho (Who’d Be a Turkey at Christmas), added a dose of festive sarcasm, gently satirizing holiday excesses. As he recalled:

“The Christmas single is a real loon about and something we’d like to do a lot more of.”

Elton’s holiday spirit continued over the years through songs that blend fun, melancholy, and special collaborations. These include Cold As Christmas (In the Middle of the Year), a wintery reflection; the political satire Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher (2005); and classic covers such as White Christmas with Rosie O’Donnell or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1973). All Quiet on the Western Front remains a more introspective track on the Step Into Christmas EP.

Collaborations have also played an important role. Highlights include Calling It Christmas with Joss Stone (2005), Joseph, Better You Than Me with The Killers and Neil Tennant (2008), and the 2021 songs with Ed Sheeran: Merry Christmas and Sausage Rolls for Everyone with LadBaby. Each track shows Elton’s ability to connect with other artists and generations while keeping his holiday essence intact.

During his early appearances and holiday concerts, Elton revealed how Christmas gradually entered his life. While performing Step Into Christmas live, he reflected,

“I’m beginning to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s creeping nearer and nearer.”

He also shared his thoughts on the power of music:

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

And with his usual warmth, he added:

“I love the idea of people gathering together for a song — that’s what Christmas should be about.”

Every concert and performance became a true celebration shared with fans. Elton’s holiday concerts were magical: On 22 December 1973 he appeared on the Gilbert O’Sullivan Show in London performing Step Into Christmas, and from 21–23 December he played at the Hammersmith Odeon. From 20–24 December 1974, the Hammersmith “Christmas shows” were a huge success, with 24 December considered a special Christmas performance. On 24 December 1982, he performed another holiday show at Hammersmith Odeon during his December tour. Elton’s holiday concerts continued to captivate audiences throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including these memorable performances at Hammersmith Odeon.

Beyond his historic shows and songs, Elton’s festive influence extends even into the world of advertising. In 2018, he starred in John Lewis’ Christmas advert, The Boy and the Piano, a touching journey through his life set to Your Song. The story follows a young Elton receiving a piano at Christmas, symbolizing the start of his musical journey and connecting viewers to the magic, nostalgia, and joy of the festive season. Revisit the commercial here.

More recently, in 2024, he released a video with Carla Lavigne that brings a modern, playful twist to Step Into Christmas. The video features festive scenes with bright lights, whimsical choreography, and a joyful energy that reflects Elton’s enduring holiday spirit, showing how his music continues to connect generations and bring people together. Watch the video here.

What makes Elton John’s holiday music so special is this combination of fun, melancholy, and human warmth: a universe where each song is a shared memory, each concert a celebration, and every note a chance to gather together—even for just a few minutes—in the true spirit of Christmas. Truly, Elton John proves that Christmas is more than a season—it’s a state of mind, and his music embodies it perfectly. From 1973 to today, his holiday songs continue to be cherished and celebrated worldwide.