Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Music

Last Christmas

"Last Christmas" is a 1984 Christmas-themed pop song by the British duo Wham!, written and produced by George Michael.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

"Last Christmas" is a 1984 Christmas pop song by British duo Wham!, written and produced by George Michael. Despite its holiday title, the lyrics focus on heartbreak and a failed relationship.

What it is

Released on 3 December 1984, "Last Christmas" is a synth-pop single by Wham! that later appeared on their final studio album, *Music from the Edge of Heaven*. It was written and produced entirely by George Michael.

Why it matters

Though initially a seasonal release, the song became a lasting Christmas standard in the UK and beyond. It reached number one on the UK singles chart in January 2021, decades after its debut, and inspired the 2019 romantic comedy film *Last Christmas*.

Key details

The song's lyrics describe a painful breakup, using Christmas as a backdrop for lost love. In Canada, it remains a fixture on holiday playlists and radio. The track has been widely covered and is one of Wham!'s most recognized recordings.

In short

  • Released in 1984 by Wham!, written and produced by George Michael.
  • Lyrics are about heartbreak, not Christmas itself.
  • Reached number one in the UK in 2021, decades after release.
  • Inspired a 2019 film of the same name.
Canadian angle

The song has long been part of Christmas radio and holiday playlists in Canada, where Wham!’s 1980s pop catalogue remains widely recognized.

Quick questions

Who wrote "Last Christmas"?
George Michael wrote and produced the song for Wham!.
When was "Last Christmas" released?
It was released on 3 December 1984.
Did the song ever reach number one?
Yes, it reached number one on the UK singles chart in January 2021.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Christmas
    Supports: Release date, artist, writer, label, chart and album information
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/question/When-did-Wham-release-Last-Christmas
    Supports: 1984 release, original chart result, later legacy
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55509575
    Supports: UK number one in 2021
  4. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/wham/last-christmas
    Supports: Charity release note and lyrical meaning
  5. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/christmas/wham-last-christmas-song-facts
    Supports: Background story, meaning, and film inspiration