The festive season is one of the busiest times on UK roads, with millions of travelling to celebrate with loved ones. Despite it being the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas-related traffic can lead to stressful and potentially hazardous journeys.
Staying relaxed behind the wheel is crucial for both safety and enjoyment, and the right music can play a significant role in creating a calming atmosphere.
To help drivers navigate the holiday rush more safely and serenely, ALA Insurance, the UK’s leading provider of GAP insurance, has identified the calmest Christmas songs to include in your driving playlist.
Top Christmas Songs for a Stress-Free Drive
Here are the most popular calming Christmas classics to add to your festive playlist:
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“Do You Hear What I Hear” by Idina Menzel – BPM: 63
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“2000 Miles” by The Pretenders – BPM: 66
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“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee – BPM: 67
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“When a Child Is Born” by Bing Crosby – BPM: 69
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“Petit Papa Noël” by Tino Rossi – BPM: 74
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“Merry Christmas Darling” by Christina Perri – BPM: 75
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“Christmas Time Is Here” by Brett Eldredge – BPM: 77
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“Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues, Kirsty MacColl – BPM: 77
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“Count on Christmas” by Bebe Rexha – BPM: 78
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“My Christmas Wish for You” by Percy Sledge – BPM: 79
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“Silent Night” by Michael Bublé – BPM: 80
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“Comin’ Home for Christmas” by Dolly Parton – BPM: 80
With their gentle rhythms, these tracks are scientifically suited to reducing stress and creating a tranquil atmosphere during your holiday car travel.
Why tempo matters
Music tempo significantly influences our mood, and songs within the 60–80 BPM range closely mimic the human resting heart rate. This pace encourages calmness, making it an ideal choice for the often-hectic Christmas season.
More festive song facts
Our analysis of Christmas music trends revealed additional insights into calming holiday tunes:
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Average Christmas Song Tempo: Of the 100 most popular Christmas songs from our research the average was 116 BPM. Great for celebrating, less so for the commute.
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Calmest Decade: In our top 100, the 1940semerged as the calmest era of Christmas music with an average BPM of 101. Slower tempos and a nostalgic, soothing style are ideal for easing holiday stress. On the opposite end of the scale, the 1990s is the most energetic decade for festive hits with an average of 148 BPM.
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The Liveliest Christmas Songs: When you’ve completed your journey and are looking to start the Christmas party, the fastest festive tracks in the top 100 come from:
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“Must Be Santa” by Alma Cogan – BPM: 202
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“Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams – BPM: 202
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“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande – BPM: 192
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“Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea – BPM: 180
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“Under the Mistletoe” by Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson – BPM: 178
Chris Rea may have sung about the magic of driving home for Christmas, but it turns out his song’s lively BPM isn’t the best for a relaxing road trip.
Aimee Anderson from ALA Insurance commented, “Driving during the festive season can be stressful, with increased traffic and unpredictable weather conditions. Taking steps to stay calm and focused behind the wheel, such as playing relaxing music, can make a real difference. A peaceful mindset not only makes your journey more enjoyable but also helps ensure you arrive safely to celebrate with loved ones.”
So, whether you’re humming to a Crosby classic or crooning along with Bublé, the right soundtrack can make your Christmas drive home a truly peaceful experience.
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