Elton John Step Into Christmas Platinum: Holiday Classic Reaches Major Milestone

The Recording Industry Association of America made the announcement on December 1, 2025. The certification represents a significant achievement for the holiday classic. More than one million certified units have been sold in the United States alone.

This milestone comes after the song initially earned gold certification in September 2021. The track has gained remarkable momentum in recent years. Streaming services and digital downloads have introduced the song to new generations of listeners.

The Step Into Christmas platinum certification also follows triple platinum status in the United Kingdom. British fans have embraced the song with 1.8 million units sold. The global appeal demonstrates Elton John’s enduring influence as one of the classic rock artists who transcends generations.

Elton John and UMe jointly announced the platinum achievement. The timing perfectly aligns with the holiday season. Fans worldwide celebrate this recognition of a beloved festive anthem.

Released in November 1973, “Step Into Christmas” marked a departure for Elton John. The legendary artist and Bernie Taupin had focused primarily on albums rather than singles. This holiday track represented their first intentionally crafted single release.

Elton explained to Melody Maker in 1973 that they had never written a song specifically tailored as a single. He described it as “a real loon about” and expressed excitement about creating more songs in this style. The approach proved successful beyond their expectations.

The single peaked at number 24 on the UK singles chart upon its initial release. American audiences saw it reach number 56 on the Cash Box Top 100. However, it claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart.

The song experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2019. It climbed to a new peak of number 8 on the UK singles chart. This renaissance demonstrated the timeless appeal of classic rock from the 1970s.

The track later appeared as a bonus track on the 1995 remastered edition of Caribou. It also found its way onto numerous compilation albums. These include Rare Masters, To Be Continued, Diamonds, and various Christmas-themed collections.

Morgan Studios in London hosted the legendary recording session on November 11, 1973. Drummer Barry Morgan owned the studio and had played on several early Elton John albums. The connection created a comfortable atmosphere for creativity.

Guitarist Davey Johnstone recalled the spontaneous magic of that day. He came up with a distinctive acoustic and electric guitar riff. The band immediately knew they had something special and were “off to the races.”

Producer Gus Dudgeon helmed the session with his characteristic attention to detail. The team worked efficiently to capture both the A-side and B-side in one day. This remarkable productivity showcased the tight musical chemistry of Elton’s touring band.

The core band members included Nigel Olsson on drums and Dee Murray on bass. Ray Cooper contributed the tubular bells heard in the bridge section. This lineup had already established themselves as one of the tightest units in rock music.

The recording captured the joyful energy the band felt during the session. Every element came together seamlessly. The single-day recording remains a testament to their exceptional musical abilities and collaborative spirit.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin drew direct inspiration from Phil Spector’s legendary production style. They wanted to capture the magic of Christmas songs produced by Spector. The Ronettes and other girl groups from the 1960s served as their primary influences.

Elton explained in a 2023 YouTube interview their creative goal. They wanted to have fun and incorporate everything Christmas-themed into the song. The music of Phil Spector became their template to emulate.

The mixing process deliberately imitated Spector’s famous Wall of Sound technique. Engineer and producer Gus Dudgeon used compression extensively. Multiple layers of instruments and vocals created that signature dense, rich sound.

The production features bells, strings, and layered harmonies characteristic of Spector’s approach. Every element contributes to the festive, celebratory atmosphere. The result sounds both timeless and distinctly early 1970s.

This homage to classic production techniques helped Step Into Christmas stand out. The song captured genuine holiday spirit while maintaining sophisticated musicality. It remains a masterclass in how to honor influences while creating something original.

The initial chart performance in 1973 and 1974 showed modest success. The UK chart peak at number 24 represented solid achievement. The American number one position on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart proved its holiday appeal.

The song gained recognition in 2009 as the ninth most-played Christmas song of the 2000s in the UK. This ranking demonstrated its growing status as a holiday staple. Radio programmers and listeners had embraced it as essential seasonal music.

The 2019 resurgence marked a turning point for Step Into Christmas. Streaming platforms introduced the song to younger audiences. The track climbed to number 8 on the UK singles chart, surpassing its original peak by 16 positions.

Each passing year brings renewed interest in this festive classic. The song regularly appears on holiday playlists worldwide. Its annual return to the charts has become as reliable as the changing seasons.

The platinum certification in 2025 represents the culmination of over five decades of sustained popularity. Few holiday songs achieve this level of commercial success. Elton John joins an elite group of artists with certified platinum Christmas hits.

Elton John unveiled a brand-new music video for Step Into Christmas in 2024. Over 50 years after the original, this fresh take reimagines the making of the 1973 promo. The gloriously kitsch video brings new life to the holiday classic.

British actress and model Cara Delevingne stars as Elton in the remake. She portrays the chaos and humor of a frantic production team. The behind-the-scenes concept shows them trying to make everything “Christmassy enough.”

Delevingne, a lifelong Elton fan, fulfilled a personal dream with this role. She literally stepped into her friend’s high-heeled boots. The affectionate tribute captures both the original’s spirit and adds contemporary humor.

The video features Delevingne in an outfit identical to Elton’s 1973 costume. She and Elton conceived the idea while attending Glastonbury Festival 2024. Elton stated it was “the perfect opportunity” when someone suggested Cara play him.

This creative revival generated renewed attention for Step Into Christmas. The video went viral across social media platforms. It introduced the song to audiences who might not have discovered it otherwise.

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While Step Into Christmas remains Elton’s primary holiday offering, he released other Christmas-related material. In 2005, Elton John’s Christmas Party compilation album arrived exclusively at Starbucks Hear Music outlets. The campaign donated two dollars from each sale to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The Christmas Party album featured Step Into Christmas alongside a new duet with Joss Stone. “Calling It Christmas” became the album’s second original Elton John track. The compilation also included holiday favorites by other artists Elton admired.

Artists featured on the compilation included The Beach Boys, The Flaming Lips, and Pet Shop Boys. Rufus Wainwright, Otis Redding, Jimmy Buffett, The Band, and The Pretenders also appeared. Kate Bush and U2 rounded out the eclectic collection.

The album received a wider release in October 2006. However, six songs were omitted from this general market version. The original Starbucks exclusive remains the complete edition collectors seek.

Elton recorded other Christmas-themed tracks over the years. “Cold As Christmas (In The Middle Of The Year)” appeared on various compilations. Limited edition vinyl releases of Step Into Christmas continue to appear regularly during the holiday season.

Step Into Christmas has become an essential part of holiday celebrations worldwide. Radio stations program it alongside Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” The song appears on countless holiday playlists across streaming platforms.

The track’s enduring appeal stems from its genuine joy and masterful production. Unlike many holiday songs that feel forced or saccharine, Step Into Christmas captures authentic festive spirit. The Phil Spector-inspired arrangement gives it a timeless quality.

Elton John’s status among Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees adds gravitas to the achievement. He has sold over 300 million records worldwide throughout his career. The Step Into Christmas platinum certification adds another impressive milestone to his legendary status.

The song bridges generations in remarkable ways. Parents who grew up hearing it in the 1970s now share it with their children. Younger listeners discover it through movies, commercials, and social media. This cross-generational appeal ensures its continued relevance.

The classic rock era of the 1980s saw Elton continue his success with hits like “I’m Still Standing.” However, Step Into Christmas from 1973 remains his most beloved holiday contribution. The platinum certification validates what fans have known for decades.

The Step Into Christmas platinum certification represents more than commercial success. It recognizes a song that has become woven into the fabric of holiday traditions. Over five decades, this track has brought joy to millions during the festive season.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin created something truly special on that November day in 1973. Their goal to emulate Phil Spector while injecting their own personality succeeded brilliantly. The result feels both familiar and distinctively Elton John.

The timing of this achievement couldn’t be better. As 2025’s holiday season approaches, fans old and new can celebrate this milestone. The platinum certification ensures Step Into Christmas receives the recognition it deserves.

For classic rock enthusiasts, this news highlights Elton’s remarkable consistency. From his breakthrough in the late 1960s through the 2020s, he continues to achieve new milestones. Few artists maintain relevance across so many decades.

The Step Into Christmas platinum achievement joins an impressive list of Elton’s accomplishments. His influence on classic rock remains undeniable. This certification proves that great music truly is timeless.

As we celebrate this news, it’s worth revisiting Elton’s incredible catalog. Whether exploring his holiday music or diving into his legendary albums, there’s always something new to discover. Step Into Christmas now carries platinum status, but its real value lies in the joy it continues to bring.