Sir Paul McCartney durante el concierto de su gira Got Back en el Estadio Centenario en Montevideo, Uruguay, el 1 de octubre de 2024. DANTE FERNANDEZ/AFP via Getty Images
Paul McCartney brought a little extra holiday cheer to Manchester over the weekend with a rare performance of his beloved seasonal hit, “Wonderful Christmastime.”
Fans at the Co-Op Live arena on Saturday (Dec. 14) were treated to the festive surprise during McCartney’s ongoing Got Back tour—a moment that hasn’t been seen live in six years.
Accompanied by a group of children from the You Should Be Dancing Theatre Academy, McCartney turned the arena into a winter wonderland. The track, released in 1979 ahead of the holiday season, has become a staple of Christmas playlists worldwide but remains a rare gem in McCartney’s live sets.
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Prior to Saturday, the last time “Wonderful Christmastime” made it to the stage was during a trio of December shows in England back in 2018.
This live rendition arrives as “Wonderful Christmastime” continues to make waves on the Billboard charts this holiday season. The track reentered the Rock Streaming Songs chart this week at No. 15, with fans turning to streaming platforms and holiday playlists to revisit the timeless tune. It has spent a total of 47 weeks on the rock-specific tally, previously peaking at No. 2.
The song’s success doesn’t stop there. “Wonderful Christmastime” has also returned to the Billboard Global 200 at No. 161, reflecting its international appeal. On seasonal charts, the track holds steady on the Holiday Hot 100 (No. 25), Holiday Streaming Songs (No. 26), and Holiday Airplay (No. 32), affirming its status as one of the most enduring holiday hits.
McCartney’s Manchester performance wasn’t just a treat for the audience—it highlighted his ability to connect with fans across generations, blending deep cuts with iconic hits. His ongoing Got Back tour has been a celebration of his extensive catalog, featuring Beatles classics, Wings favorites, and solo standouts.
As holiday streaming continues to surge, McCartney’s Christmas anthem stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted festive tune, earning its place as both a cultural touchstone and a perennial chart performer.
