While it was a Top 30 hit in the UK upon its original release, "Step Into Christmas" has experienced a massive resurgence in the streaming era.
It reached a new peak of in 2019.
The accompanying video is famous for its casual, "behind-the-scenes" aesthetic. It features Elton and his band performing in a studio setting, famously holding up a to the camera. It also features a brief cameo by Bernie Taupin, who is seen hitting a gong. 4. B-Side: "Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas)" Elton John - Step Into Christmas
In 2021, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it .
It is now a permanent fixture on holiday radio and global "Top 100" Christmas playlists. 3. The Music Video While it was a Top 30 hit in
was released by Elton John in November 1973 as a standalone holiday single during the peak of his "Yellow Brick Road" era . Written with long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, the track was intended as a "thank you" to fans for a record-breaking year. 1. Production and Sound
The original 7-inch vinyl featured a quirky, more humorous B-side titled "Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas)," which tells the story of a disgruntled Santa Claus who has had enough of the holiday season. It features Elton and his band performing in
The song was recorded at Trident Studios in London and intentionally crafted to mimic the famous production style pioneered by Phil Spector. It features a heavy, rhythmic piano line, lush percussion, and a distinctive "echoey" vocal quality that captures a nostalgic 1960s Christmas feel. 2. Chart Performance and Legacy