Step Into Christmas is back for the festive season in a brand-new recording. Elton John has joined forces with CMAT for a fresh version of his classic Christmas song, released on 5 November 2026 as an Amazon Music Original, exclusively on Amazon Music. The new recording keeps the rock 'n' roll rhythm of the 1973 original, adds a new string arrangement, and brings CMAT's vocals into one of the most joyful songs in Elton John's catalogue. For more on his life and career, read the Elton John biography.
The original Step Into Christmas was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and produced by Gus Dudgeon. It was first released on 23 November 1973 on DJM / MCA, and it peaked at No. 24 in the UK in January 1974. Since then it has climbed the chart every festive season, reaching a new UK peak of No. 7 in the 2025 festive season. The song is BPI Triple Platinum and RIAA Platinum, and it reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Christmas Singles chart. Like Last Christmas lyrics (Wham!), it has become a seasonal favourite that returns every December.
The 2026 duet is positioned as this year's Amazon Music Original Christmas song. Last year's entry, Kylie Minogue's "XMAS", reached UK Christmas No. 1. Read the Kylie Minogue biography for more on her career. Ahead of the announcement, CMAT posted a video of an Elton John doll on her Christmas tree on 4 November 2026.
Step Into Christmas Song Credits
Song: Step Into Christmas
Artists: Elton John and CMAT
Writers: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Producer: Gus Dudgeon
Original Release Date: 23 November 1973
2026 Duet Version: Released 5 November 2026 as an Amazon Music Original, exclusively on Amazon Music
Label: DJM / MCA (original release)
Step Into Christmas Lyrics
Full lyrics for Step Into Christmas are not published here yet. The official lyrics will be added once they are verified from the official release.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official 2024 video for Step Into Christmas below. It stars Cara Delevingne as Elton, re-creating the 1973 promo look. Please note: no YouTube video of the 2026 duet version exists yet, as the new version is an Amazon Music exclusive, so the video below is the official 2024 video of the same song, not the duet version. Fans of classic pop may also enjoy Careless Whisper lyrics (George Michael).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings the new version of Step Into Christmas?
The new version is a duet by Elton John and CMAT. It was released on 5 November 2026 as an Amazon Music Original, exclusively on Amazon Music.
When was Step Into Christmas first released?
The song was first released on 23 November 1973. It was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and produced by Gus Dudgeon.
What is the highest chart position of Step Into Christmas?
The song reached a new UK peak of No. 7 in the 2025 festive season, after first peaking at No. 24 in January 1974. It also reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Christmas Singles chart.
Where can I hear the Elton John and CMAT version?
The Elton John and CMAT version is available exclusively on Amazon Music, where it was released as an Amazon Music Original on 5 November 2026. No YouTube video of the duet version exists yet.
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