Introduction
1985 single by Bryan Adams"Christmas Time"Single by Bryan AdamsB-side"Reggae Christmas"ReleasedLate 1985Recorded1984GenrePop rockChristmasLength4.10 LabelA&MSongwritersBryan AdamsJim VallanceProducersBob ClearmountainBryan AdamsJim VallanceBryan Adams singles chronology
"Diana" (1985)
"Christmas Time" (1985)
"Heat of the Night" (1987)
"Christmas Time" is a song by Canadian rock singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. It was written by Adams and Jim Vallance and became Adams' most popular Christmas song. It was originally released on clear, green vinyl with a picture sleeve. It was written and recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. No music video was shot for the song when it was originally released, but on December 10, 2019, Adams released a video for the song on YouTube. Over thirty years after it was first recorded, the song still receives significant radio airplay each year during the Christmas season. It features prominently in the 2022 action comedy film Violent Night. The B-side is "Reggae Christmas", written by Jim Vallance in 1978 after a chance meeting with Ringo Starr. Although Starr never recorded it, Adams went on to do his version in 1984, adding a new bridge section. It was first released as a fanclub-only single on colored vinyl in December 1984, with a Christmas message by Adams and his band on the B-side (entitled "Plum Pudding"). Subsequently, "Reggae Christmas" ended up as the B-side to all pressings of "Christmas Time", from 1985 onwards. There was a live video made by MTV for its "Reggae Christmas", featuring a guest appearance by Pee-wee Herman.
Track list
[edit] A-side[edit] "Christmas Time" B-side[edit] "Reggae Christmas"
Albums
[edit] Despite being listed as a bonus track to the 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife on the Bryan Adams website, there is no official version of the album with "Christmas Time" on it. The song, along with its B-side "Reggae Christmas", appears on Bryan Adams' 2019 EP Christmas. The song is also available on these compilation albums:
The Christmas Hit Collection (Arcade, 1989) The Best of Rock Christmas (Polystar, 1995) A Musical Christmas from The Vatican DVD (2002) The Very Best of Rock Christmas (Polystar, 2005) A Canadian Christmas (2005) Christmas #1 Hits (2006) Now Christmas 3 (Warner Music Canada, 2008) On Christmas Night (2016)
Personnel
[edit] Bryan Adams – acoustic guitar, lead and backing vocals Jim Vallance – bass guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals Keith Scott – lead guitar Mickey Curry – drums
Charts
[edit]
Chart (1985–1986)
Peakposition
Australia (Kent Music Report)
64
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
39
Germany (GfK)
67
Ireland (IRMA)
26
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
33
Norway (VG-lista)
2
Portugal (AFP)
3
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
19
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
18
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)
55
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)
31
Chart (2009)
Peakposition
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
50
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
91
Chart (2016–2026)
Peakposition
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)
Certifications
[edit]
Region
Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)
Platinum
100,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)
Gold
45,000‡
Germany (BVMI)
Platinum
600,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)
Gold
50,000
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Why Bryan Adams’ ‘Christmas Time’ Still Spins on the Airwaves
Even without the glitz of a Christmas‑time music video, Adams’ track has become a staple of British radio playlists every December. Its mid‑80s pop‑rock sheen blends the earnestness of a holiday ballad with a radio‑friendly chorus that doesn’t feel forced. The song’s longevity lies in its straightforward production – a clean guitar line, crisp drums and a sing‑along refrain that works as well in a family living‑room as it does in a commercial break. For many listeners, the tune conjures memories of the first time they heard it on a car radio, making it a comforting auditory cue that signals the start of the festive season.
Collecting the Green Vinyl: A Mini‑Guide for Fans
Original pressings of ‘Christmas Time’ were issued on clear, green vinyl – a rarity that has turned into a modest collector’s item. When hunting for a copy, check specialist record shops in major cities and reputable online marketplaces that verify condition with high‑resolution photos. Look for the picture sleeve intact; it often bears the band’s handwritten message, adding to the charm. Be wary of reproductions that lack the distinctive green hue or the correct catalogue number. Even if you don’t intend to spin it on a turntable, a well‑preserved copy makes a striking addition to any Christmas‑themed music collection.
How to Make the Most of ‘Christmas Time’ at Gatherings
Bring Adams’ track into your holiday playlist as a bridging piece between classic carols and contemporary pop hits. Its steady tempo sits comfortably under background chatter, yet it’s catchy enough to spark an impromptu sing‑along. Pair it with a simple acoustic rendition on the piano for a more intimate feel, or let the full band version play while guests are opening presents. Because the song avoids overly saccharine lyrics, it appeals to both younger listeners and adults who prefer a rock‑edge to their seasonal soundtrack. A well‑timed cue during the cocktail hour can lift the mood without overpowering conversation.