When fans search for an Ed Sheeran Christmas album, they're typically looking for a dedicated full-length holiday record by the British pop superstar. However, Ed Sheeran hasn't released a standalone, traditional holiday album. Instead, his festive footprint centers around massive chart-topping holiday singles—most notably his blockbuster collaboration "Merry Christmas" with Elton John, which dropped in December 2021 as part of the Christmas Edition of his studio album ** (Equals).
While many major artists compile full holiday albums filled with cover tracks, Sheeran took a different route. He focused on writing original festive music that captures modern holiday nostalgia while supporting charitable causes. Understanding what Sheeran has released during the holiday season helps clarify how his seasonal tracks fit into his broader discography without falling for internet rumors about phantom full-length Christmas LPs.
The Story Behind Merry Christmas with Elton John
In late 2021, two of British music's biggest names joined forces for an unexpected holiday collaboration. Ed Sheeran and Elton John teamed up to write and record "Merry Christmas," a track designed specifically to chase the coveted UK Christmas Number 1 spot.
The creation process started when Elton John reached out to Sheeran with a simple challenge: write a Christmas song. Sheeran initially hesitated, feeling that crafting a holiday track requires catching a very specific lightning-in-a-bottle energy. Yet within days, he wrote the chorus, and the pair finalized the upbeat track. Released via Asylum Records and Atlantic Records, the song blends classic sleigh bells, warm acoustic guitars, and joyous vocal harmonies.
The accompanying music video leaned heavily into holiday pastiche. Directed by Jason Koenig, the video recreates iconic moments from legendary Christmas music videos and films, including Wham!'s "Last Christmas," The Snowman, and East 17. It also features cameo appearances from British cultural figures like Mr Blobby, Jonathan Ross, and Michael McIntyre.
Chart Performance and Charitable Impact
The single achieved massive commercial success across the globe. In the United Kingdom, "Merry Christmas" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, securing Elton John his first-ever festive chart-topper and giving Sheeran his second. It also performed well internationally, landing on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Crucially, the release was tied to philanthropy. During the initial release window, global record and publishing royalties from the single, alongside profits from physical CD and vinyl sales, were donated equally:
- The Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation, which helps young musicians in his home county.
- The Elton John AIDS Foundation, supporting global HIV prevention and care.
This charitable framework turned a commercial pop stunt into a meaningful community initiative, ensuring that holiday consumption directly funded local music education and health advocacy.
Where to Find Ed Sheeran Holiday Tracks on Vinyl and CD
Because Sheeran never released a standalone compact disc or vinyl LP dedicated entirely to Christmas songs, collectors often look for compilation albums or special album reissues.
When his fourth studio album, Equals, received a seasonal refresh, it was packaged as Equals (Christmas Edition), bundling the original tracklist alongside "Merry Christmas". Additionally, physical collectors can find the standalone single released across limited-edition CD singles, cassette tapes, and colored vinyl variants through Discogs. Furthermore, the track regularly appears on major annual holiday compilation series, such as the UK's Now That's What I Call Christmas physical box sets.
Common Misconceptions About Ed Sheeran's Holiday Music
Listeners frequently confuse standalone singles with full studio albums. Here are a few common mix-ups:
- The Full Album Myth: Many search queries imply a 10-track or 12-track Ed Sheeran Christmas record exists. It doesn't. His holiday output consists primarily of the 2021 duet with Elton John and minor seasonal radio crossovers.
- The LadBaby Connection: Shortly after releasing "Merry Christmas," Sheeran teamed up with comedy duo LadBaby and Elton John for "Sausage Rolls for Everyone". While it topped the charts as a novelty Christmas song, it is a parody charity single rather than an official core Ed Sheeran album track.
- Acoustic vs. Holiday Ballads: Songs like "The Joker and the Queen" or "Visiting Hours" are sometimes mistaken for winter or holiday tracks due to their gentle acoustic nature, but they belong to his standard pop and singer-songwriter catalogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ed Sheeran release a full Christmas album?
No. Ed Sheeran has not released a standalone full-length Christmas album. His most prominent holiday release is the single "Merry Christmas" recorded with Elton John.
Is Merry Christmas by Ed Sheeran and Elton John a charity single?
Yes. All global record royalties and publishing proceeds from the single during its active campaign were split evenly between the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
What albums include Ed Sheeran's Christmas songs?
"Merry Christmas" is featured on the digital and physical reissues of his fourth studio album, Equals (Christmas Edition), as well as annual multi-artist holiday compilation albums.
Will Ed Sheeran release a Christmas album in the future?
While Sheeran hasn't announced plans for a complete holiday-themed record, he has proven his ability to craft successful seasonal hits, leaving the door open for future holiday collaborations.
