Who Sings the Theme Song to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you might be wondering who sings the catchy theme song that plays during the opening credits. Well, wonder no more! Let’s dive into the history of this festive tune and uncover the answer to this burning question.

The History of “Christmas Vacation”

“Christmas Vacation” is a holiday song that was written for the 1989 movie of the same name. The film follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he tries to create the perfect Christmas for his family, despite a series of comedic mishaps. The theme song perfectly captures the chaotic yet heartwarming spirit of the film.

The Lyrics

The lyrics to “Christmas Vacation” were written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, a husband-and-wife duo who have written numerous hits throughout their career. The song starts with the following lyrics:

It’s that time, Christmas time is here
Everybody knows there’s not a better time of year
Hear that sleigh, Santa’s on his way
Hip hip hooray for Christmas vacation

The rest of the song goes on to describe all of the fun and festivities that come with the holiday season.

The Musical Arrangement

The music for “Christmas Vacation” was composed by Angelo Badalamenti, an American composer who has worked on numerous film scores throughout his career. The arrangement features jingling bells and cheerful horns that perfectly capture the joyful spirit of Christmas.

Who Sings “Christmas Vacation”?

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: who sings this beloved theme song? The answer is..Mavis Staples!

You may recognize Mavis Staples as a soul and gospel singer who has had a successful career in music since the 1950s. She has worked with numerous artists throughout her career, including Bob Dylan, Prince, and Aretha Franklin.

In addition to “Christmas Vacation,” Staples has also contributed to the soundtracks of other popular films, including The Help and Happy Feet Two.

Conclusion

So there you have it! The theme song to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, and performed by Mavis Staples. Now that you know the history behind this festive tune, you can sing along with even more holiday spirit this season.