What Song Do They Sing in the Car in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “Christmas Vacation,” you’ve probably found yourself singing along to one of the most iconic scenes in the film. That’s right, we’re talking about the car scene where Clark Griswold and his family are driving to get their Christmas tree.

But what song do they sing in the car? Let’s find out!

The Scene

In this scene, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is driving his family to a tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. As they drive, he turns on the car radio and begins singing along to a classic holiday tune.

The Song

The song that Clark and his family sing in the car in “Christmas Vacation” is “Mele Kalikimaka.” This Hawaiian Christmas song was first recorded by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950 and has since become a beloved holiday classic.

The Lyrics

Here are some of the lyrics to “Mele Kalikimaka” that you hear Clark and his family singing in the car:

  • Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
  • On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
  • That’s the island greeting that we send to you
  • From the land where palm trees sway
  • Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
  • The sun will shine by day and all the stars at night
  • Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way
  • To say Merry Christmas to you!

The Significance

While “Mele Kalikimaka” may seem like an unusual choice for a Christmas song, it’s actually quite fitting for the scene in “Christmas Vacation.” The song’s upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics perfectly capture the Griswold family’s excitement as they set out to find their Christmas tree.

In Conclusion

So there you have it! The song that Clark and his family sing in the car in “Christmas Vacation” is “Mele Kalikimaka.” Next time you watch the movie, be sure to sing along with them and get into the holiday spirit!