What Is the Song in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, finally manages to light up his house with an over-the-top display of Christmas lights. But what is the song that plays during this iconic scene?

The Song

The song that plays during the famous lighting scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham. This upbeat and catchy tune was originally written for the 1983 movie National Lampoon’s Vacation, which starred Chevy Chase as well.

The Lyrics

While “Holiday Road” has become synonymous with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the lyrics don’t actually have anything to do with the holiday season. In fact, the song is all about taking a road trip and enjoying the journey:

  • I found out long ago
  • It’s a long way down Holiday Road
  • Holiday Road
  • Holiday Road
  • Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
  • Take a ride on the West Coast kick
  • Holiday Road
  • Holiday Road
  • Holiday Road

As you can see from these lyrics, “Holiday Road” is all about hitting the open road and having a good time along the way.

The Significance of “Holiday Road”

While it may seem odd to have a song about road trips playing during a scene about Christmas lights, there is actually some significance to using “Holiday Road” in this context.

For one thing, the song is incredibly upbeat and energetic, which perfectly matches Clark Griswold’s enthusiasm as he finally gets his lights working. Additionally, using a non-traditional holiday song can help to create a more modern and fun vibe for the movie. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is known for its irreverent take on the holiday season, and “Holiday Road” fits right in with that spirit.

In Conclusion

So there you have it – the song that plays during the iconic lighting scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham. While the lyrics may not be explicitly about Christmas, the song’s upbeat energy and fun vibe make it a perfect fit for this classic holiday movie. Next time you watch the movie, pay close attention to how “Holiday Road” helps to set the tone for one of its most memorable scenes.