Who Sings the Song in Christmas Vacation When He’s in the Attic?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever watched the holiday classic movie, Christmas Vacation? If so, you may remember the scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is up in the attic, looking for old Christmas decorations.

While up there, he comes across a box of old home movies and decides to take a break from his search to watch them. As he pops in the old film reel, a familiar tune begins to play. But who sings the song in Christmas Vacation when he’s in the attic?

The song that plays during this scene is called “Mele Kalikimaka,” which translates to “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian. The version used in Christmas Vacation is actually a cover by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters.

Who are Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters?

Bing Crosby was an American singer and actor who rose to fame during the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for his hit songs such as “White Christmas,” which is still popular today during the holiday season.

The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group that consisted of three sisters: LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty. They were popular during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s and had numerous hit songs such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Rum and Coca-Cola.”

Why was this song chosen for Christmas Vacation?

“Mele Kalikimaka” was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949 and has since become a popular holiday tune. Its upbeat melody coupled with its tropical Hawaiian vibe makes it a unique addition to any holiday playlist.

In Christmas Vacation, this song was chosen to add some levity to an otherwise chaotic scene where Clark Griswold is struggling to find old decorations in the cluttered attic. The cheerful tune provides a nice contrast to his frustration and adds to the lightheartedness of the movie.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! The song that plays in Christmas Vacation when Clark Griswold is in the attic is “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. This classic tune adds a unique touch to the movie and is sure to put a smile on your face during the holiday season.

If you haven’t seen Christmas Vacation yet, be sure to add it to your holiday movie list. And if you have, take a moment to appreciate the song during that memorable attic scene.