Track Info
About
California Christmas is an unreleased original written by Robbie Williams with Karl Brazil and Owen Parker, performed live at his 2019 Under the Radar concert at London’s Roundhouse. Though not included on The Christmas Present, the song reflects the same period and spirit of creativity that produced the album. With its playful wordplay and autobiographical detail, it reimagines the festive season through the lens of Williams’s adopted Californian home.
The lyrics contrast traditional British Christmas imagery with the sunshine and surreal glamour of Los Angeles: “I say happy Christmas folks, not holiday season,” and “Santa comes from central casting.” Elsewhere, Williams jokes about Hollywood neighbours, singing, “I moved in next to the Kardashians and Charlie Sheen.” His delivery mixes warmth with wry self-awareness, blending holiday nostalgia with celebrity satire.
Musically, the song sits between swing and pop, built on bright acoustic guitars and a lilting rhythm that evokes both classic crooners and West Coast soft rock. The performance, captured by fans at the Roundhouse and shared online, shows Williams smiling throughout, clearly delighted that many in the crowd already knew the words from his social media teasers.
“I played it to Guy and he said, ‘This is brilliant, why didn’t you play me this?’ and I said, ‘I did!’”Robbie Williams
Blending humour, reflection and affection for his transatlantic life, California Christmas would fit seamlessly among the original tracks of The Christmas Present. It remains a fan-favourite rarity, symbolising the sunny, unconventional side of Williams’s festive imagination.
Lyrics
I went all in
'Cuz there's something about this town
That kept on, calling
It's not in my blood
Or in my DNA
But it held my hand
When I ran away
I'm a lost angel
With my demons
I say happy Christmas folks
Not holiday season, come on
Come on California keep you head up
It's Christmas, it's all good
Though it's never gonna snow in Hollywood
I love you, it's all good
Now Santa in the sun
Sure looks strange to me
But we've got Central Casting
So he's the best you've ever seen
I saw him with his reindeer's down Rodeo
Outside Louis Vuitton
And Santa's Little Helpers
Were helping wealthy moms
But it's all good
It still feels like Christmas so I
Got outta my car
And I handed him my wish-list and it went
Come on California keep you head up
It's Christmas, it's all good
Though it's never gonna snow in Hollywood
I love you, it's all good
So one night ago, 19 years
19 years ago, very late
I said to myself: if I wake up tomorrow and I'm still alive
I'm going to change
Thank you California
But there's
No frost on the palm trees
And there's
No frost on me
I moved in next to the Kardashian's and Charlie Sheen
Come on baby (Come on California keep you head up)
Aaaaah (It's Christmas, it's all good)
Though it's never gonna snow in Hollywood
I love you, it's all good
Come on California keep you head up
It's Christmas, it's all good
Though never gonna snow in Hollywood
I love you, it's all good
Credits
-
Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Robbie Williams, Karl Brazil, Owen Parker