Superstar Kylie Minogue on her new festive album, spending a sunny Christmas down under and reflecting on her iconic Glastonbury set
Kylie Minogue reveals her Christmas plans with an Aussie-twist (Image: Tim P.Whitby/Getty Images for Ba)
Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue is very much looking forward to Christmas — but this year, she tells us, she’s ready to embrace the sun-kissed version celebrated down under, complete with copious sunscreen and barbecues on the beach. Kylie, who at 57 somehow manages to look as youthful and glowing as she did in the 90s, is fresh from her hugely successful Tension world tour.
Not one to rest on her laurels, however, she has also re-released her much-loved 2015 festive album, Kylie Christmas . The new edition, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) , includes four new tracks and some intriguing collaborations. Here, the singer reveals what Christmas means to her, her hopes for 2026 — and her proudest moment to date…
(Image: Getty Images for Bauer)
Hi, Kylie! What does Christmas mean to you?
I love Christmas, and I am going to say something completely unoriginal, but it really is about being with people you love. It’s really fun to race around and get the tree organised, try and find the perfect present for someone and just do the things that make us happy.
Where will you be spending the festive season this year?
I think I might be in Australia this year. It’ll be a barbecue Christmas at our family home. We have a country place that is really peaceful and very private. I don’t quite feel like I am 16 when I am there, it’s not a family home we had when I was a teenager but it reconnects me with nature back in Australia. It’s a special place. It’ll be fun but I do like a cold Christmas best.
What made you want to do this Fully Wrapped version of your Christmas album?
I always thought that I would do a Christmas album at some point, I just didn’t know when. Then, 10 years ago, when it transpired we had so much fun making it and we had so many ideas that we thought we should look at doing something else for Christmas. I would love people to listen to this album and feel some abandon and joy at Christmas. I just hope people enjoy it and feel good.
(Image: Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Can you tell us about some of the standout tracks?
My new single, XMAS , came from an idea we had back then, when we had just finished recording Kylie Christmas . Office Party is also a really fun new song for Christmas that I’m excited for everyone to hear. I’m so happy it has become a reality and that everyone is finally catching up because, for me, it has been Christmas since June!
Is Office Party inspired by a Christmas party you’ve been to?
Well, I’ve never had an office job so I have never actually been to a real office Christmas party! The closest I get is probably a backstage party, somewhere. But the song is my take on an office Christmas party — and that moment when everything changes from the usual work situation.
You’ve been so busy this year. When did you find the time to work on this album?
We had to fit it in between dates on the Tension tour. We recorded the whole thing when I probably should have been taking time off. Instead, I was in the studio thinking of Christmas!
You have some incredible collaborations on it, tell us more…
I have a duet with my sister, Dannii. We wrote a Christmas song called 100 Degrees because, you know, I am Australian and I really wanted to have a song on the album that talks about it being summertime at Christmas. We’re getting colder but it’s getting hotter down under. It’s such a fun song. I also have a duet with Frank Sinatra on there.
Kylie and sister Dannii gear up for family fun this Christmas(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Do you have a Christmas wish to take you into 2026?
To be able to spend more time with my family. To achieve what I want to achieve in my career takes a lot of time, so I hang on to the thought that I am going to take some time off and see my family more.
Does it often come down to a choice of career or personal life for you?
You have to try and find the sweet spot. It’s quite difficult to find the harmony and balance between what you do, putting yourself out there, and connecting with the world. Sadly, you can’t just decide when to turn it on and off. My place of respite and my safety zone is really just being with my family and being at home. But, I also feel at home on stage. It’s a merry dance!
What motivates you to keep going?
I just love what I do. There’s always a song that hasn’t been written or that hasn’t been sung. I love my audience and I have more to share. I feel good and I am excited to do more and to see what comes next.
How does it make you feel when people remember your hits from the past?
It’s amazing. I mark so many places in so many people’s lives that it makes them reflect. It’s something that never fails to amaze me. I feel very humble about having such an effect on people. I don’t take it for granted.
Kylie discusses her upcoming Christmas album(Image: GETTY)
When you look back over your career, what moment makes you most proud?
There are a thousand things. Playing the legends slot at Glastonbury in 2019 was a moment for me. But I don’t pat myself on the back very often. I’m too busy going, “What didn’t I do? What can I do next?” But at that moment I thought, “Wow!” Standing on that stage I did allow myself a tiny moment of, “Yeah, finally. I do feel like I deserve to stand on this stage.” But I’m still curious, I still love performing and I love my audience and what they give to me. That will always be the most beautiful thing.
XMAS and Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) are available to order now from Amazon
