This year marks the 40th anniversary of George Michael's iconic music video for the Wham! classic "Last Christmas," which has become synonymous with holiday cheer and nostalgia. The Swiss ski resort of Saas-Fee, where the memorable video was filmed, is gearing up for celebrations to honor not only the song but also the memories of those who were part of its creation.
One of the featured personalities is Londoner Debbie Killingback, who had the unique opportunity to play George Michael's girlfriend in the music video. Speaking with BBC Radio London, Debbie fondly reminisced about her experience. "It was such a fun day, and to be part of something that's become so significant over the years is quite special," she said. Filmed against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the video encapsulates the wintry magic of the holiday season.
Saas-Fee, with its picturesque landscapes and charming atmosphere, served as the perfect setting for the music video. Over the decades, "Last Christmas" has transcended generations, accumulating nearly two billion downloads on Spotify and over 900 million views on YouTube. It's hard to walk through shopping malls or hear carols during the holiday season without encountering the familiar melody of this timeless anthem.
This December, as tourists flock to the slopes of Saas-Fee to enjoy 150 kilometers of ski trails, the town is filled with 1980s nostalgia. The local tourism board has organized special events, including guided "Wham! walks," themed cocktails, and parties celebrating the pop group’s stay 40 years ago. Mattia Storni, the head of marketing for Saas-Fee, noted, "The interest in this gets bigger and bigger every year. The song is an amazing ambassador – we have people coming from as far as Australia just because of our link to Andrew and George."
The story behind the video is just as intriguing as its legacy. Filmed during late November 1984, the video was produced quickly to meet the December release date. The town buzzed with excitement as George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley arrived, bringing their infectious energy to the sleepy Swiss village. According to Beat Anthamatten, the former owner of the Walliserhof hotel, which accommodated the crew, this iconic collaboration was birthed out of necessity. "A location scout contacted me because the crew of the movie The Razor’s Edge, which included actor Bill Murray, had been shooting mountain scenes in India but all got food poisoning and needed to recreate the same look in Europe. They chose Saas-Fee," he recounted.
Visitors to Saas-Fee this winter can also engage with the resort’s new Wham! exhibition at the local museum, which features memorabilia from the group’s stay, alongside guided experiences to retrace the steps of the video shoot locations. Guests are invited to sip on "Wham! cocktails" and enjoy the warm ambience of the hotel bar, where one of the bartenders joked about the playful speculation of George Michael's favorite drink. "Was this George’s favourite? I think so," she said, serving up the vodka and watermelon concoction.
Skiers often find themselves bemused as they walk past locations featured prominently in the video, such as the cable car station, where the group was filmed preparing for their alpine adventures. The picturesque village remains largely unchanged, maintaining the charm of the 1980s. Iwan Bitschin, who conducts Wham! walks, takes visitors on tours to see where iconic scenes were filmed, sharing anecdotes about the moments captured on camera.
Even decades later, the allure of "Last Christmas" continues to ring true as fans descend upon Saas-Fee to celebrate this ultimate holiday classic. This November brought the first significant snowfall of the season, providing the perfect backdrop for festive activities and personal reflections on the romantic music video.
Fans predictably gather at the Walliserhof hotel, where George Michael stayed during filming, and can enjoy themed stays celebrating the pop duo. With its blend of stunning scenery and thrilling activities, Saas-Fee is poised to create new memories this December. Forty years on, the legacy of "Last Christmas" ensures the song will remain alive and well, echoing through the valleys and ski runs, reminding everyone of love and nostalgia during the holidays.
