How we measure musicโs popularity continues to evolve considerably. Twenty years ago streaming was in a much earlier stage and nowhere near a considerable metric. Today, weโre all showing off our Spotify Wrapped playlists. The most popular Christmas songs 40, 50, even 60 years ago are still getting airplay, but how and where is a lot more complicated. Even today, a song going viral on TikTok can change careers, pop culture, and the plays an artist gets. Below, weโre looking into what is the most popular Christmas song, and which are guaranteed to help you deck the halls.
Suggested read: Christmas Cards for Veterans: How, Where, and What To Do
What Is the Most Popular Christmas Song of All Time?
The most popular Christmas song of all time is โWhite Christmasโ by Bing Crosby. However, not only is one of the godfathers of the crooner movement responsible for the most popular single for the holidays, but at more than 50 million copies sold worldwide, itโs the best-selling single ever.
But with all due respect to Bing, itโs a new era, and in the early-mid โ90s, the Queen of Christmas would arrive. Nobody owns the holidays these days like Mariah Carey and her hit holiday classic โAll I Want For Christmas Is You.โ
The song continues to inspire remixes, covers, and a variety of references each year. It has reached over 16 million downloads and billions, yes that is not a typo, billions of streams. A staggering number for anyone.
Related read: Veteran Nonprofits: Donate for Post-Christmas Write-Offs
New and Old, Christmas Music That Makes It Usually Stands the Test of Time
There is no question that there are several great โChristmas carolsโ that continue to grow. If Bing and Mariah arenโt careful, there may be some willing to challenge for the throne:
- Whether youโre still feeling the magic or worn out from watching it for years, โDo You Want to Build a Snowman?โ is an interesting take on how songs can become holiday classics even if they arenโt exactly made for celebrations.
- Itโs not really the holidays without โLast Christmasโ by Wham! You may find โonlyโ around 800,000 downloads for the hit but Spotify alone accounts for billions of streams.
- Since 2014, “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande has arguably become the next generationโs โAll I Wantโฆโ due to the addictive vocals she delivers. The interesting thing here is that Ariana delivers in multiple countries. Not only is it popular in the U.S. but the track is the most popular U.K. Christmas song since 2010.
Nostalgia is a big reason that so many songs both new and old stick around during the holiday season. New classics may be hard to come by, and even though this study forgot about Ariana and failed to realize the impact of Frozen at the time, it still brings up an interesting point.
The same reason people hate holiday music is the same reason they love it. Sadly, for some, the holidays are not the best of times, and bringing back certain memories can be harmful. For others, itโs a wave of nostalgic joy that canโt be replicated.
Many older songs such as “Feliz Navidad” and โJingle Bell Rockโ continue to show up in movies, shows, and Christmas karaoke sessions because of their nostalgia and staying power. Itโs hard to break through, but once you do, youโre part of the holiday traditions for decades to come.
The Most Popular Christmas Songs Aside, There Are Many Others to Consider
One of the great things about art, particularly music, is that it can be yours to enjoy as you wish. For example, โLet It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!โ by Frank Sinatra may speak of a wintery setting, but is it really a holiday song?
The song โHolidayโ by Vampire Weekend is more about escapism due to the War in Iraq than it is about Saint Nick. Yet, the lyrics fit the mood and thanks to a Happy Honda Days campaign using the song for its commercial, youโll often find it among many indie holiday mixes.
Ultimately, itโs not about listening to traditional hymns from the days of old or listening to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra elevate holiday songs to new heights only rock can. No, itโs about spending time with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer.
Regardless of what is the most popular Christmas song, the best thing you can hear this holiday season is the laugh of a friend, the voice of a loved one, or the joy that comes when someone receives a gift. Reach out, spread kindness, and take time to unwind as we finish off the calendar year.
Read next: Military Gifts Guide 2023: 26 Top Picks For The Entire Family