1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
This iconic Christmas song was released in 1994 and quickly received worldwide recognition. With lyrics that appeal to the masses and a catchy tune, it easily broke a handful of records on multiple music billboards. Last Christmas, it set the single-day record for most Spotify streams with 10.82 million plays and has sold over 60 million copies.
2. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
Released in 1984, this single taps into the fact that many holiday memories are negative, contrary to the typical seasonal cheer. It also conveys not every Christmas ends underneath the mistletoe. After its release, the song reached number one in eight countries, selling millions of copies. Artists including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande have covered this song since its release.
3. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
The lyrics in “Mistletoe” and Bieber’s charismatic voice allures young hearts and helped the album “Under the Mistletoe” debut at number one on the Billboard 200 within the first year of its release. Since then, the song has been listed fourth for all time best-selling holiday singles on SoundScan, adding harmony to the most wonderful time of the year.
4. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
An “oldie but a goodie,” this song encompasses the idea of the holiday season and all the wonderful things that go along with it. This song proceeded to become second on the list of Top 10 Holiday songs on Billboard last year. When this song plays, everyone knows that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
5. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” – Meredith Wilson
From the first day of November until Christmas, this single can be heard on every radio station. It sparks the start of the Christmas season, making jingle bells rock and silver lanes glow. This song was covered by Johnny Mathis in Home Alone 2. Since then, it has been one of the Top 10 Holiday songs.
6. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
A popular favorite that almost every elementary school kid has sung during their Winter concert, “Jingle Bell Rock” is the famous extension to the standard “Jingle Bells.” This song continues to captivate everyone rockin’ around the Christmas tree with its simple lyrics. “Jingle Bell Rock” has sold more than 120 million copies worldwide.
7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
Released in 1958, this acclaimed holiday song did not become popular until Lee gained popularity in 1960. Since then, the song has sold over 25 million copies and has the fourth most digital downloads sold of any Christmas single. This song has also been featured in Home Alone. Santa tells me it will be a favorite for years to come.
8. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
Not only are her albums certified platinum and she is one of the leading streaming pioneers, Grande also has a gift for performing songs when it’s cold outside. “Santa Tell Me” follows the footsteps of Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” carrying the same spirit of wanting someone special to love during the holiday season.
9. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Frank Loesser
Let it Snow for this popular Christmas duet that was released in 1944. It gained wide recognition when it was performed in “Neptune’s Daughter” in 1949 and won the 1949 Academy Award for Best Original Song. From that time on, countless artists, like Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé have covered this classic.
10. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – Sammy Cahn
This song was written in 1945 in California, ironically during a heat wave. Although it was not intended to be a holiday jam, the song was quickly regarded as a favorite. After its release, it became a popular hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Best Sellers in 1946. This song has sold more than a million copies worldwide since its release.