WHAM! – “Last Christmas”
Released in 1984, “Last Christmas” has become a holiday staple, re-entering music charts worldwide each December. In 2020, it finally reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, 36 years after its release. The song has sold over 1.8 million copies in the UK alone. Interestingly, the music video was filmed in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, a location chosen due to unexpected snowfall that disrupted the original plan to shoot in Gstaad.
Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Since its release in 1994, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a defining holiday anthem. It has topped the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, including a record-breaking run in recent years. The song has sold over 16 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. A lesser-known fact: the song was co-written in just 15 minutes and was originally conceived as a rock song before evolving into its current pop form.
Brenda Lee – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
Recorded in 1958 when Brenda Lee was just 13 years old, this classic has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. It continues to chart annually, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart. An interesting tidbit: the song’s distinctive guitar riff was played by Hank Garland, a renowned session musician of the era.
Ariana Grande – “Santa Tell Me”
Released in 2014, “Santa Tell Me” has become a modern Christmas favorite, frequently re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 during the holiday season, peaking at No. 17. The song has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. Fun fact: Grande co-wrote the song during the summer months, aiming to create a timeless holiday track.
Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bell Rock”
First released in 1957, “Jingle Bell Rock” has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. It reappears on the Billboard Hot 100 each holiday season, peaking at No. 3 in recent years. Interestingly, despite its enduring popularity, Helms recorded the song in a single take.
Ed Sheeran & Elton John – “Merry Christmas”
Released in December 2021, this collaboration debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was a charity single, with proceeds going to the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A fun fact: the song’s music video pays homage to various classic Christmas videos, including scenes reminiscent of Wham!’s “Last Christmas.”
Kelly Clarkson – “Underneath the Tree”
Released in 2013, “Underneath the Tree” has become a contemporary holiday classic, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song has been streamed over 200 million times on Spotify. Interestingly, Clarkson co-wrote the song and recorded it in just one day.
The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl – “Fairytale of New York”
Released in 1987, this song has become a holiday staple in the UK and Ireland, re-entering the charts annually and peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK. An interesting fact: the song was written over two years and was initially intended to be a duet between Shane MacGowan and bassist Cait O’Riordan before Kirsty MacColl was brought in.
Andy Williams – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Released in 1963, this song has become synonymous with the holiday season, reaching No. 5 on Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart. It has been featured in numerous films and commercials, contributing to its lasting popularity. Interestingly, despite its association with Christmas, the song never explicitly mentions the holiday.
These songs continue to bring joy during the holiday season, each with its unique history and charm.
