On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Wham!’s timeless 1984 heartbreak anthem “Last Christmas” has dethroned Mariah Carey’s reigning queen to claim No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200—proving that classic festive hits, fueled by nostalgia, catchy melodies, and endless streams, continue to dominate the charts alongside icons like Brenda Lee and Bing Crosby!
The Christmas season is synonymous with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and, of course, a soundtrack of timeless tunes that dominate the airwaves every December. This year, however, there’s a shake-up at the top.
Last Christmas
Wham!’s iconic 1984 single “Last Christmas” has climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, edging out Mariah Carey’s perennial favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has held the top spot each December since its debut on the chart in 2020. With 95.3 million streams and 5,000 sales worldwide in the week of December 5-11, “Last Christmas” marks a milestone for the duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, proving that even four decades later, its bittersweet tale of holiday heartbreak resonates globally.
This chart triumph isn’t just a win for Wham!—it’s a reminder of how Christmas songs have an uncanny ability to recur annually, blending nostalgia, emotion, and cultural ubiquity. But what propels these tracks to the top year after year? And which other holiday classics share the spotlight? Let’s dive into some of the all-time greats and unpack the magic behind their popularity.
The Current Chart Climbers: A Festive Takeover
As of mid-December 2025, the Billboard Global 200 is awash in holiday cheer, with several Christmas staples infiltrating the top ranks amid non-seasonal tracks. Following “Last Christmas” at No. 1 and Carey’s anthem at No. 2, Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (1958) sits comfortably in the mix, alongside Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” (1957) and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” (2014). These songs aren’t new, yet they surge thanks to streaming platforms, social media virality, and holiday playlists that amplify their reach. In fact, Carey’s track, despite being dethroned globally, reclaimed No. 1 on the U.S. Hot 100 for its 19th week, underscoring its domestic dominance.
All-Time Top Christmas Hits: A Festive Hall of Fame
Christmas music has produced some of the most enduring hits in pop culture history. According to Billboard’s staff-curated list of the 100 best Christmas songs, the genre spans crooners, rockers, and modern pop stars, each bringing unique flavor to the season. Here’s a spotlight on some perennial favorites:
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
Often dubbed the modern queen of Christmas, this upbeat love song has become inescapable. Its popularity stems from Carey’s powerhouse vocals, jingly production, and romantic lyrics that evoke holiday warmth. It’s the top-streamed holiday song ever, with over 1 billion Spotify plays, and its annual resurgence is fueled by memes, movies, and TikTok dances.
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” (1942)
Holding the Guinness World Record as the best-selling single of all time (over 50 million copies), this Irving Berlin classic captures wistful longing for simpler times. Its gentle melody and themes of home and peace make it a staple in films like Holiday Inn, ensuring generational appeal through nostalgia and emotional depth.
Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (1958)
This rockabilly gem, with its infectious saxophone riff and party vibe, ranks as the second-most popular holiday song in Billboard’s all-time list. Its upbeat energy and association with festive gatherings keep it climbing charts, especially after features in movies like Home Alone.
Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” (1957)
A playful twist on traditional jingles, this track’s twangy guitar and catchy chorus make it ideal for holiday dances. It’s third on Billboard’s holiday rankings and owes its longevity to covers by artists like Hall & Oates.
Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (1946)
Evoking cozy winter scenes, Cole’s velvety voice and vivid imagery create instant holiday ambiance. It’s a top contender in all-time lists for its timeless elegance and sensory appeal.
Other notables include The Ronettes’ “Sleigh Ride” (1963) for its wall-of-sound production, Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (2011) for its smooth jazz revival, and even modern entries like Kelly Clarkson’s cover of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or Stevie Wonder’s soulful “What Christmas Means to Me” (1967).
What Makes Christmas Songs So Irresistibly Popular?
The secret sauce of these hits lies in a potent mix of factors. First, nostalgia plays a huge role—many songs transport listeners back to childhood memories, family traditions, or past holidays, creating an emotional bond that encourages annual replays. Psychologists note that holiday music triggers dopamine releases tied to positive associations, making it addictive.
Second, musical elements like bells, choirs, and upbeat rhythms mimic the joy of the season, while heartfelt lyrics about love, loss, or wonder provide relatability. Tracks like “Last Christmas” blend melancholy with pop catchiness, appealing to those who find the holidays bittersweet.
Third, cultural and commercial amplification: Streaming services curate massive playlists (Spotify’s “Christmas Hits” boasts millions of followers), and syncs in ads, TV shows, and social media virals boost visibility. In the digital age, older songs benefit from “recurrent gold” status, where they rack up streams without new releases.
Finally, timelessness and adaptability: Many classics get remade—think Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s orchestral rock take on “Carol of the Bells” or Ariana Grande’s fresh pop spin—keeping them relevant across generations. As Wham!’s ascent shows, even ’80s synth-pop can outshine contemporaries in a streaming-driven world.
In a season of giving, these songs give us comfort, joy, and a shared soundtrack. Whether “Last Christmas” holds its crown or Carey stages a comeback, one thing’s certain: holiday hits will keep jingling all the way into the new year.
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