It’s just about that time of year again! That’s right, it’s almost the joyous period of the year where we spend extended time with our loved ones, reminisce about nostalgic moments and experience the gift of gratitude. More than likely, this is all taking place while iconic holiday tracks ring off in the background. With millions of streams each year, these festive hits have become mainstays in holiday playlists around the world, generating significant income for their artists. As the holiday season approaches, a new report by music experts at Playlist Name AI has revealed which Christmas classics are not only spreading cheer but are also raking in the most earnings on Spotify.
The study analyzed 100 of the most popular Christmas songs and gathered the number of streams from Spotify. The earnings were then calculated by multiplying the number of streams by the average Spotify payout of $0.004.They were then ranked to find the highest-earning tracks.A spokesperson fromPlaylist Name AIcommented, “these top-earning Christmas songsshowcaseboth the enduring appeal of classic holiday music and the rising popularity of newer hits. As streaming continues to grow, these festive favoritesare likely to keep spreading cheer—and generating significant earnings—each holiday season.”
Check out the list of the top-earning Christmas songs on Spotify below. Let us know what you think of it and if any of the songs listed surprise you.
Mariah Carey’s1994 classic reigns supreme, with over 1.8 billion streams and more than $7.3 million in earnings. This song has become synonymous with the holiday season, cementing Carey’s title as the “Queen of Christmas.”
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Wham!’snostalgic holiday heartbreak anthem takes second place, bringing in over $6.1 million. Originally released in 1984, it remains one of the most beloved Christmas songs worldwide.
3. Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me
Streams: 1,060,142,749 Earnings: $4,240,571.00
Ariana Grande’smodern holiday tune has resonated with younger listeners, amassing over 1 billion streams and earning more than $4.2 million since its 2014 release.
4. Brenda Lee – Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Streams: 1,020,122,290 Earnings: $4,080,489.16
Brenda Lee’s1958 hit continues to rock around the holiday charts, bringing in over $4 million in earnings thanks to its catchy and timeless appeal.
5. Michael Bublé – It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Streams: 1,006,784,877 Earnings: $4,027,139.51
Michael Bublé’srendition of this holiday classic has become a seasonal favorite, generating more than $4 million in earnings. Bublé’s warm vocals have made him a staple of holiday playlists.
6. Sia – Snowman
Streams: 979,028,286 Earnings: $3,916,113.14
Sia’swhimsical and heartfelt “Snowman” has earned nearly $4 million, resonating with fans who appreciate a fresh take on holiday music.
7. Michael Bublé – Holly Jolly Christmas
Streams: 619,643,185 Earnings: $2,478,572.74
Another hit forMichael Bublé, this version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” has added a jolly $2.4 million to his holiday earnings, solidifying his place in festive music.
8. John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Streams: 573,465,742 Earnings: $2,293,862.97
John Lennon’sheartfelt message of peace continues to earn over $2.2 million, reminding listeners of the holiday season’s deeper meaning beyond festivities.
9. Band-Aid – Do They Know It's Christmas
Streams: 566,303,095 Earnings: $2,265,212.38
Band-Aid’scharitable anthem brings in over $2.2 million in earnings, a testament to the song’s powerful message and enduring popularity since its release in 1984.
10. The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride
Streams: 538,627,709 Earnings: $2,154,510.84
The Ronettes’iconic version of “Sleigh Ride” rounds out the top 10, with over half a billion streams and more than $2.1 million in earnings, making it a timeless addition to holiday playlists.
