Analyzing Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas November Streams on Its 30th Anniversary
Three decades ago, on October 28, 1994, the world was gifted a collection of holiday cheer and timeless melodies with the release of Mariah Carey’s iconic album, Merry Christmas. Today, this record continues to resonate across generations, cementing its place as a cornerstone of holiday celebrations. As we mark the 30th anniversary of this remarkable album, its enduring impact is not only felt in the hearts of fans but is also reflected in its continued dominance on music streaming platforms and its record-breaking certifications.
This year, the album is at a significant milestone by achieving RIAA 9× Platinum certification, putting it on the verge of becoming Mariah Carey’s third diamond-certified album—a feat achieved by only the most elite artists. Additionally, its crown jewel, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” stands tall at 14× Platinum in the US, making it one of the highest-certified singles in history. The song is also poised to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for its 15th cumulative week on the chart dated December 14, 2024, further cementing its legacy.
By analyzing the streaming data for the album’s songs in November 2024 and comparing it to November 2023, we can see how this legendary work continues to captivate audiences and maintain its relevance.
A Look Back at Merry Christmas
When Merry Christmas was released, it wasn’t just another holiday album—it was a cultural moment. Featuring a mix of classic holiday standards and original compositions, the album showcased Mariah Carey’s vocal brilliance and knack for creating music that transcends time, even though Mariah showed much reluctance in recording it so early in her career.
At the heart of the album lies its crown jewel, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” a track that has become synonymous with the holiday season. From its infectious melody to its heartfelt lyrics, the song has become an essential part of Christmas playlists worldwide, breaking records year after year for most streamed song on the special 25th. However, the album is more than its standout single. Tracks like “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” have become staples in their own right.
The album debuted to critical acclaim and has since sold over 24.4 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling holiday albums of all time. With its 30th anniversary and its potential to achieve Diamond status, Merry Christmas continues to stand as a testament to Mariah Carey’s enduring brilliance.
Analyzing November 2024 Streams
Streaming platforms have revolutionized how we consume music, allowing us to analyze the continued impact of albums like Merry Christmas in real time. For the month of November 2024, the album’s tracks collectively amassed an impressive 117,220,911 streams, an increase of over 29 million streams compared to November 2023’s 88,090,844 streams.
This surge highlights the growing popularity of the album, even as it enters its fourth decade. Let’s take a closer look at the performance of individual tracks:
Top Tracks in November 2024 versus November 2023
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
- 2024 Difference: 89,202,326 streams
- 2023 Difference: 67,013,977 streams
- Growth: +22,188,349 streams
- Analysis: The album’s flagship song saw the largest year-over-year growth in its difference, reflecting its unrivaled position as the ultimate holiday anthem. Its growth continues to drive the album’s overall performance.
2. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
- 2024 Difference: 13,993,930 streams
- 2023 Difference: 9,033,580 streams
- Growth: +4,960,350 streams
- Analysis: This festive favorite continues to climb, with a noticeable increase in year-over-year engagement, proving its appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners.
3. “O Holy Night”
- 2024 Difference: 3,877,327 streams
- 2023 Difference: 3,514,419 streams
- Growth: +362,908 streams
- Analysis: Mariah’s rendition of this classic remains a powerful showcase of her vocal talent, enjoying steady growth as audiences revisit this holiday staple.
4. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
- 2024 Difference: 4,356,321 streams
- 2023 Difference: 2,419,432 streams
- Growth: +1,936,889 streams
- Analysis: This playful and energetic track continues to gain traction, with its lighthearted charm drawing in more streams year after year.
5. “Silent Night”
- 2024 Difference: 2,089,691 streams
- 2023 Difference: 1,257,751 streams
- Growth: +831,940 streams
- Analysis: A serene and heartfelt rendition, “Silent Night” shows consistent growth, making it a favorite for quieter, reflective moments during the holiday season.
RIAA Certifications: A Testament to Longevity
A New Milestone for Merry Christmas
In December 2023, Merry Christmas reached 9× Platinum certification by the RIAA, signifying 9 million album-equivalent units sold in the United States. This milestone puts the album tantalizingly close to achieving Diamond certification (10 million units)—a rare and prestigious accomplishment. If it reaches this benchmark, Merry Christmas will join Daydream and Music Box as Mariah Carey’s third Diamond-certified album, a feat that solidifies her legacy as one of the best-selling artists in music history, alongside Whitney Houston and Shania Twain as the only two females who have achieved this feat.
The Unstoppable “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
In parallel, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to set records of its own. With its 14× Platinum certification, the song is among the highest-certified singles in US history. Its perennial return to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 each holiday season is a testament to its unmatched popularity. On the chart dated December 14, 2024, it is set to claim its 15th cumulative week at #1, extending its record as the longest-running holiday #1 in history.
Comparison to November 2023
While Merry Christmas performed admirably in 2023, its 2024 numbers highlight an upward trajectory in popularity:
| Year | Total Streams | Year-over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| November 2023 | 117,220,911 | N/A |
| November 2024 | 88,090,844 | +29,130,067 |
The year-over-year growth is significant and can be attributed to several factors:
- Social Media Trends: Viral moments and challenges on platforms like TikTok have introduced Carey’s music to younger audiences.
- Increased Holiday Streaming: The growing popularity of curated holiday playlists on streaming platforms has contributed to the album’s continued success.
- Anniversary Celebrations: The 30th anniversary likely spurred renewed interest in the album, with fans revisiting it in honor of the milestone.
Looking Ahead
As Merry Christmas celebrates its 30th anniversary, the album shows no signs of slowing down. Its continued growth on streaming platforms, combined with its enduring cultural relevance, ensures that it will remain a holiday staple for years to come.
Mariah Carey’s ability to create music that transcends time and brings people together during the holiday season is unparalleled. With Merry Christmas on the brink of becoming her third Diamond-certified album and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” poised for another record-breaking chart run, the Queen of Christmas reigns supreme.
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas is more than an album—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Thirty years after its release, it continues to bring joy to millions, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved holiday albums of all time.
From its remarkable streaming growth in November 2024 to its record-breaking certifications, the album’s legacy is as vibrant as ever. As we look forward to its future milestones, one thing is certain: Merry Christmas will forever hold a special place in the soundtrack of the holiday season.
