Streaming Joy: Mariah Carey’s 20 Most-Played Christmas Songs 2023
Embark on a festive journey revisiting Mariah Carey’s top 20 Christmas hits of the 2023 holiday season! Relive the joy of streaming classics and modern gems. 🎄🎶 #MariahSZN
As the festive season approached, the air resonated not only with the sound of jingling bells but also with the unmistakable tunes of Mariah Carey’s Christmas classics. In the intriguing world of digital streaming, the period between September 1st and December 31st, 2023, witnessed a remarkable surge in Christmas music anticipation. The merriment began early, and it was not just the chill in the air but the warmth of Mariah’s timeless holiday hits that had people hitting play.
Mariah Carey, the undisputed Queen of Christmas, didn’t just dominate the charts; she owned them. The iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” achieved a remarkable feat, being awarded 14 times platinum by the RIAA, solidifying its status as a perennial holiday anthem. The entire “Merry Christmas” album, a masterpiece of festive tunes, earned its own acclaim with an impressive 9 times platinum certification.
Adding to the accolades, Mariah’s rendition of “O Holy Night” and the classic “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” both earned the coveted platinum certification, underscoring the enduring appeal of Mariah’s Christmas catalog.
What’s more, Mariah Carey took her holiday magic to new heights with a Twitter-breaking video announcement on November 1st. The traditional “It’s time” message accompanied a mesmerizing visual of Mariah being defrosted from a giant ice cube, sending fans into a frenzy. The video quickly became the most viewed on Twitter, garnering over 100 million views and setting the stage for a season of festive surprises.
In a groundbreaking moment, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” achieved yet another milestone by becoming the first holiday song to top the TikTok music charts, proving that Mariah’s magic transcends generations and platforms.
The crown jewel in Mariah’s Christmas repertoire, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” continued to break records. On December 24th, the song achieved a historic milestone, becoming the most streamed song in a single day with a staggering 23.7 million views on Spotify. Not stopping there, the track secured its place in the annals of streaming history, entering the top 100 most streamed songs of all time on the platform.
Now, let’s dive into the enchanting world of Mariah Carey’s top 20 Christmas songs that captivated our hearts and dominated our playlists during this magical holiday season. Get ready to relive the festive joy, one iconic melody at a time. It’s Mariah’s Christmas spectacular, where every note is a celebration, and every stream is a toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Let the streaming festivities begin!
1 – All I Want for Christmas is You – 333,765,578 streams
In the grand orchestration of Mariah Carey’s Christmas symphony, there’s no surprise that the reigning monarch is none other than the timeless anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Despite the anticipation and the plethora of records it shattered throughout the festive season, the song soared to the top with an awe-inspiring 333,765,578 streams between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, propelling it to the of Billboard Hot 100 for a total of 14 weeks.
This undeniable masterpiece didn’t just break records; it created its own realm of holiday magic, captivating hearts across the globe. From the earliest hints of Christmas cheer in September to the final echoes of holiday joy in December, Mariah’s iconic hit was the soundtrack to countless celebrations, sleigh rides, and cozy moments by the fireplace.
2-Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – 64,180,156 streams
The enchanting echoes of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” originally sung by Darlene Love and passionately embraced by Mariah Carey, have resonated through our holiday season playlist. With a heartfelt plea streaming 64,180,156 times between September 1 and December 31, 2023, Carey’s rendition has earned a well-deserved platinum certification from the RIAA. Adding to its accolades, this rendition made a remarkable debut on the Spotify Global Top 40 on December 24th, affirming its timeless appeal and newfound resonance with global audiences. As we explore the streaming milestones of Mariah Carey’s Christmas repertoire, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” emerges as a perennial favorite, weaving its melodic magic into the festive fabric of the season.
3- O Holy Night – 26,363,501 streams
At number three on our festive journey is the timeless masterpiece “O Holy Night,” a sacred hymn that transcends time and tradition. Originally penned by Adolphe Adam with lyrics by Placide Cappeau, this sacred carol, adorned in Mariah Carey’s angelic vocals, garnered 26,363,501 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023. Achieving platinum certification this year, Carey’s rendition not only pays homage to the song’s sacred roots but also stands as a testament to her vocal prowess. In our hearts, this version reigns supreme, setting a bar for future female singers who aspire to embrace the spiritual essence of “O Holy Night.”
4- Oh Santa! (feat. Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande) – 24,452,625 streams
Taking the fourth spot in our holiday harmony is “Oh Santa!,” a joyous collaboration among Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Ariana Grande. Surpassing 24,452,625 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this festive rendition has evolved into an annual favorite, gaining popularity with each passing year and securing a place in numerous playlists.
Adding to the festive magic, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande surprised fans during Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All tour in New York. The trio delivered a spirited live performance of “Oh Santa!” for the first time, creating an unforgettable moment that resonated with audiences worldwide. As the song continues to captivate listeners and spread holiday cheer, it approaches the remarkable milestone of 100 million streams, further solidifying its status as a cherished Christmas anthem.
5- Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town – 16,969,900 streams
With a cheerful jingle and 16,969,900 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023, this certified Gold holiday track stands tall among festive favorites. Mariah Carey’s rendition of this timeless classic, originally written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, and first recorded by Harry Reser and His Band in 1934, continues to enchant listeners. Its spirited melodies and festive vibes encapsulated in this song contribute to its significant streaming success, solidifying its place as a cherished piece in the holiday music repertoire.
6- All I Want for Christmas Is You (feat. Justin Bieber) – 12,268,665 streams
With a festive fusion, this collaborative holiday hit amassed 12,268,665 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023. Notably, this year marked a significant milestone as it surpassed the 100 million stream threshold. Originally featured on Justin Bieber’s 2011 album “Under the Mistletoe,” this rendition injects youthful energy into Mariah Carey’s iconic song. The accompanying music video, filmed in Macy’s in the same year, captures the festive spirit and joyful collaboration between the two pop sensations, creating a delightful visual complement to the yuletide anthem.
7- Silent Night – 9,599,834 streams
With a serene charm, Mariah Carey’s rendition of “Silent Night” from her iconic album “Merry Christmas” accumulated 9,599,834 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023. As the leading track of the album, it approaches the remarkable milestone of 100 million streams, currently standing tall with over 80 million plays. Originally composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, “Silent Night” is a timeless Christmas carol that Mariah’s emotive interpretation has elevated to new heights of enchantment. The soothing melody and heartfelt rendition make it a perennial favorite, contributing to its enduring popularity during the holiday season.
8- Oh Santa! – 5,709,506 streams
Garnering 5,709,506 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this track stands out as the undisputed star from the album “Merry Christmas II You.” The song’s popularity skyrocketed with the later-released version featuring Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande. Despite its widespread acclaim, it is yet to be certified Gold, a surprising fact given its annual rise in momentum. Penned by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Michael-Bryan Cox, “Oh Santa!” carries the promise of becoming Mariah Carey’s second self-penned Christmas blockbuster. The song’s steady climb in popularity suggests a robust and enduring appeal, making it a potential future holiday classic.
9- Joy To The World – 4,283,452
With 4,283,452 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023, Mariah Carey’s rendition of this classic hymn, originally written by Isaac Watts in 1719, brings a unique flavor to the holiday season. Mariah’s interpretation infuses an uptempo gospel-like vibe, seamlessly blending the traditional melody with Three Dog Night’s version of “Joy to the World.” The song’s popularity is further evident in its remix-packed EP, featuring versions like the dance-infused “Celebration Mix” and the energetic “Flava Mix,” offering listeners a variety of festive experiences.
10- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – 4,106,090 streams
Boasting 4,106,090 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, Mariah Carey’s rendition of this timeless hymn, written by Charles Wesley in 1739, is a soulful masterpiece. Mariah’s powerful vocals, accompanied by a background choir, impart a sense of spiritual upliftment, making it feel like a divine experience. What’s particularly remarkable is the song’s Platinum status awarded by the RIAA, a noteworthy achievement considering it was never released in a physical format. The recognition underscores the enduring appeal and impact of Mariah’s rendition in the digital realm.
11- Fall in Love at Christmas (feat. Khalid and Kirk Franklin) – 4,098,945 streams
With 4,098,945 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023, this 2021 release featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin has carved its place among Mariah’s Christmas classics. Despite not being prominently featured on major Christmas playlists, the song’s impressive streaming numbers attest to its popularity. The availability of multiple remixes on streaming platforms, a dedicated music video, and even a physical CD single for purchase at $5.95 underline Mariah’s commitment to delivering a festive experience that extends beyond the digital realm. The song’s success showcases Mariah’s ability to create enduring holiday hits, even with more recent additions to her Christmas repertoire.
12- Miss You Most (at Christmas Time) – 3,223,896 streams
#12 “Miss You Most (at Christmas Time)” – With 3,223,896 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this self-penned power ballad has become a poignant addition to Mariah’s Christmas catalog. Earning almost 25 million streams overall, the song’s emotional resonance and belting difficulty have garnered admiration, leading to numerous covers by various artists. Interestingly and probably attributed to this, Mariah seldom performs this song live, opting for occasional snippets. Despite this, its significant streaming numbers demonstrate its enduring appeal and solidify its place as a cherished part of the holiday season.
13- Jesus Born on This Day – 2,379,250
With 2,379,250 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023, this self-penned hymn stands as a testament to Mariah’s deep-rooted religious faith. The song’s beauty lies in its lyrical depiction of the birth of Jesus, complemented by the inclusion of the 3D children’s choir. Notably, Mariah highlighted the significance of this hymn by choosing to perform it live alongside her daughter Monroe during the 2023 Merry Christmas One and All Tour, adding a personal and touching dimension to its already spiritual essence.
14- Jesus! Oh What a Wonderful Child – 1,855,293
With 1,855,293 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this song, originally penned by Robert MacGimsey and first recorded by the Dixie Hummingbirds in the 1950s, experienced a revival through Mariah Carey’s rendition. Infused with soulful gospel singing and a choir, the track serves as the final piece in her Merry Christmas album, a collection that garnered nearly 500 million streams on Spotify alone during the 2023 Christmas season. Carey’s ability to breathe new life into classic compositions remains evident with this spiritually rich and festive rendition.
15- Sleigh Ride – 1,212,516 streams
Garnering 1,212,156 streams from September 1 to December 31, 2023, this surprising addition to Mariah Carey’s musical collection made its debut on the soundtrack of Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special in 2020. Offering a delightful twist to The Ronettes’ original, Carey’s rendition has become a favorite among Christmas enthusiasts. As she guides listeners on a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole, the track has emerged as one of the most streamed songs from the soundtrack second only to Oh Santa! (feat. Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande), accumulating almost 5 million streams on the Spotify platform to date.
16 – When Christmas Comes (feat. John Legend) – 1,142,299 streams
With 1,142,299 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this self-penned classic, created in collaboration with James Poyser, offers a heartwarming duet with John Legend. Originally featured in Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas II You” album in its solo version, the song has found a renewed audience in its alternate version included in the Anniversary Edition of “Merry Christmas.” Surpassing the 10 million stream mark, and with the YouTube video nearing 9.6 million views, this festive collaboration continues to spread holiday joy.
17- God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen – 936,371 streams
Garnering 936,371 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this enchanting acapella performance by Mariah Carey is a hidden gem. Originally available on international physical copies of the 1994 album “Merry Christmas,” it was later added to Spotify upon the Anniversary release. The multi-layered vocals showcase not only Mariah’s musical prowess, but her composing musicality providing listeners with a unique and exhilarating experience.
18- Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem) – 934,287 streams
Accumulating 934,287 streams between September 1 and December 31, 2023, this iconic New Year’s jam holds a unique place in Mariah’s discography. While it may not be a conventional Christmas tune, its popularity during the holiday season is undeniable. As this article focuses on the period from September to December 31, the song’s New Year’s Eve streams are not accounted for. However, for curiosity purposes, the New Year’s Eve soundtrack gained impressive momentum with 89,148 streams from December 31, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Taking into account all the remixes, the song technically achieved 92,632 streams on this festive day, marking its biggest streaming day to date. The accompanying (very low budget) video features pregnant Mariah vibing away against a green screen, aka fireworks.
19- All I Want for Christmas Is You (Magical Christmas Mix) – 801,916 streams
With a total of 801,916 streams, this rendition of Mariah’s timeless classic adds a magical touch to the festive season. Despite Mariah’s numerous re-recordings, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While our personal favorite may lie elsewhere throughout her Christmas catalog, there’s no denying the universal appeal of this beloved anthem – and we love that! The “Magical Christmas Mix” was prominently featured in Mariah’s 2020 Magical Christmas Special, serving as the closing theme for an unforgettable TV spectacle.
20- Christmas Time Is In The Air Again – 778,656 streams
Wrapping up our list with 778,656 streams, this hidden gem hails from Mariah’s sophomore Christmas album, “Merry Christmas II You.” While often overshadowed, it’s heartening to witness these overlooked tracks finding their place in Christmas playlists. Penned and produced by Carey in collaboration with Broadway composer Marc Shaiman, the song adds a special touch to Mariah’s collection of self-penned Christmas anthems. As these tunes gain momentum, they solidify their spot in the cherished Christmas songbook for years to come.
In concluding this festive journey through Mariah Carey’s most streamed Christmas songs of 2023, it’s evident that her musical enchantment extends far and wide. The Merry Christmas album, a cornerstone of this holiday playlist, resonated profoundly, amassing a staggering 466,726,950 streams on Spotify alone from September 1 to December 31, 2023. This remarkable feat translates into an album equivalent of 311,151 copies sold worldwide, showcasing the enduring appeal of Mariah’s seasonal melodies.
As we bid farewell to this year’s holiday season, the streaming numbers affirm that Mariah Carey’s Christmas catalog isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a cherished tradition uniting fans globally in the spirit of merriment. From the joyful jingles of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to the serene notes of “Silent Night,” each track has contributed to the shared soundtrack of our festive celebrations. As we anticipate the next yuletide season, Mariah’s timeless tunes will undoubtedly continue to bring comfort, joy, and the magic of Christmas to listeners around the world.
