Every holiday season brings its own soundtrack, but only a select group of Christmas singles have managed to turn festive cheer into record-breaking sales. From golden-age classics to modern chart-toppers, these songs have dominated airwaves, soundtrack playlists, and stood the test of time. Here’s a look at the 20 best-selling Christmas singles in the U.S. based on certification by the RIAA.
20. Mary, Did You Know – Pentatonix (Platinum)
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Pentatonix transformed “Mary, Did You Know” into a soaring a cappella showpiece that resonated far beyond the group’s core fanbase. The arrangement gave the song a spacious, almost cinematic feel that set it apart from other seasonal releases. As their holiday albums became annual staples, this track grew alongside them.
19. Hallelujah – Pentatonix (Platinum)
Although not originally a Christmas song, Pentatonix’s dramatic interpretation of “Hallelujah” quickly became tied to the holiday season. Their layered vocals added emotional depth, turning the cover into a wintertime favorite shared on countless playlists and broadcasts. It found new life each year as listeners gravitated toward its reflective tone.
18. You Make It Feel Like Christmas – Gwen Stefani (featuring Blake Shelton) (Platinum)
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton created an unexpected pop-country fusion that charmed fans from both genres. Their cheerful duet captured the warmth of holiday togetherness, making it a standout on seasonal radio. The song’s playful spirit kept it circulating heavily during the busiest shopping weeks of the year.
17. A Ghetto Christmas Carol – XXXTentacion (Platinum)
XXXTentacion delivered one of the most unconventional holiday releases in recent memory with “A Ghetto Christmas Carol.” The track blended his signature rawness with a dark holiday aesthetic that appealed to a specific but passionate audience. Even with its edgy tone, it drew massive streaming numbers throughout the winter months.
16. What Christmas Means to Me – John Legend (featuring Stevie Wonder) (Platinum)
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John Legend revived a Motown favorite with help from Stevie Wonder, creating a vibrant, joyful version that honored the original. The recording radiated a celebratory energy that made it ideal for holiday commercials and playlists. Its polished sound and star-powered collaboration boosted its visibility across platforms.
15. Cozy Little Christmas – Katy Perry (Platinum)
Katy Perry embraced holiday cheer with this shimmering, modern pop single that quickly gained traction. Its playful lyrics and warm production made it a frequent choice for seasonal ads and festive social content. Listeners gravitated to its cozy, feel-good vibe as soon as the holiday season kicked off.
14. Like It’s Christmas – Jonas Brothers (Platinum)
The Jonas Brothers brought a nostalgic yet upbeat approach to “Like It’s Christmas,” appealing to longtime fans and casual listeners alike. Its cheerful melody made it perfect for holiday parties and family-friendly playlists. The trio’s comeback momentum helped the song gain additional visibility during its release year.
13. Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin (2× Platinum)
Dean Martin’s silky version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” remains one of the most recognizable holiday recordings ever made. His effortless charm and relaxed delivery have allowed the track to endure across generations. Each winter, it re-enters the conversation as both a classic and a cultural touchpoint.
12. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin (2× Platinum)
This Dean Martin staple captures the essence of mid-century Christmas music, complete with smooth vocals and cozy atmosphere. The song has thrived for decades thanks to its frequent use in films, commercials, and holiday events. As streaming brought classic tracks to younger audiences, its popularity surged once again.
11. Christmas Canon – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (2× Platinum)
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra reimagined Pachelbel’s Canon as a sweeping holiday piece filled with orchestral drama. The blending of classical elements with modern production gave the song a unique identity within the Christmas catalog. It became a staple of their live shows, which helped drive sustained interest in the recording.
10. Snowman – Sia (2× Platinum)
Sia’s “Snowman” emerged as a viral sensation thanks to its whimsical melody and heartfelt lyrics. Social media challenges and fan-made videos pushed it to new heights each holiday season. The song’s gentle, nostalgic style set it apart from her more experimental pop work.
9. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love (3× Platinum)
Darlene Love’s powerhouse vocals turned this Phil Spector-produced gem into one of the most enduring Christmas recordings of the 1960s. Her yearly performances on television cemented its status as a seasonal tradition. The song’s emotional urgency keeps it relevant even as holiday music evolves.
8. Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes (3× Platinum)
The Ronettes injected “Sleigh Ride” with a joyful burst of 1960s pop energy that continues to charm listeners. Its vibrant production and spirited vocals make it instantly recognizable. The track’s resurgence in modern media has fueled its recent streaming growth.
7. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 – Savatage / Trans-Siberian Orchestra (3× Platinum)
This dramatic instrumental blends rock and classical influences in a way that reshaped holiday music in the ’90s. Its electrifying arrangement became synonymous with light shows and festive displays across the United States. The track’s association with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s touring extravaganzas helped maintain its visibility.
6. Mistletoe – Justin Bieber (3× Platinum)
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Justin Bieber introduced a new wave of teen-pop holiday music with “Mistletoe,” which became a massive seasonal hit. Its breezy, romantic vibe helped it dominate Christmas playlists among younger listeners. The song’s catchy chorus made it one of the most replayed tracks of the season in its release year.
5. Do You Want to Build a Snowman? – Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monn and Katie Lopez (4× Platinum)
This emotional highlight from Disney’s “Frozen” became an instant cultural phenomenon. Families and children embraced the song’s storytelling charm, keeping it in heavy rotation long after the film’s release. Its seasonal appeal grew as the movie became a winter classic.
4. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande (4× Platinum)
Ariana Grande delivered a modern Christmas anthem with “Santa Tell Me,” blending playful lyrics with polished pop production. The song surged each December as fans embraced its upbeat, youthful energy. It also became a consistent presence on holiday charts around the world.
3. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee (7× Platinum)
Brenda Lee’s irresistible swing on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” turned it into a jukebox classic almost immediately after its release. The track’s buoyant tempo and Lee’s vibrant delivery have made it a centerpiece of holiday parties and film soundtracks for decades. Seasonal airplay and recurring sync placements have driven streams and sales consistently year after year.
2. Last Christmas – Wham! (7× Platinum)
Wham!’s bittersweet holiday classic has grown more iconic with each passing decade. Its synth-pop sound and memorable chorus helped redefine what a Christmas hit could be. Year after year, it dominates global charts and inspires countless covers.
1. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey (16× Platinum)
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Mariah Carey’s holiday juggernaut continues to reign as the undisputed queen of Christmas music. Its blend of modern pop and timeless festive flair has made it a cultural tradition across generations. Each December, the song returns to No. 1 territory as streams and sales skyrocket worldwide.
