The holiday hit reclaims No. 1 for a fifth consecutive year, 29 years after its release
Mariah Carey’s beloved holiday anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” returned to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 18, 2023, marking another triumphant seasonal resurgence nearly three decades after its original release. The enduring classic continues to captivate listeners worldwide, reinforcing Carey’s iconic status in the pantheon of holiday music.
Released in 1994 as part of her holiday album Merry Christmas, the track initially enjoyed modest success. However, it wasn’t until 2019—25 years later—that the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. Since then, it has claimed the No. 1 spot every December, becoming a hallmark of the holiday season.
In 2023, the song reached the summit of the charts for the 14th nonconsecutive week overall. This latest achievement places Carey among the elite artists with the most weeks at No. 1 in Hot 100 history. Alongside her other chart-toppers, including “We Belong Together” and “One Sweet Day,” she becomes the only artist to have three songs spend 14 or more weeks at No. 1.
Carey celebrated the news on social media, posting a jubilant message accompanied by festive emojis and a clip of her performing the song during her 2023 “Merry Christmas One and All!” tour. The tour, which spanned several U.S. cities in November and December, drew thousands of fans eager to relive the magic of her timeless track live in concert.
The song’s continued popularity is reflected in its staggering streaming figures. On Spotify, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has been streamed nearly 2 billion times. It also maintains a dominant presence on Apple Music and Amazon Music playlists during the holiday period, contributing to its yearly chart climb.
Furthermore, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified the single 16× Platinum, signifying over 16 million units sold in the United States alone. It is among the best-selling singles of all time, with global sales and streams pushing its lifetime earnings into the tens of millions.
Beyond commercial performance, the cultural impact of the song is unparalleled. Each year, as early as November 1, fans begin circulating memes declaring the start of “Mariah Season”—a testament to the song’s ingrained role in the holiday zeitgeist. Retailers, radio stations, and holiday events regularly feature the track as a festive staple, ensuring its omnipresence throughout the season.
Music critics often highlight the song’s flawless blend of nostalgia and cheer, featuring jingling bells, a catchy melody, and Carey’s soaring vocals that make it instantly recognizable and eternally joyful. Despite attempts by other artists to replicate its success, none have come close to matching its enduring legacy.
Interestingly, the song was written in just 15 minutes by Carey and producer Walter Afanasieff. At the time, both considered it a simple throwback tune. Little did they know it would become a global phenomenon, generating millions annually in royalties and becoming an annual chart contender.
The continued success of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” underscores a rare phenomenon in modern music—a song that not only stands the test of time but grows stronger with each passing year. It also reflects a broader trend in the music industry, where digital streaming and nostalgia drive the resurgence of classic hits.
As December 2023 drew to a close, Carey’s chart dominance provided a familiar comfort and festive cheer to millions around the world. Whether in shopping malls, holiday parties, or cozy family gatherings, her unmistakable voice once again defined the sound of the season.