Holiday music continued its annual takeover of the Billboard Hot 100, dated Dec. 20, 2025, with seasonal standards dominating the top 10 as listeners leaned heavily into nostalgia, tradition and a handful of modern additions.
At No. 10, Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” returned to the top tier for another holiday season. First released in 1963, the song has become a perennial chart performer, buoyed by heavy radio rotation, retail playlists and streaming activity throughout December. Its warm orchestration and optimistic lyrics continue to resonate across generations.
Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” climbed to No. 9, reaffirming its status as one of the most successful modern Christmas originals. Released in 2013, the upbeat, Phil Spector-inspired track benefits from Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals and has become a reliable fixture on holiday playlists more than a decade after its debut.
Nat “King” Cole’s “The Christmas Song” sits at No. 8, extending its long-standing legacy as one of the most enduring holiday recordings of all time. Originally recorded in 1946 and famously re-recorded in 1961, the chestnut continues to draw strong streaming numbers each December, underscoring Cole’s timeless appeal.
Taylor Swift places at No. 7 with “The Fate of Ophelia,” a non-holiday track standing out amid the seasonal surge. The song’s continued chart presence reflects sustained fan engagement and streaming momentum, allowing it to compete with Christmas classics during one of the most competitive chart weeks of the year.
At No. 6, Huntrx’s “Golden (From K-Pop Demon Hunters)” remains a strong performer, fueled by interest in the animated project and global streaming support. The track’s placement highlights the increasing influence of soundtrack releases and international pop acts on the Hot 100.
Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” lands at No. 5, continuing its annual resurgence. Since its 2014 release, the song has evolved into a modern holiday staple, benefiting from Grande’s consistent streaming strength and cross-format appeal during the Christmas season.
Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” holds the No. 4 spot, maintaining its role as a cornerstone of holiday radio. First released in 1957, the rock-inflected Christmas tune remains a favorite for its upbeat tempo and enduring familiarity.
Wham!’s “Last Christmas” rises to No. 3, once again proving its lasting popularity. The 1984 hit has become one of the most streamed holiday songs globally, driven by nostalgic appeal and continued relevance across younger audiences.
At No. 2, Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains one of the season’s strongest performers. Recorded when Lee was just 13 years old, the song has enjoyed a remarkable chart renaissance in recent years, regularly challenging for the top spot each December.
Claiming No. 1 once again is Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The 1994 classic continues to dominate the holiday season, benefiting from massive streaming numbers, radio airplay and cultural ubiquity. Carey’s song has become synonymous with Christmas itself, cementing its place as one of the most successful holiday recordings in chart history.
With Christmas just days away, seasonal music shows no signs of slowing, as familiar favorites continue to outperform newer releases on the Hot 100.
