The Most Popular Holiday Songs of All Time Will Surprise You

published Nov 21, 2020
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If you’re already jamming out to Christmas music in November, you are not alone. Pandora, the popular subscription music streaming service, just released a new report on holiday music and found that streamers began listening to Christmas music in mid-October. Yes, mid-October. What’s more, the streaming service also released a definitive ranking of the top 20 holiday songs of all time—and the results will surprise you. 

The list is an eclectic mix of beloved classics and modern songs. Darlene Love, Ariana Grande, and, of course, Mariah Carey are among those who made the list. And while one would presume that Carey would top any Christmas list due to her unbridled love and devotion to the season, the “All I Want For Christmas is You” singer doesn’t come out at No. 1, but No. 3. So, which track ranked first?

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by She & Him, the pop indie musical duo composed of actor Zooey Deschanel and singer-songwriter M. Ward, is the top holiday track, per Pandora. The cover is followed by “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental)” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Carey, “Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers, and “We Three Gentlemen (Medley)” by Lindsey Stirling. 

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Perry Como & the Fontane Sisters, “When You Believe” by Pentatonix and Maren Morris, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft,” and “Please Come Home For Christmas” by Eagles round out the top 10. If you’re in need of some holiday music inspiration, check out Pandora’s remaining 10 songs below:

11. “Winter Wonderland” by Michael Bublé

12. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love

13. “Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill 

14. “Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season” by Andy Williams

15. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé

16. “Sleigh Ride, For Orchestra (or String Orchestra)” by Arthur Fiedler

17. “Carol Of The Bells/Sing We Now Of Christmas” by Barlowgirl 

18. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande 

19. “Oh Holy Night” by Katharine McPhee

20. “Believe” by Josh Groban

The tracks are available on Pandora’s “Holiday Top Thumb Hundred” Mode and Christmas Radio. Happy holiday streaming!