10. Mary’s Boy Child – Harry Belafonte
Released in 1956, Harry Belafonte’s “Mary’s Boy Child” tells the Nativity story from a calypso perspective. The song’s catchy Caribbean beat helped it stand out from more traditional-sounding Christmas carols. To date, “Mary’s Boy Child” has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
9. Last Christmas – Wham!
This 1984 pop song by the duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley remains a holiday staple. The melodic tune about heartbreak after a failed romance has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Its message of learning from past mistakes resonates with listeners every holiday season.
8. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
This timeless classic was originally written by singer Mel Tormé in 1944 and made famous by Nat King Cole’s 1961 version. With its lush orchestral arrangement and Cole’s smooth baritone voice, this song perfectly captures the nostalgia, warmth, and beauty of Christmases long, long ago. It has sold over 12 million copies.
7. The Little Drummer Boy – The Harry Simeone Choir
Perhaps one of the most unique modern Christmas songs, “The Little Drummer Boy” tells the story of a poor boy who plays his drum as a gift to the newborn Jesus. The popular 1958 version by The Harry Simeone Chorale has sold over 15 million copies.
6. Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber dropped this catchy R&B-inspired track about stolen kisses under the mistletoe in 2011. The song has since sold over 17 million copies worldwide, proving that Bieber can deck the halls as well as anyone.
5. Silent Night – Bing Crosby
While this classic Christmas carol has been covered by countless artists, Bing Crosby’s 1935 recording remains the best-selling “Silent Night” rendition in history. The minimalist recording lets Crosby’s rich baritone voice take the lead in this serene holiday tune. It has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
4. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
In 1984, British and Irish musicians came together as the supergroup “Band Aid” and released this charity single. In its peak year of 1984 alone, it sold over 3.5 million copies. To date, worldwide sales stand at over 15 million. Originally intended to raise funds during the Ethiopian famine, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” has become a Christmas staple in its own right.
3. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
Singer Gene Autry’s 1949 version made “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” a breakout hit. Based on the 1939 story and featuring charming lyrics about Santa’s famous reindeer, Autry’s recording remains the second best-selling holiday single in music history. The catchy country/Christmas tune has sold more than 25 million copies to date.
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Pop diva Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” became an instant modern classic upon its release in 1994. Its sparkling pop melodies and Carey’s legendary vocals set the perfect festive mood. As her best-selling single of all time, the song has sold over 16 million copies in the U.S. alone and continues to climb the holiday charts every year.
1. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Crooner Bing Crosby makes his second appearance on this list with his iconic “White Christmas” – the best-selling Christmas single of all time. Written by Irving Berlin in 1940, Crosby’s version has sold a record-breaking 50 million copies worldwide. Every element comes together perfectly-wistful lyrics, gentle winter imagery, and Crosby’s smooth, rich baritone. “White Christmas” stands in a category of its own as the definitive holiday anthem.
So there you have it – the 10 best-selling Christmas songs of all time! As these holiday classics return to heavy rotation this season, let their joyful melodies and nostalgic lyrics fill you with the spirit of the season.
