5 Christmas Songs That Instantly Blew Up on Social Media This Year
Every year, Christmas songs dominate social media trends and streaming platforms globally. Many are classics, while others are modern tracks elevated by digital culture. Additionally, their effect reflects the power of nostalgic, seasonal experiences. Therefore, here are 5 viral Christmas songs that dominated social media this year.
Michael Bublé’s – “It’s Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas” (2011)
Originally written by Meredith Willson in 1951, Bublé’s version of this holiday gem was released in 2011. Featured on his multi-platinum album Christmas (2011), the song is known for its mellow, jazz-pop sound. In 2021, a music video for “It’s Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas” was released. The video features a heartwarming, retro-inspired visual with families celebrating the holidays. To date, the song continues to be a perennial holiday favorite on social media.
As a result, the song has attained massive popularity on TikTok. With over 2.7 million videos using it for holiday content, the numbers are still climbing. It has also gained over 600 million streams on Spotify. Ultimately, Bublé’s version remains a timeless holiday classic.
“Last Christmas” – Wham! (1984)
Released on 3 December 1984, “Last Christmas” was written by group member and lead vocalist George Michael. Despite its upbeat, melodic content, Michael wrote the song about a Christmastime breakup that left him heartbroken. The song’s accompanying video further depicted its theme. In one particular scene, George Michael is left in despair after his girlfriend leaves him for his bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley. “Last Christmas” has since become a global Christmas classic.
In the United States, it re-entered the Billboard Holiday 100 chart. The song also re-entered the UK charts, reaching number two on the UK singles chart. The song has also topped charts in multiple other countries, including Austria, Denmark, and Germany. On YouTube, the song has gained over 1.01 billion views, with more than 11 million views on TikTok. The song has also gained 9.2 million streams on multiple platforms.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
No Christmas song list is complete without this holiday favorite! Co-written and co-produced with Walter Afanasieff, this Christmas staple remains a perennial favorite. With its 1960s doo-wop vibe, the song is often dubbed the “unofficial song of Christmas” due to its enduring popularity. Released as the lead single from her holiday album Merry Christmas, the song has since attained global dominance, annually re-entering charts. To date, the song has sold over 16 million copies worldwide.
In the US alone, the song has unanimously become the biggest-selling Christmas song of all time. The song’s popularity on social media continues to increase, being used in over 20 million videos on TikTok. On Spotify, it became the first holiday song to pass 2 billion global streams.
Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bell Rock” (1957)
Released in 1957, “Jingle Bell Rock” is an all-time favorite. The song was composed by James Ross Boothe and Joseph Carleton Beal. In the United States, the song receives frequent airplay every holiday season. The song’s popularity has endured through the decades, inspiring nearly 150 cover versions. These versions include notable renditions by the McClain Sisters, Billy Idol, and many others.
It has also been featured in the 1996 film Jingle All the Way. In 2024, a duet, the Helmsburg, Indiana, native put a modern spin on the Christmas classic. Along with Argentine pop singer Maria Becerra, Helms fused English and Spanish verses, giving the song a multicultural flair. As of December 2022, “Jingle Bell Rock” has amassed over 600 million streams on Spotify. Additionally, it is used in over 3.5 million videos on TikTok.
Brenda Lee – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (1958)
Originally recorded in 1958, this holiday favorite has become a career staple for Brenda Lee. Through the years, the song has seen a resurgence in popularity every holiday season. In December 2023, it topped the Billboard Hot 100. From its feature in “Home Alone” (1990), the song gained widespread recognition. On November 3, 2023, a music video for the song was released.
This marked the song’s very first official video. It features a then-78-year-old Lee lip-syncing the song at a party. It also features cameos by country music veterans Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. The video expanded the song’s global reach while preserving its nostalgic charm. One of Spotify’s most-played Christmas songs each December, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains an eternal favorite.
Final Thoughts
Viral Christmas songs continue to thrive by blending traditional and modern trends. These trends unite us while setting the tone for holiday celebrations. As the popularity of social media increases, more songs will also. As a result, these holiday favorites will eternally remain a timeless soundtrack to the spirit of Christmas.
