Will Mariah Carey's Christmas Dominance Continue on the Hot 100 Next Week?

The Contenders column examines artists competing for the top spots on the Billboard charts and the strategies fueling their ascent. For the upcoming Hot 100 chart dated Dec. 13, Mariah Carey is poised to potentially secure her record-tying 19th week at number one with her holiday classic.

Mariah Carey, All I Want for Christmas Is You (Columbia)

Careys iconic holiday track entered the Hot 100 top 10 unusually early, reaching the chart dated Nov. 15, setting a record for the earliest calendar appearance. Since then, the song has steadily climbed, currently sitting at No. 5 on the Dec. 6 chart, the highest among four holiday songs now in the top 10.

With Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 signaling the official start of the holiday season, the song is gaining traction on streaming platforms and radio. All I Want for Christmas Is You has already hit No. 1 on Apple Musics real-time chart and No. 2 on Spotifys Daily Top Songs USA. On radio, it is trending toward the top 25 after reentering at No. 40 this week.

If it reaches No. 1 next week, Carey will mark her seventh consecutive holiday season atop the Hot 100. This would dethrone Taylor Swifts The Fate of Ophelia, which has held the number-one spot for eight weeks, and also set a record for the earliest calendar return to number one for Careys song.

A 19th week at number one would tie All I Want for Christmas Is You with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus Old Town Road for the longest-running No. 1 in Hot 100 history. With several holiday weeks still ahead, Carey could even claim a 20th week, setting a new record for the chart.

Brenda Lee, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree (Decca/MCA Nashville/UMe)

Another holiday staple, Brenda Lees classic is also making its seasonal climb. It currently sits at No. 7 on the Hot 100, entering the top 10 for the first time this season. On Spotify, it has been leading since Thanksgiving. Radio airplay has increased by 47% so far this tracking week (Nov. 28Dec. 1), signaling growing momentum as the holidays approach.

Wham!, Last Christmas (Columbia/Legacy)

George Michaels timeless hit, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, is currently at No. 6 on the Hot 100, making it the second-highest holiday track. While it may struggle to surpass Carey and Lee in the top two positions, it remains a seasonal favorite. In 2026, the song will gain renewed attention with the 10th anniversary of Michaels passing on Christmas night in 2016.

Author: Jackson Miller