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These are the most popular Christmas songs of all time

It’s that time again when radio stations across the continent interrupt their regular programming and flip to an all-Christmas music format. Not my thing, but there’s no disputing that this is good for ratings.

This time of year also brings back memories of when I used to work in a grocery store that had a single 8-track tape of Christmas songs on repeat. I still have PTSD from all those hours stacking shelves and bagging groceries with that music as a constant soundtrack for weeks and weeks and weeks.

A new survey (forwarded by Broadcast Dialogue) has this list of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. This study tested the apple of a bunch of Christmas classics and rating them out of 100. Here’s this week’s charge.

If we dig deeper into P1 Media Group’s survey, the list also includes Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (#35 on their list), “Last Christmas” from Taylor Swift (#42), and Gwen Stefani’s “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” (#60).

When should Christmas music start?

  • 27% say early November
  • 24% can wait until early December

When should it end?

  • New Year’s Eve: 48%
  • Boxing Day: 24%
  • Christmas Day: 16%

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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3 thoughts on “These are the most popular Christmas songs of all time

  • Bing and Bowie, Little Drummer Boy…nuff said?

    Reply
  • Every year I like to dig up a bunch of songs, find new stuff, and put together a meticulously curated playlist for friends that does not include anything on the “most popular” list, but is filled with nothing but seasonal bangers!

    I guess Christmas music is like all music… there’s so much great stuff out there, but you only hear the same songs over and over.

    I believe Christmas music should start being peppered in around Dec. 4th, slowly increasing until Dec 23rd, when it should be wall-to-wall until Boxing Day morning.

    Reply
  • Surprising. I would have though that by now Bing & David, and John Lennon would have made it onto this list.

    Reply

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