The holiday season is synonymous with festive music, and every December, a familiar battle for the top of the charts unfolds. This year, however, the competition has taken a surprising turn—one that’s got music fans and industry insiders buzzing. For years, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has been the undisputed queen of holiday music, its opening notes instantly signaling the start of the season. But in December 2025, Wham!’s beloved classic “Last Christmas” managed to knock Carey’s perennial hit from its throne on the Billboard Global 200, marking a rare shift in the holiday hierarchy.
According to American Songwriter, this development is more than just a chart shakeup—it’s a moment of celebration for Wham!, the estate of the late George Michael, and fans around the world. Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the iconic duo, took to social media to share his excitement, writing, “This is a remarkable moment for me, Wham!, George Michael, and Sony Music UK. It is the best Christmas gift we and George could ever have wished for.” The sentiment was echoed by George Michael’s estate, which released a heartfelt statement: “George adored Christmas, and he would have truly loved seeing Wham! back at No. 1 this year. It fills our hearts that this brilliant, timeless song continues to resonate with audiences while captivating new listeners around the world.”
George Michael’s legacy looms large over this achievement. The singer, who tragically passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53, has remained a cherished figure in pop music. Fans continue to celebrate his memory and the enduring power of his music, with many expressing their admiration online. “George would be so proud. Thank you George for giving us this wonderful Christmas song. You’re forever in our hearts, we love you and miss you so much,” one fan commented. Another added, “The only Christmas song that really matters. Well, at least to me.” It’s clear that “Last Christmas” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a touchstone for countless listeners, a song that carries personal and collective memories through the decades.
Yet even as Wham! enjoys this moment in the spotlight, Mariah Carey’s dominance is far from diminished. In fact, the so-called “Queen of Christmas” has just secured an unprecedented milestone: her 100th cumulative week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. As reported by Billboard, this achievement is the result of a remarkable run spanning 19 career chart-toppers, with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing a starring role in her continued reign. Now in its 21st cumulative week at the top, Carey’s holiday anthem has also surpassed Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” to become the longest-charting title by a female artist in history.
For the week of December 22, 2025, the Billboard Hot 100 has reached what some are calling “Peak Christmas.” The top ten is dominated by festive favorites from every era: Brenda Lee’s 1950s rock, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock,” Ariana Grande’s modern shimmer, and even Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree.” The list reads like a who’s who of holiday music, with only one outlier—Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia”—managing to hold its ground as the lone non-festive track in a sea of snow-dusted hits.
The full Top 10 for this pivotal week is a testament to the enduring appeal of holiday music:
1. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
2. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
3. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
4. Last Christmas – Wham!
5. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
6. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat “King” Cole
7. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
8. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
9. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
10. The Fate of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
It’s a scene that repeats itself every December, but this year’s twist—Wham! dethroning Mariah Carey on the global chart—has added a new layer of intrigue. For many, the resurgence of “Last Christmas” is a reminder of the song’s timelessness and its ability to unite generations. According to George Michael’s estate, “this brilliant, timeless song continues to resonate with audiences while captivating new listeners around the world.” The fact that Michael’s passing occurred on Christmas Day only deepens the emotional connection fans feel when the song returns to the airwaves each year.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” remains a cultural juggernaut. Its annual return to the top of the charts is as much a part of the holiday season as twinkling lights and gingerbread cookies. The track’s infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a staple on playlists and radio stations worldwide, and Carey’s recent milestone only cements her status as a pop icon. As Billboard notes, her 100th week at #1 is not just a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to shape traditions and bring people together.
But what is it about these holiday classics that keeps them at the top year after year? Part of the answer lies in nostalgia. Songs like “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” evoke memories of family gatherings, childhood excitement, and the warmth of shared celebration. They’re more than just background music—they’re the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. And as new generations discover these tunes, their appeal only grows.
Of course, the holiday music landscape isn’t static. Each year, artists from across genres release new festive tracks, hoping to carve out a place in the seasonal canon. Yet, as this year’s charts show, the classics continue to reign supreme. Even Taylor Swift, one of the biggest stars of the modern era, finds her latest single standing alone amid a blizzard of holiday hits. It’s a testament to the staying power of songs that have become woven into the fabric of the season.
For Wham!, the latest chart-topping success is both a celebration and a poignant reminder of George Michael’s enduring influence. Andrew Ridgeley’s words—“It is the best Christmas gift we and George could ever have wished for”—capture the bittersweet joy of seeing a beloved friend and collaborator honored in such a public way. And for fans, the news is a chance to reflect on the music that has shaped their own holiday traditions.
As December draws to a close and the final notes of “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” fade from the airwaves, one thing is clear: the magic of holiday music is alive and well. Whether you’re a die-hard Mariah Carey devotee, a Wham! enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good singalong, there’s something special about the songs that bring us together this time of year. And with each new chart milestone, the legacy of these classics only grows stronger.
For now, at least, the battle for the holiday crown has a new chapter—and music lovers everywhere are singing along.
