Christmas Music Takes Over: 2024’s Festive Streaming Revolution
The Growing Dominance of Christmas Music
Christmas music has become an unstoppable force in the music industry, with almost half of all streams being holiday-related by Christmas week, and 75 of the 200 most-streamed songs on Spotify being Christmas songs. This phenomenon reflects not just seasonal tradition, but a fundamental shift in how listeners engage with festive music throughout the year.
The 2024 season has proven particularly remarkable for Christmas music enthusiasts. Spotify’s “Christmas Hits” playlist had almost double the streams in mid-November 2024 compared to 2023, climbing to the top spot globally. This surge demonstrates that Christmas music has evolved from a December-only tradition into an extended cultural event.
New Christmas Releases Transform the Genre
2024 is closing with a bevy of new Christmas recordings from modern artists spanning pop, R&B, hip-hop, K-pop, jazz and rock. Artists including Lady Gaga, RAYE, and Laufey have released innovative interpretations of classic carols, whilst others like Coco Jones and GloRilla have created brand-new festive anthems celebrating the season’s spirit.
Jennifer Hudson released her first full Christmas album, The Gift of Love, in 2024, featuring “Almost Christmas,” a collaboration with her boyfriend, Common. Meanwhile, Little Big Town released The Christmas Record, with their single “Christmas Night with You” exploring relationships that didn’t make it to Christmas. These releases showcase how modern artists are expanding the emotional range of holiday music.
The Earlier Christmas Music Trend
Perhaps the most striking development is how much earlier people begin streaming Christmas music each year. Holiday season streaming is starting earlier every year, with significant daily percent changes reaching over 2% on November 12 in 2022, November 11 in 2023, and November 9 in 2024. This pattern suggests that Christmas music’s cultural influence continues to expand beyond traditional boundaries.
Nearly 8 in 10 shoppers actively notice Christmas music whilst browsing, and 75% report a more enjoyable shopping experience because of it. Retailers have responded to this trend, with research showing that 54% of shoppers make different shopping choices based on festive music, whilst 42% linger longer in stores filled with seasonal melodies.
What This Means for Music Lovers
The Christmas music phenomenon of 2024 signals a broader cultural shift towards seeking comfort and nostalgia through familiar seasonal sounds. Over half (52%) of consumers now prefer a blend of traditional and contemporary festive music, signalling a clear shift in musical taste. This preference has encouraged streaming platforms and artists alike to diversify their holiday offerings.
For listeners, this means access to an unprecedented variety of festive music—from timeless classics to contemporary interpretations that reflect modern sensibilities. The extended Christmas music season, now lasting up to 50 days, offers more opportunities to enjoy both beloved traditions and exciting new releases. Whether you’re streaming Mariah Carey’s perennial favourite or discovering fresh tracks from emerging artists, Christmas music in 2024 offers something for everyone to celebrate the season.