Mariah Carey doesn’t just spread holiday cheer. She makes a fortune doing it.
Every December, her 1994 classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” becomes more than just a song. It turns into a major source of income.
Forbes reports that Carey earned $60 million in royalties when the track first came out, but decades later, the earnings have not slowed down.
According to recent estimates, Mariah Carey pulls in around $2.5 million annually from the song alone, with some outlets like the New York Post suggesting the number could reach $3 million each year.
Every holiday season, the classic sees a massive spike in streams, downloads, and radio plays, keeping the revenue rolling in.
Spotify reports that the track has grown 120% globally since 2019, and it consistently ranks as the most-streamed holiday song worldwide, solidifying its role as a major money-maker for Carey.
The song’s longevity is unparalleled. Each year, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” climbs back up the Billboard Hot 100 and dominates Spotify charts.
On Christmas Day, it has held the number one spot globally on the platform every year since 2016.
Beyond streaming, the track has achieved historic industry recognition. In 2021, it became the first holiday single to receive the RIAA Diamond Award, marking over 10 million combined sales and streams. Its success translates directly to Carey’s wealth, proving that a well-timed holiday classic can generate significant income year after year.
