On Thursday, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) unveiled its annual rankings of the most-played holiday songs, spotlighting a blend of timeless classics and contemporary favorites that have resonated in recent years. The organization’s ranks highlight the evolution of holiday music, reflecting how new talent is reshaping the festive soundscape.
Leading the charge this year is “Santa Tell Me,” a track penned by Savan Kotecha and Ilya Salmanzadeh that first made its debut in 2013. This song has earned the distinction of topping ASCAP’s 2025 New Classic Holiday Songs chart for the very first time. Right behind it, Kelly Clarkson’s uplifting anthem “Underneath the Tree,” co-written with Greg Kurstin, secured the number two spot. Both songs continue to gain momentum and have also made appearances on ASCAP’s broader Top 25 Holiday Songs list, where many entries are established standards from the mid-20th century.
The New Classic chart features an array of holiday music from a variety of artists, including fun offerings from Jimmy Fallon, and festive tunes from Meghan Trainor, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry. Paul Williams, ASCAP Chairman and President, commented on how each generation of songwriters leaves its unique mark on the holiday season, emphasizing the blend of fresh and traditional sounds.
On the more traditional side of the rankings, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish reclaimed the No. 1 position on the Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs chart. This beloved composition, created in 1948, has a rich history of leading the ranks since the inception of the chart in 2002. Mariah Carey’s enduring classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” co-written with Walter Afanasieff, continues to be a staple, securing its position among the most-played tracks once again. Meanwhile, José Feliciano’s iconic “Feliz Navidad” has garnered renewed interest thanks to a new cover by Marc Anthony.
Johnny Marks, renowned for his prolific contributions to holiday music, saw four of his classic titles make the Top 25 list: “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Run Rudolph Run.” ASCAP compiles its charts based on a combination of streaming and terrestrial radio data for songs represented by the society.
ASCAP, with its vast membership of over 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers, continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for music creators and highlighting the diverse array of sounds that characterize the holiday season.
