‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’: How Much Does Mariah Carey Make Each Year From This Song?
This song has become a holiday classic since its release in 1994
‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey is the ultimate holiday classic. Once December rolls around, there’s no escaping its catchy tune. Whether you’re shopping, scrolling through social media, or just walking down the street, you’re bound to hear it. Even people who don’t speak English recognize the song—it’s become a global holiday anthem.
But with its yearly rise to the top of the charts, one big question comes up: How much money does Mariah Carey make from this beloved Christmas hit?
Her earnings come from more than just Spotify, where the song gets close to five million streams a day during the holidays. She also cashes in from platforms like Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, and Instagram. Plus, there are physical CD sales and royalties paid by radio and TV stations every time they play the song.
.@MariahCarey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” now ranks as the 7th biggest hit of all time on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s now within 500,000 chart points of becoming the biggest hit in Hot 100 history. pic.twitter.com/JYh7048qwq
— Talk of the Charts (@talkofthecharts) December 16, 2024
According to The Economist, Mariah Carey rakes in about $3 million each holiday season from this song. Since its release, Forbes estimates the song has brought in nearly $70 million in total over the last 30 years. Add that to her other career successes, and Celebrity Net Worth estimates Mariah Carey’s total net worth at a jaw-dropping $350 million — proving that holiday magic can be very profitable.
The Story Behind ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’
This song has become a holiday classic since its release in 1994. Co-written by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, the song came to life during a summer studio session and was completed in just 15 minutes—a true stroke of musical magic.
At first, it didn’t receive a big promotional push, but its catchy melody and festive lyrics quickly captured listeners’ hearts. Over time, it gained momentum through radio play, holiday specials, and its irresistible holiday spirit.