How Much Does Mariah Carey Make from ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Each Year? (Hint: It's in the Millions!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Mariah Carey performs “Oh Santa” during The Late Late Show with James Corden, airing Tuesday, December 17, 2019.Photo:Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty

Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty

WhenMariah Careyreleased her 1994 song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” she didn’t know she would be cementing her status as the Queen of Christmas for the next 30 years.

On Dec. 13, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” became thefirst holiday song to reach 2 billion streamson Spotify.

“This is beyond incredible," Carey said in a statement to PEOPLE. “I’m so grateful to all Spotify listeners around the world who’ve made the song part of their holiday tradition year after year.”

The accomplishment is fitting, as Carey told PEOPLE in December 2021: “Christmastime really is myfavorite part of the year.”

So how much does the pop star make from “All I Want for Christmas Is You” every year? Here’s everything to know about the song that contributes to a large portion of her net worth.

How much does Mariah Carey make from “All I Want for Christmas Is You” each year?

Mariah Carey performs onstage during her Christmas Time Tour Kick Off at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel on November 06, 2024 in Highland, California.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

When the song was first released in 1994, Carey made $60 million. Now, according toForbes, Carey earns around $2.5 million in annual royalties based on calculations fromThe Economist. The outlet reported thatThe New York Postestimated the number to be even higher, at $3 million.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” was part of Carey’s fourth album,Merry Christmas, and was instantly a global success, topping the charts in 26 countries. Three decades after its release, it continues to climb back up the Billboard Hot 100 ladder and Spotify’s streaming numbers as soon as the holiday season comes around.

The tune has consistently been among the most-streamed holiday songs, perForbes, and became thefirst holiday single to ever receivethe coveted RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) Diamond Award in 2021.

To earn the prize, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” had to reach 10 million sales and streams.

Two years later, the song wasinducted into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.

“I’m honored beyond belief!” Carey wrote of the achievement onX. “I definitely did not even imagine this would happen when writing and recording this song!”

Is “All I Want for Christmas Is You” the most popular Christmas song of all time?

Mariah Carey in the music video for her song ‘All I Want for Christmas is You (Make My Wish Come True Edition)'.Mariah Carey/ YouTube

Mariah Carey/ YouTube

According to Spotify, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has grown 120% globally on the platform since 2019, becoming the most streamed holiday song of all time both globally and in the U.S.

At least on Spotify, Carey’s classic has been the No. 1 song globally on Christmas Day every year since 2016. In 2024, its streams have continually increased throughout the season, growing 860% globally and 1,100% in the U.S. since Nov. 1.

On Dec. 17, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” notched its 20th week at the top spot onBillboard’sstreaming songs chart, tying it withLil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” for most weeks at No. 1. At that point, it had also spent 16 weeks in the No. 1 spot on theBillboard Hot 100 list.

How many times has “All I Want for Christmas Is You” been covered?

Mariah Carey performs onstage during her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” tour at Madison Square Garden on December 15, 2019 in New York City.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Bublé released his own version that same year on his Christmas album, while other artists likeBarry Manilow,Fifth Harmony,Ingrid Michaelsonand evenDolly PartonwithJimmy Fallonhave all covered it.

source: people.com