December 9, 2024
Mariah Carey marks 30th anniversary of 'Merry Christmas' with Special Editions and Milestones
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album, which was first released in October of 1994, has become an irreplaceable part of holiday traditions worldwide. Thirty years later, the album remains not only a fan favorite but also a cultural touchstone. The timeless collection, which includes the iconic holiday anthem "All I Want for Christmas Is You," continues to thrive, resonating with multiple generations and gaining new listeners every year.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, and her first Christmas album. Released by Columbia Records on October 28, 1994,
Milestone achievements and anniversary edition
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Carey has released a deluxe digital edition of Merry Christmas with a remastered St. John the Divine concert, the video for "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)," and the streaming debut of "Hero." Special vinyl editions, including a zoetrope vinyl with animated effects and a 2LP deluxe edition with a photo booklet and Christmas card, will be available on December 13. Ultra-premium formats sourced from the original master tapes, in collaboration with Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, will also be released.<br><br>The album has achieved remarkable success in recent years, recently hitting 9× Platinum certification in the United States, and is on track to reach Diamond status, becoming Carey’s third Diamond-certified album. This milestone is a rare accomplishment, placing Merry Christmas in the company of elite albums in music history.
Streaming growth and shart-topping legacy
Merry Christmas continues to dominate streaming platforms, with 117 million streams in November 2024—29 million more than the previous year. The standout track, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," saw a record-breaking 22 million additional streams, reinforcing its status as the ultimate holiday anthem.<br><br>The track has also reached a new milestone with 14× Platinum certification and is on its way to claiming its 15th cumulative week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 2024. This ongoing chart dominance solidifies the song's status as one of the highest-certified singles in US history.
The goal was to make the definitive Christmas music video that should have been made but never was until now.
A Legacy that Keeps Growing
The album’s success is fueled by viral TikTok trends, the growth of holiday playlists, and fans celebrating its anniversary. Additionally, Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time tour, spanning 21 U.S. cities, brings her festive classics to live audiences.<br><br>As the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey’s legacy endures through record-breaking streams, chart success, and special releases, solidifying her position as the holiday season’s undisputed queen. With Merry Christmas approaching Diamond certification, it continues to be a beloved holiday staple, ensuring its place for generations to come.
“working with the female dancers and figuring out how to blend with them” was the most “challenging” part of the shoot. “I think it worked out well although dancing is not my forte.”
List of best-selling Christmas singles in the United States
This page shows the best-selling Christmas singles in the United States. It includes artists from around the world, but it only reflects sales in the United States.