ASCAP Announces Top 10 New Classic Holiday Songs Featuring Major Artists for 2025

ASCAP Unveils the 2025 New Classic Holiday Songs Chart

As the holiday season approaches, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has unveiled its much-anticipated Top 10 New Classic Holiday Songs chart for 2025. This list showcases songs released over the last twenty-five years that are winning the hearts of listeners during this festive period.

The New Classics of Christmas

This year, the chart is topped by "Santa Tell Me," co-written by renowned songwriters Savan Kotecha and Ilya Salmanzadeh. It marks the first time this catchy tune has claimed the number one spot, reflecting its growing popularity among holiday favorites. Following closely is Kelly Clarkson’s beloved anthem "Underneath the Tree," a collaboration with Greg Kurstin, further solidifying its status as a staple of the season. Both songs have also made their way onto the broader ASCAP Top 25 Holiday Songs chart, encompassing timeless classics and contemporary favorites alike.

The chart also features a remarkable range of artists including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Jimmy Fallon, and Meghan Trainor, each contributing their unique spin on holiday music. Songs like Justin Bieber’s "Mistletoe" (2011) and Meghan Trainor’s brand new addition, "Wrap Me Up," showcase the diverse sounds shaping today’s holiday music landscape.

Paul Williams, ASCAP's Chairman, expressed his delight at the impact holiday music has on our emotions. He noted, "There's an undeniable magic surrounding the holidays, and songwriters of every era have found ways to capture that feeling and bring it straight to our hearts.”

Perennial Favorites Shine

In tandem with the contemporary hits, the ASCAP Top 25 Holiday Songs chart maintains an impressive lineup of timeless classics that resonate through generations. "Sleigh Ride," composed by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish, has reclaimed the top position on the holiday songs chart after previously leading multiple times since ASCAP's initiation of these rankings in 2002. The track epitomizes the joy and cheer of winter festivities and remains a holiday essential.

A standout among these enduring tracks is Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which continues to dominate airwaves and streaming platforms alike. Further illustrating the evolution of holiday music, a fresh cover of José Feliciano's celebrated "Feliz Navidad" by Marc Anthony emphasizes the enduring relevance of these classics in modern culture.

Johnny Marks, famed for his holiday compositions, maintains a strong presence in the top 25 with multiple songs such as "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." These songs, originally penned between 1949 and 1962, have been embraced by a new generation of artists and continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.

2025's Top 10 New Classic Holiday Songs

1. Santa Tell Me - Savan Kotecha, Ilya Salmanzadeh (2013)
2. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson, Greg Kurstin (2013)
3. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber, Adam Messinger (2011)
4. Snowman - Greg Kurstin, Sia (2017)
5. Like It's Christmas - Gian Stone (2019)
6. Where Are You Christmas - Mariah Carey, James Horner (2000)
7. Santa, Can't You Hear Me - Kelly Clarkson (2021)
8. Cozy Little Christmas - Ferras Alqaisi, Katy Perry, Greg Wells (2018)
9. Wrap Me Up - Jimmy Fallon, Gian Stone, Meghan Trainor (2023)
10. Believe - Glen Ballard (2004)

These songs represent a blend of nostalgia and modern artistry, showcasing how holiday music evolves yet remains an integral part of our seasonal celebrations.

As fans prepare to celebrate, they can relish the sounds of these new favorites as well as classic tunes that evoke cherished memories of past holidays. Listen to these top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs and share the joy of music this season!