How much money do stars make from Christmas carols?

Christmas is the season of giving… for pop stars who have had hits over the years and can count on a reliable windfall every December, including in 2024.

And for artists whose careers have dried up since their festive hits (Jona Lewie, The Waitresses, etc.), Christmas can be the gift that keeps on giving.

Revenue can come from Christmas compilations, streaming services, physical sales, advertising, use in film and television, and cover versions.

George Howard, associate professor of music business and management at Berklee College of Music, told Marketplace that while holiday records are constantly being released (see the 2023 vintage here), the oldies are the big earners.

“It’s no longer about new Christmas songs being released; it’s about them being recycled.

“It’s just a bunch of money. The more people cover these songs, the more the writers seem like bandits.”

Here’s a list of some well-known names – but if you’re looking for Mariah Carey, we thought the real-life queen of Christmas deserved her own article.

Slade frontman Noddy Holder

Yui Mok / PA Archives

How much does Noddy Holder make from Merry Christmas Everyone?

The singer has described the song as his “retirement plan” despite being 78 years old – he’s probably well into his golden years.

How much do Roy Wood and Wizzard make from “I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday”?

Remarkably, the two most famous British Christmas songs were released on the same day in 1973.

“Merry Christmas Everyone” first competed against “I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday” 51 years ago, and both are still Top 40 staples.

Wizzard charted at number two at the time, but the song has charted every year in the UK since 2007, reaching the top 30 in 2024.

Songwriter Roy Wood reportedly earns £200.00 a year.

How much does Shakin’ Stevens make from Merry Christmas Everyone?

It may not snow, but for Welsh-born singer Michael Barratt it rains money every year (sorry…) and Merry Christmas Everyone earns him £130,000 a year.

What is the highest earning Christmas song?

There is varying data as to which song has made the most money since its release, but we’ve put together a top ten based on the most recent information available.

Slade – Merry Christmas Everyone £1,000,000 per year
Wham! – Last Christmas £470,000 per year
The Pogues and Kirsty McColl – Fairytale of New York £400,000 per year
Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas is you, £376,000 a year
Bing Crosby – White Christmas £328,000
Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmastime £260,000
Wizzard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday £200,000 per year
Jona Lewie – Stop the Cavalry – £120,000 per year
Cliff Richard – Mistletoe and wine £100,000 per annum
East 17 – Stay one more day £97,000

How much money do stars make from Christmas carols?

ByAmelia Journalton

By Amelia Journalton

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