America’s Top 100 Christmas Countdown

The results are in! P1 Media Group’s annual Christmas Music Study reveals America’s favorite holiday recordings—and some important insights for radio programmers.

 

Among this year’s biggest findings:

  • Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” remains America’s #1 Christmas song.
  • The Top 100 recordings represent just 55 unique songs.
  • 56% of listeners prefer stations to wait until Thanksgiving or later to begin all-Christmas programming.

Download the Top 100 Christmas Songs HERE!

Download the full 2026 Christmas Study HERE!

 

ABOUT THE SURVEY

P1 Media Group conducted the online survey November 1–2, 2026, among 400 radio listeners aged 25–54 from the Top 50 U.S. radio markets.

All participants:

  • Listen frequently or sometimes to all-Christmas music radio stations.
  • Rated their enjoyment of Christmas music 7 or higher on a 1–10 scale.

The test list was compiled using Mediabase airplay data for the 2025 holiday season.

 

 

ABOUT P1 MEDIA GROUP

With experience and passion, P1 Media Group is shaping the future of radio. We combine the power of a large consultancy with the empathy and flexibility of a small one, offering custom research and strategy solutions that help stations grow, engage, and thrive.

 

Contact: Ken Benson

Phone: +1.360.910.4119

Email: ken@p1mediagroup.com