More and more artists are trying to create Christmas hits – but most don't make it all the way. A successful example is "A Christmas song" by Björnzone, which was one of the Christmas songs that brought in the most revenue in Sweden in 2024, according to the music rights organization STIM.
A new Christmas song that has been played over 1.5 million times on Spotify and is thus one of the most streamed Swedish Christmas songs this year is “Nu kommer alla jullåtar.” In it, De Vet Du sings about how record labels want to make more money while we want to hear the same old Christmas songs.
Nowadays there are quite a few Christmas songs that have an anti-commercial message baked in. People say that we long for a real Christmas, but of course these Christmas songs are also pop products that are streamed in shopping malls – because that's part of Christmas, says Johannes Brusila, professor of musicology at Åbo Akademi University.
Christmas something permanent
According to Brusila, more music is being produced than before. The large production has made it increasingly difficult for music in general to break through. But it is especially difficult during Christmas, which is full of traditions.
We have some idea that Christmas stands for something eternal and permanent.
But even Christmas traditions and songs are changing, he says. In the past, playing the accordion in church was unthinkable; it was associated with sinful pleasures such as dancing.
But nowadays metal Christmas concerts are held in churches in Finland.
Christmas traditions, including Christmas carols, must be renewed to avoid dying out, but they must not change too much or too quickly.
The songs should contain enough but not too many "Christmas clichés", such as jingles, bells, maybe a children's choir, organ or something like that.
For a Christmas song to live on, it must be easy to sing along to. When a song is sung a lot, it also spreads widely – and is renewed over time, Brusila says.
Credibility is important
In Sveriges Radio's program "Kulturkollen", the two music critics Tanja Ulriksson and Andreas Kriisa discuss why so few Christmas songs last long.
The listener wants to feel that it is credible, that the person performing it has empathy and wants to sing it, says Tanja Ulriksson.
In "Nu kommer alla jullåtar" (Now all the Christmas songs are coming), De Vet Du describes how many musicians are almost forced to sing and write Christmas songs. And I think you can hear that in many of the Christmas songs that have been released this year, says Tanja Ulriksson.
Vera Leijonklo/TT
The most popular new Swedish Christmas songs in 2025
TT
The 10 most played new Swedish Christmas songs on Spotify. Based on the number of streams on Spotify in Sweden between December 1–16, 2025 of Christmas songs released in 2025.
1. "Now all the Christmas songs are coming" - De Vet Du
2. “Christmas in Österlen” – Mandelmanns
3. “The most beloved weekend of the year” – Loa Falkman
4. “Ring the bell, ring” – Elin Wiigh
5. “So dark is the night in midwinter” – Josefine Götestam
6. “Christmas Message” – Albin Lee Meldau, Arvid Nero
7. “Will you leave before Christmas” – Promised
8. “Dancing All Christmas” – Herman Silow
9. “My future husband, Santa” – Filippa
10. “The Way Home for Christmas” – EMD
Source: Spotify
The 10 most played new global Christmas songs on Spotify. Based on the number of streams on Spotify in Sweden between December 1–16, 2025 of Christmas songs released in 2025.
The 10 most played new global Christmas songs on Spotify
1. "Gifts for me" - Meghan Trainor
2. "Christmas table" – Staysman
3. "It feels like Christmas (Spotify singles holiday)" - Fall Out Boy
4. "O holy night (Spotify singles holiday)" - Ravyn Lenae
5. "Where are you Christmas?" – The Pretty Reckless
6. "This Christmas I'm coming home" – Leon Bridges, Norah Jones
7. "Coming home this Christmas" - Disney, Jonas Brothers, Kenny G
8. "Christmas is here" – Cher
9. "Feliz navidad" - Backstreet Boys
10. “Last Christmas (Peppa's Version)” – Peppa Pig
Source: Spotify.
