Originally released in 1994, this Christmas classic has become bigger than the North Pole. Every year on November first, as spooky season crawls back into its grave, Mariah emerges and the festivities begin. Continuing to grow both in popularity and cultural significance, it’s been certified platinum several times over in fourteen countries (In the UK alone, the track is certified 8xPlatinum!) and has sold over sixteen million copies worldwide. 

In December 2019 All I Want For Christmas Is You finally hit the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 where it remained for three weeks. This meant Mariah became the first artist in history to top the chart in four separate decades; the 90s, 00’s, 10s and 20s. It has hit the number one spot in the US every year since. In the UK, this hit first topped the singles chart in December 2020, 26 years after its initial release. In 2022, Mariah claimed the top spot for a second time. 

Celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this Christmas, it’s a runaway sleigh of a hit which has spawned a Santa-sized legacy. We’re looking at some of the most iconic, tinsel-covered, tree-topping starlit moments from the past three decades of this perfect pop present. 

First performance

Mariah first performed this yule jewel in Manhattan, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on December 8th 1994. The evening was a benefit to raise money for the non-profit Fresh Air Fund, including her own namesake, Camp Mariah. The concert helped raise over half a million dollars with Mariah donating an additional million. A sombre, candlelit outing, it marked a calm beginning for a song that would go on to soundtrack an unfathomable number of raging office parties. 

Justin Bieber 

In 2011 Justin Bieber released his second record, and first ever Christmas album, Under The Mistletoe. Alongside guest appearances from the likes of Usher and Boyz II Men, he was joined by Mariah for a decorative cover of her tinsel-decked hit. All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!) gave an egg-nog pumped twist to the snowballing hit, and landed it straight under the Christmas tree for a new generation of pop fans. It also opened the chimney door for fellow Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, who dueted with Mariah on his 3rd annual Christmas special in 2013, a year after releasing his own version of the holiday hit. 

Glee cover

In 2011, when Glee was more popular than mince pies, its season three Christmas episode included a soaring cover of Mariah’s classic. Performed by the character Mercedes in a bright solo performance, she was joined by her classmates to deck the school halls. One of many covers to be gift-wrapped and shared with yuletide glee over the years, other artists to tackle that high A include Fifth Harmony, Ariana Grande, Miley and Kylie. That’s plenty of names to tick off Santa’s list, and not a lump of coal in sight.  

Carpool Karaoke

In 2016, Mariah guested on The Late Late Show with James Cordon, joining him for his infamous Carpool Karaoke segment. Their singalong became a star-studded affair, as the performance was spliced together with duets featuring the likes of Adele, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Selena Gomez, and Chris Martin. Another late night take on the Christmas classic came from Jimmy Fallon and the Roots when Mariah joined them in 2012 to perform the soaring classic on miniature percussion, kids toys and with a tiny children’s choir! 

25th Anniversary

Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the song in 2019, Mariah released a brand new video for the occasion. The Make My Wish Come True Edition starred her two children alongside actress Mykal-Michelle Harris from the TV show mixed-ish, for which Mariah sang the theme song. She also shared a celebrity edition which featured a glittery cast of lip-synching festive joy, including videos from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Ariana Grande and Ryan Reynolds. All killer and no stocking filler!