The Business of Christmas Music: From Classics to Royalties

This Billboard podcast episode examines the lucrative holiday music industry, a unique market where seasonal tracks generate over $177 million annually in the United States. Music executives Guy Moot and Kerianne Marshall explain that while creating a new "evergreen" hit is exceptionally difficult, the financial rewards are immense due to consistent royalty payments and high streaming concentration among top classics. The discussion highlights how digital platforms and sync licensing in films and advertisements keep decades-old songs culturally relevant and profitable. The guests also note that successful holiday hits often focus on universal themes of nostalgia and atmosphere rather than strictly religious content. Additionally, the episode explores the global differences in holiday music trends, such as specific regional favorites in the United Kingdom compared to the United States. Ultimately, the sources portray the Christmas genre as a dependable economic powerhouse for songwriters and publishers despite its brief annual window of popularity.