The enduring legacy of the Jackson 5 is once again evident as their holiday classics experience a resurgence in popularity, finding their way back onto the Billboard charts in the early days of 2025. While their numerous hits from decades past rarely reappear on contemporary charts, the festive season breathes new life into these timeless tracks, allowing them to compete with current releases and reclaim their place in the musical landscape. This revival highlights the enduring appeal of holiday music and the power of nostalgia, particularly for iconic groups like the Jackson 5.
The group’s success this season is driven by two key songs: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Interestingly, each song dominates a different metric of musical consumption. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” excels in streaming, reaching new heights on the R&B Streaming Songs chart, climbing to number 10, its all-time highest position. This success extends to the broader R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart, where it ascends to number 13, nearing its peak position of number 11. This demonstrates the song’s continued resonance with contemporary audiences who favor streaming platforms.
In contrast, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” proves its strength in sales, securing prominent positions on both the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart at number 10 and the R&B Digital Song Sales chart at number 5. While also performing well on streaming platforms, it’s clear that this classic resonates with a demographic that still values purchasing music. This difference in performance highlights the evolving landscape of music consumption, with streaming gaining prominence while digital sales maintain a dedicated following.
The contrasting success of these two holiday hits underscores the multi-faceted appeal of the Jackson 5’s music. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” with its playful narrative, captures the lighthearted spirit of the season and attracts streaming listeners. Meanwhile, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” a more traditional Christmas carol, resonates with those who prefer to own their music, demonstrating a preference for digital downloads. This duality in appeal broadens their reach and solidifies their status as holiday music staples.
Furthermore, the Jackson 5’s holiday dominance extends beyond American borders. Both “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” appear on the Billboard Global 200 chart, indicating international popularity. Notably, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” also features on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, demonstrating its global appeal independent of American listenership. This international recognition underscores the universal appeal of holiday music and the enduring popularity of the Jackson 5 across cultures.
The resurgence of these holiday classics not only demonstrates the timeless appeal of the Jackson 5’s music but also reflects the cyclical nature of musical trends. While contemporary artists dominate the charts throughout the year, the holiday season offers a platform for classic tracks to re-emerge, fueled by nostalgia and the enduring spirit of the holidays. The Jackson 5’s success in 2025 is a testament to their enduring legacy and the power of holiday music to transcend generations. Their ability to simultaneously capture both streaming and sales charts reflects a diverse fanbase and solidified their position as holiday music icons.
