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Under the Mistletoe
Under the Mistletoe
Under the Mistletoe
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Under the Mistletoe
Studio album by
Justin Bieber
ReleasedNovember 1, 2011[1]
GenreChristmas
Length37:51
Label
Producer
Justin Bieber chronology
Never Say Never: The Remixes
(2011) 		Under the Mistletoe
(2011) 		Believe
(2012)
Singles from Under the Mistletoe
  1. "Mistletoe"
    Released: October 17, 2011
  2. "All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)"
    Released: December 9, 2011

Under the Mistletoe is the first Christmas album and second studio album by the Canadian singer Justin Bieber, released on November 1, 2011, by RBMG/Island Def Jam Music Group. The album features fifteen tracks, including seven original songs co-written by Bieber, along with cover versions of Christmas carols and standards. Fellow artists Usher, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and the Band Perry all make guest appearances on the album.

The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart, selling 210,000 copies in its first week, becoming the first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at number one.[2] This was Bieber's third number-one album on the Billboard 200, following Never Say Never: The Remixes earlier in the year.[2] With this album he became the first artist to earn three number one albums on the chart before his 18th birthday. [3] The album is currently certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for sales of over two million units.[4]

Background

[edit]

On August 25, 2011, Bieber announced that he would be releasing his first Christmas album and second studio album later in 2011.[5] Manager Scooter Braun and vocal producer Kuk Harrell confirmed a week later that Bieber had collaborated with Sean Kingston and Taylor Swift, and worked with producers The Messengers.[6] Later that month, it was announced that Boyz II Men, Usher, and The Band Perry were also collaborating with Bieber on the album.[7] On September 30, 2011, Bieber released the official album cover and album name on Facebook.[7] On October 4, 2011, Mariah Carey revealed that she and Bieber recorded her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as a duet for the new album. Bieber's version of the song "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" from the motion picture Arthur Christmas, samples "I Want You Back" and "ABC" by the Jackson 5.[8]

Singles

[edit]

The album's first single "Mistletoe", was written and produced with The Messengers, and it was released on October 17, 2011.[9] The album's second single, "All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)", was released as a radio airplay only single in Italy on December 9, 2011.[10]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic54/100[11]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[12]
Entertainment WeeklyC+[13]
The GuardianStarStar[14]

Under the Mistletoe was met with generally mixed reviews. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 54, based on four critical reviews.[11] AllMusic also assessed the critical consensus giving the album three stars.[12]

Andy Kellman of AllMusic credited Bieber "for the effort he put in" and for not "sleepwalking" through the Christmas album like "most artists," although he did feel that Bieber "definitely sounds more enthused by the original songs" while calling Bieber's "Drummer Boy" goofy but complimenting his version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."[11] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Adam Markovitz also felt that the original songs were much better than the covers, calling them "sleigh-ride-smooth R&B jangles" while writing that "the classics bring no cheer."[15] Jason Scott of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer gave the album a positive review, writing that Bieber "proves he is a mainstay in the industry by crafting a highly energetic and expressive album that is filled to the brim with eggnog flavored treats, ranging from straight up pop and R&B to country" and named it "a wonderful performance."[16]

Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian opined that "the guests are the album's saving grace" and felt that "they generally outclass his by quite a stretch," although she did feel that "holds his own" against Mariah Carey.[17] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times wrote that Bieber "[hadn't] ever sounded this good" but also felt that he was at times overshadowed on the guest appearances.[18]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Under the Mistletoe debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 210,000 copies in its first week.[2] This became Bieber's third US number one debut and his fifth US top ten album.[2] It also became the first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at number one and the first solo artist to have three number one albums before his 18th birthday.[2] In its second week, the album dropped to number six on the chart, selling an additional 97,000 copies, which was a 54% decrease.[19] In its third week, the album climbed to number five on the chart, selling 84,000 more copies.[20] In its fourth week, the album dropped to number six on the chart, selling 142,000 copies, which was a 69% increase.[20] By the end of 2011, the album totaled 1,245,000 copies in US sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and was the eleventh best-selling album of the year.[21] As of December 2015, the album had sold 1,510,000 copies.[22] On June 24, 2020, the album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and album-equivalent units of over two million units in the United States.[4]

The album also debuted at number one in Canada, and within the top 10 in Ireland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Australia, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Track listing

[edit]
Under the Mistletoe track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas"
  • Stewart
  • Pearce
3:12
2."Mistletoe"
The Messengers3:02
3."The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" (featuring Usher)
3:35
4."Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
  • Stewart
  • Pearce
3:36
5."Fa La La" (featuring Boyz II Men)
  • Harvey
  • Josh Cross
3:05
6."All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)" (duet with Mariah Carey)
4:00
7."Drummer Boy" (featuring Busta Rhymes)
  • Harrell
  • Sean K
  • Bieber*
3:45
8."Christmas Eve"
  • Thompson
  • Boogie Wizzard
  • Brown*
3:43
9."All I Want Is You"
  • Bieber
  • Brandon Hamilton
Bieber3:36
10."Home This Christmas" (featuring The Band Perry)
  • Nasri
  • Turpin
3:24
11."Silent Night"
Harrell2:49
Total length:37:51
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."Christmas Love"
  • Atweh
  • Messinger
  • Bieber
The Messengers3:26
13."Fa La La" (acapella version; featuring Boyz II Men)
  • Shropshire
  • Bieber
  • Harvey
  • Harvey
  • Cross
2:55
14."Pray"
  • Atweh
  • Messinger
  • Omar Martinez
  • Bieber
The Messengers3:32
15."Someday at Christmas"
  • Ronald Miller
  • Bryan Wells
Jay Riehl2:53
Total length:50:38
Japanese deluxe edition bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."All I Want Is You" (acoustic version)
  • Bieber
  • Brandon Hamilton
Bieber3:38
Total length:3:38
Deluxe edition DVD[23]
No.TitleLength
16."In the Studio Making the Album" 
17."Making of the "Mistletoe" Video" 
18."Pray" (music video) 

Note: (*) denotes a co-producer

Personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from liner notes[24]

  • Justin Bieber – vocals (3, 9, 11, lead on 1–2, 4–6, 8, 10, singing on 7), rap vocals (7), live drums (7), music producer (7, 9)
  • Nasri Atweh – music producer (10), musical arrangements (10), additional background vocals (2)
  • The Band Perry – vocals (10)
  • Brandon Bee – drums (10), bass played by (10)
  • Jonathan Berry – guitar (10)
  • Durell Bottoms – assistant recording engineer (5)
  • Boyz II Men – vocals (5)
  • Chris Brown – background vocals (8), music producer (8)
  • Busta Rhymes – rap vocals (7)
  • Mariah Carey – lead vocals (6), music producer (6)
  • Tim Carmon – piano (3), keyboards (11)
  • Martin Cooke – assistant recording engineer (6)
  • Josh Cross – music producer (5)
  • Melonie Daniels – background vocals (6)
  • Brad Dechter – musical arrangement (6), orchestral arrangement (6)
  • Greg DePante – assistant recording engineer (6)
  • Nicolas Essig – assistant recording engineer (5)
  • Iain Findlay – assistant recording engineer (8)
  • Angie Fisher – background vocals (6)
  • Jesus Garnica – assistant audio mixing (1, 4–5, 7–8)
  • Jerohn Garrett – drums (6)
  • Brian Garten – recording engineer (6)
  • Sharlotte Gibson – background vocals (6)
  • Josh Gudwin – recording engineer
  • Kuk Harrell – vocal producer, music producer (11), background vocals (1, 4)
  • Bernard Harvey – music producer (5)
  • Bryan Jackson – background vocals (4)
  • Randy Jackson – music producer (6)
  • Jaycen Joshua – audio mixing (1, 4–5, 7–8)
  • Sean K. – music producer (3, 7), music programming (3)
  • Thomas Kanarek – assistant recording engineer (6)
  • Mitch Kinney – assistant recording engineer (2, 5, 8)
  • Miguel Lara – assistant recording engineer (1–5, 7–11)
  • Damien Lewis – assistant audio mixing (2–3, 6), additional recording engineer (9–11)
  • Peter Mack – assistant recording engineer (6)
  • Sherry McGhee – background vocals (6)
  • The Messengers – music producers (2), instrumental arrangement (2), vocal arrangement (2)
  • Adam Messinger – all instruments (2)
  • Luis Navarro – assistant recording engineer (1, 4)
  • George Nozuka – additional background vocals (10)
  • Chris "Tek" O'Ryan – recording engineer
  • Charlie Paakkari – assistant recording engineer (6)
  • Aaron Pearce – music producer (1, 4), music programming (1, 4)
  • Doc Powell – guitar (6)
  • Daniela Rivera – assistant audio mixing (2–3), additional recording engineer (9–11)
  • Marc Shaiman – musical arrangement (6), orchestral arrangement (6)
  • Jason Sherwood – assistant recording engineer (3)
  • Adonis Shropshire – additional background vocals (5)
  • Brian Springer – recording engineer (8)
  • C. "Tricky" Stewart – music producer (1, 4), music programming (1, 4)
  • Tom Strahle – guitar (9)
  • S'Von – piano (10)
  • Phil Tan – audio mixing (2–3, 6, 9–11)
  • Antwan Thompson – music producer (8)
  • Lloyd "Sonny" Thompson – bass played by (6)
  • Michael Thompson – guitar (1, 3–4)
  • Micah Tolentino – background vocals (6)
  • Nick Turpin – music producer (10), musical arrangement (10), additional background vocals (10)
  • Usher – vocals (3)
  • Stephen Villa – assistant recording engineer (1, 4)
  • Jerrol "Boogie" Wizzard – music producer (8)
  • James "Big Jim" Wright – music producer (6), keyboards (6)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for Under the Mistletoe
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[63] Platinum 70,000^
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[64] Platinum 40,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[65] 5× Platinum 400,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[66] 3× Platinum 60,000‡
Ireland (IRMA)[67] Platinum 15,000^
Italy (FIMI)[68] Gold 30,000*
Mexico (AMPROFON)[69] Platinum 60,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[70] Platinum 15,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[71] Platinum 20,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[72] Gold 10,000‡
Spain (Promusicae)[73] Gold 20,000^
Sweden (GLF)[74] Gold 20,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[75] Gold 100,000*
United States (RIAA)[76] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡
Venezuela[77] Gold  

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Under the Mistletoe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Under the Mistletoe is the first Christmas album and second studio album by Canadian singer , released on November 1, 2011, by . The album consists of eleven tracks in its standard edition, blending classic holiday standards with original compositions largely co-written by Bieber, and features prominent collaborations with artists including Usher on "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)", on "Drummer Boy", on "Fa La La", and on a duet version of "All I Want for Christmas Is You". The , "", was released digitally on October 18, 2011, and peaked at number one on the , marking Bieber's first holiday chart-topper. Upon its release, Under the Mistletoe debuted at number one on the US chart, selling 210,000 copies in its first week and becoming the first Christmas by a male solo artist to achieve a number-one debut. This marked Bieber's third consecutive number-one , following (2010) and Never Say Never: The Remixes (2011). The was later certified double platinum by the (RIAA) in 2020 for combined sales and streaming-equivalent units exceeding two million in the United States. A deluxe edition included four additional tracks and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage, while a tenth-anniversary was released in 2021, featuring animated music videos for each song created in collaboration with DreamBear productions and directed by Tim Fox and Bang Sangho. The project received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its festive energy and Bieber's youthful take on holiday music but noted its formulaic pop production.

Development

Background

On August 25, 2011, announced via his intention to release a album titled Under the Mistletoe, establishing it as his debut holiday project scheduled for the end of the year. The tweet, "So it's true… been in the studio working on my album… more details coming soon!!!", generated immediate buzz among fans and positioned the effort as a festive extension of his pop career. Bieber's personal motivation for the album drew from his lifelong affinity for Christmas, rooted in childhood traditions like decorating the and singing carols together. He expressed a desire to craft music that families could share during the holidays, capturing the warmth and joy of the season to broaden his appeal beyond teen audiences. The project quickly confirmed high-profile collaborations, including Usher on "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)", on "Fa La La", on a reimagined "All I Want for Christmas Is You", on "Drummer Boy", and on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town". Bieber initially teased potential features with close friends and , though these partnerships were ultimately not realized. This album emerged amid Bieber's surging career momentum, following the 2010 release of , which debuted at number one on the with 283,000 copies sold in its first week, and the 2011 concert film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which earned $73 million at the domestic . As a calculated seasonal venture by his imprints RBMG and Island Def Jam, Under the Mistletoe aimed to leverage his global status for a timely holiday market entry.

Recording

The recording of Under the Mistletoe took place primarily in 2011 across several studios in the United States, including Henson Recording Studios in , , and Triangle Sound Studios in , Georgia. Additional sessions occurred at locations such as The Penua Project for mixing, reflecting a collaborative effort to capture a festive sound during the lead-up to the album's November release. Key producers shaped the album's blend of original tracks and holiday covers. The Messengers—comprising Nasri Atweh and Adam Messinger—handled production and arrangement for several songs, including the "Mistletoe," where they incorporated reggae-influenced elements to give the track a modern holiday vibe. served as the vocal producer across all tracks, guiding Bieber's performances to emphasize youthful energy and seasonal warmth while maintaining vocal consistency throughout the project. contributed to the production and arrangement of originals like "Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas" and covers such as "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," focusing on upbeat pop structures suitable for holiday radio play. Guest contributions added star power to specific tracks. re-recorded her vocals alongside Bieber for the duet version of "All I Want for Christmas Is You," updating her 1994 classic to fit the album's contemporary sound. laid down his rap verse for "Drummer Boy," a reimagined take on the traditional carol, during sessions that highlighted the song's hip-hop edge. Bieber played an active role in the process, personally selecting covers like "" for their timeless appeal and co-writing originals such as "" to anchor the album's fresh material.

Musical Content

Composition and Style

Under the Mistletoe is predominantly composed in the styles of pop and R&B holiday music, incorporating festive arrangements that blend contemporary beats with traditional Christmas elements. The album features a balanced mix of seven original songs co-written by Bieber and four covers of classic holiday standards in its standard edition, emphasizing themes of festive romance—such as in the upbeat lead single "Mistletoe"—alongside traditional cheer through tracks like "The Christmas Song" and "Christmas Love," which draw on doo-wop harmonies and gospel influences, respectively. Thematically, the record centers on youthful joy, family gatherings, and romantic love, capturing the exuberance of teenage holiday experiences while evoking warmth and . Bieber's vocal performance marks a shift toward warmer, more mature tones compared to his earlier high-pitched pop deliveries, showcasing growth into a range that suits the intimate, crooning style of the holiday tunes. Instrumentation plays a key role in creating a classic atmosphere modernized for teen appeal, with sleigh bells ringing throughout nearly every track, swelling strings and choirs in the choruses, and occasional or guitar accents that nod to timeless holiday while infusing R&B grooves and subtle hip-hop rhythms. This production approach, handled by collaborators like The Messengers and , ensures the songs feel both nostalgic and accessible to a younger audience.

Track Listing

The standard edition of Under the Mistletoe features 11 tracks with a total runtime of 37:47. Bieber co-wrote seven of the album's original songs. The following table lists the tracks in order, including durations, selected songwriting credits, and producers.
No.TitleLengthWriter(s)Producer(s)
1"Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas"3:12Justin Bieber, Aaron Pearce, , Tim MinerAaron Pearce,
2"Mistletoe"3:02Justin Bieber, Nasri Atweh, Adam MessingerThe Messengers
3"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" (featuring Usher)3:35, Robert Wells, Sean K
4"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"3:36J. Fred Coots, Aaron Pearce,
5"Fa La La" (featuring )3:05Justin Bieber, Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. HermansenThe Messengers,
6"All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)" (duet with )4:00, , James "Big Jim" Wright, ,
7"Drummer Boy" (featuring )3:45Justin Bieber, , , E. Sewell, M. WilsonJustin Bieber, , Sean K
8"Christmas Eve"3:43Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger, Justin BieberThe Messengers
9"All I Want Is You"3:36Justin Bieber, Brandon HamiltonJustin Bieber
10"Home This Christmas" (featuring )3:24Justin Bieber, Nasri Atweh, Nick Turpin, , Nasri Atweh, Nick Turpin
11"Silent Night"2:49Josef Mohr,
The deluxe edition adds four bonus tracks, extending the runtime to approximately 48 minutes. These include:
  1. "Christmas Love" – 3:35 (writers: , Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger; producers: The Messengers)
  2. "Fa La La (A Cappella)" – 2:55 (writers: as track 5; producers: N/A, a cappella version)
  3. "Pray" – 3:32 (writers: , , Andrew De Caro; producers: The Messengers)
  4. "Someday at Christmas" – 2:53 (writers: Ron Miller, Bryan Wells; producers: Aaron Pearce, )
Regional variations exist, with some international editions featuring "Home This Christmas" as a bonus track rather than part of the standard lineup.

Promotion and Singles

Singles

The from Under the Mistletoe, "Mistletoe", was released on October 17, 2011, as a digital download available exclusively on and sent to radio stations. The song's release strategy focused on early digital availability to generate holiday buzz ahead of the album's launch, tying into Bieber's preparations for seasonal promotional performances and tour elements emphasizing festive themes. "Mistletoe" debuted at number 11 on the and reached number one on the Hot 100 Holiday Songs chart in December 2011. The second single, "All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)", featured a remix of Mariah Carey's 1994 holiday classic with an added verse by Bieber and was released on December 9, 2011, as a radio single. The collaboration's promotional campaign included a music video premiered on November 30, 2011, showing Bieber and Carey in a snowy, animated holiday setting to evoke festive joy. The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 86 and peaked at number three on the Adult Contemporary chart. "Pray", a track included on the deluxe edition of Under the Mistletoe, served as a promotional single highlighting inspirational themes. Its , originally released on November 30, 2010, via exclusivity, incorporates footage of global efforts, recovery in , and calls for positive change, aligning with the album's message of hope during the holidays. The video was bundled with the deluxe edition to enhance its promotional reach, and the song charted modestly on international singles lists upon re-promotion.

Marketing and Release Formats

Under the Mistletoe was released on November 1, 2011, by RBMG, School Boy Records, and . The album was made available in multiple formats, including a standard edition on and digital download, as well as a deluxe edition featuring a paired with a DVD containing 25 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and the music video for "Pray." A Walmart-exclusive deluxe gift box edition followed in 2012, bundling the album with additional holiday-themed packaging. Marketing efforts emphasized Bieber's youthful take on holiday traditions, leveraging his massive presence for teasers such as a application that allowed fans to digitally interact with themed content ahead of the release. Promotional campaigns included holiday-themed television appearances, notably a performance and interview on NBC's Today Show to coincide with the album's launch. Retail partnerships featured exclusive bundles, such as the edition, to drive physical sales during the holiday season, alongside general merchandise tie-ins like branded T-shirts and ornaments. The album's international rollout largely aligned with the U.S. release date of November 1, 2011, across markets including the , , , , and , though some regions saw minor variations in digital availability tied to local single promotions. In later years, the album received a vinyl reissue on September 23, 2016, marking its first pressing in that format and capitalizing on renewed interest in . These efforts complemented broader promotion of lead single "Mistletoe," which premiered its music video on in October 2011 to build anticipation.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release, Under the Mistletoe received mixed reviews from critics, who praised certain original tracks for their catchiness while critiquing the album's reliance on familiar holiday covers and lack of fresh ideas in the genre. The album holds a score of 54 out of 100, based on four reviews, reflecting this divided reception. AllMusic's Matt Collar commended Bieber's charismatic originals, such as the title track "," for their sunny disposition, memorable choruses, and youthful energy, noting that Bieber sounded more confident and sincere than in his earlier work. Similarly, Billboard's track-by-track analysis highlighted the commercial appeal of songs like "Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas" and "Fa La La," describing them as relaxed, engaging, and well-suited to holiday radio play, with strong guest contributions from artists like adding star power. Critics frequently pointed to the covers as a weak point, viewing them as unnecessary retreads that failed to innovate within the oversaturated holiday music landscape. The Guardian awarded the album three out of five stars, appreciating the festive fun brought by duets with guests like and Usher but criticizing Bieber's solo performances for paling in comparison and lacking distinction. Overall, reviewers agreed that while the project capitalized on Bieber's status for seasonal enjoyment, it prioritized accessibility over artistic depth.

Commercial Performance

Under the Mistletoe debuted at number one on the US chart, selling 210,000 copies in its first week and marking the first Christmas album by a male artist to achieve this feat. By the end of 2015, the album had accumulated 1.51 million units in pure sales , reflecting strong holiday demand. On June 24, 2020, it received a 2× Platinum from the (RIAA) for exceeding two million equivalent units, encompassing traditional sales and streaming activity. The album's initial sales were predominantly from physical and digital formats, as streaming services had yet to dominate the market in 2011, with early contributions from platforms like limited to non-charting plays. The release also topped the Top Holiday Albums chart upon debut and has maintained a presence through annual re-entries during the festive season, amassing over 130 weeks on the ranking by late 2025. This enduring performance underscores its status as a seasonal staple, with consistent surges in catalog sales each December. The "" generated significant pre-release buzz, boosting overall visibility. Internationally, Under the Mistletoe reached number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and earned 3× Platinum certification from (240,000 units). It entered the top 10 in several markets, peaking at number 13 on the and number six on the Australian Albums Chart, where it sold over 35,000 copies in its debut year. These results highlight the album's global appeal during the 2011 holiday period, driven by Bieber's established fanbase.

Credits

Personnel

The executive production for Under the Mistletoe was handled by and Usher Raymond IV, who oversaw the album's overall direction and A&R efforts. Karen Kwak served as A&R, with additional A&R administration by Mark Tavern and coordination by Leesa D. provided lead vocals across all tracks, along with rap vocals and live drums on select songs. Guest performers included Usher on vocals for "", on "Fa La La", on rap for "Drummer Boy", on "All I Want for Christmas Is You", and on "Home This Christmas". Production credits were led by The Messengers (Nasri Atweh and Adam Messinger), who produced multiple tracks including "Mistletoe". contributed vocal production on several songs, while Bieber co-produced "Drummer Boy" and "Home This Christmas". Other producers included and (Terius Nash) on "Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas", and Bernard "Touter" Harvey on "Christmas Love". Songwriting involved Bieber on tracks such as "", "Christmas Love", "Drummer Boy", and "Home This Christmas", alongside collaborators like Adam Messinger and Nasri Atweh for "", and traditional writers for covers like and for "All I Want for Christmas Is You". Engineering was primarily managed by Josh Gudwin and Chris "Tek" O'Ryan, with assistant engineers including Miguel Lara and others. Mixing duties were shared by on several tracks and Phil Tan on the majority, including "" and "". For artwork and design, Todd Russell and Zack Atkinson handled art direction and design, with photography by Brian Bowen Smith and photo shoot art direction by JP Robinson. The album was mastered by .

Charts and Certifications

Under the Mistletoe debuted at number one on the chart, selling 210,000 copies in its first week and marking the first album by a male solo artist to achieve this feat. The album held the top position for one week before dropping to number six the following week. It also topped the Top Holiday Albums chart upon release and has maintained a peak position of number one there for multiple years, with 133 weeks on the chart as of November 2025. The lead single "" peaked at number 11 on the , selling 164,000 digital copies in its debut week. Internationally, the album performed strongly on holiday-oriented charts, with seasonal re-entries common due to increased streaming and sales during the Christmas period, allowing it to recur annually on lists like the and Top Holiday Albums.

Weekly Chart Positions

CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on ChartSource
174Billboard
Top Holiday Albums1133Billboard
Canadian Albums ()1UnknownBillboard Canada
UK Albums (OCC)139Official Charts Company
Albums613ARIA

Year-End Charts

The album ranked at number 94 on the 2011 year-end chart, reflecting its strong holiday sales performance. It also topped the Top Holiday Albums year-end chart for 2011 and has held number one on that list for several subsequent holiday seasons, underscoring its enduring popularity during the festive period.

Certifications

CountryCertifying BodyCertificationUnits/SalesDateSource
RIAA2× Platinum2,000,000June 24, 2020RIAA
4× Platinum320,000UnknownMusic Canada
70,000UnknownBestselling Albums
These certifications account for physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents where applicable, with holiday seasonality contributing to sustained accruals over the years.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

"Under the Mistletoe" played a pivotal role in popularizing modern Christmas pop music among younger audiences by blending contemporary pop and R&B elements with holiday themes, introducing a fresh, upbeat sound to the genre. The lead single "Mistletoe," released in 2011, became a holiday staple, topping Billboard's Holiday Songs chart and achieving over 1 million digital downloads in the United States. Its relaxed reggae-infused vibe and romantic lyrics resonated with teens, making it a perennial fixture on radio stations and streaming playlists during the festive season. The album also marked a significant shift in Justin Bieber's public image, positioning him as a entertainer amid his transition from to mature artist. By featuring wholesome holiday content and collaborations with artists like , it emphasized themes of joy and romance suitable for all ages, helping to soften perceptions following earlier controversies. This evolution influenced Bieber's later work, including the 2015 album "Purpose," where he further explored personal growth and broader appeal, building on the maturing vocal style showcased in tracks like the "Little Drummer Boy" remix. In pop culture, "" gained traction through appearances in television holiday specials, such as Bieber's performance on Channel's "" Christmas episode, embedding it in festive media moments for young viewers. The song's catchy chorus inspired widespread memes and GIFs shared on platforms like , amplifying its nostalgic appeal among and Gen Z. Along with releases from artists like , it contributed to a revival of teen-oriented holiday music, encouraging a new generation of to produce original Christmas tracks. The album's broader legacy lies in diversifying holiday charts through its fusion of pop, R&B, and traditional carols, as seen in its debut at number one on the —the first for a male artist's Christmas release. "Under the Mistletoe" has sold 2.755 million equivalent album units worldwide as of September 2025, underscoring its enduring commercial and cultural footprint in seasonal music.

Recent Developments

In celebration of the album's 10th anniversary in 2021, Justin Bieber released a visual album on YouTube, featuring new animated videos for tracks including "Christmas Love," "Someday at Christmas," and collaborations like "All I Want for Christmas Is You" with Mariah Carey, produced in partnership with DreamBear and director Tim Fox. This project extended the holiday-themed visuals originally associated with the 2011 release, with select music videos, such as "Mistletoe," remastered in HD and up to 4K resolution for enhanced streaming quality. The album received an updated for double platinum status on June 24, 2020, recognizing over two million units in combined sales and streaming-equivalent units . In 2016, a vinyl edition became widely available for the first time through retailers like Amazon, featuring a glossy-matte sleeve finish and the full tracklist pressed on 180-gram vinyl. In early 2025, Under the Mistletoe re-entered Billboard's Top Streaming Albums chart at a new peak position of No. 45, driven by heightened holiday listening and marking Bieber's strongest performance to date on the ranking for any holiday project. The resurgence aligned with millions of streams across platforms during the 2024-2025 holiday season, including over 1.5 billion total plays for the by late 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal in the streaming era. Ongoing promotions have kept the album prominent in holiday programming, with tracks frequently featured on curated and playlists such as "Christmas Hits" and "Holiday Favorites," amassing daily streams in the hundreds of thousands during peak months. Bieber has actively engaged fans through social media reposts, including shares of anniversary content and fan videos performing "Mistletoe" in November 2025, further boosting seasonal visibility.

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