History of Feliz Navidad (song) in Timeline

"Feliz Navidad" is a beloved Christmas song released in 1970 by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano. The song's lyrics are a blend of Spanish and English, conveying a heartwarming Christmas and New Year's greeting. Its simplicity and heartfelt message have contributed to its enduring popularity, making it a cherished Christmas classic globally.

August 1968: Feliciano's "Light My Fire" Tops Charts

In August 1968, José Feliciano achieved a significant musical milestone with his cover of The Doors' "Light My Fire," which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1970: First Recording of "Feliz Navidad"

In 1970, José Feliciano, a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, wrote and recorded the iconic Christmas song "Feliz Navidad".

1970: "Feliz Navidad" Recording Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

José Feliciano's original 1970 recording of "Feliz Navidad" was honored with an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

1970: Feliciano's Recording Becomes Holiday Favorite

Since its release in 1970, José Feliciano's recording of "Feliz Navidad" has become a beloved Christmas tradition, consistently ranking among the most downloaded and played holiday songs in the United States and Canada.

1980: Apelsin Releases Estonian Version of "Feliz Navidad"

The Estonian band Apelsin, with lyrics by Henno Käo, recorded their version of "Feliz Navidad" in 1980, titled "See viis." Interestingly, this rendition was not intended as a Christmas song, but rather a love song about a melody that lingers in the singer's mind.

1981: Boney M. Releases "Feliz Navidad" Cover

Boney M., the Euro-Caribbean dance group, released their version of "Feliz Navidad" as part of their Christmas Album in 1981.

1985: Billy T. James Records "Maori Christmas"

New Zealand comedian Billy T. James brought his comedic flair to the holiday season in 1985, recording "Maori Christmas" for a Radio Hauraki breakfast segment. This unique rendition featured a medley based on "Feliz Navidad," adding a humorous twist to the familiar tune.

1997: Bob Rivers Releases "Police Stop My Car" Parody

In 1997, Bob Rivers, known for his comedic song parodies, released "Police Stop My Car," a humorous take on "Feliz Navidad" that centered around the theme of driving under the influence, featured on his album "More Twisted Christmas."

January 3, 1998: "Feliz Navidad" Debuts on Billboard Charts

More than two decades after its initial release, "Feliz Navidad" made its debut on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart on January 3, 1998, peaking at number 18.

January 8, 2000: "Feliz Navidad" Reappears on Billboard Chart

On January 8, 2000, "Feliz Navidad" re-entered the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, reaching a new peak position of number 12.

2002: "Feliz Navidad" Featured in "Dora the Explorer"

In 2002, the beloved children's animated series "Dora the Explorer" featured a cover of "Feliz Navidad" in the Christmas episode "A Present for Santa," performed by Dora, Boots, Santa Claus (voiced by Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys), and the elves.

2008: David Crowder Band Releases "Feliz Navidad" Cover

The David Crowder Band included their rendition of "Feliz Navidad" on their 2008 compilation album, "X Christmas," offering their unique interpretation of the holiday classic.

December 2009: Controversial "Feliz Navidad" Parody Released

A parody of "Feliz Navidad" titled "The Illegal Alien Christmas Song," also known as "Illegals In My Yard," sparked controversy upon its release in December 2009. Created by radio producers Matt Fox and A. J. Rice and posted on the Human Events website, the parody drew criticism for its perpetuation of stereotypes about Mexican immigrants.

2010: "Feliz Navidad" Recording Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

José Feliciano's original 1970 recording of "Feliz Navidad" was honored with an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

2011: Michael Bublé and Thalía Record "Feliz Navidad" Medley

Canadian singer Michael Bublé and Mexican singer Thalía collaborated on a special medley of "Feliz Navidad," titled "Mis Deseos/Felíz Navidad," which was included on Bublé's 2011 album "Christmas."

2013: Unspoken Records "Feliz Navidad" Cover

Adding their own personal touch to the holiday classic, American Christian pop band Unspoken recorded a cover of "Feliz Navidad" in 2013, incorporating new verses into the arrangement.

November 25, 2016: Feliz Navidad Sales Milestone

As of November 25, 2016, the digital track of "Feliz Navidad" had sold a remarkable 808,000 downloads, securing its place as the eighth best-selling Christmas/holiday digital single in SoundScan history.

January 7, 2017: "Feliz Navidad" Debuts on Billboard Hot 100

On January 7, 2017, "Feliz Navidad" reached a new milestone, entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time, debuting at number 44.

December 6, 2017: Tarja Turunen Releases "Feliz Navidad" Music Video

Finnish symphonic metal artist Tarja Turunen released a captivating music video for her solo rendition of "Feliz Navidad" on December 6, 2017, showcasing her powerful vocals and unique style.

2017: Boney M.'s Cover Enters Billboard Holiday Airplay Chart

Boney M.'s cover of "Feliz Navidad" achieved chart success in 2017, reaching number 44 on the Billboard Holiday Airplay chart, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

2017: Feliciano and Holland Release Ska Version of "Feliz Navidad"

In 2017, José Feliciano collaborated with English musician Jools Holland to release a ska rendition of "Feliz Navidad," adding a fresh twist to the classic holiday tune.

December 22, 2018: "Feliz Navidad" Re-enters Billboard Hot 100

"Feliz Navidad" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 22, 2018, at number 42, marking its return to the prominent music chart.

December 5, 2020: "Feliz Navidad" Returns to Billboard Hot 100

The song's enduring popularity was evident when it re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 5, 2020, further solidifying its status as a holiday favorite.

2020: Thalía Releases Merengue Version of "Feliz Navidad"

In 2020, Thalía, known for her Latin pop hits, released a vibrant merengue version of "Feliz Navidad," infusing the classic with her signature energy and style.

2020: Millennial Choirs & Orchestras Release Choral Version of "Feliz Navidad"

Millennial Choirs & Orchestras unveiled their majestic choral and orchestrated arrangement of "Feliz Navidad" in 2020 as part of their album "Star of Wonder," bringing a grand and inspiring sound to the holiday favorite.