Mariah Carey is the undisputed Queen of Christmas — and it’s not just because her iconic hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” dominates the charts every holiday season. Carey has transformed the beloved track into a full-scale event, consistently delivering spectacular Christmas concerts to celebrate her legendary status as a holiday icon.
This year, Carey embarked on her “Christmas Time” tour, a festive variety show that kicked off on November 6 in Highland, California. The tour spanned major North American cities before concluding in grand style on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The finale dazzled with an audience clad in shimmering Santa hats and red sequin dresses. Carey made a stunning entrance, descending in a snowflake-shaped throne and opening with classic holiday hymns, including “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.”
Adding a personal touch, Carey’s twins, Roc and Roe, joined her on stage. The evening also featured a medley of her greatest hits, including “Emotions,” “Hero,” “Fantasy,” and “We Belong Together.”
A surprise highlight came during “Always Be My Baby,” when Rihanna appeared in the crowd. In a playful moment, Carey signed Rihanna’s chest during the arena-wide sing-along before the pop star quickly disappeared.
Mariah concluded the show in the only way fitting — with a spirited and joyful performance of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
This year also marked the 30th anniversary of Carey’s debut Christmas album, “Merry Christmas,” released in 1994. Reflecting on the milestone, Carey told the Associated Press that she initially hesitated to make a holiday album so early in her career.
“I was very young and just starting out, and I felt like people did Christmas albums later in their lives. But now, artists record them whenever, even at the beginning of their careers,” she explained. “I decorated the studio and just had the best time.”
With her timeless hits, lavish tours, and festive spirit, Mariah Carey continues to reign as the true Queen of Christmas.
