The Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, concluded her Merry Christmas One and All! Tour with a dazzling and festive finale at Madison Square Garden. The New York native delivered a spectacular performance to a sold-out crowd at the iconic venue, marking the end of her 16 Christmas concerts.
Carey, 54, expressed gratitude to her fans, known as the “Lambily,” for bringing her so much joy, emphasizing the importance of spreading joy during the holiday season. The 90-minute extravaganza featured a delightful mix of seasonal songs, chart-topping hits, and surprise guest appearances.
Decked out in glittering attire and festive ugly Christmas sweaters, Carey treated her fans to beloved classics like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and her rendition of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” She also performed newer Christmas hits, including “Oh Santa!” featuring Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson and “Fall in Love at Christmas” featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin.
A highlight of the evening was a surprise cameo by Busta Rhymes, who joined Carey on stage for a rendition of “I Know What You Want.” The audience was treated to a lively mix of “Honey”/”Heartbreaker (Remix),” and Carey’s twins made a special appearance on stage.
Carey’s 12-year-old daughter Monroe joined her for a touching duet of “Jesus Born On This Day,” showcasing their musical talent. Monroe also showcased her solo performance skills with a cover of the ’80s hit “Christmas Wrapping,” playing guitar and singing. Carey’s son Moroccan, channeling his father Nick Cannon, delivered a rap verse during “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
Acknowledging the profound impact of her children on her life, Carey expressed love for them and highlighted the lessons she learns from them every day. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by Carey’s stage persona, campy laughs, and support for the next generation of performers, including young dancers who energized the crowd.
A humorous moment during the show included Carey’s “glam squad song,” playing as her makeup and hair team rushed to the stage for an impromptu touch-up. Carey shared the experience with the audience, turning it into a mesmerizing and entertaining moment.
The setlist featured a variety of Christmas classics and Carey’s signature hits, creating a perfect blend of holiday cheer and musical nostalgia. As Carey left the stage in a sleigh, she bid farewell to the audience with a heartfelt “Merry Christmas” and expressed her love for her fans.
The Merry Christmas One and All! Tour concluded with a large, fabulous bow, leaving the audience filled with the holiday spirit. Carey’s festive and joyous performance served as a fitting celebration of Christmas and a memorable conclusion to a successful tour.
Setlist for Mariah Carey’s Christmas Tour:
- “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
- “Oh Santa!”
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (with a “Deck the Halls” interlude)
- “When Christmas Comes”
- “Sleigh Ride”
- “Here Comes Santa Claus”
- “Christmas Wrapping”
- “Fall in Love at Christmas”
- “Silent Night”
- “Jesus Born On This Day”
- “One Child”
- “Joy to the World”
- “Christmas Time Is in the Air Again”
- “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” (piano interlude)
- “My All” (church choir version)
- “I Know What You Want”
- “Always Be My Baby”
- “Dreamlover”
- “Honey/Heartbreaker (Remix)”
- “A No No”
- “It’s a Wrap”
- “Emotions”
- “Make It Happen”
- “Fly Like a Bird”
- “We Belong Together”
- “Hero”
- “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (dance interlude)
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
The two-hour tribute special, “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic,” is scheduled to air on CBS on Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. EST.