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We had one major item on our holiday wishlist, and we checked it off this past Saturday: seeing Mariah Carey’s latest limited engagement. At Dolby Live at Park MGM, the Grammy Award-winning vocalist proved that she’s not merely the Queen of Christmas; she’s the undisputed empress of the Las Vegas residency. Her Christmastime in Las Vegas show arrives with the sparkle of a new tree ornament and the confidence of someone who knows entire economies shift when her high notes thaw radio playlists nationwide.
Fans flooded the venue dusted in their finest holiday regalia: sequined Santa hats, rhinestoned jackets and dresses that shimmered like tree toppers inspired by the diva herself. Carey emerged in a candy-striped sequin gown, its peppermint gleam matching her candy cane cadence, and launched into a setlist that reminded us why her first Christmas album remains essential seasonal listening.
Her dancers, a delightfully mixed-age ensemble, bounded across the stage with the spirited cheer of early-2000s Old Navy commercials, adding a playful texture to classics like “Christmas Time Is in the Air Again,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Carey even gave a charming nod to a fan holding up her children’s Christmas book, proving that multitasking is simply part of her yuletide DNA.
“When Christmas Comes,” the R&B-laced gem from her second Christmas album, turned the room into a holiday groove session. Then came the outfit changes, first a flowing red gown, then a shimmering silver-and-gold number paired with gold go-go boots that felt fabulously Vegas.
“This year I have a new album out,” she said, sliding into a mini-set of fresh material from Here For It All. “Jesus I Do,” “Play This Song” and “In Your Feelings” landed surprisingly seamlessly between the classics, and we left with unexpected new Carey favorites tucked under our arms like bonus gifts.
Act III delivered what the gals came for: the hits. “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together” and “Always Be My Baby” rolled out in glittering vignettes, sending the crowd into joyous eruption.
During Carey’s final wardrobe change, an eight-member choir wowed the crowd with soaring harmonies, building anticipation for the evening’s most anticipated crescendo. Carey returned, carried in on a sleigh, clad in a Mrs. Claus bodysuit as nutcracker-dressed dancers filled the stage, and launched into “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It ended with faux snow falling from above, as the singer and her troupe waved goodbye, offering their warmest wishes.
This holiday spectacle felt like unwrapping new layers of a legend. From learning about her book to hearing Carey’s new music, one truth became clear: Legends never really rest. Not even during the holidays.
Mariah Carey’s Christmastime in Las Vegas Residency December 2-3, 5-6, 9-10 & 12-13, 8 p.m., $118+, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.
English (US) ·