Mariah Carey is ringing in the 2024 holiday season with a dazzling global campaign celebrating the 30th anniversary of her beloved album Merry Christmas. First released in November 1994, the record has since become a perennial favorite, earning Carey the title of “Queen of Christmas.”
Now, three decades later, Sony Music and Carey are pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion in style. From exclusive deluxe reissues to a festive tour and immersive pop-up experiences, fans across the world are being invited to relive the magic of one of the most iconic holiday albums ever produced.
Deluxe Edition and Remastered Concert
To commemorate the anniversary, Sony has released a 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Merry Christmas. The collector’s package includes the original 1994 tracklist, alongside a newly remastered version of Carey’s legendary St. John the Divine church concert, recorded that same year.
Also included is a 24-page photo booklet featuring never-before-seen images chronicling Carey’s decades-long reign during the holiday season. The packaging itself is hardbound and includes a commemorative Mariah-themed Christmas card—an added touch for collectors and longtime fans alike.
Beyond the deluxe CD set, the campaign features exclusive vinyl formats. These include a limited zoetrope vinyl edition, where images appear to animate as the record spins, as well as holiday picture discs and cassette tape releases for a retro appeal.
‘All I Want for Christmas’ Breaks Records Again
Even after 30 years, Mariah Carey’s holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the song surged back to the top of global streaming charts once again, reaching over 2 billion streams on Spotify and reaffirming its dominance across digital platforms.
The song, often cited as the modern Christmas classic, has also seen renewed interest on radio playlists and holiday countdowns. According to industry watchers, its blend of nostalgia, catchy melody, and Carey’s powerful vocals continues to strike a chord with listeners of all ages.
The single’s latest milestone includes a multi-platinum certification, reflecting its status as one of the best-selling holiday tracks of all time. Its music video, now remastered in 4K, was also re-released as part of the anniversary campaign, reigniting excitement across generations.
Holiday Tour Spreads Cheer Across U.S.
To bring the celebration directly to her fans, Carey launched a 20-city “Christmas Time” tour this winter, with stops in major U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
The tour features full-scale performances of her Christmas hits, complete with glittering sets, snow effects, and an ensemble of dancers and gospel singers. Each concert pays tribute to the spirit of the holidays, blending fan favorites from the original album with newer seasonal releases and storytelling interludes from Carey herself.
The tour culminated in a sold-out finale at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 17, capping off a holiday celebration to remember.
Mariah Markets: Pop-Up Holiday Magic
As part of the broader campaign, Carey partnered with event organizers to open “Mariah Markets”—holiday-themed pop-up experiences—in five U.S. cities: New York, Chicago, Nashville, Dallas, and New Orleans.
These pop-up venues offered fans a festive blend of music, décor, themed cocktails, and exclusive merchandise. Each location was designed to evoke the joyful and glittery aesthetic that has become synonymous with Carey’s holiday persona.
Visitors could take photos in Mariah-themed installations, shop limited edition Christmas gear, and enjoy curated playlists featuring both Merry Christmas and other holiday classics.
Legacy of a Holiday Icon
Over the past 30 years, Merry Christmas has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide, securing its place as one of the top-selling Christmas albums in music history. Its enduring popularity has helped shape the modern soundscape of the holidays, influencing countless artists and soundtracks since its debut.
Mariah Carey’s consistent commitment to spreading festive cheer—through music, media, and memorable performances—has transformed her into a cultural mainstay during the holiday season.
As 2024 comes to a close, her 30th anniversary campaign stands not only as a tribute to a timeless album but also as a testament to her legacy as an artist who continues to inspire joy and nostalgia with every note.