With Halloween now behind us, it’s time to embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season, and who better to herald it than Mariah Carey? This year, the beloved pop star, known for her classic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” is partnering with Virgin Hotels to launch a unique holiday pop-up bar in New Orleans.
From November 15 to December 29, Virgin Hotels New Orleans, along with its counterparts in Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and New York City, will be transformed into a magical Mariah Carey-themed winter wonderland, courtesy of the national events organization, Bucket Listers. This pop-up event will spotlight Carey’s Irish cream brand, Black Irish, which celebrates her heritage through a range of delightful flavored liqueurs.
Visitors can look forward to an array of extravagant Black Irish cocktail creations, including an espresso martini adorned with a candy cane rim, a white chocolate martini crowned with cotton candy and glitter, a bourbon martini with a chocolate-covered pretzel rim, and a cocoa coffee drink sprinkled with edible butterflies. The experience promises to be visually captivating, featuring an array of Carey-themed decorations, such as a life-sized gift box illuminated by an “All I Want for Christmas Is You” neon sign, a station for writing “Letters to Mariah,” a wall showcasing her lyrics, and an enormous Christmas tree. Additionally, attendees can snap memorable photos on a giant Christmas wreath designed to echo Carey’s Magical Christmas Special album cover, making for perfect Instagram moments.
This marks the first time that Bucket Listers has organized an event in New Orleans, although the company is renowned for its innovative pop-culture pop-ups. Previous concepts have included themed experiences based on popular shows and movies, such as “Saved By The Bell,” “Barbie,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” Since opening in 2021, Virgin Hotels New Orleans has become a hub for themed events and holiday celebrations, making the Carey pop-up a fitting addition to its festive offerings.
Tickets for this exclusive New Orleans event are currently available, featuring 90-minute time slots between 4:00 and 8:30 p.m. daily, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 based on the day of the week. Each ticket includes a complimentary Black Irish welcome cocktail, promising a thrilling start to the holiday celebrations.
This exciting collaboration not only enhances the holiday spirit in New Orleans but also highlights Mariah Carey’s enduring influence on pop culture and the joy that holiday traditions can bring. It offers fans a unique way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with friends and family.