Christmas has arrived in Austin! Mariah Carey fans don their holiday best at Moody Center
The holiday season is a time for family, and Mariah Carey's Christmas concert in Austin brought generations together on Sunday. The crowd for the pop superstar's first ever show in our city was filled with families: mothers and daughters in matching pajama sets, couples PDA'ing, aunts and uncles yelling after the kiddos, grandparents, and more, all united to get their holiday cheer on.
The Moody Center buzzed with the excitement of a family holiday gathering. Long lines snaked through the merchandise stands, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food. Families and friends debated over concert merch, posed for photos, and made dining plans, their voices blending into a harmonious cacophony. Navigating the crowd, the comforting chaos mirrored the festive atmosphere.
Attendees dressed up for the occasion in a dazzling display of holiday fashion. Some attendees embraced the Christmas spirit with festive red and green attire. They donned velvet suits, faux fur, and stylish boots. Black boots galore. No ugly Christmas sweaters here; they were too cute to be referred to as ugly. Others opted for a glamorous look inspired by Mariah herself, sporting chic suits, glittering accessories, and bold makeup. They were a testament to the event's festive and fashionable nature.
The crowd's love for theatrics was evident. Many channeled the spirit of "The Nutcracker" in red jackets, sleek buns, and jingle bells. One concertgoer explained while sporting floral pants, "I actually bought these for the 'Wicked' premiere." It seemed fitting that fans of Mariah Carey, a master of vocal acrobatics, would also be eager to witness the magic of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the upcoming "Wicked" film .
As the crowd settled into their seats, a DJ hyped up the audience with nostalgic questions like, "Where are my '90s babies? Where are my '80s babies?" The room erupted, and even the two-month-old baby beside me seemed to join in the excitement. "Our babysitter canceled last minute, but she loves concerts," her mom explained in Spanish.