The evening was just beginning, and attendees were already lining up to snap pictures with Mariah Carey.

Of course, it was just a cardboard cutout, but even a PVC representation of the “Queen of Christmas” drew excitement from guests at Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar located in Virgin Hotels Nashville. Guests gathered around a festive red and gold photo station featuring the star’s likeness, posed against a backdrop of pine-cone adorned wreaths, eager to document the fun.

A vibrant neon sign overhead read, “All I want for Christmas is you.”

This pop-up bar, established in collaboration with Bucket Listers, has transformed the hotel’s Funny Library Coffee Shop into a delightful festive lounge, perfectly suited for the artist who has become synonymous with the holiday season. I visited before its official opening on Friday, with additional locations at Virgin Hotels in four other cities across the U.S.

What Can You Expect at Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar?

Stepping into the bar felt like walking into a festive event at Mariah Carey’s home — or at least what I imagine it would be like. The venue felt more like an elegant sitting room or library than a typical coffee shop, featuring Christmas trees in every corner, archways adorned with garlands, and statues of nutcrackers keeping watch over the festivities.

Red gift bags labeled “M.C.” decorated polished wood shelves, while projections of snowflakes waltzed across the ceiling. I managed to snag a spot on a plush sofa adjacent to two fake reindeer, admiring the twinkling lights that hung above the windows, filling the room with a warm ambiance. A lovely place to relax.

Within just a few minutes, I heard at least two of Mariah Carey’s Christmas tracks along with other seasonal favorites like Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande’s “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” and Lizzo’s “Someday At Christmas.”

The bar got quite busy during the preview, but guests can purchase timed tickets to manage crowd levels.

What Beverages Are Offered at Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar?

The drink selection in Nashville prominently showcased Black Irish by Mariah Carey, which is the artist’s own Irish cream brand (also a partner in this venture).

I tried the Make My Wish Come True Martini, a smooth espresso martini featuring the liqueur, Reyka Vodka, Kahlua, peppermint, and a rim of crushed candy cane. Surprisingly, it wasn’t overly sweet.

The Queen of Christmas Cocoa, crafted from hot chocolate, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Black Irish Irish Cream, and topped with whipped cream, delivered just the right amount of warmth to fend off the chill of late fall while remaining light. My partner opted for the It’s Time! cocktail, inspired by Carey’s signature holiday announcement. This drink was a twist on the espresso martini, featuring Patron Reposado tequila, Kahlua, cinnamon Demerara, and of course, Black Irish Irish Cream.

If Irish Cream isn’t your favorite, there are other winter cocktail options available, alongside a food menu that offers treats like cake pops and caviar served with crème fraiche on homemade chips. All pop-up locations serve the same Black Irish cocktails, but you can expect variations in additional drinks and food offerings.

What Are the Costs at Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar?

Tickets

The starting price for the pop-up events in Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, and New Orleans is $20, which includes a complimentary drink and a duration of 90 minutes.

In contrast, the Virgin Hotels New York City pop-up is slightly more expensive, commencing at $30. This location will also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at $65, which comes with a welcome cocktail and an entrée. The pop-ups will be open until December 29, and visitors can check the schedule online.

Although Carey, who started her Christmas Time tour earlier this month, was not present in Nashville, guests had the opportunity to send her messages: Postcards and pens were available for attendees to “write a letter to the queen of Christmas” and drop their notes in a mailbox, as indicated by signs on the tables.