Full Breakdown
Mariah Carey Declares the Start of the Holiday Season with "It's Time" Video
11/1/2025, 9:58:08 PM
The Annual Tradition of Holiday Kick-Off
On November 1, 2025, at midnight, Mariah Carey officially launched the holiday season with her annual "It's Time" video, a tradition that has become synonymous with the start of Christmas festivities for her fans. This year’s video, directed by Joseph Kahn and sponsored by Sephora, features Carey in a glamorous setting, declaring, “It’s Time!” as she transitions from Halloween to the holiday season.
Video Highlights and Themes
The video opens with Carey dressed as a celestial angel, humorously announcing the end of Halloween. The plot thickens when Billy Eichner, portraying a mischievous elf, steals her beauty essentials, claiming that the elves are on strike. In a playful exchange, Carey retorts, “That’s my blush, elf boy!” before transforming Eichner into a snowman and taking off in a sleigh through a winter wonderland inspired by Sephora. The clip showcases Carey’s signature blend of festive humor and beauty, reinforcing her status as the "Queen of Christmas."
Sephora Collaboration and Holiday Campaign
This year marks a significant collaboration between Carey and Sephora, where fans can shop a curated selection of her favorite beauty products, including Dior Lip Glow Butter and Valentino Donna Born In Roma perfume. Zena Arnold, Chief Marketing Officer at Sephora, emphasized that Carey embodies the joy of the holiday season, stating, “Mariah’s ‘It’s Time’ video is a cultural phenomenon that reaches consumers in a joyful, creative, and highly shareable way.”
Cultural Impact and Fan Reactions
Carey’s annual video has become a pop culture event, with fans eagerly anticipating its release each year. Social media reactions highlight the excitement surrounding the video, with many declaring November 1 as "International Mariah Carey Day." The video quickly amassed thousands of likes across platforms, showcasing Carey’s enduring influence in the holiday music landscape.
Official Statements & Responses
Mariah Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the holiday season, stating, “The holidays are a time to celebrate and spread joy, I’m so excited to kick off the season with Sephora.” This sentiment resonates with her fanbase, who view her annual declaration as the official start of Christmas celebrations.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the festive cheer, Carey faced a lawsuit earlier in 2023, where she was accused of copying the lyrics and melody of another song titled "All I Want For Christmas Is You." However, a judge determined that the plaintiffs did not provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.
What's Next for Mariah Carey
Following the release of the "It's Time" video, Carey is set to begin her "Christmastime in Las Vegas" residency on November 28, 2025, running until December 13, 2025. This residency promises to be another highlight in her illustrious career as she continues to celebrate the holiday season with her fans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The holidays are a time to celebrate and spread joy, I’m so excited to kick off the season with Sephora,” — Mariah Carey
- “Mariah’s ‘It’s Time’ video is a cultural phenomenon that reaches consumers in a joyful, creative, and highly shareable way, and this partnership enables us to amplify the festive spirit and be at the center of celebration and fun.” — Zena Arnold, Chief Marketing Officer at Sephora
- “That’s my blush, elf boy!” — Mariah Carey
- “You can't cancel Christmas!” — Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s annual tradition of declaring the start of the holiday season continues to resonate with fans, blending music, beauty, and festive spirit into a celebration that marks the beginning of Christmas festivities worldwide.
