Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday week was anything but ordinary. She has had celebratory moments, from a surprise serenade at her final Eras Tour concert to an exclusive gathering with close friends. Newly surfaced photos have fans debating whether the intimate party seen in the pictures was a birthday bash in Swift’s honor.
The party photos posted on December 18, 2024, showed a small group of Taylor Swift’s friends and Swift herself. Clad in outfits resembling looks from Swift’s Eras Tour, partygoers were seen celebrating together. The release of the photos sparked a wave of fan theories and speculation.
Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on November 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Online commenters noted the presence of Swift’s inner circle, Eras-themed attire, and subtle hints that the party could have been a birthday celebration. With little context provided, fans were left to piece together clues from the shared snapshots, seeing as this came a few days after Swift’s Eras Tour ended.
Taylor Swift arrives at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for the Chiefs vs. Buccaneers game on November 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans Serenade Taylor at Her Final Eras Concert
Swift’s history-making Eras Tour ended with a grand send-off that perfectly set the stage for her birthday week. On December 8, 2024, Swift performed the final show of her record-breaking tour in Vancouver, Canada.
As the show drew to a close, fans united in a surprise moment, with the entire stadium singing “Happy Birthday” to the global superstar. The heartwarming tribute was captured in several fan videos online, with Swift visibly moved as she took her final bow.
Throughout the Eras Tour, Swift broke ticket sale records, topped year-end charts, and delivered marathon three-hour performances filled with fan-favorite songs from each of her musical eras. With the Eras Tour officially behind her, all eyes turned to the rumored birthday celebration that followed.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The release of five key photos from Swift’s rumored 35th birthday celebration sent fans into a frenzy online. The comments section of Brittany Mahomes’ post quickly filled with reactions. Fans were divided on whether the photos were from an official birthday party or just a themed gathering.
Taylor Swift performs onstage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” on December 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Comments such as “Looks like a Taylor Swift-themed party for Taylor Swift. Obsessed” and “An Eras-themed bday party for the Eras queen is iconic [sic]” were common.
Many focused on the Eras Tour-inspired attire worn by Swift and her guests, with some commenting, “It kind of looks like the girls are wearing Eras Tour-themed fits” and “Everyone’s in an Eras outfit.”
One fan commented, “Y’all looking like swifties. Gotta be a TayTay bday party, [sic]” with another saying, “Not Taylor throwing a Taylor Swift-themed party — ICONIC.”
Other fans, however, were convinced the intimate party seen in the pictures was a birthday bash in Swift’s honor. “FINALLY GUYS!! We have birthday pictures,” one person posted, only to be met with a reply, “I don’t think this is from Taylor’s birthday party.”
Taylor Swift performs onstage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others pointed out details that suggested otherwise, with one fan writing, “It is also very clearly Era-themed with the outfits, the friendship bracelets, the light-up bracelets.”
Patrick Mahomes’ attire sparked its own wave of comments. “Patrick Mahomes looks like he made an appearance on the Eras Tour stage,” one fan noted. Other fans wrote, “Y’all everyone say thanks to Britt for the great photos of Taylor’s b-day party” and “You just made the life of every Swiftie sweeter.”
Taylor Swift performs onstage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Caesars Superdome on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Just happy at this point she can relax and celebrate life. KC seems to be doing her good and it’s great to see her being celebrated and loved by friends and family,” one person shared. Meanwhile, others embraced the event’s Eras Tour influence, with one fan simply stating, “My beloved eras tour theme.”
Taylor Swift performs during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” on December 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Mystery Party Photos
These speculations kicked off when Brittany shared a series of party photos on December 18, 2024. The images featured Mahomes, her husband Patrick Mahomes, and Swift, along with other notable guests.
Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, dated December 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brittanylynne
The snapshots provided a glimpse into a small but lively gathering, sparking immediate buzz among fans. The Mahomes couple were dressed to impress.
Brittany wore a silver fringe dress reminiscent of Swift’s “Fearless” era, while Patrick donned a black tuxedo with a top hat, a look similar to costumes worn by Swift’s male backup dancers during her Eras Tour.
Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, from a post dated December 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brittanylynne
One shot showed Patrick kissing Brittany on the cheek as she smiled for the camera, while another captured Brittany cozying up to Swift. Brittany captioned the post, “My people.”
While the photos didn’t explicitly confirm that the gathering was a birthday party for Swift, fans were quick to connect the dots. The presence of several of Swift’s close friends was also a topic of discussion. But the Mahomes weren’t the only notable guests at the gathering.
Taylor Swift with her friends, dated December 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brittanylynne
Star-Studded Guest List
Alongside Brittany and Patrick, fans spotted other well-known figures who are part of Swift’s inner circle. One standout guest was Lyndsay Bell, wife of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Blake Bell.
Lyndsay rocked a glitzy pink jacket and skirt that fans linked to Swift’s “Lover” era bodysuit, which featured a similar bright, colorful aesthetic.
Taylor Swift with her friends, as seen in a post dated December 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brittanylynne
Another notable attendee was Ashley Avignone, a longtime friend of Swift who has been part of her inner circle since 2008. Avignone’s look was hard to miss as she wore a stuffed snake accessory around her neck.
This clearly referenced Swift’s “Reputation” era, which famously embraced the snake as a symbol of power and resilience. Avignone, known to attend Kansas City Chiefs games as one of Swift’s guests, fit right in with the night’s Eras-inspired theme.
Taylor Swift with her friends, dated December 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brittanylynne
Notably absent from the photo set was Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, but reports later suggested that he played a major role in planning the celebration. Though he didn’t appear in the photos, his presence was certainly felt behind the scenes.
Kelce Pulls Out All the Stops for Taylor’s Big Day
According to “Page Six,” Kelce played a leading role in organizing Swift’s 35th birthday. His efforts went beyond standard party planning — he pulled out all the stops to make the evening feel intimate and personal.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen in New York City, on October 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The reports revealed that Kelce took a hands-on approach to the party’s design, ensuring the space was “decorated beautifully” with flowers everywhere. He also hired a private chef and bartender to create a personalized dining experience for the guests.
Kelce reportedly had jewelry custom-engraved for Swift and sent her “countless roses” as part of a larger effort to shower her with gifts. One source described Kelce’s goal as wanting the celebration to feel “different” from other social events they typically attend.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This gathering was intentionally kept small. According to the insider, Kelce wanted it to be “more meaningful and memorable.” It gave Swift a chance to enjoy the evening without the pressure of mingling with a large crowd.
The party provided space for one-on-one time between the couple, which was something Kelce reportedly felt was important. “He couldn’t take his eyes off Taylor,” the source added, noting that the evening was one they would both remember for a long time.
Travis Kelce hugs Taylor Swift following victory vs San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s connection was front and center in every decision Kelce made for the event. Despite the speculation, it’s not yet clear whether the party organized by Kelce was the same as the one featured in Brittany’s photos.