Cirque du Soleil’s “’ Twas the Night Before…” • December 6, 2025 • Eccles Theater
Photo Credit: Brandon Todd, Kyle Flubacker, and Errisson Lawrence, courtesy of Broadway at the Eccles.
Cirque du Soleil’s “’ Twas the Night Before…” is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque du Soleil’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics performed by a cast of 26 artists sailing from all over the world, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil.
“‘Twas the Night Before…” will be playing at the beautiful Eccles Theater in Downtown Salt Lake City until December 14. The combination of Cirque’s dreamlike vision and the theater’s polished acoustics and intimate grandeur makes the experience feel simultaneously spectacular and personal, perfect for ushering in the holiday season.
The story follows Isabella, a young girl on the brink of teenage indifference, who has lost her connection to the wonder she once felt during the holidays. The show begins with her and her father settling in for a reading of the classic poem “’ Twas the Night Before Christmas,” though Isabella remains unimpressed. It’s a relatable emotion for anyone who has ever felt the pull between childhood magic and the realism that comes with growing up. But once sleep sweeps her away and her dreamworld materializes, the Eccles stage transforms into a swirling, shimmering playground that pulls both Isabella and the audience into a rediscovered world of delight.
Cirque du Soleil reimagines familiar holiday motifs in a bold, new theatrical way. In the cozy confines of the Eccles, every detail feels close enough to touch—from the frosted costumes to the glittering scenic elements that unfold like pages of a storybook. The “sugarplum fairies,” reinterpreted as dazzling aerialists, take flight above the stage with ribbons of light trailing behind them. Their airborne choreography feels especially breathtaking inside the Eccles Theater, where the tall proscenium and expertly designed lighting allow their movements to glow and ripple across the space.
Another showstopper arrives when Santa’s reindeer come to life—not as literal animals but as a vibrant troupe of acrobats leaping across the stage. Eccles Theater amplifies the resonance of their landings and the laughter that rippled through the crowd. The scene captures the feeling of takeoff, of weightlessness, in a way that seems tailor-made for Salt Lake City’s audience, who often come to the theater with an appreciation for both athleticism and art.
One of the production’s strengths is how intentionally it uses spectacle to support storytelling. Snowfalls shimmer in cascades of confetti, winter breezes appear as flowing aerial silks, and Santa’s workshop bursts into organized chaos, filled with juggling, balancing, and physical comedy. But amid the spectacle lies the emotional thread that gives the show its heart: Isabella’s gentle journey back to curiosity and connection. The Eccles’s crisp acoustics ensure that the narration, music, and sound cues blend seamlessly, allowing the emotional beats to land with real resonance.
The music, a vibrant mix of holiday warmth and modern energy, fills the room with an infectious pulse. Soft twinkling melodies give way to immersive crescendos that pair beautifully with the more daring acrobatic acts. Even familiar seasonal motifs feel new thanks to Cirque’s inventive arrangements and the theater’s balanced sound system, which envelops the audience without ever overwhelming them.
Visually, the show is a winter dream brought to life. Costumes shimmer like newly fallen snow, and the set design creates a rich dreamscape that feels both whimsical and expansive. The lighting added another layer of enchantment, washing the stage in cool blues, rosy pinks, and holiday golds. The lighting doesn’t just illuminate the performers—it sculpts the dreamworld around Isabella and, by extension, around the audience.
As the performance unfolds, Isabella’s transformation from skeptical preteen to re-enchanted dreamer mirrors the experience of the audience itself. Her expressions shift from irritation to amazement, and when she begins interacting with the dream characters, the shift feels authentic and tender. By the time she wakes in the final moments—carrying the warmth of her dream back to her real life—the message is clear: wonder isn’t something we outgrow. It’s something we return to.
What makes the Eccles Theater engagement particularly special is the atmosphere created both inside and outside the auditorium. Families arrive bundled in winter coats, the lobby glows with festive decor, and the buzz of excited children mixes with the anticipation of adults hoping to feel a little holiday magic themselves. Many Salt Lake City patrons attend holiday shows annually, and “’Twas the Night Before…” fits beautifully into that tradition. It offers something visually impressive for seasoned theatergoers and something emotionally inviting for younger audiences.
Cirque du Soleil’s “’Twas the Night Before…” at the Eccles Theater is more than a performance—it’s an experience that captures the joy, warmth, and playfulness of the season. With its inventive staging, gravity-defying artistry, and heartfelt storytelling, it invites audiences to rediscover the childlike wonder that often slips away in the bustle of daily life. It’s a holiday gift to Salt Lake City, wrapped in lights, laughter, and the unmistakable enchantment that only Cirque can bring.
Cirque du Soleil’s “’ Twas the Night Before…” will be at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City until December 14. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, click here!