‘Twas The Night Before is Cirque du Soleil’s first full-length holiday production, inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”. The story follows Isabella and her father as they get separated in a snowstorm and embark on a whimsical winter-wonderland journey filled with acrobats, reindeer-inspired characters and the spirit of the season.
In the heart of the holidays, Isabella, feeling she’s outgrown the annual reading of the classic poem, finds herself separated from her father by a sudden snowstorm. Swept into a magical winter realm by the verses of “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” she and her father encounter acrobats, reindeer-like characters and a world where holiday belief and spectacle collide. Along the way, they rediscover what the season means, and the question remains: will they find each other before the last snowfall? Book your Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas The Night Before New York tickets to find out.
Show timings for Cirque du Soleil 'Twas The Night Before: New York may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
The musical heart of the show is crafted by composer Jean‑Phi Goncalves, who re-imagines classic holiday tunes and fuses them with contemporary rhythms and orchestration for this festive production. Audiences will recognise beloved carols such as “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”, “O Holy Night”, and “Angels We Have Heard on High”, each given a fresh twist in the show’s soundtrack.
Located beneath Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan, The Theater at Madison Square Garden is one of New York’s most dynamic entertainment spaces. Known for its intimate acoustics and sweeping stage design, it has hosted a range of acclaimed productions, from Radio City Christmas Spectacular residencies to Cirque du Soleil favorites like Alegría and Varekai. Over the years, it’s welcomed artists such as Elton John, David Bowie, and Diana Ross, solidifying its reputation as a venue that blends grandeur with close-up spectacle. Its flexible stage layout makes it ideal for large-scale theatrical experiences like Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before, where immersive lighting, sound, and aerial artistry come alive in festive splendor.
Available facilities: elevator, restrooms, cloakroom, Bar, lobby, merchandise stands
Accessibility: accessible restrooms, Wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, assistive-listening devices
The show does not have a strict age limit. It is suitable for all ages.
The show is playing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The show reimagines Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” following Isabella and her father as they rediscover the joy of Christmas through a world of dazzling acrobatics, music, and holiday spirit.
The running time is 1 hour and 25 minutes with no intermission(s).
The soundtrack reimagines beloved holiday classics like O Holy Night, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Up on the Rooftop, alongside Cirque-original tracks like The Spark and Jolly. You can find the Cirque du Soleil 'Twas The Night Before playlist here.
t Before marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday production, combining their signature acrobatics with storytelling rooted in family and festive magic.
Unlike Cirque’s more abstract productions, this one tells a cohesive holiday story, combining narrative theatre, character-driven humor, and heartfelt moments with the company’s trademark physical artistry.
Expect breathtaking aerial silks, hoop diving, skating duos, trampoline acts, and rhythmic dance sequences, all set within a glittering winter wonderland.