REVIEW: Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before

Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before… brought a burst of holiday magic to Northrop Auditorium last night, delivering a festive blend of color, movement, and imaginative seasonal storytelling. The production dazzled with its winter-sparkling atmosphere—bright costumes, inventive sets, and lively remixes of holiday music that had me wondering if I could get the soundtrack for my workout playlist. At just 80 minutes, the show’s brisk pace made it especially family-friendly, while the seamless mix of dance, acrobatics, and whimsical characters kept both kids and adults fully engaged.

For my kids—experiencing their very first Cirque show—it was pure enchantment. With no comparisons to draw from, they were completely swept up in the playful energy, gasping at the aerialists, marveling at that impossibly talented bicycle performer, and giggling through the mischievous “elf” antics. In the “midwinter dark” of Minnesota, the glowing lights, shining stars, and shimmering set felt downright magical. And those reindeer costumes? Wow did they shine.

By the final moments, when performers tossed soft snowballs into the audience, my kids were already glowing. They walked out clutching the snowballs they’d caught—grinning from ear to ear—and even chose to share their new treasures with other children in the crowd.

Overall, the production succeeds as a charming holiday escape, perfect for families, first-time Cirque attendees, or anyone looking to kick off the season with something visually spectacular but not overwhelming. It may not aim for the sweeping grandeur of Cirque’s big-top shows, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a warm, spirited, joy-filled evening—and, in our case, a night my kids will be talking about for a long time.

‘Twas the Night Before is at the Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis through December 7, 2025. Tickets start at $39.

Review by Tracy Whitney; photo by Bret Baker