Cirque du Soleil
Greensboro

Twas The Night Before: Cirque du Soleil's First Holiday Show

Twas The Night Before... holds a special place in Cirque du Soleil's catalog as the company's very first holiday-themed production. Premiered in 2019 in Chicago and revived for an extended national tour, the show takes Clement Clarke Moore's beloved poem and turns it into a 90-minute spectacle full of acrobatics, dance, original music, and the unmistakable Cirque visual signature.

The plot follows Isabella, a young girl who has lost faith in Christmas magic. After a series of dreamlike encounters with Cirque's troupe of characters - including aerialists, jugglers, a dazzling pair of figure-skating performers, and a high-flying Santa - she rediscovers wonder and joy. The story is built for audiences of all ages, but kids in particular tend to leave the theater wide-eyed.

The show's Durham run is part of a multi-city North American tour and lands at the Durham Performing Arts Center for 17 performances: Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 PM, followed by Thanksgiving weekend shows on November 27, 28, and 29 with matinee and evening times, then a second wave running through December 6, 2026. DPAC is a 2,712-seat Broadway-style theater that has hosted touring Broadway, comedy, and concert programming since 2008, and it consistently ranks among the highest-attended theaters of its size in the United States.

For families coming from Greensboro, the drive to DPAC is roughly an hour east on I-40 - making this Cirque run one of the most accessible North Carolina options for fans who do not want to travel as far as Charlotte. Greensboro itself has hosted Cirque productions in the past at the Greensboro Coliseum, and additional NC dates may be announced as the tour expands; this page will be updated the moment that happens.

What sets Twas The Night Before... apart from other holiday productions is Cirque's commitment to craft. Every costume is hand-built, every musical arrangement is original, and the acrobatic feats - from the dazzling pas de deux to the climactic Santa flight - are choreographed to standards that audiences expect from the company that gave the world O, Mystere, and Ka. Reviewers from outlets like Rolling Stone have routinely called the company's tours essential live entertainment.

If you have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, this is a perfect introduction - shorter than the resident Las Vegas productions, family-friendly, and packed with the same artistry that has made the company a global phenomenon for over four decades. Browse the listings above, pick your performance, and lock in your seats while the holiday weekend dates are still available.

Ticket and Show Info

Where can I buy Cirque du Soleil tickets for the Durham run?

Tickets are available through the official Cirque du Soleil site, the DPAC box office, and authorized sellers like Ticketmaster. Verified resale tickets are also listed on BigStub, backed by 20+ years of trusted service, no hidden fees, and a full buyer guarantee on every order.

When are the Cirque du Soleil shows in North Carolina?

Twas The Night Before runs from November 25 through December 6, 2026 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The 17-show run includes matinees and evenings across Thanksgiving weekend and the first week of December. Check the listings above for the full schedule.

How do I get from Greensboro to DPAC for the show?

The Durham Performing Arts Center is roughly an hour east of Greensboro via I-40. The venue is in downtown Durham and has on-site parking decks plus a number of restaurant and hotel options within easy walking distance, making it ideal for a single-night trip or a holiday weekend out.

Is Twas The Night Before family-friendly?

Yes - the show is recommended for all ages. Cirque du Soleil has built the production specifically as a family holiday tradition. Kids tend to be especially captivated by the acrobatics and characters, while parents and grandparents appreciate the artistry and the reimagined holiday classics.

Are resale tickets safe to buy through BigStub?

Yes - BigStub vets every seller, offers a buyer guarantee on every order, and has earned the highest Trustpilot rating in the resale industry over more than 20 years of operation. There are no hidden fees and the price you see is the price you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Twas The Night Before by Cirque du Soleil?

Twas The Night Before is Cirque du Soleil's first holiday-themed production. Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, the 90-minute show blends acrobatics, dance, lovable characters, and reimagined holiday music into a family-friendly spectacle perfect for the season.

How long is the show?

The production runs approximately 90 minutes including a brief intermission. The pacing is designed to keep younger audiences engaged from start to finish without being too long.

Where is the Durham Performing Arts Center located?

DPAC is located at 123 Vivian Street in downtown Durham, NC. The 2,712-seat Broadway-style theater hosts touring Broadway, comedy, concerts, and family programming year-round and consistently ranks among the most-attended theaters of its size in the United States.

Will Cirque du Soleil come to Greensboro in 2026?

The current Cirque du Soleil tour stop closest to Greensboro is the Twas The Night Before run at DPAC in Durham, NC (November 25 - December 6, 2026). Greensboro has hosted Cirque productions at the Greensboro Coliseum in past years, and additional NC dates may be announced; check the listings above for the latest schedule.

What music will be in the show?

The soundtrack features holiday classics like "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells," "Christmas Time Is Here," and original compositions written specifically for the production. Cirque du Soleil reimagines each song with the theatrical flair the company is known for.

What should I wear to a Cirque du Soleil show?

There is no formal dress code at DPAC - most fans dress casually or in smart-casual attire. The venue is climate-controlled and comfortable, so dress for the weather outside but be ready to settle into your seat for an indoor show.

How much do Cirque du Soleil Durham tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by performance date, seat location, and demand. Standard pricing typically starts in the $60-80 range for rear orchestra and balcony, with premium center-orchestra seats running into the $150-200+ range. Holiday weekend matinees tend to be the most popular. Check the listings above for current pricing.

Why buy Cirque du Soleil tickets from BigStub?

BigStub has been connecting fans with live events for more than 20 years and holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the resale industry. Every order comes with a full buyer guarantee, every listing is from a verified seller, and there are no hidden fees - the price you see is the price you pay. Browse the listings above when ready to book.