'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before... returns to Meridian Hall (1 Front St. E.) from Thursday, December 10, 2026, through Saturday, January 2, 2027, following its popular Toronto debut in 2024.

It is Cirque's first holiday show, based on Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Memorable lines from the poem inspired the story of a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. The show is built for families: thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack of holiday classics reinvented in Cirque style. It was conceived and directed by Cirque du Soleil senior artistic director James Hadley, and runs about 85 minutes, which is a manageable length for younger kids.

The schedule is generous. Opening nights are December 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Weekends pack in matinees, with Saturday shows at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 12, 19 and 26, and Sunday shows at noon and 4 p.m. on December 13, 20 and 27. There are also midweek evening shows, a Christmas Eve run at noon and 4 p.m., a New Year's Eve noon show and three performances on January 2. Check TO Live or Ticketmaster for the full calendar and prices, which vary by date and seat.

If you are planning a holiday outing downtown, Meridian Hall is close to everything. It is a short walk east of Union Station, so GO Transit, the UP Express and Line 1 all work, and the St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District's holiday market are close by for a before or after stop. The weekend matinees during the school break are the dates most likely to sell out first, so book those early if you have kids in tow.