Disclosure: I received complimentary press tickets to see the show. No other compensation was provided.
The nation’s iconic holiday stage spectacular is back by popular demand! “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” will return to The Theater at MGM National Harbor with four unforgettable performances beginning Thursday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 23. Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are on sale now and start at $29.95, excluding applicable service charges. Tickets can be purchased online at mgmnationalharbor.com or ticketmaster.com. For additional show and ticket information, visit MGM National Harbor, Cirque Productions, or follow@MGMNatlHarbor on Twitter .
This critically acclaimed extravaganza is part Broadway musical, new Cirque adventure and a family show – all wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Weekday performances are scheduled to begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. and weekend shows are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Watch a trailer for the show:
The show is admittedly a bit trippy (think Dr. Seuss meets Lady Gaga via a bunch of acro artists), and because of its length and the sensuality of some of the acts, it’s probably best for tweens and up. Those with younger kids should definitely only go to the matinee, as we noticed families with very young preschoolers leaving during intermission during the opening night performance.
In the trailer, the producer exclaims that the reason the show is so unique is that “you never know what’s going to happen,” and I guarantee that’s true. There are straight-up magic acts like a wonderful quick-change duo that delighted my 10-year-old son and his best friend. Then there are contortionists and various level of solo and duo acrobatic acts using swings, poles, ribbons, and more. There’s also live singing of a mix of traditional and original holiday music, but the singers are definitely not caroling. The songs are arranged in a rock-opera style that includes three standout vocalists.
Two of the acts were clearly for the whistling adults in the room: a shirtless cowboy aerialist that seemed like something out of Magic Mike (not that my fellow mom friend and I were complaining) and a female contortionist in a Martini glass.
But of course everything is family friendly, and in addition to the quick-change act, the boys were delighted by aerial and acrobatic numbers, which they enjoyed more than the musical theater aspects of the show. There’s so much to see on stage, even if your eye wanders off the acts themselves, there are costumed dancers and singers and a kaleidoscope of colorful props to see on the stage. If you’re around and want to splurge (although there are affordable upper-level seats in the theater) on a holiday show, consider Cirque Dreams Holidaze’s limited engagement now through Sunday, Dec. 23.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Valet parking is $25 at the MGM, but there are also more affordable self parking options available.
- Food: there’s a National Market at the MGM that offers quick eating options such as Shake Shack, Zizi’s Pizza, Amo Los Tacos, District Deli, and more. See a complete list of eateries here.
- The show is about two hours long with one 15-minute intermission.
