JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Cirque Musica’s Holiday Wonderland is set to bring high-flying acrobatics, dazzling costumes and festive music to the Florida Theatre on December 22, 2025, offering Jacksonville families a holiday experience that blends spectacle with seasonal cheer.
The nationally touring production features a global cast of cirque performers — from aerialists and jugglers to roller skaters and daredevil acts — all set to classic holiday favorites with a cirque twist. At the heart of the show is Courtney, who plays the Lead Poinsettia, also known as the Queen Fairy.
Courtney says her role is to guide audiences through the show by spreading holiday spirit and granting wishes that transform into circus performances.
“I bring the Christmas spirit through all the different circus acts that are in the show,” she said. “I grant wishes throughout the whole show, and each wish is one of the circus acts.”
Now in its 16th year, Holiday Wonderland has been elevated for 2025 with new acts, enhanced visuals and intricate costumes. Courtney said the attention to detail this year is especially noticeable on stage.
“They put a lot of effort into the costumes this year,” she said. “I have about 600 different pieces in my costume alone — my crown, gloves, wand, wings, skirt, the whole dress. The lighting is incredible, and our video wall is phenomenal.”
While Courtney’s role focuses on singing and storytelling alongside the show’s prince, she says it’s the circus performers who truly leave audiences in awe — including herself.
“These performers are risking their lives every night to put on this show,” she said. “They’re doing things some people have never seen in their life before. I watch it six nights a week, and I still get nervous every time.”
The cast brings together performers from around the world, creating what Courtney describes as a unique and magical environment behind the scenes.
“The circus world is filled with so many different cultures and people, but we all come together and do the same show,” she said. “It’s really special.”
For Courtney, performing in a holiday-themed production holds special meaning, especially when it comes to younger audience members.
“A lot of kids come to the show, a lot of families,” she said. “Seeing the joy on their faces is really special. Some of the little girls think I’m Elsa because my dress is sparkly and blue.”
She says one of her favorite parts of the tour is meeting children after the show and seeing how inspired they are.
“I met a little girl the other night who said, ‘I want to do that when I grow up,’” Courtney said. “That’s what drew me to performing — inspiring little kids to want to sing, act or try something new.”
Courtney says audiences often arrive unsure of what to expect but leave feeling energized and ready for the holidays.
“They’ll leave feeling excited for the holidays,” she said. “And maybe even inspired to try something new.”
Cirque Musica’s Holiday Wonderland will be performed Monday at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville. Tickets are on sale now.