When Zen Arts descended on the Americana at Brand in 2011 to captivate crowds at the annual Christmas tree lighting, a new standard was set in holiday celebrations. So naturally, Zen Arts was asked back for an encore in November 2012, wowing its audience with a Christmas production that far surpassed expectations.

Akin to a Vegas production, the evening was full of magic and whimsy that seemed to transform Glendale, California into a North Pole fantasyland. The event was produced by Zen Arts, Nightvision Entertainment, and The Americana and held at the famous Americana at Brand shopping resort. Twinkling Christmas lights and a dancing water display set the background for the evening, where throngs of crowds gathered in anticipation of the show.

Zen Arts really showed its versatility with a full 1-hour Christmas spectacular reminiscent of classic holiday stories. Instead of performing a few mesmerizing acts, the performers were tasked with telling a family-friendly story that incited fascination in both young and old. Their hard work paid off when they presented Cirque du Santa – an acrobatic story of a little girl’s experience as she’s taken to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop.

When guests arrived, they were met with mystery by a giant stage wrapped in red and concealed until show time. Trees dripped with bright holiday lights in the plaza, and fun characters began to emerge as show time drew near. In true Zen Arts style, all of the costumes were custom made specifically for Cirque du Santa. Kids from 1 to 92 looked on in awe as stilt-walking elves towered over the crowds and reindeer soared through the air from trampolines below.

Everyone loved the nutcracker ballerinas and toy soldiers, and they looked on in suspense as silk aerialists performed dressed as beautiful snow angels. The peppermint candy-striped kick line was a big hit with the audience, though it was Santa Claus himself who stole the show during the grand finale. Cirque du Santa ended on a bright note as fireworks shot into the air.

The Zen Arts performance at the annual tree lighting was arguably the most spectacular holiday event the Americana at Brand has hosted – even amazing many of the Zen Arts performers themselves as the show came together. If you missed it, we’re sorry. But you can check out pictures of the production here or watch Zen Arts footage of the evening below:

Zen Arts Cirque Du Santa Holiday Show 2012 from Zen Arts on Vimeo.