Coliseu Christmas Circus is back with artists from around the world and an original story celebrating the Master of Ceremonies
From December 12th to January 4th, artists from around the world will showcase the most fantastic aspects of circus arts at the Coliseu Porto Ageas Christmas Circus.
With an original story written by Marta Pais Oliveira and original music by Bruno Pernadas, we invite children and adults to a unique, unrepeatable, and surprising spectacle!
For the 2025 show, Coliseu challenged the Agustina Bessa-Luís Revelation Prize-winning writer to create a story centred on the mythical figure of the Circus Presenter, the maestro of traditional circus entertainment.
On the Coliseu stage, the audience will meet Cicero, the voice that anticipates each act and guides the spectators’ emotions with brilliance and humour, here accompanied by another central character in this story, his Mother. An ode to this age-old spectacle, which makes our eyes widen from early childhood and awakens in adults the capacity to dream.
And because the main role of the Circus belongs to the circus artists, there will be impossible contortions and the always impressive Russian bar, an aerial spiral spinning above our heads and a Cyr wheel at our feet, an imposing cube manipulated with strength and virtuosity, the butterflies in the stomach provided by the clowdswing, the graceful ascent to the heights on the silks and the contagious joy of the clowns.
Developed and programmed by Coliseu, the Christmas Circus combines classics of circus tradition with contemporary elements. The result is a unique circus spectacle in Portugal, rejuvenated and complete, with a selection of artists from different countries: Pushing Forte (Finland, Australia and Belgium-England), Martina Machluk (Argentina), Marta Kowalewska and Malgorzata Krzciuk-Freitas (Poland and Portugal), Adolfo & Arys (Portugal), Carolin Liesegang (Germany), Kyle Fowler (Australia), Marcin Janiak (Poland), Serchmaa Bayarsaikhan, Shurentsetseg Badamdorj and Shinetsetseg Bayartsetseg (Mongolia), Diana Sá and Emílio Gomes (Portugal).
The soundtrack for a special show has to be equally special. Therefore, this year the Coliseu challenged the acclaimed guitarist and composer Bruno Pernadas, whom the Brazilian newspaper Globo called “the best-kept secret of Portuguese music”. Recognised for his versatility and ability to create surprising soundscapes, he created the perfect sound for each act, movement, and moment.
A true celebration of talent, surprise, and fantasy, the Coliseu Porto Ageas Circus has been a continuous and unmissable event on the city’s calendar since 1941. The premiere takes place on Friday, December 12th, at 9 pm, and includes several shows until January 4th. Check all dates and times at www.coliseu.pt.
Tickets have just gone on sale at the Coliseu, Ticketline, and usual outlets, with prices ranging from €10 to €20. Children up to 3 years old receive a 75% discount. Children up to 12 years old receive a 50% discount. Friends of the Coliseu and Porto Card holders enjoy a 20% discount.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the access conditions, confirmation of the date and time, ticket sales location, price, and availability.
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Published on 2025.11.21
