Circus Smirkus

Contois AuditoriumCity Hall, 149 Church Street

12:00pm - 5:00pm Back to All Events

Circus Smirkus is a renowned Highlight favorite, delighting families with a high-flying stage show custom-created for New Year’s Eve. The circus rolls into town for a full day of performances to spread joy, laughter, and amazement. Revelers should absolutely expect the unexpected, but they should also expect these shows to still reach capacity, so get there early!

Shows at 12, 2, and 4 pm.


New This Year: The Big Top Button!

Enhance your day at the circus and help sustain Highlight for years to come! Skip the line and reserve seats for you and your family with Big Top Buttons ($40). This special Highlight button grants you access to a designated Circus Smirkus performance, guaranteeing floor seats that put you close to the high-flying fun.

Please Note!

All members of your party are required to have their own Big Top button. Unlike the standard Highlight button, a Big Top Button is required to reserve seats for patrons of any age, including children five and younger.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime via the City Hall Park entrance. Designated Big Top seats will be held until 10 minutes before showtime. After that, they will be released to the general public. Big Top Buttons are valid only for the performance you select and are non-transferrable. Beyond your Circus Smirkus performance, your Big Top Button works just like any other Highlight button and is valid at all other performances and venues.

Big Top buttons are limited—claim your seat today!

Big Top Button sales close December 25.

Everyone who purchases a Big Top Button will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate to Original Skiff compliments of our friends at Hotel Champlain!

The Big Top Button is underwritten by NBT Bank.


If you find yourself in Contois Auditorium for a Highlight event, make sure to enjoy a bite from Only Cannoli 

Programming at Contois Auditorium is presented by NBT Bank