In Neuchâtel, winter always brings a distinctive atmosphere. Lights shimmer on the lake, the old town takes on a festive glow, and the Place du Port becomes a lively meeting point for families. In recent years, a new tradition has found its place in December: the Starlight Christmas Circus, hosted beneath a large white tent just a few steps from Hôtel Beaulac. Warm, creative and deeply human, the experience has quickly become one of the highlights of the season for anyone visiting the city.
To book your lakeside stay at Hôtel Beaulac, visit beaulac.ch
And to secure your tickets for the Starlight Circus, click here!
The Starlight Circus: A Family Legacy Returning to Neuchâtel
This year, the Starlight Circus returns to Neuchâtel with a new edition. The Gasser family, at the heart of this project, has been shaping the art of circus for generations — from the classical performances of the early days to contemporary creations with a theatrical edge.
The white tent on the Place du Port offers a singular atmosphere: a mix of tradition, imagination and closeness to the audience. The idea behind it is simple — a festive moment open to everyone. The Gasser family is committed to keeping ticket prices accessible, making the experience possible for a wide public, including families who rarely have the chance to attend live shows.
This spirit of solidarity has accompanied Starlight since its first edition and remains central to its identity today. With the same intention, the circus returns to Neuchâtel this winter: as a joyful, welcoming and accessible event at the heart of the season.
A Contemporary Christmas Story by Christopher D. Gasser
The production is directed by Christopher D. Gasser, trained at the National Institute of Music-Hall Arts in Le Mans and at the Jacques Lecoq School in Paris. His approach blends contemporary circus, physical theatre, mime and dance. Under the Starlight tent, this sensibility unfolds into a Christmas story performed with sincerity and emotion.
The show is composed of a sequence of scenes featuring international artists. No animals are involved — since 2002, Starlight has embraced a modern, humane vision of circus centred on movement, expression and atmosphere. The scenography, designed by experienced professionals, gives each act its own depth. Costumes by Rita Tataï and Hélène Melchior bring an elegant, handcrafted signature to the performance.
The result is a show that speaks to every generation. Families enjoy a light-hearted outing, lovers of performing arts appreciate the visual finesse, and children are drawn directly into the magic. It is this combination that makes the Starlight Circus one of the season’s most memorable events.
A Christmas Stay Shaped by the Circus and the City
Guests staying at Hôtel Beaulac are perfectly placed to enjoy the experience: the circus tent is just a short stroll away, right by the lake. This proximity offers real comfort — no transport to arrange, no long walk back at night. The evening naturally blends into the calm of the lakeside district.
A day in Neuchâtel is easy to plan around the performance. A walk along the lakefront, a visit to the decorated old town, a warm drink on a covered terrace, a quiet moment back at the hotel, and then a gentle walk to the tent as the lights come on. For children, this simple rhythm is part of the joy — smooth, easy, and free of stress.
Neuchâtel in December is an ideal destination. The festive streets, seasonal events and local shops give the city a welcoming winter charm. The Starlight Circus fits seamlessly into this atmosphere and enhances the warmth of the season.
Book Your Christmas Stay in Neuchâtel
The Starlight Christmas Circus has become one of December’s unmissable events in Neuchâtel. With its tent set just a few steps from Hôtel Beaulac, it is the perfect outing for families and couples staying by the lake.
To organise your visit, check availability or plan your evening:
Visit the Reservations section on our homepage at beaulac.ch,
or call us directly at +41 32 723 11 11.
