With a world-class cast, the Bayerische Staatsoper presents a vibrant new production of The Night before Christmas, staged by Barrie Kosky and conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. Rimsky-Korsakov’s richly colored score comes alive in a visually spectacular interpretation. Based on Nikolai Gogol’s tale, the opera unfolds in a Ukrainian village on Christmas Eve: the Devil steals the moon, and the young blacksmith Vakula seeks to win the capricious Oksana. To prove his devotion, he journeys—flying on the Devil’s back—to St. Petersburg to fetch the Tsarina’s slippers. With Kosky’s visionary direction and Jurowski’s masterful musical leadership, The Night before Christmas at the Bayerische Staatsoper stands as a radiant highlight of the season — a joyous operatic celebration where fantasy, romance, and musical splendor unite.

Video Director: Christoph Engel Recorded: December 2025 Duration: 162 min. Produced in 4K ‍ ‍

A production of Bayerische Staatsoper and HELIANE, in coproduction with NHK