Opening night is an important event in the entertainment industry, as it marks the first public performance of a show or movie. The term can be used to refer to the PREMIERE, DEBUT, XMAS, and PREVIEW of a production. A PREMIERE is the first showing of a movie or play, while a DEBUT is the first public performance of a person or group. XMAS is an abbreviation for Christmas, which is often used to refer to the opening night of a holiday-themed production. Finally, a PREVIEW is a performance that takes place before the official opening night.