While every kid might dream of receiving a letter from Hogwarts, they’re often enchanted by the next best thing: a magic kit.

That’s how most professional magicians, such as mentalist Chris Cox, start their careers. For Cox, having that kit meant a chance to perform, which he quickly learned was his true passion.

“I always think of myself as a performer who does magic,” he said.

Cox will perform Monday in Colorado Springs as part of The Illusionists’ “Magic of the Holidays” show. The family-friendly performance also includes magicians Pablo Canovas, Kevin James, David Williamson and James More.

The original Illusionists act started on Broadway in 2019. Since then, it’s toured the globe, captivating a wide range of audiences.

“It’s the highest quality magic show out there, it’s the biggest magic show in the world and there’s a reason for that,” Cox said. “There’s nothing better than live theater, that moment of everyone being together.”

Cox is the mentalist of the cast, reading the minds of those in attendance. He enjoys getting the audience to participate, making his act unique to each performance.

“I always feel like my job is to entertain people, to make them laugh and then make them go, ‘Oh my God, what? How can you do that?’” Cox said. “A magic show can make you feel like a child again and bring you a sense of wonder and awe. And particularly over the holidays, we capture that holiday magic with actual magic tricks.”

It’s wonderful, Cox said, looking out and seeing people of all ages — kids with parents and grandparents, group parties, couples on date nights.

“It really is a show for everyone. … I don’t think people expect it to be as fun and as funny and as heartwarming and as magical as it is,” he said.

“It really is kind of a perfect combination to celebrate this time of year in a very special way with your friends and your family.”