Winter Revels 2026: An American Celebration
Washington Revels’ *Winter Revels 2026: An American Celebration* is a musical and theatrical holiday journey into Washington, D.C., on Christmas Eve in 1870. The story unfolds in the home of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American U.S. senator, and his wife, Phoebe, as friends, family, and unexpected guests gather for a celebration filled with mystery, music, and tradition.
The production explores journeys, new beginnings, love, family, friendship, and freedom while marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Audiences encounter visitors from Capitol Hill and Europe, a mysterious letter, and a search for a precious gift. The performance combines storytelling, dance, communal singing, and audience participation with carols, spirituals, parlor songs, folk music, lively dances, and instrumental numbers.
When: December 12–19, 2026
Showtimes: Saturday, December 12, at 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 13, at 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.; Thursday, December 17, at 7:00–9:00 p.m.; Friday, December 18, at 7:00–9:00 p.m.; and Saturday, December 19, at 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Run time: Approximately two hours, based on the listed performance times.
Presented by: Washington Revels
Performers: Washington Revels’ Jubilee Voices is central to the production, joined by members of the Whiskey Before Breakfast Band, the Washington Revels Brass, and a 75-member multigenerational chorus.
About Jubilee Voices: Founded in 2010, Jubilee Voices presents African American history and traditions through a combination of a cappella music, drama, spoken word, and dance. Its repertoire connects the spirituals, chants, shouts, and hollers of the antebellum period with traditions from Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement.
Audience experience: In keeping with the Winter Revels tradition, attendees participate through communal singing and other audience involvement rather than simply watching the performance.
Tickets: Price not available. Tickets are on sale through Washington Revels at revelsdc.org/shows-events/winter-revels/.
Venue: Cultural Arts Center-Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus
Address: 7995 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Ages: Not specified.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.
Contact: Washington Revels can be reached at (301) 587-3835 or info@revelsdc.org.
Website: https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/winter-revels/