Winter Revels

About This Production

An Extraordinary Evening in 1870 Washington

It’s December 1870 in Washington, D.C., and Christmas Eve in the parlor of a new Senator’s home. But this is no ordinary politician—it’s Hiram Rhodes Revels, the nation’s first African American Senator, and he and wife Phoebe are gathering friends and family—from worlds spanning the streets of Capitol Hill to the opera houses of Europe–to celebrate the season.

Candles are lit; the table is set; and the band is ready. Who knew solving a mystery would be on the menu?

As the guests—some legendary—gather under the Revels family roof, they meet strangers from a faraway isle; hear the contents of a mysterious letter; and help find a precious gift. In the midst of celebration, the revelers learn about long journeys, witness new beginnings, and experience the power of love, family, friendship, and freedom.

You’re invited to the party! This 44th winter production, which marks the 250th birthday of the nation, will feature our own Jubilee Voices, along with members of the renowned Whisky Before Breakfast Band; the beloved Washington Revels Brass, and our 75-member multigenerational chorus. Enjoy a vibrant mosaic of familiar carols, stirring spirituals; nostalgic parlor tunes; traditional folk songs, toe-tapping dances; and rousing instrumentals, along with the audience participation that makes Winter Revels so special.

Photo credit: Alain Lázaro Gutiérrez Almeida

Upcoming Performances

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PERFORMANCES

GUEST ARTISTS

Founded in 2010, the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble performs throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, preserving African American history and traditions through unique programs that infuse history with a cappella music, drama, spoken word, and dance. With more than a decade of performances at community events, historic sites, national landmarks, museums, and more, the group has developed a range of programming that not only focuses on general topics related to African American history, but can also be tailored to highlight local and regional history.

Originally founded as part of the Washington Revels’ initiative to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Jubilee Voices has expanded its repertoire over the years to include the post-Civil War, Reconstruction and Civil Rights Movement eras, all while tracing the music of these historic events back to the shouts, hollers, spirituals and chants sung by African Americans during the antebellum period.

The group has performed in a wide range of events and locales, including the dedication of Alexandria, Virginia’s Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial and the City of Alexandria Juneteenth events; the Emancipation Proclamation Stamp unveiling at the U.S. Archives; annual celebrations at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington D.C. and an appearance at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. In Maryland, Jubilee Voices has appeared at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Cambridge, Oakley Cabin in Olney, and the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda. The group appeared in the PBS show, Time Team America (“The Search for Josiah Henson”); and music from the group was featured as part of the finale of the PBS series, “Mercy Street.” In 2023, Jubilee Voices collaborated with Mercer University to present “Wade in the Water: Gullah Geechee and African American Life and Culture on St. Simons Island,” a program blending live performance with digital oral histories.

WASHINGTON REVELS BRASS

The Washington Revels Brass lends its joyful, clarion sound to every Christmas Revels production. Current performers include: Les Linn and Fred Marcellus, trumpets; Andrew Houde, French horn and Bryan Bourne and Jeff Gaylord, trombones. The ensemble views itself in a certain sense as a microcosm of Revels everywhere: they have their own rituals, traditions, and personality. They differ from every other part of the Revels only in that their ways are largely invisible to all but themselves. (Photo by Alain L. Gutiérrez Almeida)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the performance dates for the 2026 Winter Revels?

There will be eight performances, December 11-19, including matinees and evenings.
Learn more about this year’s Winter Revels: An American Celebration.

Where will Winter Revels be held?

All performances will be held at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center (CAC).

Where is the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) located?

The CAC is located on Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus at 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Maryland.
View a map showing the location.

When can we purchase tickets?

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, October 30. Tickets will be available for purchase online via the Washington Revels website.

What ADA services are available at the CAC?

In addition to accessibility ramps and elevators, patrons who are hearing impaired will be able to take advantage of a free infrared system from any seat during any performance. Receivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Box Office. There are also multiple ADA/Handicapped seating options available at the new theater; please call the office at 301-587-3835 for assistance in booking this type of ticket for one or more members of your party.

How do I get to the CAC?

The CAC is located a ½-mile walk from both the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red Line. From the Silver Spring Metro, Metrobus line 70 (direction Archives) departs every 15 minutes to reach the CAC. If you are driving, the CAC is located just outside of the District of Columbia on Georgia Avenue. There is ample free parking available in the 5-level West Garage located at 930 King St. (right off of Georgia Avenue.).
View a detailed map and directions [PDF]

Are there dining options near the CAC?

Yes. There are multiple pre- and post-show dining opportunities in downtown Silver Spring. In addition, below is a selection of restaurants that are very close to the Cultural Arts Center:

Vicino Restaurante Italiano (.3 miles) 959 Sligo Ave – 301-265-3015
Beteseb Restaurant (Ethiopian) (.4 miles) 8201 Georgia Ave – 301-448-1625
FireStation 1 Restaurant (.4 miles) 8131 Georgia Ave – 301-585-1370
The Angry Jerk (.4 miles) 8223 Georgia Ave
Quarry House Tavern (.5 miles) 8401 Georgia Ave – 301-844-5504
Mandalay (Burmese) (.6 miles) – 930 Bonifant St – 301-250-4078
Lamoon Thai (.6 miles) – 906 Thayer Ave – 301-328-5159
Copper Canyon Grill (.7 miles) 928 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring – 301-589-1330
J. Hollingers Waterman’s Chophouse (.7 miles) 8606 Colesville Road, Silver Spring – 301-328-0035
El Sapo Cuban Social Club (.8 miles) 8455 Fenton Street, Silver Spring – 301-326-1063
All Set Restaurant & Bar (.9 miles) 8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring – 301-495-8800
McGinty’s Public House (.9 miles) 911 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring – 301-587-1270

Will on-demand viewing be available?

Yes. We will be offering “Winter Revels On Demand” again this year. The viewing period will begin about one week after the Winter Revels closes (late December or early January) until approximately January 31, 2026. More details will be provided in December.

PAST PRODUCTIONS

Our flagship production, The Winter Revels, is a festive, fully staged celebration of the December holidays and Winter Solstice and the return of sun and light after the “shortest day,” radiating hope and joy in the renewal of life and the circle of the seasons. Seen by over 10,000 people every December, it draws on traditions and rituals from many lands and peoples, focusing each year on a different culture or related cultures.

Select a link below to learn more about that production.