2026 CHRISTMAS REVELS
The Christmas Revels: A German / Alpine Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Friday, December 18, 2026: 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 19, 2026: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 20, 2026: 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM
Join us and discover the magic.
Revels interactive performances feature the song, dance, musical and storytelling traditions of diverse cultures. We blend these elements into seasonal celebrations, demonstrating how differing cultures throughout the ages are fed by the same great river of myth, story and song.
REVELS HOUSTON
Announces 2026 Production of “The Christmas Revels”
This year's production, The Christmas Revels: A German / Alpine Celebration of the Winter Solstice explores the Germanic origins of modern-day Yuletide customs, including Christmas trees, "Silent Night," and children's lantern processions that herald the beginning of Winter. St. Nicholas himself guides the audience through 19th Century winter celebrations from Bavaria and the surrounding Alpine regions of Austria and Switzerland. Featuring traditional Bavarian dances, legends, and joyful holiday music, this year's production highlights Alpine folk music and also includes pieces from two of Germany's most famous composers, Michael Praetorius and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Seeking Volunteers!
Revels Houston depends upon your donation of time as a volunteer. We have opportunities for those who want to share or gain experience in website maintenance, social media, marketing, event planning, fundraising and more. We have an active board that welcomes volunteers who wish to be involved at a hands-on leadership level.”
Creative Team
Revels Houston's Stage Director is Sean K. Thompson. Sean has been involved with numerous theatre companies in southeast Texas and has directed dozens of shows. He is honored to have received multiple Broadway World Awards over the years, including for Best Director, Best Play, and Most Improved Theatre -- plus a Monty Award for Best Performer -- and was for several years Producer, Head Writer and Director of the Houston Press Club's annual satirical review, the Gridiron Show. Sean has served on multiple theatre boards, including Points North, UpStage, The Country Playhouse (renamed Queensbury Theatre), The Players Theatre Company, Houston Family Arts Center, The Houston Underground Players, and Stageworks. Since 2010, Sean has been the Artistic Director of Points North Theatre Company (formerly UpStage Theatre). By day, Sean is the News Editor of Woodlands Online.
Brandon Tanner is a Houston-based composer/arranger, vocal performer, actor. and educator with over 35 years of experience in music. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Composition from the University of North Texas College of Music where he studied under Joseph Klein, Cindy McTee, and Alan W Oldfield. As a composer, Brandon has contributed music to a wide range of ensembles and media projects, including the recent Hugo Award-winning game “Caves of Qud”.
A multi-instrumentalist, Brandon's true passion is vocal performance, and his voice has been heard in venues ranging from Jones Hall in Houston to Carnegie Hall in New York. He is an alumnus of the Houston Children's Chorus, and the former Director of Jazz Ensembles at Tomball High School.
As a Music Director, he has worked on dozens of productions for theaters in the Houston area, as well as served as an Artistic Consultant.
Brandon resides in West Houston with his wife, former touring operatic soprano Katie Heaton, and their Shih Tzu, Edgar.
Revels Nationwide
Who We Are
Revels is a living tradition that bonds all participants — audiences, performers and volunteers — together as companions in celebration.
Revels comes from the community, for the community.
The Revels Chorus
