Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas - Inspired by "Matchless" by Gregory Maguire
Schedule
Fri Dec 12 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Sanders Theatre at Harvard University | Cambridge, MA
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Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration - Tales from Ellis Island13 Live Performances, December 16 - 28, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Virtual Encore streaming December 29 - January 8
Tickets on sale now through the Harvard Box Office at www.boxoffice.harvard.edu
Learn more at https://revels.org/event/midwinter/
Our 52nd annual Midwinter Revels takes us into the past to a time and place of great change in American history – Ellis Island of the 1920’s. A point of entry to the New World for many immigrants, Ellis Island was a place where many peoples and cultures came together from all over the world.
It is Christmas Eve, and a delay in the processing on Ellis Island means that a number of families from Ireland, Russia, and Germany must spend some extended time together. The Irish and Old World Jewish families have many differences, but through the curiosity of their children and the insights of the Mexican nurses who are charged with their care, they find ways to celebrate their rite of passage through music, song, and story.
These hard times have taken a toll on all of us. We invite you to join us during the darkest time of year for some joyful Revels alchemy. With music and song that leaps across borders and stories animated by creative imagery, song, and puppetry, you will be participants in the magic that transforms the shortest days into hopeful light, alongside extraordinary performers David Coffin, Carolyn Saxon, Tom Pixton, Glenn Dickson, Keith Murphy, Ricardo Holguin, Stephanie Clayman, Rosalba Solis, Maeve Leahy, and Ewan Swanson. Take joy!
Live Performance Schedule
Friday, December 12 – 7:00 PM*
Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM
Sunday, December 14 – 1:00 PM* - Scandinavian Cultural Day
Sunday, December 14 – 5:30 PM* - Scandinavian Cultural Day
Friday, December 19 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 20 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21 – 1:00 PM - Winter Solstice
Sunday, December 21 – 5:30 PM - Winter Solstice
Tuesday, December 23 - 2:00 PM
Friday, December 26 – 2:00 PM - Family Day at Revels
Saturday, December 27 – 2:00 PM - Director's Talk Post-Show
Saturday, December 27 – 7:00 PM - Director's Talk Pre-Show
Sunday, December 21 – 1:00 PM
*Performances on December 12 and 14 will be accompanied by ASL interpreters
Performance length 2.5 hours including intermission
Do you have a group of 15+? Your group can reserve tickets to Midwinter Revels with NO service fees! Learn more at revels.org/midwinter
Learn how EBT and WIC card holders and patrons under 35 can receive ticket discounts for Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration at revels.org/midwinter!
Scandinavian Cultural Day - Sunday, December 14
Join Revels on Sunday, December 14 at both the 1 PM and 5:30 PM shows for Scandinavian Cultural Day! Come early to catch a special performance of Scandinavian music played by featured Midwinter Revels musicians lydia ievins and Laura Hummel. Visit our concessions stand to snack on delicious Danish pastries, sip on traditional Swedish glögg (mulled wine), and check out our Scandinavian-inspired holiday items at our merchandise table. Let's celebrate the season, Scandinavian-style!
Family Day at Revels - Friday, December 26
Keep the family celebrations going after Christmas with our first Family Day at Revels! Come early for pre-show surprises in the lobby, including photo opportunities with Nigel the Night Dragon. Kids can watch the show and follow along with a special children's program book, full of interactive activities. Bring the family along and buy your tickets today!
Director's Talk with Debra Wise - Saturday, December 27
Go behind the scenes with a free director's talk from Midwinter Revels director, Debra Wise! This special event will be held between the 2 PM and 7 PM performances on Saturday, December 27.
Virtual Performance
If you are unable to attend The Midwinter Revels live this year (or just want to see it again!), join us for a virtual extended run. Your virtual Event Pass includes unlimited access during the viewing period (December 29 - January 11) to a digitally-enhanced version of this year’s Midwinter Revels, recorded during a live performance in Sanders Theatre. Virtual tickets are on sale now revels.org/midwinter.
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Where is it happening?
Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Bank of America, 45 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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