Who Says There’s Nothing to Do at the Beach in the Winter?

If you are new to retirement in Delaware and are wondering about winter entertainment, you’re likely in for a pleasant surprise. So much awaits you! Classical performances, opera, comedy, community theater, Shakespeare readings or magic shows are minutes away.

If classical music is your preference, there are plenty of organizations dedicated to the performing arts, including Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Opera Delaware and closest to home in southern Delaware, Coastal Concerts, which provides local audiences with world-renowned and professional talent – right in downtown Lewes!

Community theater is abundant in Sussex County. There are multiple choices for entertainment at local feelgood and historic venues. Take in a musical, a comedy act or even a talk with local medium at the nearby Milton Theatre. Not only has it amped up its variety of performances, but it has big plans for upgrades, including more spacious seating. Enjoy a draft and plenty of menu choices offered in the lobby.

Local favorite, Clear Space Theatre of Rehoboth Beach is hands-down the closest thing to quality Broadway-style entertainment, right in our backyard! Its 2021-2022 season features winter delights such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, Frozen and Scrooge. Plus, there are other individual performances and youth shows featuring students from its Performing Arts Institute, which is taught by several professional actors and producers.

It’s a worthy drive north to the town of Ardenton, DE to attend Candlelight Theatre, It’s dinner theater in a historic barn and intimate setting of only 150 people. In December, why not enjoy the clever Christmas Carol – a combination of the Dickens tale, followed by a concert of live holiday music? In Milford, Second Street Players at the Riverfront Theater is also in the mix with community performances worthy of a family getaway, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” during the holidays. There’s a promise more shows throughout the winter season to come!

If you enjoy a combination of choral, jazz and intimate classical performance, be sure to check out St. Cecelia Guild at St. Peter’s Church in Lewes. You’ll be in awe of the surroundings within and around this historic church. Full description of concerts at St. Peters is available at this link. And if you haven’t yet done so, take extra time to wander through the fascinating cemetery where countless Lewes famed residents rest.

If you are looking for a local holiday tradition especially suited to families, especially those grandchildren, be sure to check out Winter Wonderfest, a fantastical evening light display with entertainment throughout the holiday season, located just off Coastal Highway near Milton!

Finally, if you’re a sports spectator, don’t miss Slam Dunk to the Beach, an annual high school basketball spectacle at Cape Henlopen High School. Teams from several schools throughout the Mid Atlantic and beyond showcase their athleticism certain to amaze you. It’s a mecca of future stars; past participants have included LeBron James and Anthony Carmello, among others that went on to stardom in the NBA.

There’s no lack of activities, cultural events and entertainment happening year-round here in our coastal community. Enjoy!