Over 20 Christmas concerts, holiday shows in Delaware, including Jimmie Allen

It’s that time of year where kids are trying to be on their best behavior to avoid gifts of coal.

It’s also the season for a gazillion holiday concerts and events, including big names like Milton country star Jimmie Allen, along with performances by Jane Lynch ("Glee") and Kate Flannery ("The Office").  

We can’t help your kids stay on the straight and narrow, but we do have a huge list of statewide holiday performances: plays, musicals and concerts, as well as multiple productions of “The Nutcracker.”

Jane Lynch’s ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’ in Wilmington

“Glee” actress Jane Lynch will serenade guests with the program “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.” The show offers a silly and poignant take on traditional holiday songs, along with originals written by bandleader Tony Guerrero. Lynch is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner.

She’ll be joined by her comedic sidekick Kate Flannery (“The Office”) and Tim Davis, “Glee’s” vocal arranger. The trio shine with their three-part harmonies, backed by jazz band the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Guests are required to provide proof of full vaccination or of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets are $39 to $54. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

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'What a Wonderful World'

The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware’s “What a Wonderful World” concert is a celebration of holiday tunes and the return to live shows.

Guests must wear a mask and provide proof of vaccination or of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the show.

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (1301 N. Broom St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets are $5-$20.

Skyline United Methodist Church (3100 Skyline Blvd., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets are $5 to $20. Visit therainbowchorale.org or (302) 803-4440

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'A Christmas Carol' in Rehoboth Beach

The rich cheapskate Ebenezer Scrooge isn’t in the holiday spirit in the timeless musical “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge is visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve during his journey of redemption. Some of the tunes in the show include “A Better Life,” “I Like Life” and “Thank You Very Much.”

Clear Space Theatre (20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, 4 10, 11, 17 and 18; at 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 19. Visit clearspacetheatre.org or (302) 227-2270

‘You Better Watch Out’ in Dover

There’s a mysterious man at the Willow Inn on Christmas Eve. The friendly man, Mr. Smith, claims to be in the delivery business. But only the Inn’s handyperson sees Mr. Smith is really the spirit of Christmas.

The goal is to get Mr. Smith to help a heartbroken man embrace the holiday season again, for the first time in years, in the production “You Better Watch Out,” presented by Kent County Theatre Guild. 

Patchwork Playhouse (140 Roosevelt Ave., Dover) at 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18; and at 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets are $20 general admission; $18 military/senior/student; $17 members. Visit kctg.org

Holiday Open House at Rockwood near Wilmington

New Castle County’s holiday celebration is jam-packed with lots of performances that include appearances by Fierce Dance Academy, Delaware Military Academy Choir, Citlali De Mexico, Archmere Academy Band and more.

There also will be a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa display, self-guided tours and additional fun. During this event, new unwrapped toys are being collected for The Ronald McDonald House, in partnership with Diver Chevrolet. Warm gloves, hats and scarves will also be collected for The Hope Center.

Rockwood Park & Museum (4651 Washington St. Extension, Penny Hill) from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4. Visit nccde.org

Virtual ‘Nutcracker’ by Wilmington Ballet

Delaware Art Museum will livestream parts of Wilmington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” for subscribers and other viewers, ahead of its Dec. 17 opening at The Playhouse on Rodney Square. The Wilmington Ballet and guests will perform a half-hour preview of the beloved seasonal ballet.

8:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. Cost is $5. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590

‘Elf The Musical’ in Georgetown

Imagine thinking you’re an elf, only to realize you’re just a regular human whose dad might be on Santa’s naughty last, and your brother doesn’t even believe in Santa. That’s the reality for Buddy in the beloved comedy “Elf The Musical,” presented by Possum Point Players.

 Possum Hall (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown) at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 3 and Dec. 10; Shows at 2 p.m. are on Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12. Tickets are $27 general admission; $25 senior/student. Visit possumpointplayers.org or (302) 856-3460.

‘Frozen Jr.’ in Wilmington

Disney’s smash hit will come to life with Elsa, Anna and your other favorite characters and songs in the Delaware Children’s Theatre musical production of “Frozen Jr.” Guests must wear a mask and folks (ages 12 and up) must provide proof of vaccination or of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the show.

Delaware Children’s Theatre (1014 Delaware Ave., Wilmington) at 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19; Tickets are $16. Visit dechildrenstheatre.org

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Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra's 'Holiday Music' in Lewes

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will string together a variety of seasonal favorites with French soprano Norah Amsellem.

She’s performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera and Milan’s La Scala. Guests must be fully vaccinated and proof of vaccination is required for the show. 

Cape Henlopen High School (1250 Kings Highway, Lewes) at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets are $50. Visit midatlanticsymphony.org.

Delaware Dance Company's ‘The Nutcracker’ in Newark

Delaware Dance Company will show off its fancy footwork in the company’s 38th annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the University of Delaware.

The production also will be streamed on YouTube, where it'll premier at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and be available until midnight Dec. 26.

Guests of the live performance are required to wear a mask and pass the University of Delaware’s health check.

University of Delaware (Mitchell Hall, 134 The Green, Newark) at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4; 2 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5. Tickets are $25 to $35. Visit delawaredancecompany.org

‘Sing Joyfully’ in Rehoboth Beach

Carols and sing-alongs will be on tap, plus choral music by Mozart, Holst, Handel and more in the winter concert celebration “Sing Joyfully” by the Southern Delaware Chorale.

Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach) at 3 p.m., Dec. 5. Tickets for students $10 (plus fees) and for adults $25 (plus fees).Visit southerndelawarechorale.org or (302) 260-7022

‘The Nutcracker’ in Milford

First State Dance Academy and DanceCompany X will present a festive SoDel production of “The Nutcracker.”

Guests must wear masks.

Milford Senior High School (1019 N. Walnut St., Milford) at 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Tickets are $15 adults and $18 kids/seniors. Visit DanceCo-X on Facebook or (302) 422-2633

'A Christmas Carol' in Winterthur

Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of author Charles Dickens, will give a one-man show of the Ebenezer Scrooge tale like you’ve never seen before.

Dickens will portray 26 characters of the holiday classic by himself, accompanied by only a table, wing chair and hat rack on stage.

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 8; Tickets are $30 adult; $25 member; $15 child. Visit winterthur.org (302) 888-4600

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Cartoon Christmas Trio in Wilmington

Jazzy tunes from the beloved “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be performed by the popular Cartoon Christmas Trio.

First & Central Presbyterian Church (1101 N. Market St., Wilmington) from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Dec. 9. Admission is free. Visit marketstreetmusicde.org or (302) 654-5371 ext. 110

'Pyxis at the Holidays' in Wilmington

The trio Pyxis will deck the halls with cello, piano and violin – playing a collection of classical and contemporary tunes. The concert includes instrumental versions of Gustav Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” and Mel Torme’s contemporary standard “The Christmas Song.”

Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington), from 8 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets are $35 non-members and $30 members. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590.

‘A Bell Rings …’ in Wilmington

Bootless Stageworks will create new holiday memories with its original production “Every Time A Bell Rings …” The show is an original adaptation of the staple film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” along with the short story the movie was based upon, “The Greatest Gift.”

George Pratt is thinking about ending his life, but with the help of a friendly stranger, he might get a revelation of how valuable he is to the world.

Guests are required to wear masks.

Bootless Stageworks (1301 N. Broom St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; and at 8 p.m., Dec. 10 and 11; Shows at 2 p.m. are Dec. 11 and 12. Tickets are $15 general and $18 table seating. Visit bootless.org

Christmas concert in Wilmington

First State Symphonic Band will make a joyful noise with its Christmas concert. Masks are required and unvaccinated individuals must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within seven days of the concert.

St. David’s Episcopal (2320 Grubb Road, Wilmington) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Admission is free. Visit firststatesymphonicband.com or (302) 475-4688.

'Lessons & Carols' in Dover

After not having performed for 18 months, the Kent Chamber Choir will unmute itself for the new holiday show “A Service of Lessons & Carols.”

Guests are required to wear masks.

Presbyterian Church of Dover (54 S. State St., Dover) at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Admission is free and donations are accepted. Visit kentchamberchoir.org 

First State Ballet Theatre's ‘The Nutcracker’ in Wilmington

First State Ballet Theatre invites audiences to join Delaware’s only professional ballet company on an epic journey through the Land of Sweets in “The Nutcracker.” Guests are required to provide proof of full vaccination or of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 and 2 p.m., Dec. 11 and 12. Tickets are $22-$60. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

‘The Nutcracker’ in Dover

The Ballet Theatre of Dover will serve a host of dancing candy canes, chocolate, gingerbread, gumdrops, flowers, rats and more colorful characters in “The Nutcracker.”

Dover High School (1 Dover High Drive, Dover) at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 and 11; and  2 p.m., Dec. 11. Tickets are $12-$25. Visit dancebtd.com or (302) 734-9717.

‘Del Shakes Holiday Jam Session’ in Wilmington

Beloved Del Shakes artists will warm you up with contributions they enjoy such as poems, songs, monologues and stories. Each artist will share two or three contributions and performances will feature Newton Buchanan, Rachel O’Hanlon-Rodriguez, Izzy Sazak and Emily Schuman, along with special guests Peter Vitale and Ximena Violante.

OperaDelaware Studios (4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets are $20. Visit Delshakes.org or (302) 468-4890

‘Snow Queen’ in Wilmington

Delaware Arts Conservatory wants to switch things up and give folks a fresh holiday experience with ballet the “Snow Queen.” This show inspired the Disney classic “Frozen. “

Tatnall School (1501 Barley Mill Road, Wilmington) at noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 11; and at 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets start at $10. Visit delarts.com or (302) 595-4160.

‘Sounds of the Season’ in Winterthur

The Choir School of Delaware will perform half of a program built around Margaret Bonds’ “Ballad to the Brown King,” a short piece featuring the text of Langston Hughes. The second half will feature holiday pieces composed and arranged by composers of color.

The show also will be available via livestream.

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets are $45 (includes the concert and admission into Winterthur); $35 for the concert only; $35 for only the virtual show. Visit choirschoolofdelaware.org

Frankie Valli Holiday Tribute in Smyrna

Frankie Valli tribute show "Lights Out'' is back by popular demand and this time the gang is going to croon your favorite holiday tunes. "Lights Out,'' branded as the country’s top Frankie Valli tribute, offers a frontman whose voice mirrors the legendary Frankie.

The outfit is upbeat and features choreographed moves, too.

Smyrna Opera House (7 W. South St., Smyrna) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 Tickets are $25. Visit smyrnaoperahouse.org or (302) 653-4236

‘We Need a Little Christmas’ in Milton and Lewes

The Capital Ringers, which owns the largest set of handbells and handchimes in Delmarva, will bring a merry show with “We Need a Little Christmas.”  

Milton Theater (110 Union St., Milton) at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11; and at Conley’s United Methodic Church (33106 Jolyn’s Way, Lewes) at 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets are $18 (Milton shows) and $15 (Lewes show). Visit capitalringers.org

Christmas Concert By Milford Community Band in Kent County

Milford Community Band will play a selection of Christmas favorites that will make your ears happy. 

'The Nutcracker' by Wilmington Ballet 

Wilmington Ballet presents a multicultural cast of performers in its celebration of “The Nutcracker.”

Guests are required to provide proof of full vaccination or of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event.

The Playhouse (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Dec. 18 and 19; and 2 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19. Tickets are $18-$53. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 888-0200

Jimmie Allen Christmas Concerts in Dewey Beach

Milton country star Jimmie Allen will return to the Small Wonder to perform two shows for his annual holiday Christmas fundraiser.

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Proceeds from this year's fundraiser will benefit Mariner Elementary School.

Earlier this month, Allen won a CMA for New Artist of the Year. He also received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, ahead of the 64th annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 31.

Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 17 and from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $30. Visit rustyrudder.com or (302) 227-3888.

'Edwards Twins Holiday Show' in Smyrna

Las Vegas impersonators will bring back holiday nostalgia with classic Christmas tunes in a star-studded program by the Edwards Twins, featuring their takes on Cher, Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, Andrea Bocelli, Barbra Streisand and plenty others.

Smyrna Opera House (7 W. South St., Smyrna) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $35. Visit smyrnaoperahouse.org or (302) 653-4236.

'Holiday Peace Concert' in Rehoboth

Rehoboth Concert Band will deliver its “Holiday Peace Concert,” offering seasonal medleys, classic carols, surprising twists and more.

Guests must wear masks.

Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Gland Road, Rehoboth Beach) at 3 p.m., Dec. 19. Tickets are $20 adult. Free for ages 18 or younger. Visit Rehobothconcertband.org

'Holiday Extravaganza' in Wilmington

Whether you see this event in person or virtually, music lovers will enjoy a holiday smash in "Holiday Extravaganza: Rockin' the House with Choral, Jazz, Rock & Cello Classics."

The event features the Small Wonder Jazz Singers and Hashtag Jazz, led by Martin Lassman; the Delaware and Cantabile Women’s Choruses, led by Joanne Ward; Midnight Clear rock band, led by Christopher Braddock, and the Music School’s Faculty Cello Ensemble, led by Jennifer Crowell Stomberg.

Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support St. Stephen’s food pantry.

St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (1301 N. Broom St., Wilmington) at 4 p.m. Dec. 21. To RSVP or for more info, visit musicschoolofdelaware.org

Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.