Grinches, Nutcrackers and Ogres, Amen: Christmas Musicals Takes Over New Castle County

Candlelight Theatre’s “Christmas by Candlelight” is a Delaware Tradition.  Only a few seats are still available for the Show and Dinner. There are “Show Only tickets available for many of the performances.

Eight Theatres pack the holiday calendar with Christmas musicals, cartoons, and carols for families who like their Christmas loud and live.

WILMINGTON, Del. — From green ogres and grumpy Grinches to mermaids, miracles, and marching toy soldiers, New Castle County’s stages are turning into Christmas destinations for families who like their holiday cheer with a live orchestra pit.

Eight theatres and festivals across the county are offering Christmas-themed musicals, revues, and concerts in 2025, giving audiences options that range from intimate dinner theatre to full-scale Broadway tours. But theatre goers who want in on the fun are being urged to buy early — some venues are already filling up.

Candlelight Theatre

At Arden’s edge in north Wilmington, Candlelight Theatre is leaning into tradition with Christmas by Candlelight, a cabaret-style holiday revue. Audiences can expect a mix of classic carols, Broadway holiday favorites, and comic sketches, paired with Candlelight’s signature dinner-theatre experience in a historic barn dressed up with lights and greenery.

Candlelight’s 24-performance run is already close to sold out for many dinner-and-show dates, theatre officials say, although show-only tickets remain available for a number of performances. Patrons looking to make Candlelight part of their annual tradition are being encouraged to secure seats as soon as possible.

Delaware Theatre Company

On the Riverfront, Delaware Theatre Company is going big with Shrek the Musical Dec. 3–21. The family-friendly show, based on the DreamWorks film, puts a fractured-fairy-tale spin on the season, with a large cast, full pit band and plenty of laughs for adults and kids. The production is expected to anchor DTC’s holiday programming and draw families already visiting the Riverfront’s restaurants and events.

The Everett Theatre

In Middletown, the Everett Theatre is banking on nostalgia with A Christmas Story: The Musical in late November and December. The stage adaptation of the beloved film follows Ralphie Parker’s quest for his dream Christmas gift and features tap numbers, big ensemble scenes and the iconic leg lamp, making it a draw for multigenerational audiences.

Delaware Children’s Theatre

Delaware Children’s Theatre in Wilmington is also going green this year with Shrek the Musical TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) Nov. 22–Dec. 7. The streamlined version keeps the story and songs but trims the running time and staging, making it easier for younger children and school groups while still offering full costumes, sets and choreography.

Wilmington Drama League

Wilmington Drama League is turning its holiday spotlight under the sea with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dec. 12–28. The community production of the Tony-nominated musical will feature familiar songs such as “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea,” positioning the family favorite as an alternative to traditional Christmas fare.

Grand Opera House

Downtown, the Grand Opera House is packaging three separate holiday events into a full-season lineup. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas brings the classic story to the stage Nov. 28–30 and Dec. 4–7, appealing to families who want a recognizable title early in the season.

The Grand then shifts to ballet with The Nutcracker Dec. 13–14 and Dec. 19–21, a perennial favorite for local dance students and patrons. Rounding out the schedule is Jingle Bell Jamboree on Nov. 30, a family holiday concert designed to introduce younger children to live music in a festive, shorter format.

The Playhouse on Rodney Square

Just up the street, The Playhouse on Rodney Square will host Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical Dec. 20–21. The Meredith Willson adaptation of the film classic includes the song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and is expected to draw regional audiences who associate the historic Playhouse with big touring productions and traditional holiday outings.

Historic New Castle

Rounding out the county’s offerings, Historic New Castle will again present the Spirit of Christmas festival on Dec. 13. The community-wide event features choirs, live music and theatrical storytelling in churches, historic homes and public buildings, tying the performing arts to the town’s open-house tours and seasonal celebrations.

Together, the eight venues and events mark one of the busiest holiday musical theatre seasons in recent memory. With choices ranging from intimate revues and youth productions to ballet, Broadway-style tours and community festivals — and with tickets already moving quickly — New Castle County audiences may want to act fast to make sure their favorite Christmas stories come with a live curtain call.

Staff Writer

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