'Nutcracker,' 'Frozen,' Judy Collins & more holiday concerts, shows to enjoy in Delaware

In between watching another marathon of "A Christmas Story" there's a sleigh full of holiday-themed concerts and theater events you can enjoy in Delaware.

Here are some festive First State events that you can paint the town red and green with this winter season.

'The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus,' Georgetown

A nymph discovered Saint Nick and raised him as one of her own. The backstory about the jolly red man's origin story unfolds in the production "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus."

Possum Hall Theatre (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec 1 and Friday, Dec. 8; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $20-$22. Visit possumpointplayers.org or (302) 856-4560. 

DanceCompany-X's 'The Nutcracker,' Milford

The classic, epic dance battle between rats and soldiers is coming to SoDel when DanceCompany-X and First State Ballet Academy present "The Nutcracker."

Milford Senior High School (1019 N. Walnut St., Milford) at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $10-$15. Visit DanceCo-X on facebook or danceco-x.com, or (302) 422-2633.

'Pooh’s Christmas Miracle in the Hundred Acre Wood,' Newark

A famous honey-lovin' bear and his gang of peers including Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger strive to bring their new friend a holiday blessing in the radio show production" Pooh’s Christmas Miracle in the Hundred Acre Wood."

George Wilson Center ( 303 New London Road, Newark). Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Saturday, Dec. 2, Thursday, Dec. 7, Friday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $5-$20. Visit chapelstreetplayers.org or (302) 368-2248

Diamond Dance Company's 'The Nutcracker,' Felton

Lake Forest High School (5407 Killens Pond Road, Felton) at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $10-$20. Visit diamonddanceco.com.

'Peace and Joy Concert,' Pike Creek

The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware has a night of "Peace and Joy" in store for its audience, delivering an evening of holiday and wintery music. The event includes a silent auction.

Skyline United Methodist Church (3100 Skyline Drive, Pike Creek) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $5-$20. Visit therainbowchorale.org or (302) 803-4440.

'Holiday Symphony Concert,' Newark

Newark Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will tug the heartstrings in this "Holiday Symphony Concert" that boasts music from "The Nutcracker" and Joseph Haydn's "Toy Symphony." The event also features The First State Ringers, Wilmington Handbell Ensemble, several high school choirs, and soloist Madeline Ley, per NSO's website.

The Independence School (1300 Paper Mill Road, Newark) from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $10-$25. Free for ages 18 or younger. Visit newarksymphony.org or (302) 369-3466.

Pyxis at the Holidays, Wilmington

The Pyxis Piano Trio will end its 15th and final season as Delaware Art Museum's classical ensemble in residency with a festive bang. Their lineup offers music from "The Nutcracker," "The Sleeping Beauty" and more. The trio features Luigi Mazzocchi (violin), Jennifer Jie Jin (cello) and Hiroko Yamazaki (piano).

Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington) from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $15-$35. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590.

Delaware Dance Company's 'The Nutcracker,' Newark

Expect lots of dynamic footwork from Delaware Dance Company's 40th annual production of "The Nutcracker". Young fans are welcome to meet "The Nutcracker" cast, collect autographs and photos during the meet and greet event at noon on Dec. 9.

Mitchell Hall at University of Delaware (The Green, Newark) at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Meet and greet is at noon, Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $13-$40. Meet and greet is $10. Visit delawaredancecompany.org or (302) 738-2023.

'Snow Queen," Wilmington

Your kids know the Disney characters Elsa and Anna. But have they experienced the "Snow Queen," the story that inspired Disney's "Frozen?" Nonetheless, "Snow Queen" is a live production told through a variety of dance styles like ballet, tap, pointe, jazz dance and more.

Tatnall School (1501 Barley Mill Road Wilmington) at noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m, Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $10-$25. Visit delarts.com or (302) 595-4160.

'Carols in Color,' Wilmington

The story of Jesus Christ, based on the Gospel of Matthew, comes to life in the form of dance, contemporary music and strong narration in "Carols of Color." The show includes performers from Eleone Dance Theatre and Eleone Connection in Philadelphia.

The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $45. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 888-0200.

Judy Collins presents 'Holidays & Hits,' Wilmington

She's rocked stages for over five decades, and singer-songwriter Judy Collins is still going strong today. Collins will dig into her deep songbook, while also charming with festive favorites when she presents "An Evening with Judy Collins - Holidays & Hits."

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $51-$87. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

Cartoon Christmas Trio: Jazzy 'Peanuts' concert, Milton

Charlie Brown enthusiasts will hear note-for-note melodies from the cartoon movie "Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas" performed by the jazzy Cartoon Christmas Trio.

Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $18-$25. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.

'Holidays at the Hotel,' Wilmington

Delaware Symphony Orchestra is back in Hotel du Pont for a "Holidays at the Hotel" concert. Wilmington baritone singer Grant Youngblood joins DSO. The show offers tunes like Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" and Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings." Youngblood will perform selected pieces that will show off his golden pipes. The intermission will feature desserts and Bouchaine wines.

The Gold Ballroom at Hotel du Pont (42 W. 11th St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $100. Visit delawaresymphony.org or (302) 656-7442.

Wilmington Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

Delaware's long-running production of "The Nutcracker" will continue a storied tradition that Wilmington Ballet has held since 1967.

The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $30-$45. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 888-0200.

'Hodie' concert, Newark

New Ark Chorale will dish up Mark Hayes' "Hodie Christus Natus Est" in its Christmas concert.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (701 S. College Ave., Newark) at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets are $20. Free for guests under age 18. Visit newarkchorale.org or (302) 353-6515.

'Nightmare Before Christmas' concert, Wilmington

Punk and rock vibes abound as bands Kitty Rotten, The Galaxy Has Eyes and Penny Death drum up some fun in this "Nightmare Before Christmas" concert. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. Vendors will be on site for folks to do last-minute holiday shopping, including Kristen Margiotta and Blessed Hex Candle Company.

The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Advance tickets are $12 plus fees. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or (302) 400-7020.

First State Ballet Theatre's 'The Nutcracker,' Wilmington

The most famous ballet of all time will leap, twirl, and groove its way into spectators' hearts in First State Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker." The professional dance company is also hosting a toy drive to benefit families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington. See FSBT's website for more details.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17; and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Tickets are $24.99-$67. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

Meeta Parker Duo holiday show, Middletown

Since two musical heads are better than one, watch out for The Meeta Parker Duo. This pair will cook up some of your favorite holiday jams in this concert. 

Appoquinimink Public Library (204 E. Main St., Middletown) 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17. Visit delawarelibraries.libcal.com or (302) 378-5588.

'A Christmas Carol,' Wilmington

The timeless story about a rich, cranky man during the holiday season will get a revelation that life is more than just making money in the live theater show "A Christmas Carol."

The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $49-$59. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 888-0200. 

Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker Suite,' Milton

Delmarva Big Band is tasked with performing music from jazz legend Duke Ellington's 1960 album "The Nutcracker Suite." Christmas lovers will hear wintery tunes with a jazzed-up twist.

Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $15.30-$22. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware theaters stage The Nutcracker, Christmas Carol, Frozen, more