Rehoboth in the Not-So-Bleak Midwinter
Sigh. The crowds are gone. The air is cool and getting colder by the day. Anyone daring the blustering winds on the boardwalk is more than likely to find themselves with few companions. Winter is coming, and there is nothing to do in Rehoboth.
WHAT? Come on, people! There is fun aplenty to be had in the supposed bleak midwinter. It may be getting colder on the beach, but Rehoboth is still hot. With downtown doings from melodious music to fantastic food, there is no excuse to dwell on the doldrums. Take Rehoboth by storm.
Where to begin? How about the official kickoff to the 2019 holiday season, the City of Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting and Sing-Along at the Bandstand? Thousands of people gather at the bandstand near the boardwalk for this traditional Rehoboth event. Make a day of it. Spend the day shopping and top off the evening with eats at one of the many downtown restaurants offering warmth and winter fare.
And check out the Rehoboth Beach Holiday Farmers Market. It’s a special happening from Rehoboth’s fresh food market.
The events don’t stop there. This year’s Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, will wind its way down Rehoboth Avenue, encouraging a big downtown street party. And afterwards, everyone is invited to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for Santa’s Christmas Party with refreshments and, for the little ones, a chance to visit Santa Claus for a small gift.
Be on the lookout for Clear Space Theatre’s A Christmas Story: The Musical. Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas, and Clear Space shares this Christmas story about his desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect gift ends up under his tree. It’s pure fun for the whole family.
Rehoboth’s winter season is filled with song. Some of the most notable events include a visit from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington in January and performances by the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus in February.
In January, GMCW brings its acclaimed cabaret series back to CAMP Rehoboth with an amazing cast of soloists from what the Washington Post calls “one of the world’s best male choruses.” The chorus gives Rehoboth “Coulda Woulda Shoulda,” an evening of music from pop and Broadway about regrets and lessons learned. And by the way, give GMCW a call, and hope they put you on hold. You’ll hear the best on-hold music ever!
As for the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, rehearsals are already underway for its winter concert, “Legends.” The harmonizers will sing the songs of artists so famous they are recognizable by a single name. Come see the show and spend time with Judy, Barbra, Cher, and other one-name wonders.
If it’s food you’re looking for, there are dozens of options to warm your palate. There’s the Purple Parrot Grill, Dos Locos Fajita & Stonegrill, or The Pines. Or Café Azafran, Rigby’s Bar & Grill, or Goolee’s Grille. Or… well, you get the picture. Most restaurants offer daily specials, and many feature Thanksgiving and Christmas culinary events. Try the gigantic prime rib at the Purple Parrot (by gigantic, I mean they need a truck to bring it to the table), or the crab quesadilla at Dos Locos, stuffed with glorious crab meat. Or stroll down Rehoboth, Baltimore, or Wilmington Avenues and pick the restaurant that appeals to you the most. Rehoboth offers great choices, most open all winter long.
Okay, this one is a little bit of a cheat, since the event isn’t until April. But watch for an announcement in early February of the CAMP Rehoboth pre-sale of Women’s FEST Passes. The FEST will be April 29-May 3, and CAMP Rehoboth is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of FEST with a huge five-day celebration.
The FEST Pass will be $125 and includes three nights of awesome entertainment: concerts by Funny Girlz Lisa Koch, Vickie Shaw, and Roxanna Ward; a show by country star Chely Wright; and a joyous night with Indigo Girls at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. The FEST Pass includes guaranteed seating for the keynote speaker (to be announced) and one of Geri Dibiase’s gorgeous photo designs on a long-sleeve FEST t-shirt. FEST Passes WILL sell out, so watch for the notice on Pass sales so you don’t miss out.
See? Don’t let anybody tell you Rehoboth is dead in the off-season. Our town is very much alive these days. Look around and spend some time downtown. Sure, you may need to wear a coat. A small price to pay for the fun days of midwinter! ▼
Mark your calendar!
City of Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting and Sing-Along
Nov. 29 Sing-Along: 6:30 p.m., Tree Lighting: 7:00 p.m. | The Bandstand Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Holiday Farmers Market
Nov. 30 | Grove Park off the circle
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
December 3 | 6:30 p.m. followed by Santa’s Christmas Party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Clear Space Theatre’s A Christmas Story: The Musical
Nov. 29 - Dec. 15- Tickets at the box office or call 302-227-2270
GMCW Cabaret “Coulda Woulda Shoulda”
Jan. 25 | CAMP Rehoboth Shows 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets $25
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Winter Concert “Legends”
Feb. 14 & 15: 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 16: 3:00 p.m. Epworth United Methodist Church
Tickets $25