If you think Delaware goes into hibernation once the summer crowds flee Rehoboth, you're honestly missing the best part of the year.
Winter here isn't just about gray skies and empty boardwalks. It’s actually when the local "characters" come out—both the human kind and the flippered kind.
We’re hitting that sweet spot in mid-January right now. The tourists are gone. The air is crisp. And honestly? There’s a weirdly high amount of cool stuff happening from Wilmington down to the coast. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Delaware this weekend, grab a heavy coat and maybe some binoculars. You're gonna need 'em.
Seals, Scoters, and the Salty Bay
Most people associate Lewes with the ferry or getting ice cream at Hopkins Farm Creamery. But right now, the stars of the show are the harbor seals.
They migrate down from the north to hang out on the rocks at the breakwater. This Saturday and Sunday (January 17–18), the MERR Institute is running narrated seal-watching tours departing from the Lewes Ferry Terminal. It’s basically a boat ride out into the Delaware Bay to see these "sausages of the sea" sunning themselves. It’s cold on the water. Like, really cold. But seeing a seal pop its head up just a few feet from the boat? Worth the numb toes.
If you'd rather keep your feet on solid ground, the Winter Delmarva Dogfish BirdINNg Weekend is also in full swing. Don’t let the name confuse you. It’s a mix of birding and beer (mostly courtesy of Dogfish Head). There are field trips across Sussex County hotspots to find rare winter waterfowl. You’ll find people with massive camera lenses stalking the marshes for snowy owls or harlequin ducks. It's a vibe.
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A Night of Soul and "Bawdy" Ballads
Down in Rehoboth, the scene is a bit more... theatrical.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC is bringing their "Bawdy" show to CAMP Rehoboth on Saturday night. It’s exactly what it sounds like—cheeky, musical, and high-energy. If you want something slightly more reflective, the Gay Women of Rehoboth are hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concert at the Convention Center on Saturday at 5:30 PM.
Rehoboth in the winter is great because you can actually get a table at The Pines or Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats without a two-hour wait. Honestly, a bowl of clam chowder and a 60 Minute IPA while watching the wind whip the sand across the boardwalk is the peak Delaware winter experience.
Culture Crawl: From HBCU Beats to Historic Greenhouses
Up north in Wilmington, the energy is a bit different. The Biggs Museum of American Art is currently running a series called "Battle of the Bands," which focuses on HBCU marching band culture. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and it’s a massive contrast to the quiet, snowy landscapes you usually see in museums.
If you're feeling more "indoorsy," the Delaware Art Museum has an exhibit called Warm Room. It’s a collection of photographs of historic greenhouses by Peter A. Moriarty. It’s basically visual therapy for anyone tired of the winter gloom.
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Why You Should Head to Hockessin
- Identify Trees in the Dark: On Saturday, Mt. Cuba Center is doing a workshop on identifying trees in the winter landscape.
- The Winter Hike: On Sunday, there’s a guided winter hike at Brandywine Park near the Josephine Fountain. It’s a great way to burn off the fries you probably ate at Kid Shelleen’s on Friday night.
The Mid-State Mix: Dover's Winterfest
Central Delaware usually gets ignored, which is a mistake. This Saturday, January 17, is Winterfest in Downtown Dover.
It’s one of those classic community events. Ice carvings, food trucks, and local vendors lining the streets. It feels very Gilmore Girls if Rory had grown up in Kent County. While you're in the area, Delaware State University is hosting Morgan State for a MEAC basketball showdown at 2:00 PM. High-stakes college hoops in a small gym? The atmosphere is usually electric.
Tips for Surviving a Delaware Weekend in January
Listen, Delaware weather is fickle. One minute you’re in a light fleece, the next you’re being hammered by a sleet storm coming off the Atlantic.
1. Layer up or lose out. The wind chill at Cape Henlopen is no joke. If you're doing the seal cruise or the birding walks, wear wool. Cotton is your enemy when it's damp and 38 degrees.
2. Off-season is "local season." Many restaurants in Lewes and Rehoboth have "locals' specials" on Sunday nights. Look for the $19 comfort food nights or half-priced burgers. It's how the beach towns survive the winter, and they'll welcome your business.
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3. Check the tides. If you're planning a beach walk at Prime Hook or Henlopen, check the tide chart. A high tide can cut off your path pretty quickly, and nobody wants to wade through freezing seawater.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you're watching seals in Lewes, cheering on the Hornets in Dover, or exploring the "Warm Room" in Wilmington, Delaware is surprisingly alive right now. It's less about the flashy boardwalk rides and more about the quiet, interesting subcultures that make the First State what it is.
Head out to Milton Theatre on Sunday for the Jimmy Buffett tribute band if you’re really missing the summer. Or just embrace the chill. Grab a coffee from Brew HaHa! and hit the trails.
For your next move, check the specific departure times for the seal cruises at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, as they are weather-dependent and tend to sell out early on Saturday mornings.