Atlantic City has long been considered a summertime resort. As captivating as our city by the sea is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, we think a case can be made for Atlantic City as a winter holiday destination. In late November, magic begins to fill the air, along with twinkling lights, sparkling snow, grand Christmas trees, and joyful smiles are all around. Atlantic City is at its most enchanting during the Christmas season. Celebrations of all sizes are in full swing seemingly everywhere across town all December long. We have compiled a comprehensive list of holiday happenings in Atlantic City to help you make the best and brightest memories, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of your holiday preparations.
Kick Off Your Holiday Shopping in Atlantic City
We’ll kick off the festivities with some shopping! It is the season of giving, after all.
The TennAveAC Tinseltown Market returns to Tennessee Avenue on Sunday, 12/15, from 12-4pm. The holiday pop-up shopping event will feature local shops, artists, and vendors.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University will be transformed into a Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village on Saturday, 12/14, and Sunday, 12/15, from 12-5pm. In addition to the gingerbread house contest, the market will have vendors, food, crafts, music, and Santa himself.
Give Back This Holiday Season
There is more than one way to give. Don’t forget to shop for those in need, as well. The Tinseltown Spirit of Giving Toy Drive at Cardinal will take place on Friday, December 13, from 9-11pm. Guest bartenders will craft specialty cocktails at happy hour prices. Bring an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots.
You have another opportunity to give back during the 7th Annual Ugly Sweater Jitney Tour on Saturday, December 7, from 6-10pm. Jitneys will run between Little Water Distillery, The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Bar32 Chocolate, and Cardinal. Bring a donation of pasta, cereal, canned goods, small bagged snacks, coffee, etc. to stock the shelves at Brigantine Food Pantry.
Sip, Shop, and Celebrate
Perhaps a little too ambitious for a one night bar crawl, the Tinseltown Cocktail/Mocktail Trail is running through December 31. Participating bars include Angeloni’s Club Madrid, Bally’s Phil’s Carousel Bar, Bar32, Cardinal, Cuba Libre, Dave and Buster’s, Ducktown Tavern, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, and Superfrico. Each location will have at least one seasonal specialty cocktail for the event.
Seasonal Family Fun in Atlantic City
You can catch two other iconic, long-running events this month. First, at Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall, from December 12 through January 31 for the 8th Annual Deck the Hall: Festival of Trees. Dozens of sponsor decorated trees will be on daily display for free public viewing. Next, visit the Irish Pub Christmas Spectacular for floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall, over-the-top Christmas decor, through January 6.
Somebody has to put gifts under all of those trees! You can visit Santa all over the city this Christmas season. Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Casino Resort might be the most elaborate option. A magic elevator transports guests to the North Pole, where Santa is waiting for kids to recite their wish lists. Visit Monday through Friday from 4-9, Saturday from 11-9, and Sunday from 12-8. Reservations are strongly encouraged (up to 6 people) and include a photo package for $74.99.
Indulge in a brunch buffet with Santa at Ducktown Tavern on Saturday, December 7, at 11am. Guests will receive a digital photo and kids can make an ornament craft.
Santa returns to the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for a family friendly breakfast on Saturday, December 15, at 10am. The regular brunch menu will be offered along with Christmas inspired cocktails.
Visit Santa and take a ride on The Wheel when the big guy makes an appearance at the Steel Pier on Saturday, December 7, from 2-4pm.
Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings
Besides seeing Santa, our favorite way to kick off the holiday season is with a parade! See the City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade on the Boardwalk, between New Hampshire and Albany, on Saturday, December 7, at 11am.
On Friday, December 6, at 6 pm, visit O'Donnell Park for the Chelsea Neighborhood tree lighting, with festive performances, free face painting, photos with Santa and the Grinch, hot beverages, and giveaways. The next night, on December 7, Ducktown will have their tree lighting in Ducktown Park at 7pm.
Take in different kind of lights at the Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival on December 7, from 5-7pm. $25 tickets include caroling, astrologist readings, decorating and lighting a personal luminary, speciality cheeses and wine, gift shop specials and a climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Holiday Parties and Festive Fun for Adults
Of course, this wouldn’t be an Escape Plan unless you also had an opportunity to get lit. Of all the parties in Atlantic City, there are two you can’t miss. A Very TBG Christmas returns for its 3rd year at Tony’s Baltimore Grill on Tuesday, December 10, at 8pm. As expected, the menu includes festive mini pizzas and snacks, as well as expertly crafted and imaginative cocktails and shots.
For their first holiday season since remodeling and reopening under new ownership, Angeloni’s Club Madrid will host their inaugural Christmas party on Thursday, December 19, at 8pm. Like sister restaurant Tony’s, their parties are immaculately themed and high energy. Keep an eye on their social media and ours for more details, closer to the event.
Plan Your Atlantic City Holiday Getaway
However you choose to spend the holiday season, Atlantic City has an activity to accommodate your specific tastes. From family friendly to adults-only fun, Santa to shopping, parades to parties, there is an enchanting and exciting event for you to enjoy. Take in the celebratory atmosphere all over Atlantic City this Christmas. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay up-to-date on all of the holiday happenings in Atlantic City. Shop with us online and at the TennAveAC Tinseltown Market and Noyes Arts Garage Holiday Market. Happy Holidays!
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