‘Tis The Season, Atlantic City Casinos Celebrating Christmas, Festivus

Casino News
Written By Stephanie Loder on December 15, 2022
Resorts AC
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When it comes to celebrating Christmas 2022, Atlantic City gets into the spirit of the season of being one of the merriest places in the nation.

Atlantic City’s lively spirit helped earn the No. 23 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list.

“A casino and boardwalk don’t exactly conjure images of plum puddings and carolers, yet travelers appreciate Atlantic City’s wild weekend spirit and vivid people watching around the holidays,” the magazine wrote in December.

The resort earned a 23 out of 25 ranking of top destinations, the magazine said, along with towns like Aspen #1, and Vail Colorado, #3.

Without a doubt, the city is worthy of praise for its holiday festivities – which this year included a tree lighting and a holiday musical light show at The Quarter at Tropicana.

“Atlantic City is providing an experiential holiday celebration like never before for our visitors,” said Karen Martin, acting director of communications & marketing for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) in a press release.

“Whether it’s touring the amazing decorations throughout the resort, taking in a holiday show at one of the casinos, shopping at the Tanger Outlets or enjoying holiday-themed beverages by a fire pit, Atlantic City is the place to celebrate the holiday season with friends and families this year,” she said.

Each Atlantic City casino is offering something special, and a different reason to make the trip to the resort.

Resorts Atlantic City

The Resorts Casino Hotel Candy Cane Lounge “pop-up” bar is open through Jan. 3. However, Atlantic City’s oldest casino is offering several other ways to celebrate the holiday season. The Resorts Holiday Dancers, more specifically the Dancing Santas, will be performing their surprise holiday dance numbers Saturday night starting at 7 p.m.

But if enjoying Christmas Eve dinner is more your thing, Dougherty’s Steakhouse and Raw Bar will have a special Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. The price is $58 per person (excludes tax and gratuity).

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa welcomed the 2022 holiday season with more than 150,000 LED lights illuminating the holiday splendor. The décor extends around the 2023 Audi Q8 Prestige 55 TFSI Quattro, one of two grand prizes of the $1.2 million Winning Wonderland. Players can earn entries now through Dec. 31. Hourly drawings take place 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays.

Borgata’s dining outlets are serving up the 12 Cocktails of the Holidays, including:

  • Poinsettia Martini
  • Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini
  • Caramel Brulée Cocktail
  • S’mores Old Fashioned.

 

Ocean Casino Resort

Dolce Mare at Ocean Casino Resort is offering guests a chance to taste the flavors of Italy with the Feast of the Seven Fishes Dec. 23-25. The special menu includes calamari, shrimp, scallops, blue crab and branzino. Price is $75 per person ($30 additional with wine pairing).

Bally’s Atlantic City

The Yard in Bally’s Atlantic City debuts its first-ever indoor/outdoor holiday Winter Wonderland featuring holiday décor, holiday cocktails including hot alcoholic drinks, firepits, cornhole and more. But there is more.  Bally’s is hosting an ugly sweater contest on Dec. 17 starting at 9 p.m. (top prize is $1,500). However, “Seinfeld” fans might want to check out Festivus “for the Rest of Us” airing of the grievances on Dec. 23 (9 p.m). Top prize is $500.

Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City

Hard Rock Atlantic City features live music every Friday and Saturday in December with Dueling Pianos at the Hard Rock Cafe. There’s also “Dance to the Music,” a 60’s celebration (tickets are $25) Dec. 18 at Sound Waves, a 60’s celebration. Under The Sun, the Best of Sun Records Live, performs Dec. 17 and 18 ($29-$49) and the Philly Soul Collective with the Philly Soul Cruisers at the Lobby Bar Dec. 23.

Golden Nugget AC

The gift of relaxation sometimes can be the best package under the Christmas tree. Golden Nugget Atlantic City Spa & Salon is offering a holiday spa gift card special through Dec. 21. Guests receive spa bucks for purchasing a gift card, depending on the amount. For instance, a $150-$250 spa gift card comes with $25 in Spa Bucks.

For slot players, there’s a $5,000 slot tournament from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday in December.

Caesars Atlantic City

Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without watching “The Nutcracker.” Caesars Atlantic City is hosting the annual event by the Atlantic City Ballet on  Dec. 17. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets start at $23.

“The Nutcracker” is a family tradition that embodies the holiday spirit. It has been enjoyed by young and old and remains the most well-attended ballet in history. It is based on the story by Hoffman to the music of Tchaikovsky.

Harrah’s Resort

Do you have what it takes to complete the 12 Bites of Christmas Challenge? Call it a fun way of exploring Harrah’s Resort during the holiday season. And the challenge is simple (at least in theory).  You’ll receive one punch per each tasty mission completed. Once all 12 bites are completed, return the punch card to The Tipsy Elf at Eden Lounge.

However, there’s a bonus. All of those cards will be entered into a Jan. 4, 2023 drawing for a chance to win a $150-$200 dining credit to any Harrah’s Atlantic City restaurant. Here’s a small sampling of the challenges:

  • 10 Lords a Leaping: any drink at Starbucks
  • 7 Swans a Swimming: admission to the Pool (day life or nightlife)
  • 4 Calling Birds: butternut squash soup with duck pot pie at Gordon Ramsay Steak 
  • 2 Turtle Doves: donation at Eden Lounge ($1, $2, $5 or custom amount)

Tropicana Atlantic City

Watching classic Christmas movies are a big part of the holiday tradition. Do you remember Clark Griswold (portrayed by Chevy Case) from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?”  Chase is coming to Atlantic City this weekend for a special screening and Q&A.

The event is taking place in the Tropicana Showroom Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30-$75.

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Photo by Resorts Atlantic City
Stephanie Loder Avatar
Written by
Stephanie Loder

Stephanie Loder is a freelance writer. She has worked as a breaking news reporter, copyeditor, and Metro Editor for Gannett/USAToday in New Jersey and North Carolina.

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