Atlantic City During the Holidays: It’s the Best Bet You’ll Make All Season.
- Andrea
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
You probably don’t think of Atlantic City when you think of the winter holidays, but you should. We’re on a mission to change minds and challenge preconceived notions about Atlantic City, including the idea that it’s strictly a summertime destination. Atlantic City is at its most magical during Christmastime, and even with only a few weeks left in the season. there are still so many holiday happenings that you simply mustn’t miss.
We look forward to a wintry getaway in Atlantic City every December. There are countless bars and restaurants decked out in sparkling lights, menus that are merry and bright, and drinks in every flavor of the season. All of our favorite spots feel a little more special during the most wonderful time of year.
Follow along as we guide you through a cozy Christmas itinerary built around the best decorations, cocktails, shopping, and holiday cheer.
⸻
MORNING
Breakfast Options
• Brittany’s Café — Before you head into the hustle and bustle, escape to this intimate diner for a quiet breakfast. The menu is classic and the service is friendly. Try one of their many omelet options with home fries and toast to fuel you for the fun-filled day ahead.
• Quick alternative: Order online from Hot Bagels & More to skip the wait. A bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a Jersey Shore must-do, and Hot Bagels has perfected this staple. We like ours on a cinnamon raisin or everything bagel. Take your to-go order over to Hayday Coffee for a seasonal latte, loaded chai, or hot chocolate and your portable breakfast is complete.
• Festive Fare: Breakfast with Santa at
Cardinal on Sunday, December 21, from 11am-3pm. Enjoy the full brunch menu and $5 kids specials like a French toast log cabin! Book now on Resy!
Morning Activities
• Explore the 9th Annual Deck the Hall Festival of Trees at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. See dozens of dazzling sponsor-decorated trees during business hours through January 3!
• Do a casino crawl to check out all the elaborate Christmas decorations. Our favorites are Borgata, Tropicana, and Ocean.
• Pay the big man a visit and find out if you made the nice list at Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Casino Resort. Take a magical elevator ride to the North Pole for a photo opportunity with Santa and your family!
⸻
AFTERNOONS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Lunch/Brunch + Midday Drinks
• Cardinal — Creative cocktails, including the new bacon vieux carre and a brunch that’s anything but basic with items like the southern benedict (fried chicken & sausage gravy atop a fluffy biscuit) and croissant French toast. A fun place to reset midday!
• Pho Sydney— Warm up on a blustery day in no time with a big bowl of beef broth and noodles. Bonus- it’s conveniently located around the corner from The Wave parking garage and Tanger Outlets so you can sink into a booth and take a break from your holiday shopping.
Afternoon Things to Do
• Little Water Distillery — Winter cocktails for every kind of drinker- whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, and gin- all with housemade ingredients and spirits distilled onsite! The seasonal variations of Moscow mules and their 48 Blocks espresso martini never disappoint! Mark your calendar for their weekly trivia night (sign up Thursdays at 7pm, game starts at 7:30pm) and the annual Ugly Sweater Jitney Tour! Free jitneys will run continuously between Little Water Distillery, Cardinal, Bar 32, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, and Anchor Rock Club on
Friday, December 19, from 6pm-10pm.
• Explore casino holiday pop-ups the Ocean Casino Resort Jingle Bell Bar is a must-see! The floor to ceiling nostalgic decor and themed drinks make for great photos! On our last visit, there was live entertainment, in addition to the projections of Christmas movies, and a piano player was taking Christmas tune requests!
⸻
NIGHT
WINTER DINNERS IN ATLANTIC CITY
• Knife & Fork Inn — The coziest dining room in Atlantic City with the most comforting menu items! Sure, you can eat here any time of year, but we prefer a steakhouse dinner in the dim lighting with classy Christmas decor where we feel like we’re in a winter cottage in a remote location and would never dream were a block from the beach. The Knife & Fork Inn dinner is a great deal after you break the bank on presents. It comes with tomato and mozzarella salad, crab and corn chowder, lobster thermidor, and filet mignon for just $3 more than the thermidor alone!
• Dock’s Oyster House— We fell in love with Dock’s as our go-to special occasion destination when it was dressed in its Christmas best during dinner on New Year’s Day over 15 years ago. The elaborate wreaths adorning the windows inside and out lend a beautiful ambience to an already gorgeous space. Warm up with some of our cold weather favorites: spicy steamed clams (save your roll to soak up the extra tomato broth), fried oysters marinara, and gooey crab au gratin. Have a nightcap at the bar- the brand new cocktail menu has perfect flavors for winter, like the Blacklisted with its rich coffee flavor and the subtly spiced Canon de 75.
🎄 Evening Activities
Irish Pub— It’s open 24 hours, but to experience the full effect of The Irish Pub Christmas Spectacular, you have to see it after dark. Marvel at the awe-inspiring display of wall-to-wall Christmas decorations and displays at the iconic and historic bar, inn, and restaurant! A black & tan with an order of buffalo wings will thaw you out, if the lights themselves weren’t enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy.
⸻
THINGS TO DO LATE NIGHT IN ATLANTIC CITY
🍸 Drinks & Late-Night Spots
Tony’s Baltimore Grill— the patron saint of pizza, dives, and late nights. Come in any night (and almost any time, the kitchen closes at 3am, bar is open 24/7) and get a spicy all sausage, all cherry pepper pie called Nino’s Favorite, and a cheap beer from its namesake, the infamous Nino. Christmas at the Joint is an annual spectacle. Join them on Tuesday, December 16, at 8pm in your Christmas jammies for a PJ party featuring Alibi gin cocktails, light bites and cookies, prizes and more! Tony’s parties can get as hot as their pizza, but they also offer a wholesome family event, the 4th Annual New Year’s Eve for Kids, on Wednesday, December 31, at 4pm. Bring your kiddos for games, a dance party, crafts, and ball drop at 7pm!
Angeloni’s Club Madrid— Baltimore Grill’s sister restaurant is amazing for cocktails anytime. The Cavalieri is their take on the espresso martini, topped with a sprinkle of maldon. Another great choice is the Boy Dinner, a rye based drink with notes of chocolate and cherry, served with a side of peanut M&Ms and loosey. There is entertainment in the lounge most nights- from live themed karaoke nights to lounge singers to DJs setting the mood with 80s and 90s hits. Keep an eye out for more details about their Hanukkah latke party on Monday, December 22. Special events are their specialty, so you’ll want to clear your evening for this!
Shop With The Escape Plans
It’s the season of giving, and we have hand screen printed Atlantic City tshirts, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, and tote bags for everyone on your list! Shop with us at our last two markets of 2025:
Friday, December 12
Ghost Mart Krampus Edition
Anchor Rock Club
8pm-2am
21+, $15
An alternative holiday shopping experience with 25+ vendors, photos with Krampus, goth style bands, live art, sideshow performers, dancers, and DJ!
Saturday, December 13
City of Atlantic City Holiday Parade and Market
Parade: Atlantic Ave from City Hall to Albany Ave
4:30pm
Vendor Market at O’Donnell Memorial Park
4:00pm-8:00pm
Glowing floats, music, and cheer, ending with a holiday vendor village!
More Than Meets the Eye!
A thing can be two things. Atlantic City is more than just the beach and boardwalk. It’s that AND a really cool place to enjoy the holiday season. We think it’s at its best when it’s merry and bright, how about you? Check back for event updates as new festivities are announced and be sure to stop by our booth for hand screen printed gifts for all of your loved ones!
Comments