South Jersey is magical during the holiday season. Whether you are looking for a quaint, Victorian-style visit with Santa in Cape May or a more flashy, party vibe at the casinos in Atlantic City, South Jersey offers holiday experiences for everyone.
The list below could have probably been 20 or more deep, but for the sake of brevity, here are my six favorite places I recommend that you visit this holiday season.
And, if you see me out and about, please buy me an eggnog.
Merry Christmas!
Byrdcage
The new kid on the block is Byrdcage, a fantastic new restaurant and bar that looks spectacular for the holiday season.
Everyone is welcome to check out the festive lights, trees, decorations and special events that the Byrdcage will build on every year to make it part of your holiday tradition.
At the top of the list is the MBCA Foundation’s Stock the Sleigh fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. The MBCA, in conjunction with Atlantic County Toys for Kids, has already purchased thousands of dollars of toys for children in need this holiday season, but they aren’t done yet. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event — or 10 toys or monetary donation — and you will be treated to a complimentary hors d’oeuvre buffet and awesome drink specials. If you can’t make the event, drop off toys at the location anytime through Dec. 15.
If you haven’t been to the birdcage yet, you are missing out on one of Atlantic City’s culinary treasures, where you will find great food service and cocktails.
Co-owners Jason Tell, Giulietta Consalvo and Richard Helfant have really done things right for the holiday season, including a killer Christmas Cocktails menu with drinks like Mrs. Claus Secret Sip with Rumchata, Malibu, spiced rum, nutmeg and a coconut dusted rim; the Fa-La-La Fashioned with bourbon, muddled cranberries, rosemary simple winter bitters and a rosemary sprig; The S’more the Maryer with Crown Royal Chocolate, Bailey’s, chocolate bitters and a roasted marshmallow topper; and Partridge in a Bear Tree with Absolut Pear, prosecco, honey and a rosemary sprig.
Other special events this holiday season include Sinatra crooner Steven Maglio celebrating Sinatra’s 110th birthday on Dec. 14; a Holiday Jazz Brunch with The Jazzbyrds Dean Schneider, Bob Shomo, Melanie Rice and Andy Lalasis on Dec. 28; and a big New Year’s Eve bash.
(For more information on all special events and menus, go to ByrdcageAC.com)
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
If you love the holiday spirit and all of the traditions and beauty that go with it, a visit to Cape May is not just recommended, it’s essential.
Walk to promenade or take a trolley ride down the Victorian streets of Cape May, and you feel like you have been transported into a Dickens novel.
While I have done the usual spots over the years, I was thrilled to discover one of my favorite places in Cape May — Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille — is really going over the top thanks to a great food and beverage team led by some friends who are Atlantic City veterans enjoying the more peaceful scenery of Cape May.
How over the top is Harry’s? Even the walls are lined with Christmas wrap. There are also surfing Santas and fire pits galore.
Located at the Montreal Beach Resort, a great retreat right on the ocean, Harry’s is owned by Madison Resorts.
Events this year include Breakfast with Santa, a Skrewball Pairing Experience, a Grinch Party, an Ugly Sweater Contest, live weekly entertainment, a Toys for Tots fundraiser, plus a New Year’s Eve dinner and bash.
Their pop-up Jingle Bar has become so popular over the last couple of years that there is often a line down Beach Avenue on weekends. So, either plan to wait in the cold, or head there on a weekday for much easier access.
The cozy winter escape is brimming with holiday cheer, thousands of twinkling lights, awesome trees, an expanded schedule with longer hours, great food — check out the chicken pot pie — and a special menu so you can cook s’mores over a firepit on the roof while overlooking the ocean.
One of the main reasons to go to Jingle Bar with a bunch of friends is its Instagram-worthy holiday tree filled with specialty cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita, Blue Christmas, Candy Cane Crush and Snowflake Eggnog. There’s also creamy hot chocolate available in a spiked version, along with hot spiked cider and hot buttered rum. It’s also one of the few places you will find one of my favorite beers — Tipsy Elf.
Enjoy a brunch buffet with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 20, live music every weekend, adding a cheerful soundtrack to your holiday memories.
Treat yourself to an overnight stay at any of the Madison hotels, whether it’s right on site at the Montreal Beach Resort, or over the bridge at one of my favorite new places, Madison Resorts in Wildwood Crest. They offer shuttles to make your stay more affordable and convenient.
(For more information on Harry’s Jingle Bar and all Madison Resorts, go to MadisonResorts.com)
Ocean Casino Resort
The new undisputed champ of Christmas in Atlantic City is undeniably Ocean Casino Resort.
Light for light, tree for tree, special event for special event, no one can go pound to pound again Ocean’s massive holiday offerings and special events in Atlantic City. They own it.
At the top of the chimney is Santa’s Hideway Adventure, an experience every family should absolutely do at least once in their lives, There is no better visiting Santa Claus experience in South Jersey than this.
Through Dec. 24, experience holiday magic and embark on a virtual journey from Ocean Casino Resort to Santa’s Secret Hideaway via the North Pole Magical Elevator. Meet Santa, then shop festive gifts at Ocean’s Holiday Village. You will not get a better picture with Santa than this.
While there, shop local artisans and Ocean retail stores for their holiday village, and give yourself an early Christmas gift and stay in one of their holiday hotel rooms.
I believe Ocean Casino is the only Atlantic City property that transforms multiple floors into festive-themed rooms, complete with decorated hallways and rooms and suites, including a holiday tree in every room. Available through Jan. 4, there’s also a Mean Green Holiday Suite inspired by The Grinch.
Perhaps the most decorated casino restaurant in Atlantic City is Linguini by the Sea, which becomes a Winter Wonderland through Jan. 3 with stunning decorations and a curated seasonal menu that includes family-style offerings such as rigatoni al Pomodoro and shortrib Milanese in a snowy landscape. New this year is a children’s menu crafted with Mrs. Claus’ Fried Mozzarella, Rudolph’s Cheesey Flatbread and more!
Of course, Ocean has its own holiday-themed bar called the Jingle Bell Bar, and it ranks right up there with the best of them in town. Open through Jan. 3, the casino floor bar features thousands of lights, holiday decorations, special drink concoctions and live music — awesome sing-along piano players — offering your favorite Christmas carols mixed with classic rock and modern music.
Finally, ring in 2026 at Nola’s Bar & Lounge, which is offering a premium bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and a complimentary glass of champagne for the big toast at midnight, along with live music all night!
(For more information and to purchase tickets, go to TheOceanAC.com)
Renault Winery
Outside of the casinos, no other resort property in South Jersey celebrates the holiday season more stunningly than Renault Winery.
The term “Winter Wonderland” is definitely overused, so the winery has cleverly titled their seasonal offerings as “Vintner Wonderland,” and it lives up to that name in a big way.
The Egg Harbor institution has been transformed into a scene from a Hallmark movie with the entire estate decked out for the holiday season — and beyond.
No matter where you roam on property, you will be reminded Santa Claus is definitely coming to town. Firepits to make s’mores on. Igloos and French chalets to dine in. An ice-skating rink to coast around. A village to shop in. Live musicians and DJs to provide the holiday soundtrack. A barrel train for the kiddies — and adults — to ride on. A barrel tree to admire. Raclette to get cheesy with. Hot spiced wine and decadent hot chocolate to warm up the innards. A pop-up bar called Grinch’s Lair to sip specialty cocktails …
Get the idea?
And, of course, there are more special events than you can shake a candy cane at, including Cookies and Cocktails, the Festival of Trees for Hope Chest, the Reindeer Run, stories, visits and breakfast with Santa and more.
The decorations, including what must be hundreds of thousands of lights, are absolutely beautiful, and the overall theme brings European character to South Jersey. And with the remote vineyard setting, the only thing that would make it prettier would be some fresh snow.
Don’t leave without a bottle — or at least trying — the special holiday release of Renault’s signature blueberry champagne.
If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, Renault has that covered, too, for adults looking for a night out or for the whole family. Check out their signature restaurant, Taste 1864, for a culinary adventure.
The opening highlight of the season takes places on Friday, Dec. 5, during Renault’s annual tree lighting ceremony, where Santa arrives to light the historic Barrel Tree in the heart of Vintner Wonderland. The night will feature local vendors and artisans, live entertainment, a DJ, giveaways and plenty of family fun to officially ring in the holiday season.
Don’t forget you can stay at Renault’s gorgeous hotel with the Magic of Vintner Package starting at $369 a night that includes a private firepit, private cabana access, $100 food and beverage credit, bottle of wine, s’mores kit, ice skating and more.
Vintner Wonderland has to be seen to be believed.
(For a full schedule of events and more information for Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor, go to RenaultWinery.com,)
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts, the most historic Atlantic City casino, takes on a special charm during the Christmas season that is worth a trip alone, but its Candy Cane Lounge is the topper on the tree.
No other casino does pop-up bars better or as regularly as Resorts, which transforms its lobby bar, Bar One, so often that it’s rarely called Bar One anymore.
Open through Jan. 4, it’s the perfect place to sip on holiday-themed cocktails like the Candy Cane Cosmo, the North Pole Nightcap, the Maple Old Fashioned and $5 eggnog and Hazelnut Buzzballz specials.
It’s also an amazing spot to take some festive selfies thanks to its over-the-top decorations, live music and weekly events including Trivia Night on Mondays, Karaoke Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Bingo Night on Sundays.
There’s also ornament giveaways, Christmas sweater contests, holiday dancers, face painting and a giveaway party with Gallo Wine.
(For a complete list of Candy Cane Lounge events, go to ResortsAC.com)
While on property, treat yourself to an amazing Italian meal at Capriccio, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city with a European, classic design scheme that provides an unforgettable romantic experience. For the season they are bringing back their legendary Sunday brunches on Dec. 7 and 14.
The best brunch in the city is $79 per person, $39 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under, and it’s worth every penny. The festive brunch will feature a lavish buffet with prime rib, made-to-order omelets and waffles, carved prime rib, seafood bar, gourmet flatbreads, fresh sushi from Mukashi and breakfast and lunch favorites. It will also include a visit from Santa!
If you like the holiday season but longing for a beach day, check out Christmas Island, a pop-up, tropical-themed holiday bar at Landshark Bar & Grill. A “Caribbean Santa” will be there for photo ops, and drink specials and decorations will offer a nice variation from traditional Christmas offerings.
For some entertainment, Resorts’ popular Candlelight Concerts offers a Christmas Carols on Strings variation 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, both in the Starlight Ballroom. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Atlantic City.
Tropicana Atlantic City
No other Atlantic City casino has celebrated Christmas properly and consistently than Tropicana since they opened The Quarter back in 2004.
For more than 20 years, the now-Caesars-owned property mesmerizes crowds and attracts holiday thrill seekers with more holiday options than perhaps anyone else in the city.
Thanks to its awesome retail offerings, slew of restaurants — Carmine’s specifically goes all out for the holidays — and special events and experiences, going to the Tropicana for the holiday season has become as traditional as going to hanging stockings on the mantel.
The Trop has two mind-blowing trees to check out. The largest is located inside the fountain in The Quarter. The giant tree has thousands of lights, hundreds of ornaments and decorations and is timed to music for a special musical light show on the top of every hour through Dec. 26.
My personal favorite is the Poinsettia Tree on Palm Walk on the casino floor. It is possibly my favorite tree of all time as hundreds — if not thousands — of live poinsettias are arranged to make a towering, gorgeous and festive reminder for the holidays. I probably have a picture of me and the wife in front of it every year we have been together.
The Trop also transformed Tango’s Lounge into Holidaze, a pop-up holiday bar that is decked to the halls with lights, trees, ornaments and holiday flicks like Elf and Scrooged playing on the flat-screen TVs through Jan. 1. There’s plenty of delicious specialty cocktails like Judy’s Shaken Hot Chocolate and North Pole Sangria, live music and DJs and magic to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
As a movie buff, I would be remiss to not mention that the IMAX Theatre inside The Quarter will continue its holiday tradition of screening “The Polar Express,” a fantastic, animated, holiday adventure starring Tom Hanks, on Dec. 6 and 12.
If you are going to dine out at one meal this holiday season, I can’t encourage you enough to check out The Feast of Seven Fishes at the casino’s magnificent Il Verdi, which will keep the Christmas Eve tradition alive with a prix-fixe, five-course menu.
(For a full list of events at the Tropicana and all Caesars properties, go to Caesars.com)
Scott Cronick is an award-winning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – “Off The Press with Scott Cronick” – 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.
