By Danielle Davies
The holidays are always festive, but when all the fun events — think holiday shows, magical displays, pop-up bars and lounges, dazzling décor, parades and tree lightings — are all packed together in one city, it’s absolutely magnificent. This holiday season, the Atlantic City Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) invites visitors to Atlantic City, the epicenter of a citywide holiday celebration. Here’s how to celebrate this week.
- Christmas is in the Air!
A first-class Broadway-style spectacular that’s festive fun for the whole family comes to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa through Sunday, Dec. 17, and you don’t want to miss it. This snow globe comes to life and dazzles with a cast of high-kicking Rockette-style dancers performing alongside magical holiday characters. While you’re there, indulge in a holiday cocktail — we recommend the Christmas Cookie with Amaretto, Frangelico, and pineapple juice — at Borgata B Bar. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is located at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City.
- Matteo Bocelli
Matteo Bocelli, son of none other than the legendary Andrea Bocelli, performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Audiences will be captivated by his extraordinary talent and mesmerizing voice, as well as the dazzling energy of Hard Rock itself. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located at 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. See HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com.
- The Nutcracker
No Christmas season is ever truly complete without taking in a live performance of “The Nutcracker”. The holiday classic, which takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Caesars, is a tradition for many families. With magnificent costumes and scenery, “The Nutcracker” embodies the holiday spirit and is a treat for both young and old. Caesars is located at 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City. See ACBallet.org.
- Ugly Sweater Reverse Happy Hour
No, it’s not a performance, but it’s still wildly entertaining. Head to Cardinal from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 for free admission to your newest favorite tradition — a happy hour so bright with drinks, laughter and sweaters, it’s a festive delight. Don’t forget to dress up — the best ugly sweater of the night gets a $25 gift card to Cardinal. While you’re there, try the Smokey Rose made with dry gin, cranberry, lemon, black pepper shrub and pomegranate, served in a rosemary smoked glass. Cardinal is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. See Cardinal-AC.com.
- The Modern Gentleman
Bringing holiday charm, high energy, and delightfully spot-on vocals with harmonic perfection, The Modern Gentlemen perform their special, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Ring in the holiday season with The Modern Gentlemen’s take on popular classics as well as holiday faves. While you’re there, head to Margaritaville for a Resorts Holiday Mochatini, made with 48 Blocks Chocolate Martini, 48 Blocks Espresso Martini, and peppermint syrup all topped with whipped cream and a candy cane. Resorts is located at 1133 Boardwalk. See ResortsAC.com.
Danielle’s been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.
