Your ultimate holiday season resource for Atlantic City is here! Explore our guide for all the best events and activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our guide showcases the festive magic of Atlantic City.
Popular events brighten up the season, starting with Disney on Ice, where beloved characters come to life on the rink in an enchanting performance perfect for families. Then, experience the Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience, featuring dazzling lights and holiday-themed attractions for all ages. And the City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, where floats and festive cheer fill the streets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Atlantic City
- Disney on Ice
- Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience
- City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
- Deck The Hall: Festival of Trees
- Cirque Dream: Holidaze
- Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival
- Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony (Cape May)
- Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights (West Orange)
- Winter WonderLights (Various NJ locations)
- Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express (Cape May Court House)
See these and even more events listed below!
Atlantic City Holiday Light Displays
Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival
What to Expect:
Personal luminary decoration and specialty wine tasting.
Description:
The Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival features caroling, DJ tunes, and the decoration and lighting of personal luminaries, accompanied by specialty cheeses and wine tasting.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival
Deck The Hall: Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Dozens of sponsor-decorated trees in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The 8th Annual Deck The Hall: Festival of Trees transforms Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall into a vibrant holiday display with dozens of sponsor-decorated trees, offering free public viewings daily through January 3rd.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: Deck The Hall: Festival of Trees
Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Santa lights the grand tree at the Emlen Physick Estate.
Description:
Join Santa and his elves at the Emlen Physick Estate for a festive tree-lighting ceremony, featuring a free performance by the Atlantic Brass Band and hot chocolate from Mallorys Eats. Explore the estate's holiday decorations and enjoy a self-guided tour of the first floor. The event also includes an old-fashioned Christmas exhibit and a place to drop off letters to Santa.
Where: Cape May | More Info: Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Winter WonderLights
What to Expect:
Animated holiday lights with synchronized music.
Description:
Over 1.5 million lights are animated to your favorite holiday tunes at Winter WonderLights, a drive-thru holiday light show in New Jersey.
Where: Various NJ locations | More Info: Winter WonderLights
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Enjoy seasonal activities like face painting, a reptile house, farm visits, and a s’mores station. This event features fun activities such as meeting the Grinch and Santa, with areas like the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm open for visitors.
Where: West Orange | More Info: Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Atlantic City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cirque Dream: Holidaze
What to Expect:
Seasonal circus show with elaborate costumes and acts.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry, featuring extravagant costumes, breathtaking acts, and original music celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: Cirque Dream: Holidaze
Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience
What to Expect:
Diverse holiday events and pop-up experiences.
Description:
Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience features tree-lightings, dazzling displays, live entertainment, a holiday market, and a cocktail/mocktail trail, making it a vibrant holiday celebration.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience
City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
What to Expect:
Grand Marshal Kelsey Grammer leads a diverse procession of local and school performers.
Description:
The City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade features a colorful procession through the city, led by Grand Marshal Kelsey Grammer. Participants include Mayor Marty Small, Sr., City Council members, Atlantic City First Responders, local businesses, and organizations. The Malcolm X Shabazz High School marching band from Newark, NJ, will perform alongside students from area schools. Businesses along the route are encouraged to decorate in a festive manner. The parade begins at Pop Lloyd Stadium at 12:00 p.m. and travels through MLK Blvd., Atlantic Avenue, before finishing at Center City Park on South Carolina Avenue.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade
Disney on Ice
What to Expect:
Dazzling live performances with Disney character remixes.
Description:
Disney on Ice presents Let's Dance features live performances and remixes of Disney tunes, bringing beloved stories to life with colorful worlds and iconic characters.
Where: Atlantic City | More Info: Disney on Ice
Atlantic City Other Holiday Activities
Black River & Western Railroad Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on a vintage train ride.
Description:
Embark on a holiday journey with Black River & Western Railroad's North Pole Express, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive photo opportunities, and holiday treats.
Where: Flemington | More Info: Black River & Western Railroad Christmas Train
Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express
What to Expect:
Historic train ride with Santa Claus and live music.
Description:
The Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express is a family-friendly holiday event featuring a beautifully decorated train, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy a 75-minute trip through historic tracks, creating lasting memories with your family.
Where: Cape May Court House | More Info: Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Pleasantville (6 miles)
- South Vineland (33 miles)
- Millville (33 miles)
- Vineland (33 miles)
- Jackson (37 miles)
- Sicklerville (38 miles)
- Bayville (40 miles)
- Toms River (42 miles)
- Vincentown (43 miles)
- Bridgeton (44 miles)
- Voorhees (44 miles)