Sleigh bells may ring, if you listen – The Claridge Hotel will kick-off the holiday season with its Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Brighton Park. Meet Santa and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities provided by the Bass Pro Shop. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to benefit the Boys & Girls Club.
That same night, some of the members of the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys – known now as The Midtown Men – will perform holiday hits in concert at the Golden Nugget. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com. Donny and Marie’s Holiday Tour stops off that evening at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. For tickets visit TheBorgata.com or call (866) 900-4TIX (4849).
Give my regards
Resorts Casino Hotel will present a Broadway Holiday Show in the Superstar Theater Dec. 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 and 27, along with Frankie Z’s Rocking Holiday Spectacular Dec. 15. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, the Resorts Box Office, or call (800) 745-3000.
Cool it
“Dean Martin” is throwing Dino’s Cool Christmas Party Dec. 6 to 9 in Ovation Hall at Ocean Resort Casino. Tribute artists will perform Christmas songs, accompanied by a band and dancers.
‘Swing Into Christmas’
The Screening Room at Resorts Casino Hotel will present “a festive evening of holiday merriment featuring music, comedy and magic” Dec. 7 to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys For Tots program. Sponsored by The Irish Pub of Atlantic City, this fourth annual “Swing Into Christmas” celebration is free to attend with the donation of a new unwrapped toy. Toys will be distributed to local families in need this holiday season. All ages are welcome to attend this family-friendly holiday show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8. A cash bar will be available from 7 to 9. Jim “The Singing Lifeguard” Craine, the event’s organizer, and the Atlantic City All Star Band will perform Christmas classics. The evening continues with Suzie Neustadter singing favorite holiday ballads, harpist Barbara Gallagher, and students from Leslie’s Dance Studio of Margate performing a high-energy holiday dance routine. In addition, international magician Joe Holiday will round out the evening. The “official after-party” takes place at the Irish Pub of Atlantic City. For complete information, visit ResortsAC.com or JimCraine.com, or call Craine at (609) 652-5322.
Many happy returns
Dec. 8 and 9 My Big Gay Italian Christmas returns for additional performances at the Golden Nugget. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com.
Sing out, Louise (and John and Martha)
At 5 p.m. Dec. 8 on the Boardwalk outside Tropicana join the cast of Jingle: A Magical Holiday Spectacular for a special holiday sing-along, and other entertainment. The cast will lead your favorite holiday classics. Giant screens from the Multimedia Light & Sound Show will display the song lyrics. Guests will enjoy complimentary Garces & Son coffee, homemade hot chocolate from Olón by Jose Garces, Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Nibblers and popcorn from the IMAX Theatre at Tropicana. Plus, anyone who brings a new unwrapped gift for Tropicana’s toy drive will be entered for a chance to win a $250 Macy’s gift card.
Later that evening at the Borgata Tony Orlando and Dawn present their holiday show. For tickets visit TheBorgata.com or call (866) 900-4TIX (4849).
Hip Hip Hooray
Caesars Atlantic City will present Under The Streetlamp’s Hip To The Holidays Dec. 11.
Murder, they wrote
The Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company will present it next murder mystery dinner, A Christmas Carol, at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Chart House at Golden Nugget. For reservations call (609) 340-5030.
On their toes
The Atlantic City Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker Dec. 15 and 16 in the Circus Maximus at Caesars.
Don we now our ugly apparel
Celebrate the season – and win free slot cash – by wearing your most cringe-worthy, shudder-inducing sweater from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Bar One in Resorts Casino Hotel.
Magic tonight
Pianoman
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in Ovation Hall at Ocean Resort Casino. Be part of the holiday concert tradition of the season with this Grammy-nominated songwriter and piano sensation. Brickman delivers the sound and spirit of the season with carols, classics and original songs on his 22nd annual holiday tour. For tickets visit TheOceanAC.com.
Something fishy going on
Dec. 24 Chart House at Golden Nugget will serve a Feast of Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian holiday dinner celebration featuring Baccala Salad, Sole Venetian Style, Red Snapper Livornese and more. Tickets are $55 per person. For reservations call (609) 340-5030.
Less is more
Borgata presents its annual Holiday Burlesque Show Dec. 26 to 31. For tickets visit TheBorgata.com or call (866) 900-4TIX (4849).
Continuing. . .
Tropicana’s Jingle: A Magical Holiday Spectacular continues with performances on select dates and times through Dec. 21. The Tropicana showroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring glamorous dancers in dazzling costumes, angelic singers, music box ballerinas, dancing soldiers, Atlantic City favorites Kevin and Caruso, the aerial artistry of special guest Lady Hellevi, and award-winning choreographer and costume design from Mistinguett. Tickets – subject to taxes and fees – are $10 for children 16 and younger and $30 for adults.
Tropicana’s Holiday Musical Light Show continues through Dec. 27, every hour on the hour, starting at noon. The free daily shows feature a 35-foot decorated tree with lights synchronized to the sights and sounds of the season.
Count the candy canes in the container at Resorts – one guess each day through 6 p.m. Dec. 30. At 6:15 p.m. Dec. 30 the 10 players closest to the actual number without going over will win $500 in slot cash. Anyone who guesses the exact number will win $1,000 in slot cash.
What are you doing New Year’s Eve?
It’s not too early to make reservations at Atlantic City’s restaurants – both in the casinos and independent venues. However, for those looking for something a little different, six casinos will offer special events and activities.
The Claridge will hold its annual Midnight at the VÜE from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event includes a three-hour open bar, passed hors d’oeuvre and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $59 per person.
Golden Nugget will host a free party with the musical stylings of Seven Stone and other entertainment.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will present The O’Jays & The Commodores in concert.
Ocean Resort Casino is offering an overnight stay in a contemporary room and entry for two to its New Year’s Eve Gala. The evening includes a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, open bar, band and party favors. Tickets are $959, plus taxes and fees. Call (866) 50-OCEAN.
Resorts will celebrate with a Disco Ball starring Tavares, Rose Royce and Martha Wash in the Superstar Theater. Tickets range from $45 to $65 and are available through TicketMaster.com, by calling (800) 745-3000, or visiting the Resorts Box Office.
Tropicana will present fireworks on the Boardwalk at 9 p.m. Designed by Fireworks by Grucci, the show will include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects including Grucci high aerials and grand illuminations.
Atlantic City December Looking ahead:
Jan. 4: One Night In Memphis, Borgata
Jan. 11: Dancing With The Stars, Borgata
Jan. 19: Bill Engvall, Harrah’s
Jan. 19: Alabama, Hard Rock
Jan. 20: All Stars of Hip Hop, Boardwalk Hall
Jan. 25 and 26: Indoor Auto Racing Championship, Boardwalk Hall
Jan. 25 and 26: KC and the Sunshine Band, Hard Rock
Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during December:
Bally’s Atlantic City
Promotions
Win a new BMW 430i Gran Coupe or $50,000 cash Dec. 29. Earn entries Dec. 1 to 29 (5X entries on Mondays). Visit the Total Rewards Center for details.
Boardwalk Hall
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs Dec. 1 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Hoop-La College Basketball Quadruple-Header takes place Dec. 15.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Entertainment and Events
Borgata Comedy Club (check for dates in December), Donny and Marie Holiday Tour (Dec. 1), Erika Jane (Dec. 1), Craig Ferguson (Dec, 7), Tony Orlando and Dawn Holiday Show (Dec. 8), CFFC 71 – Cage Fury Fighting Championships (Dec. 14), 98° of Christmas (Dec, 15), Burlesque Holiday Show (Dec. 26 to 31). For tickets visit TheBorgata.com or call (866) 900-4TIX (4849).
Promotions
Play slots between noon and 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 with your Mlife Rewards card. When Slot Dollar Celebration hits, you win 10 Bonus Slot Dollars.
Every seven minutes from noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 Borgata will award 777 Bonus Slot Dollars. Players need to insert their Mlife Rewards card into any slot machine or open any table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.
Mlife Rewards cardholders, earn $5 in Express Comps playing slots Dec. 19 and 20 to participate in Borgata’s $20,000 slot tournament. Visit the slot area adjacent to Angeline to begin playing. Top three places will win a share of $6,500 in cash – top prize is $5,000. Remaining places will win 25 to 250 Bonus Slot Dollars.
Earn 5X Slot Dollars playing with your Mlife Rewards card from 6 a.m. Dec. 21 through 5:59 a.m. Dec. 24.
Every 18 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 31 Borgata will award 1,818 Bonus Slot Dollars. Players need to insert their Mlife Rewards card into any slot machine or open any table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.
Details on all promotions are available at the Mlife Rewards Center.
Caesars Atlantic City
Promotions
Win a new Porsche Macan or $50,000 cash Dec. 29. Earn entries Dec. 1 to 29 (5X entries on Mondays). Visit the Total Rewards Center for details.
Entertainment and Events
Gavin DeGraw (Dec, 1), Under The Streetlamp’s Hip To The Holidays (Dec. 11), The Nutcracker (Dec, 15 and 16). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
The Claridge Hotel
Celebrate The Claridge Hotel’s 88th anniversary from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at the VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Tickets, $19.30 (plus tax and gratuity), include an open bar, and are available by visiting Eventbrite.com.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Promotions
$10,000 Bingo Bonanza Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 2 and 7 p.m. in The Grand. Free entry for all Elite and Chairman cardholders. All others must earn at least 20 tier credits that day for the player and one guest.
Meanwhile, Golden Nugget Atlantic City has the $1 Million Golden Gridiron through Dec. 30. Starting every Tuesday at noon through noon on Sunday, 24K Select Club cardholders also can choose the teams they think will win the Sunday and Monday games. Enter at the Fan Zone in the Main Atrium, one entry per day, for a total of six entries per week, excluding Mondays. Best scored entry for the week will be counted. Participants can win two ways each week: The player or players with the most correct picks will win a share of $5,000. Second and third place winners receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. In addition, there will be a drawing where 150 participants randomly will be selected to win $50 in free play. Correctly pick the winner of 193 or more games during the season and win $1 million.
For details on all promotions, visit the 24K Select Club or GoldenNugget.com.
Free self-parking continues.
Entertainment and Events
The Midtown Men – “Holiday Hits” Live in Concert (Dec. 1), My Big Gay Italian Christmas (Dec. 8 and 9), A Christmas Carol (Dec. 13) in the Chart House at Golden Nugget. For tickets to Midtown Men call (800) 736-1420 or visit Ticketmaster.com. For tickets to My Big Gay Italian Christmas visit Eventbrite.com. For tickets to A Christmas Carol call (609) 340-5030,
Flashback Fridays, free entertainment by tribute bands in The Showroom [New York’s Finest – The Police (Dec. 7), Project/Object – Frank Zappa (Dec. 14), Draw The Line – Aerosmith (Dec. 28)]. Doors open at 7 p.m., shows begin at 9.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Promotions
Hard Rock continues its Wild Card tier match program until further notice.
Every Tuesday through Dec. 18, Wild Card Rewards cardholders 55 years and older get special pricing on Hard Rock’s lunch buffet and the chance to participate in a $5,000 slot tournament.
Earn 2X comp dollars between noon and 10 p.m. every Thursday in December.
Entertainment and Events
Motor City Live – A Motown Tribute (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), Aziz Ansari (Dec. 1), Anna Vissi (Dec. 1), OAR Just Like Paradise Tour (Dec. 8), Penn & Teller (Dec. 15), The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour (Dec. 28), Breaking Benjamin (Dec. 30).
Harrah’s Resort
Promotions
Win a new Mercedes Benz C300 or $50,000 cash Dec. 29. Earn entries Dec. 1 to 29 (5X entries on Mondays). Visit the Total Rewards Center for details.
Entertainment and Events
A Magical Cirque Christmas (Dec. 15). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 736-1420.
Ocean Resort Casino
Promotions
Through Dec. 30 win $100,000 in guaranteed prizes during Ocean Resort Casino’s $1 Million Gridiron Challenge. Every Tuesday at noon through noon on Sunday, Ocean Premier cardholders can choose the teams they think will win the Sunday and Monday NFL games. Enter at various promotional kiosks throughout the casino. Correctly pick the winner of 193 or more games during the season and win $1 million.
Ocean Resort Casino will resume its tier match program beginning Dec. 1
Details on both programs at the Ocean Premier Rewards Center.
Entertainment and Events
Dino’s Christmas Cool Party (Dec. 6 to 9), Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas (Dec. 16), Friday Night Live! (Dec. 28). For tickets visit TheOceanAC.com.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
Premiere cardholders who earn two tier points during a gaming day park free in the self-park garage at Resorts. Check any promotional kiosk to confirm the points and present a valid Star card at the exit.
$10,000 Power Wheel Hot Seat, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 28. Earn entries through Dec. 28.
$1 Million Power Wheel Hot Seat Finale, Dec. 29. Earn entries through Dec. 29.
2019 Mercedes CLA 250 Guaranteed Sweepstakes. Earn entries – one for every tier point earned – through 3:55 p.m. Jan. 1. Drawing at 4 p.m. Jan. 1. Earn 25X entries Nov. 6, 11, 22 and 28.
$35,000 Jackpot Sweepstakes, Feb. 23. Earn one entry for every taxable hand-paid jackpot through Jan. 31.
Visit the Promotions Booth for details.
Entertainment and Events
Broadway Holiday Show (Dec. 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 and 27), Frankie Z’s Rocking Holiday Spectacular (Dec, 15), Vinnie Talarico (Dec. 19). For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, the Resorts Box Office, or call (800) 745-3000.
Tropicana Atlantic City
Entertainment and Events
Primal Men Male Revue (every Saturday at Boogie Nights), Jingle: A Magical Holiday Spectacular (select dates and times through Dec. 21), WAR The Band (Dec. 31).
Another entertainment option at Tropicana is Atlantic City’s only IMAX® Theatre. Moviegoers receive a discounted parking rate of $5 to park in the enclosed Tropicana self-park garage, but first must obtain a parking voucher from the IMAX Box Office at the time of ticket purchase.
Great Barrier Reef 3D runs through Dec. 31, The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience runs Dec. 1 and 2, and Dec. 7 to 13, Mortal Engines: The IMAX Experience runs Dec. 13 through 20, Mortal Engines: An IMAX 3D Experience runs Dec. 14 through 20and Aquaman: The IMAX Experience runs Dec. 20 to 31.
For show times and tickets, visit The Imax Theatre at Tropicana.
Recreational gambler Darryl D. McEwen is publisher of the Seven Stars Insider – both the website (www.SevenStarsInsider.com) and the monthly newsletter. For a free subscription to the newsletter, join the mailing list at Seven Stars Insider and tell him how you heard about it. You also can download the newsletter from the website where he frequently updates news about Caesars Entertainment and Total Rewards under “Latest News” on the home page. In addition, be sure to follow @7StarsInsider on Twitter.
Darryl also writes a bi-weekly column, Mr. AC Casino, for the Atlantic City Weekly. A former professional journalist, based in Wilmington, Delaware, Darryl is president of his own consulting firm that manages several small national and international trade associations, and provides public relations and fundraising services for a number of charitable organizations.
