Winter Fun in Atlantic City: Top Activities and Attractions in AC

Fun Things to Do in AC in Winter

We’ve compiled a list of great wintertime activities in America’s Playground. Please note that these are not strictly winter activities but rather things that are on offer while the beaches and poolside eateries lie dormant and wait for their time to invite you back.

👻 Join the Atlantic City Ghosts Tour: Banshees of the Boardwalk

Discover the eerie side of Atlantic City with this after-hours ghost tour, a unique addition to the list of things to do in Atlantic City in December. As the winter chill sets in, follow your guide through the city’s shadowy streets, delving into chilling tales at landmarks like Chicken Bone Beach, Playground Pier, and Warner Theatre.

You’ll pass by iconic sites, including haunted casinos and the historic Warner Theatre, each echoing with its own ghostly stories. Learn about the haunted history of Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, where spectral presences mingle with the echoes of the Miss America pageant. At Chicken Bone Beach, listen to tales of the spirit of Sammy Davis Jr., and at Playground Pier, envision ghostly fishermen from its darker past. The tour also includes eerie stops at Caesars Atlantic City Casino, known for its sordid history, and the Colosseum Parking Garage, a site of recent tragedies. Conclude your spine-tingling journey at Bally’s Atlantic City Casino, haunted by an apparition in a Civil War uniform, making this tour a captivating winter activity for those intrigued by the city’s spooky side and hidden history.

🚢 Climb Up the Absecon Lighthouse

Experience Atlantic City in winter from a unique perspective by climbing the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest beacon. Braving the cold for this adventure rewards you with breathtaking views of the winter landscape and the city’s skyline. This historic lighthouse, one of the oldest in the US, still houses an original first-order Fresnel Lens from 1857. As you ascend, you’re not just enjoying a scenic view but also stepping into a living piece of history. It’s a perfect winter activity that combines a workout with an educational journey, offering a distinct way to appreciate Atlantic City’s charm during the colder months. You can also enjoy the view of the lighthouse during an Atlantic City helicopter tour, which is a much cooler option for the summer season.

🍷 Visit Little Water Distillery for a Tasting

This craft distillery, founded by brothers Mark and Eric Ganter, specializes in small-batch rum and other artisan spirits, perfect for warming up in winter. Visitors can enjoy more than just sipping on their Whitecap Whiskey, 48 Blocks Vodka, or Liberty Rum; they can also learn about the distilling process on a tour and enjoy craft cocktails. This spirited spot provides a cozy escape from the cold.

The distillery is open to public every Friday (5 PM – 9 PM), Saturday (1 PM – 8 PM), and Sunday (1 PM – 6 PM). You can book tours and tastings costing $12 per person. The tour includes a guided tasting of the distillery’s products, as well as a deep dive into its processes and history. Booking a table is also an option. Make a reservation via their website or call them directly if you wish to come in a party of 10 or more people. Or just come by at any available time mentioned above to pick up some of their spirits, have a cocktail, or hang out with the distillery’s team.

🏛️ Enjoy a Show at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Winter in Atlantic City offers a distinct atmosphere, and the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall stands out as a central hub of this seasonal charm. This renowned venue becomes a focal point for a variety of winter events, ranging from electrifying concerts and comedy shows to family-oriented performances like Disney on Ice. The Hall’s main arena, boasting a capacity of 14,770 seats, is an ideal destination for those looking to indulge in the vibrant winter entertainment scene of Atlantic City.

Alongside its large arena, Boardwalk Hall also houses the Adrian Phillips Theater, which can accommodate 3,200 people. This smaller venue provides a more intimate experience, ideal for enjoying a range of performances that require a closer setting. The combination of these two spaces within Boardwalk Hall offers a comprehensive entertainment experience, contributing significantly to the lively and diverse winter nights in Atlantic City. This makes the Hall not just a venue, but a landmark of Atlantic City in winter, reflecting the city’s commitment to providing a rich array of cultural and entertainment options.

🧖🏽 Have a Rejuvenating Spa Day in One of the AC’s Resorts

Atlantic City, renowned for its vibrant entertainment and gaming scene, also offers a serene escape from the winter chill with its luxurious spas. Among these, the Hard Rock AC Hotel’s Rock Spa® & Salon stands out with its extensive facilities. The spa boasts 31 treatment rooms, including specialty areas for couples and body treatments, and a full-service salon offering a range of beauty services. Unique features like the Rhythm & Motion rooms and the co-ed Vitality Pool area with its hydrotherapy and specialty showers provide a distinctive spa experience. Their diverse spa packages cater to various needs, from romantic couple’s retreats to athletic restorations, making it an ideal choice for any winter spa day.

Exhale Spa + Bathhouse at Ocean Casino Resort, acclaimed for its therapeutic and skin care services, presents another level of indulgence. This 40,000 square foot haven was voted the #1 Spa in New Jersey in 2021 by Spas of America and includes a unique Bathhouse area. Here, guests can relax in the jetted pool, jacuzzi, and Himalayan Salt grotto. The Bathhouse experience, available for an hour post-therapy, along with their comprehensive amenities like saunas, steam rooms, and zen lounges, ensures a rejuvenating experience. The spa’s emphasis on transformation from the inside out makes it an exquisite choice for those seeking a holistic winter spa day.

Spa Toccare at Borgata Hotel Casino AC offers a different kind of rejuvenation, focusing on undoing the day’s stresses. Its treatments are designed to exhilarate and refresh, fitting for a day of comfort. The Salon and The Barbershop at Borgata extend the pampering with a range of beauty and grooming services, including professional haircuts, manicures, and even a Hot Lather Shave. These facilities, set amidst Borgata’s exciting atmosphere, offer a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment for a winter spa day in Atlantic City.

🕹️ Play with Friends at the TopGolf Swing Suite at Ocean Resort

TopGolf Swing Suite at Ocean Resort Casino stands out as one of the fun things to do in Atlantic City in winter, offering a unique blend of entertainment and dining. This venue is not just about golf; it’s a premium experience that combines play, food, beverage, and music, appealing to people of all ages and skills. The interactive games, including baseball, hockey, zombie dodgeball, and, obviously, golf, ensure a playful and competitive atmosphere. This makes it an ideal destination for families, teams, or a night out with friends.

With the distinction of being the largest TopGolf Swing Suite in America, the Ocean Resort Casino boasts 11 Swing Suites, each capable of accommodating up to eight people. The suites are designed with comfortable lounge seating and offer full-service food and beverage. The menu is diverse, ranging from Seared Tuna Nachos and Shrimp & Lobster Roll to Tex-Mex Shopped Salad and Mojo Pork Quesadilla, ensuring that everyone in the group is fueled and ready for fun.

🍸 Embark on a Bar Crawl through AC’s Famous Drinkeries

A bar crawl in Atlantic City this winter offers a chance to explore a variety of unique and lively venues. Starting at the VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge on the 23rd floor of The Claridge Hotel, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and ocean, along with creative cocktails and live entertainment. This sophisticated spot sets a high bar for the evening ahead.

Next, head to the Irish Pub on St. James Place for a dose of authentic Irish charm. With a selection of beers, many imported from Ireland, and classic bar food, it’s a cozy spot to relax. Continuing the journey, Gypsy Bar in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa awaits with its impressive array of tequilas, craft cocktails, and nightly live music. The evening can then be wrapped up at Firewaters Saloon in the Tropicana Resort & Casino, where a global beer selection and vibrant atmosphere, complemented by tasty pub-style cuisine and live events, provide the perfect end to your Atlantic City winter bar crawl.

🎰 Enjoy Gambling in One of the Nine AC Casinos

We couldn’t resist mentioning that one thing Atlantic City is most famous for: its vibrant gambling scene. The renowned AC casinos offer a great variety of popular games, including AC jackpot slots and table games like roulette, Pai Gow, craps, blackjack, and baccarat. And with the choice of nine distinct gambling venues, you’re sure to enjoy every moment of your thrilling gambling adventure. All the casinos in AC also serve as resorts, so you can relax in comfy rooms and get a good night’s sleep between your play sessions.

The resorts also house a plethora of dining options. Indulge in fine dining with famous chefs in such AC casino restaurants as Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City and Izakaya by Michael Schulson at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. On the lookout for something more casual? Dos Caminos at Golden Nugget Casino AC and AC Burger Co. & Deli at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City got you covered. We’ve only scratched the surface of what the city’s got to offer in terms of Atlantic City indoor activities, so you’ll surely want to check it out yourself.