Atlantic City Shines as Community Comes Together for Holiday Parade & Night Market

Atlantic City kicked off the holiday season in unforgettable fashion as residents, families, and visitors filled Atlantic Avenue for the Atlantic City Holiday Parade & Night Market, transforming a December evening into a celebration of community, pride, and seasonal joy.

As twilight settled in, Atlantic Avenue glowed with festive lights, music, and movement. Families lined the route bundled in scarves and hats, children waved with excitement, and neighbors greeted one another as floats, marching bands, dancers, and community organizations brought the holiday spirit to life. For the first time in years, the parade traveled down one of the city’s most iconic corridors, turning Atlantic Avenue into a ribbon of light, laughter, and shared celebration.

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Smiles, Spirit, and Youth at the Heart of the Celebration

One of the most powerful sights of the evening was the joy on display, especially among the city’s young people. Youth groups proudly marched, smiling faces lit up the street, and cheers echoed from block to block. The energy was unmistakable: Atlantic City showing up for itself.

From spontaneous laughter to proud group photos, the parade reflected what community traditions are meant to do, bring people together, across neighborhoods and generations, to celebrate something shared.

Atlantic Avenue didn’t just host a parade. It became a space of connection, belonging, and possibility.

A Night Market Full of Warmth and Community Pride

As the parade reached O’Donnell Memorial Park, the celebration continued with the debut of the Holiday Night Market. Under twinkling lights, families and friends strolled through the festive village, browsing handcrafted gifts, enjoying seasonal treats, and sipping hot chocolate while supporting local vendors.

The Night Market quickly became a gathering place, where conversations lingered, music filled the air, and the spirit of the season felt personal and close to home. It was the perfect complement to the parade, extending the evening into a shared experience rooted in local pride and small business support.

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A Vision Realized Through Collective Effort

This year’s expanded parade reflected a bold vision: bringing the celebration directly through the heart of the city. What some initially questioned became a moment of collective accomplishment, made possible by coordination, teamwork, and belief in what Atlantic City could pull off together.

The success of the evening was the result of a true citywide effort, supported by the Special Events team, Public Safety, Public Works, community engagement teams, Visit Atlantic City, partners, volunteers, performers, and participants who all played a role in making the night seamless and memorable.

And the momentum is just beginning. Plans are already underway to expand the parade even further next year, with a longer route, larger staging area, and even more participants, building on the energy and success felt throughout Atlantic Avenue this season.

A Moment That Belonged to the City

What unfolded during the Holiday Parade & Night Market was more than a seasonal event. It was a reminder of what happens when a city believes in itself and shows up together.

Atlantic City didn’t just celebrate the holidays, it celebrated community, resilience, and the joy that comes from shared moments. As the lights dimmed and the crowds headed home, one thing was clear: the spirit felt along Atlantic Avenue will linger well beyond the season.

Because when Atlantic City comes together, it’s always a Great Day.

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