Power of Community on Full Display During Atlantic City Holiday Season

The holiday season is about more than decorations and traditions. It’s about people. It’s about neighbors coming together, families supporting one another, and a shared sense of belonging that strengthens an entire city. In Atlantic City, that sense of community isn’t just talked about, it’s lived, prioritized, and celebrated.

Throughout the 2025 holiday season, Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and his administration used this special time of year to reaffirm a core belief: Atlantic City is strongest when its people are connected.

From record-breaking celebrations to meaningful acts of service, the city made it clear that community comes first. That commitment was perhaps best captured by the largest holiday parade in Atlantic City history, but it didn’t stop there. Every department, every event, and every initiative shared the same purpose: bringing people together.

A Citywide Celebration in the Heart of Town

This year, Mayor Small made a bold and intentional decision to move Atlantic City’s annual Holiday Parade to Atlantic Avenue, right through the heart of the city. In years past, the parade traveled along the Boardwalk and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The move to Atlantic Avenue was about accessibility and inclusion, bringing the celebration directly into neighborhoods where residents live, work, and gather daily.

The result was nothing short of magical.

Thousands of residents lined Atlantic Avenue as close to 100 participants marched and rolled down the street in glowing floats, spirited performances, and beautiful displays. Families stood shoulder to shoulder, children waved excitedly, and neighbors greeted one another. And the celebration didn’t end when the last float passed!

At O’Donnell Memorial Park, the city hosted its first-ever Atlantic City Holiday Market, transforming the park into a festive village. Residents gathered to shop, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere together, while local vendors were given a meaningful economic opportunity during one of the most important retail seasons of the year. This only reinforced the idea that supporting local businesses is a vital part of building a strong Atlantic City community.

Making Sure No One Is Forgotten

The holidays can be full of joy, but they can also be stressful, especially for families facing food insecurity or financial hardship. Mayor Small and the City of Atlantic City made it clear that no family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from during this season of giving.

Through Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Box Giveaways organized by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Multicultural Services, 1,000 food boxes were distributed to Atlantic City families. Each box included a turkey or ham and all the traditional fixings, allowing families to enjoy a true holiday meal with peace of mind.

The City also coordinated meal deliveries directly to several residential communities, ensuring seniors and residents with limited mobility were cared for. These efforts were made possible through funding from the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), highlighting how thoughtful use of resources can directly improve lives.

Recognizing that warmth matters just as much as food, the Atlantic City Reentry Services Division and Homeless Prevention Team organized a Winter Coat Drive, providing essential cold-weather gear to the city’s most vulnerable residents. Community means showing up for one another, especially when it matters most.

Creating Joy, Building Trust

For Atlantic City’s youngest residents, the holidays were filled with unforgettable moments thanks to the Atlantic City Police Department and Atlantic City Fire Department.

The ACPD’s annual Shop with a Cop, in partnership with O.C.E.A.N., Inc., once again brought joy to more than 100 local children. Each child was paired with a police officer or law enforcement professional for a shopping trip at Walmart, where they were given $150 to spend. While many chose toys for themselves, countless children used the opportunity to buy gifts for siblings or parents - their compassion on full display. Families also received ShopRite gift cards, extending the impact beyond the day itself.

The Atlantic City Fire Department’s local union continued its cherished Holiday Toy Giveaway, partnering with Tanger Outlets, The Irish Pub, and Boxx for Tots. Held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, firefighters distributed toys to more than 250 children, along with sweet treats. A special visit from Santa Claus made the day even more memorable, turning a simple giveaway into a magical experience families will remember for years.

Magical Programs for the Next Generation

Atlantic City’s commitment to community also means investing in its youth, not just during the holidays, but year-round.

This fall, the Atlantic City Youth Services Division launched a brand-new Theater Program, giving young residents the chance to explore creativity and confidence. The program culminated in a holiday-themed performance, where students took the stage for the first time, supported by family and neighbors. For many, it was a moment of self-discovery and belonging.

Youth Services also brought back its annual Winter Wonderland Festival, offering ice skating, games, food, and family-friendly fun. Events like this provide safe, fun spaces for young people to connect during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic City Reentry Services Division continued its Reunification Youth Winter Seminar, supporting children with parents who are currently or formerly incarcerated. The holidays can be especially difficult for these families, and this program ensured that children felt supported and understood.

‍Senior Togetherness

‍Atlantic City’s seniors are the backbone of the community, and the city made sure they were surrounded by companionship throughout the season.

The Senior Services Division organized a full calendar of events, including a festive Christmas Craft Extravaganza, where seniors decorated cookies, created ornaments, and bonded through hands-on activities. Shopping trips, both local and to Philadelphia’s Christmas Village at LOVE Park, gave seniors opportunities to get out, explore, and enjoy the holiday spirit together.

Senior Services also hosted a holiday party just for Atlantic City’s senior residents, reinforcing that no one should feel alone during the holidays.

One City, Many Traditions

‍Atlantic City’s strength lies in its diversity, and the holiday season was a reflection of that richness.

The Office of Multicultural Services hosted a Fiesta Navideña, celebrating culture, music, and community with dancing, bingo, food, arts and crafts, and a lively raffle that brought smiles to all who attended. The Mayor's Office of LGBT+ Affairs organized its first Holiday Mixer, a welcoming and festive event for all in the community to experience.

And inside City Hall, the Christmas Tree shined brightly, while Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays and celebrations filled the lobby, symbolizing the city’s commitment to honoring all traditions. No matter how residents celebrate, Atlantic City made it clear that everyone belongs.

As the Small Administration demonstrated once again this season, Atlantic City doesn’t just celebrate the holidays. Atlantic City celebrates its people.

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