Christmas is a time to sing, laugh and most importantly, share with the ones you love. If you want a night where you can do all three then JINGLE at Tropicana is exactly what you are looking for. Tropicana is transforming its showroom again this year as the popular holiday show returns to bring a joyous night with the whole family. This year’s whimsical winter wonderland will feature glitzy dancers in dazzling costumes and live music set to get you in the festive mood. The event is a must-do family event and is suitable for all ages so what better way to have a magical night with your family whilst listening to some of your favourite Christmas classics? Tickets are $30 for adults (16+) and just $10 for kids with the show running on selected dates from now until December 20th. The show has been written and directed by the immensely talented Mistinguett, and produced by the sensational, magical duo Kevin Jeffery and Lord Caruso who usually run a summertime show in AC so you know this one is going to be a hit. If the show is anything like last year then you can expect your favourite Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza carols with an all-dancing, all-singing cast. Last year we got a multitude of elements of the holiday tradition including music box ballerinas, dancing soldiers and even a special appearance by Lady Hellevi, an aerialist dancer and illusionist. Jessica, aged 9, went with her family and had this to say: ‘I loved the costumes on the dancers! They were amazing and so beautiful. I want to go again!’ Experience a different type of magic at Christmas as Kevin and Caruso will perform some jaw-dropping tricks over the evening but the show will focus on the holiday season as that is what it is really about after all. Alongside the magicians and arguably stealing the show are the vocal powerhouse duet of Brett Pruneau and Adrienne Stiefel who perform their versions of holiday classics such as ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. If that’s not enough to get you in the holiday spirit, their rendition of ‘Let it Snow’ features a magical snowfall, but don’t worry you won’t need to bring your hat and gloves for this one! Bring your singing voices and be ready to sing at the top of your lungs as there is a holiday sing-along segment, and loud vocals are encouraged. Another highlight is the show-stopping performance from Lady Hellevi. Watch as she entertains from high above the stage, manipulating her body around a giant ring or wrapping herself around silk ribbons. It will have your kids begging you for aerialist dance lessons...that is a thing right? Mistinguett has pulled out all of the stops for this year’s production with graceful choreography and exciting production. It is not difficult to see why she is a world renowned and highly sought after producer. She has a long 30 year history of producing shows in AC and this is one not to be missed. The impressive showgirls wear an array of festive costumes whilst gleefully dancing to your favourite holiday tunes. From wearing spectacular, giant jewelled headdresses to prancing around as the cutest reindeer you will see all year, I guarantee you will leave the night with a giant smile and sore legs from dancing along. There is even a visit from the big man himself – Santa! John, 51, said ‘This show just has everything you want at Christmas time, amazing dancers and singers, the costumes were impressive. I have been a big fan of Kevin and Curruso for a while and was a bit sceptical about going to see a Christmas show but it just works. My kids loved it, my wife loved it. It was the perfect way to get that Christmas feeling.’ The show is perfect for shore locals not wanting to travel all the way to Philadelphia or New York to get their Christmas show fix and still competes with some of the bigger, classic shows. If anything is going to get you ready for the holiday season then it is JINGLE and the fact that there is something for all of the family means you can’t go wrong. So give your family a magical gift this Christmas and leave the night with merriment and wonder. Taking your kids to the casino at Christmas has never been more suitable. The show will be running in the Tropicana Showroom, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City NJ. Buy tickets here: www.tropicana.net/event/shows/jingle-whimsical-wonderland or call 1-800-843-8767.

Well, it’s that time of the year again. Time to dig out that ugly sweater that’s been sitting in the back of your closet for months. You know the one that turns heads whenever you wear it in public? And I’m not talking in the good sense. Well it’s the only time of year that you can don that sweater with pride and grab yourself some freebies while you’re at it. The annual ugly sweater tour is back for its 3rd year in a row and it’s bigger and better than ever! Guaranteed to get you in the Christmas Spirit, on December 14th Little Water Distillery will be collaborating this year with 8 other locations to bring you an evening of festive fun. This year’s tour kicks off with the first FREE Jitney running from Little Water Distillery (807 Baltic Avenue, Unit B) at 6pm. Can’t wait that long? Don’t worry because the Little Water Distillery will be open from 1pm where you can sample a wide selection of locally made vodkas, rums, whiskeys and gins and maybe pick up that last-minute gift.. Also, don’t forget to pick up your free shot glass! There is plenty or free parking available along with tours, tastings and shopping opportunities so bring your taste buds and...maybe leave your car. Next, you have been saying you want to try it, you have seen Jason Mamoa do it, and now is your chance to finally give it a shot! Head on over next door to the newly opened Westecunk Axe Throwing (807 Baltic Avenue Unit C) and unleash your beast. They will be offering 30 minutes of throwing for just $15 so make sure you take full advantage. But seriously, can anyone look cooler that Jason Mamoa hitting bullseye with a pint of Guiness in his hand? Maybe not, but it will certainly be fun trying. The Irish Pub (133 S. Tennessee Ave) is the next stop on route, renowned for their extravagant Christmas lights. If you haven’t seen the Christmas display at the Irish Pub, I can assure you that it is a must! Every year owner Cathy Burke brings the WOW factor with not only her stunning Christmas decor, but also the amazing food and atmosphere she has created. No wonder The Irish Pub is often referred to as ‘The Greatest Pub in Atlantic City’. Come and see for yourself! Also on the tour is the trendy hotspot Bourre. Enjoy live music and a cocktail at Bourre (201 S. New York Ave), a New Orlean’s inspired pub with an incredible outdoor space filled with games and a bar. Bourre will also be hosting their 14th annual Happy Drunk Xmas party with a Lowbrow Art show, Free Gift Bags, $5 Well drinks, Great food and Punk Rock Karaoke. You don’t know AC if you don’t know Pic-A-Lilli (231 S. Tennessee Ave). Soak up those drinks with Pic-a-Lilli’s famous wings and enjoy an extra beer or two while you’re at it. Fried to perfection, there is a reason why Pic-a-Lilli is known for having the best wings in the area (we think the country and possibly the world), so come and enjoy a basket and a beer. Quickly becoming a cult favorite, the Anchor Rock Club (245 S. New York Ave) is set to host the Elephant Talk-Indie Music Magazine 10 Year Anniversary Show which celebrates 10 years of bringing indie music from around the world to one place. They will be serving $5 mixed drinks from the cocktail menu all night. We highly recommend their signature cocktail ‘Drink 182’ which has had customers going wild and been described as ‘a party in my mouth’. Curious?

There are many words or phrases that your mind immediately associates with Christmas time and without a doubt ‘The Nutcracker’ is one. Now I am not talking about that little contraption you use to make your candied walnuts; I am talking about the classic and enchanting ballet. That’s right, a ballet. I know what some of you may be thinking – ‘A ballet?! Isn’t there just a film I could watch?” But let me assure you, there is NOTHING more captivating at Christmas time than watching the graceful and mesmerizing movements of the Atlantic City Ballet. Based on the story by Hoffman and with music by Tchaicovsky, this production is now the Atlantic City Ballet’s most famous performance. ‘The Nutcracker’ tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas eve. She is whisked away into a world of dancing gingerbread men, the Kingdom of Snow and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets. Clara meets an assortment of dazzling characters, including the notorious Mouse King, along her journey with the Nutcracker Prince. This is a production that truly embodies the holiday spirit and is a total crowd pleaser and suitable for all ages. The Atlantic City Ballet was founded in 1982 by the critically acclaimed International Ballerina, Phyllis Papa. They perform a variety of shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the incredibly popular, Carmen, at different venues along the east coast. As one of its longest running shows, this will be the 37th year that the Atlantic City Ballet performs The Nutcracker with each year bringing a fresh feeling production with the same traditional storytelling that it has become famous for. This year the role of Clara will be shared by Sadie Heyman and Olivia Kenny, Fritz will be played by River Jones and the Prince will be played by Tristan DiGiacomo. The show was a monumental hit last year and this year is set to be no different so make sure you book your tickets soon before it sells out. Local Atlantic City resident, Brooke, said of last year’s show ‘I grew up watching the ballet as I was a dancer from a young age. I take my family to see The Nutcracker every year because it really is one of the most sensational shows at Christmas time and everyone from my young children to my husband, that’s right my husband, has an amazing time. I really cannot wait for this year’s performance!’ We spoke to Brooke’s husband, Daniel, too – ‘I never really thought I would be a fan of The Nutcracker because honestly ballet is never something that has ever appealed to me. Honestly, I was really surprised. It’s just a really impressive show to watch and my kids absolutely love it.’ Some of you may already be fans of the ballet and rest assured, the Atlantic City Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker is as moving as it is thrilling. However, if the ballet is not something you would typically watch, if you try just one new thing at Christmas then let it be this. Sure, there have been film adaptations on it with some versions adding their own unique twist, but none of them really compare to the immersive experience of going to see it live. Ballet dancers are renowned for the dedication and hard work they put into their work and from the rehearsal schedule on their website, this production is no different. The Nutcracker is now one of the most famous ballets in the world and once you watch it, it is not hard to understand why. When you fully engage in the performance the feeling is like no other and I guarantee you will leave the show with a new sense of wonderment and be absorbed by the magic. The AC Ballet will start off their performances at Stockton College (101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway) on December 13th and 14th with show times at 7pm (13th) and 10:30am and 3pm (14th). The next show after that is at Caeser’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino (2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic