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December is packed in Atlantic County, with a four day winter festival in Hammonton, a winery tree lighting in Egg Harbor City and a holiday parade in Atlantic City. Every event below has a confirmed 2026 date from its organizer or venue, so you can plan your weekends with confidence.
Rotary Club of Hammonton WinterFest
- Where: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Carnival Grounds, 1 Mount Carmel Lane, Hammonton
- When: Friday, Dec. 4 (4 to 9 p.m.), Saturday, Dec. 5 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 6 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), 2026
The fourth annual WinterFest fills a 6,000 square foot heated vendor tent and an outdoor courtyard with crafts, fire pits, hot chocolate, s’mores and food. Expect visits with Santa, a letters to Santa station, train rides, face painting and holiday performances from Hammonton school music departments. Admission and parking are free, and guests are invited to bring an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food to help local families.
WinterFest and Galloping Grinch details
Galloping Grinch 5K and Fun Walk
- Where: Mount Carmel Fair Grounds, 1 Mount Carmel Lane, Hammonton
- When: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, 10 a.m. Check in opens at 7:30 a.m.
Presented by WinterFest, this costume friendly holiday run lets you burn off the cocoa before the festival opens for the day. Registration is $45 for the timed 5K and $25 for the untimed fun walk.
Register for the Galloping Grinch
Tree Lighting at Vintner Wonderland
- Where: Renault Winery and Resort, 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
- When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026. Breakfast with Santa follows on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Renault’s winter village lights its tree beside the outdoor ice rink, part of a season that also includes Stories with Santa on select Thursdays and Saturdays in December. Advance tickets are required for these signature events, so book early.
Hospitality Night in Historic Smithville
- Where: Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
- When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 6 to 9 p.m.
The colonial style village stays open late for an evening of holiday shopping and seasonal cheer among more than 50 shops. Stay for the free Light Show on the Lake, which runs nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and visit the Magic Talking Tree, open that Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
Atlantic City Holiday Parade and Village
- Where: Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City
- When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. Watch the official city and Visit Atlantic City pages for start time and route.
Atlantic City’s holiday parade returns to Atlantic Avenue with floats, marching groups and a holiday village. Arrive early for a good curbside spot and plan on street closures around the route.
Visit Atlantic City winter events
Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Casino Resort
- Where: The Shops at The Row, Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
- When: Through Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026
This walk through holiday experience is built for families and is expected to sell out, so advance tickets are recommended. A new Merry Moments VIP package debuts this season.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- Where: Ovation Hall, Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
- When: Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, 4 p.m.
The touring holiday spectacle brings acrobatics, costumes and seasonal music to the stage for a matinee that works for the whole family.
Plan Ahead
- Hammonton WinterFest and Smithville Hospitality Night fall on the same weekend, so you can pair a daytime festival with an evening in the village.
- Bring a toy or canned good to WinterFest for the Season of Giving drive.
- Times can shift with weather, so check each official link before heading out.
More in Atlantic County: Christmas light displays, holiday markets and craft fairs, and cozy winter restaurants.
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