ATLANTIC CITY —  A long downward trend thankfully came to an end in the final month of 2011, as Atlantic City posted a cumulative monthly revenue increase of 4.2 percent in December 2011 — its first monthly increase since August 2008 — according to an AP report.

The city’s 11 casinos took in a total of $246.5 million in December. Slot machine revenue was up 8.3 percent, to $174.1 million, while table game revenue decreased by 4.3 percent, to $72.5 million. For the year, Atlantic City’s casinos won $3.3 billion, which is down 6.9 percent from 2010 to mark the fifth year in a row that A.C. saw an overall decline in gaming revenue  — hurt by competition from casinos in neighboring states and the down economy.

But the end of the unprecedented losing streak had casino executives and regulators encouraged. Click here for more.

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Marc Antonelli

Terrific singer Marc Antonelli opened his new show at the Tropicana last night. The show runs to Feb. 26.

Go here for an interview with Antonelli and a review of his new show. Go here for video.

Santa paid a visit to the Trop on Thursday

The Tropicana’s sixth annual Holiday Spectacular kicked off Thursday, Nov. 11, with the ceremonial lighting of a 25-foot tree that serves as the centerpiece of the Trop’s holiday musical light show. Each year the musical light show pairs a dazzling light display with beloved holiday tunes, holiday decor and indoor snowflakes that fall from The Quarter’s domed roof of its Fiesta Plaza.

The ceremony also took place in conjunction with Veteran’s Day.

The 25-foot tree in all its glory.

Hundreds of people who had the national holiday off attended the ceremonies, and the Tropicana donated a $2,500 check to Project Little Soldier, which is an effort to grant holiday gift wishes to children of soldiers stationed overseas.

The Trop’s annual light show will take place daily from now until the end of the holiday season. It will be from noon-10pm Sunday through Thursday, and noon-midnight Friday and Saturday.

Trop president/GM Mark Giannantonio addresses the sizable crowd.

The Trop Holiday Spectacular also includes the revue show Happy Holidays — A Magical Celebration.

It will be performed in the Tropicana Showroom, now through Dec. 16, and will include a cast of 17 singers and dancers performing seasonal hits like “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Clause is Coming to Town,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Santa Baby” and more. Tickets are $25 and $35 and are available at the Tropicana Box Office or through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Christmas carolers sing during the tree-lighting ceremony. Photos by Lew Steiner

The Tropicana has announced that the casino’s Third Annual Running of the Santas will take place on Saturday, Dec. 11. The event has become one of Tropicana’s signature holiday events with hundreds of Santas gathering to celebrate the holidays, and take part in the traditional “Run” starting on the Boardwalk and ending in The Quarter. The 2011 schedule is as follows:
•    8-9pm: Registration and specials at Hooters in The Marketplace at Tropicana
•    9-10pm: specials at Firewaters in The Marketplace at Tropicana
•    10pm: Run
•    10pm-midnight:  The Quarter, specials at Planet Rose and A Dam Good Sports Bar

In addition to the drink and food specials, A Dam Good Sports Bar will host the Sexy Santa Contest featuring prizes for first, second and third place. Tropicana will also offer a special room package for Dec. 11 at a rate of $125 with the code TSANTA0. Rooms can be booked by calling 1-800-345-8767. Rate is based on availability and excludes all taxes and occupancy fees.

Tickets for Running of the Santas are only $5 if purchased by Oct. 31, $10 if purchased by Nov. 30, $15 if purchased by Dec. 10 and $20 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased through www.runningofthesantas.com A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Must be 21 to participate.