Q:
We're coming out to Las Vegas this Christmas and bringing the kids. Is there anything that really stands out in Vegas this time of year that is a "must-see?" And what other Christmas-related events and displays will be available? Are there any additional activities not listed on the
LVA site that would make a visit enjoyable for the whole family?
A:
As with all the big holidays, Las Vegas really goes to town at Christmas, but this time not just in and around the casinos. There are light displays all over town, including some spectacular ones in local neighborhoods (see QoD 12/10/2005). Here's a round-up of some of the family-friendly things to do and see this festive season.
- Sam's Town: The locals casino on Boulder Highway always puts on a good display for Christmas and this year's no exception. The decorations and lights went up in Mystic Falls Park on Nov. 24, which is when many casinos segue from Thanksgiving right into Christmas.
- Rio: Again, 11/24/06 marked the start of the "Holiday in the Sky" version of the free Masquerade show, which continues through Dec. 25. As with the regular Show in the Sky, you can ride in a float for $12.95 and have your picture taken with the festively attired performers.
- Bellagio: The Conservatory tree is lit, the decorations are up, and they'll stay up through Jan. 6. We haven't made it over there yet, but according to official sources, this year's tableau has an edible theme, featuring a "cranberry bog" (how romantic!) comprising more than 100,000 Ocean Spray cranberries, not to mention six reindeer made of 110 pounds of whole pecans. There are twinkling lights and tinkling dancing fountains, sparkling stars and vibrant poinsettias, and a 35-foot Shasta fir as the centerpiece. Click on the link below to see what last year's display looked like.
- Wynn: Lights and decorations are up around the property, but the main focal point of this year's Christmas is apparently the Esplanade shopping mall, which has been transformed into a "Wynnter Wonderland." Store windows are filled with mannequins attired in "enchanted holiday apparel," set against frosted backdrops evoking an enchanted forest, as featured in HGTV's "Holiday Windows: 2006," which aired last Sunday.
- Caesars Palace: The casino has discontinued its traditional Strip-side holiday ice rink, but the tree's lit and lights are up around the property.
- Lake Las Vegas: While Caesars no longer has its ice rink, MonteLago Village has taken up the tradition with its giant floating skating rink, which opened Nov. 17 this year and will operate through Jan. 15. At 40 by 70 feet, it's Rockerfeller Center-sized and can accommodate up to 60 skaters at a time. The rink's open to the public daily at a cost of $12 per person for an all-day pass. Skating times vary by month. The resort is also currently home to the Gingerbread House Gallery, a display of 35 gingerbread houses adjacent to Starbucks in MonteLago Village and open to the public daily 10 am-9 pm. Admission and parking free.
- Hard Rock: Starting Dec. 14 and continuing through Christmas Day, they're transforming the front of the casino into the "Hard Rockafella Center," which will include public ice skating Monday–Friday 4–5:45 pm and 6:15–8:45 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday 10 am–1:45 pm. It'll be $8 for adults, $4 for children, and $2 for skate rental; bring a new unwrapped toy and get a free skate rental.
Also, as in previous years, the cocktail waitresses will be dressing up in sexy little Santa outfits, as will those at the Palms.
- The Gift of Lights: For the 6th year in a row, Sunset Park (2911 E. Sunset Road) hosts the "Gift of Lights" -- eight million of them to be precise, illuminating 300 animated and twinkling light displays in a comfortable drive-through setting of festive tunnels and arches, with surprise visits from Santa, Rudolph, and others. It's $12 per car, with a $2 discount if you bring a gift bag for Goodwill of Southern Nevada. Anderson Dairy will be manning the Hot Cocoa Corner, with proceeds going to the Boy Scouts. The display continues through Jan. 1, 5-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, till 10 pm on weekends.
XMas Conservatory
Skating on the Lake
Gift of Lights
Festive Cacti
Update 04 December 2006
A couple more suggestions to add to the Christmas list:
Apparently, the Magical Forest at
Opportunity Village (6300 W. Oakey) is worth a visit, particularly if you have younger kids. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the seaasonal attraction includes two passenger trains, an antique carousel, parades, Christmas carnival games and the omni-present Santa Claus. It's open from 5:30 pm-10 pm nightly through the end of December, with prices starting at $9 for adults (13 & older) $7 for Children (ages 3-12). Tickets are available in advance from your local CVS Pharmacy. Visit www.opportunityvillage.org for more details
We've been told that the "Teddy Bear Fantasy Suite" at the
Four Seasons is also worth a visit: From now through Dec. 23, the Presidential Suite is transformed into a festive furry fantasy, thanks to the loan of over 500 teddy bears by FAO Swartz. It's open daily, free of charge.
And lastly, how did we miss the annual chocolate sculpture at Jean Philippe Pâtisserie at
Bellagio? Not only does the store always smell divine, with its array of chocolate creations and made-to-order crêpes, but there's an incredible sculpted chocolate creation during major holidays. We haven't seen this year's yet, but we can tell you that it's a 250-pound chocolate airplane. Yum.
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