Every year, Las Vegas turns into a holiday hot spot with seasonal events, special shows, festive outdoor displays, and holiday-themed decorations. Here is what Las Vegas has in store for the holidays.
Holiday Makeovers
Venues all over Las Vegas will undergo holiday-themed re-decorations for the Christmas season.
Christmas Gardens: From December 1 – January 6, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ natural display turns into a winter Christmas garden, with polar bears, life-size toy soldiers, thousands of fresh poinsettias, and a tree decorated with ornaments and white lights.
The LINQ Promenade: At the LINQ Promenade, guests can check out the 35-foot-tall holiday tree that stands on the Fountain Stage as they enjoy seasonal desserts from Sprinkles Cupcakes, Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, and Amorino Gelato. Additionally, the Promenade will present live holiday shows featuring singers and dancers starting Dec. 1.
The Park Vegas: On November 30, The Park Vegas will unveil the opening of Holiday at the Park, where the entertainment plaza becomes a festive hot spot with seasonal entertainment. The Park will showcase ornament arches with lights, an 80-foot-tall tree and an ice-skating rink. The Toshiba Plaza will also become a seasonal locale with a holiday marketplace, screenings of holiday movies each week and visits with Santa Claus.
The Magical Forest: Opportunity Village, a non-profit organization for adults with intellectual disabilities, is hosting the long-running Las Vegas holiday tradition, the Magical Forest, from November 24 through December 31. For the holidays, the Magical Forest has decorated pine trees spread throughout their mini forest, a large holiday tree, and nightly entertainment, rides, and dining options.
Holiday Cactus Garden: Ethel M Chocolates is hosting the 24th annual Holiday Cactus Garden through January 1, where the four-acre garden is illuminated nightly with more than a million Christmas lights.
Seasonal Events and Attractions
Las Vegas Great Santa Run: On December 2, the 13th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run will kick off at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas, hosted by Holly Madison. At the event, thousands dressed in Santa outfits will gather at the Fremont Experience for a 5K fun run and walk for Opportunity Village.
The Neon Museum: The museum will showcase vintage Las Vegas neon lights during their annual December to Remember event on December 9. The holiday festivities begin with ornament making from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by caroling by the Las Vegas Academy Choir in the Neon Museum Boneyard from 5 to 6 p.m.
The Positively Arts Holiday Spectacular: The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo Las Vegas have partnered with the Positively Arts Foundation to present the “Positively Arts Holiday Spectacular.” On December 17, the cast of “BAZ – Star Crossed Love” will perform seasonal classics. All proceeds will benefit the Positively Arts Foundation.
The Nutcracker: At the Smith Center, guests can see a live rendition of The Nutcracker, presented by the Nevada Ballet Theater, where nearly 100 dancers will take the stage to perform the classic ballet.
Glittering Lights: At the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, guests can experience a drive-thru holiday light show, available through January 7. Celebrating its 17th season, Glittering Lights features a two-and-a-half-mile course of over three million lights for guests to see.
Edible Ornaments: On December 16, Pastry Chef Patrice Caillot of Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas will lead an interactive demo on the art of edible ornaments. Participants will learn how to concoct edible décor, like holiday chocolate trees and gingerbread ornaments, while enjoy artisanal hot chocolate.
Nutcracker Tea: The Tea Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is celebrating the holidays with a serving a menu of herbal teas, seasonal pastries, and Christmas-themed desserts inspired by the Nutcracker. As guests lounge in Mandarin Oriental’s 23rd floor Sky Lobby, choirs will sing Christmas carols.
Minus5 Ice Experience: Located in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, this frozen bar attraction filled with interactive ice sculptures and winter-themed experiences. The bar also has a view of the Las Vegas skyline.
For more information on Las Vegas holiday events, visit www.visitlasvegas.com.
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