10 Reasons To Visit Las Vegas This Christmas Season Slideshow
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Bellagio changes the floral theme of its Conservatory and Botanical Garden with each season. This year's winter theme is Bellagio Central Station; there's a white fir tree standing tall in the center with trains to the North Pole close by and Arctic animals looking on. More than 700 shrubs and 34,000 flowers were used to create this fabulous display. The hotel also has several restaurants you can dine at during your visit, including Harvest by Roy Ellamar, which has farm-to-table fare.
Bellagio Fountain
A year-round Las Vegas icon, the Bellagio Fountain puts on a mesmerizing, choreographed water show that you'll want a first row view of. During the Christmas season the show is accompanied by holiday songs like "O Holy Night," "Santa Baby," and "Sleigh Ride." After you've seen the show, step inside the hotel for dinner at one of the Bellagio's newer restaurants, Lago.
Christmas Shows
You can't go to Vegas without seeing at least one show. If you're looking for the more traditional route, the Nevada Ballet Theatre will perform The Nutcracker at Reynolds Hall from this Saturday (Dec. 10) until Christmas Eve. If country music is more your speed, LeAnn Rimes will be performing Today is Christmas on Dec. 17 and 18 at the Orleans Showroom. The hotel Alder and Birch restaurant is a great place to go for dinner close by before the show.
December to Remember
Vegas is known for its big signs and bright lights, but how big and bright exactly are these signs up close? Well you can see for yourself at the Neon Museum, which features six acres of old signs from casinos and businesses that you can photograph yourself with at their North Gallery. The museum will have their December to Remember holiday celebration on December 17 where you'll get the chance to make ornaments, take pictures with Santa at the North Gallery, and listen to the caroling of the Las Vegas Academy choir.
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
For 17 select nights between the end of November until Christmas Eve, you can see the holiday parade of downtown Summerlin, just west of Las Vegas proper. Toy soldiers, nutcrackers, dancers, and floats pass along Park Centre Drive to festive holiday music — all for free. Make a night of it and grab a burger with the whole family before the parade at Ribs and Burgers nearby.
Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Gardens
Thousands of sparkling lights and decorations fill the chocolate factory's Botanical Cactus Gardens. From 5 to 10 p.m., every night through Jan. 1, with the exception of Christmas Day, you can see the holiday lights for free at Ethel M. You'll also see chocolate houses and sculptures on your visit to the factory. Once you've toured through the three acres of light-draped cacti, don't forget to stop by during the day to pick up some gourmet chocolates to take home.
Lights at The LINQ
Across from Caesar's Palace at The LINQ Promenade is the High Roller — the world's largest ferris wheel with pods that carry people up 55 stories above the city skyline. During the holiday season this attraction is covered in LED lights. In addition to the beautiful view you can see from the High Roller, The LINQ also puts on a colorful light show called Lights at The LINQ where a couple thousand LED lights are synchronized to holiday songs.
Opportunity Village Magical Forest
Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping all people in the Nevada community with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential, and it has grown into one of Las Vegas Valley's key charities over the last 62 years. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is celebrating its 25th season this year; it not only contains hundreds of trees with millions of enchanting lights but has a carousel, a slide, a chance to have photos with Santa in his workshop, mini-golf, and a train for endless family fun.
Opportunity Village will also have the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah on Dec. 27.
Residential Christmas Lights
Much as in other cities in America during the holidays, you'll find spectacular Christmas lights displayed on residential homes in areas of Las Vegas. If you drove to the city or rented a car there, turn on some Christmas music on the radio and cruise through the streets of homes decked out in awe-inspiring decorations. A few not to miss are Huntly Road and Carol Lark Court.
The Ice Rink
From Nov. 25 until Jan. 2, you can take part in a winter wonderland above the Strip in the Cosmopolitan Hotel's outdoor pool-turned-ice-rink. If you're not a skater but still want to join the fun, there will be a light "snowfall" at night occurring every 30 minutes and seasonal food and cocktails on offer — S'mores-inspired martinis with chocolate and toasted marshmallows (the Campfire Delight), non-alcoholic warm apple cider (the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree), and comforting chicken pot pie are examples.