Hello! Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays! It’s definitely cold outside and that means the holidays are upon us. Las Vegas is a popular destination during this time of year and there are so many activities for families to enjoy together and celebrate while in town. I put together a wonderful list from light shows, plays, music, pictures with Santa and more! Winter break is coming so come over and get away for a little! Local? Visit spots of town that you normally don’t visit and enjoy your town!
Las Vegas HOLIDAY Events List:
Glittering Lights
Glittering Lights, the holiday drive-thru spectacular, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway features more than 400 animated, energy-efficient LED lights along a 2.5-mile racetrack.
Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost is $15 per vehicle during the week and $20 on the weekends.
The Living Nativity will run every Thursday through Saturday through Christmas with additional dates of Dec. 22-24. More info
The NATIVITY presents the story of Christmas
The NATIVITY is a 25-minute performance that follows the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ as told by the apostles in the New Testament. Scenes from the production include: Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, the ministering of angels and the journey made by the Three Kings to the stable.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 – 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. (7 p.m. show in Spanish) Thursday, Dec. 12 – 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13 – 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 – 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Opportunity Village – Ralph & Betty Englestad Campus, 6050 S. Buffalo Drive, north of the 215 Beltway
Price: Free More info
Gilcrease Orchard Sleigh Rides
Rides go until Dec 24th 2013, Closed Sundays. Rides go out daily from 3-8pm and leave every 15 minutes.
As you make your way to the North Pole, you will hear sounds of jingle bells on the horses and will be entertained with soothing Christmas stories from the sleigh drivers, who are remarkable to say the least. Enjoy the cozy little ride all the way to the north pole where you will be greeted by Santa’s elves who will escort you through a secret tunnel through time to visit good ‘ol St. Nick himself! That’s right, Santa Claus will be waiting for you in his home! More info
Opportunity Village Magical Forrest
5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 22-Jan. 6 6300 W. Oakey Blvd
Several new experiences for fun this year including Rudolph’s Raceway and the Magical Midway featuring Blastin’ Bear’s Shootin’ Shack, Lucky Ducky and the Holiday Wreath Ring Toss. Visitors will also enjoy the ever popular Forest Express Passenger Train, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Snowflake Mountain Slide and more.
Price: $11.00 for adults and $9.00 for children More info
Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town
Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town casino and hotel is once again decorated for the holidays. The winter wonderland features holiday trees, festive lighting, snowfall, animatronics, laser lights and water features. There is also a 15-minute laser light show horly during the holiday season from 5 to 10 p.m. Santa Claus will appear from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. More info
Fremont Street Christmas Tree Lighting
5 p.m. Dec. 11
Third Street Stage, Fremont Street Experience
Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will help Santa light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. The 50-foot tree will be decked with festive decorations and shine brightly below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision canopy. Directly following the ceremony, the Country Christmas show will perform, a live song and dance show to classic holiday country music hits. The official Las Vegas Christmas tree will be on display at the Fremont Street Experience through the Christmas holiday. More info
Winter in Venice at The Venetian and Palazzo Las Vegas
The annual holiday display features an outdoor skating rink and the nightly holiday spectacular. The holiday spectacular is presented three times every night and feature costumed characters and a grand holiday tree lighting. The skating rink is open daily with sessions at 3:15, 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15 p.m. Skating tickets are $14.95 for general admssion and $9.95 for Las Vegas locals with ID. More info
Jingle Bell Block
Dec. 5-24
Downtown Grand Las Vegas and Downtown 3rd have created a winter wonderland named Jingle Bell Block on 3rd Street between Stewart and Ogden avenues. There is a Christmas tree lot, holiday beverages and festive food available for purchase, a free bounce house for kids, and handcrafted gifts for sale from the Downtown 3rd Farmers Market. Santa Claus will also be available for visits. The Christmas tree lot will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Santa’s Village will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Open through Dec. 24. Admission and valet parking is free.
“A Christmas Carol,” Nevada Conservatory Theatre
2 p.m. on Dec. 14, and 15
$20-$30, with 10 percent off for children under 18
More info
Judy Bayley Theatre, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Loved by both the young and young at heart, Dickens’ iconic Christmas story featuring that famous Ebeneezer Scrooge (Bah Humbug!) and the three ghosts who lead him through time and show him the error of his ways.
“Scrooge, The Musical,” Rainbow Company Youth Theatre
Charleston Heights Arts Center
Dec 14 and 15
$5 More info
A large cast of enthusiastic actors sing and dance their way through Charles Dickens’ classic tale, musically directed by Joseph L. Cottone and costumed by guest designer Gail Lehtinen.
“The Nutcracker,” Nevada Ballet Theater
Dec. 14-22
The Smith Center, downtown Las Vegas
$29-$178
More info http://www.thesmithcenter.com/
Nevada Ballet Theater will present “The Nutcracker” in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
KOMP’s Totally Politically Correct Holiday Bash
Dec. 15
The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel www.hardrockhotel.com
Tickets start at $39.50
KOMP’S Totally Politically Correct Holiday Bash featuring Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington with special guests P.O.D. and Sick Puppies will take over The Joint on Sunday, Dec. 15.
“A Very Swinging’ Christmas,” South Point hotel and casino
7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21
South Point hotel and casino
Tickets start at $15
More info
South Point welcomes “A Very Swingin’ Christmas” to the Showroom Dec. 20 – 21 at 7:30 p.m. The 12-piece live band is comprised of performers from some of Vegas’ hottest shows, including Matt Goss, Human Nature, Rap Pack, Million Dollar Quartet, The Spazmatics and more.
Sin City Sinners Christmas in Vegas
9 p.m. Dec. 21
Vinyl, Hard Rock Hotel
Free
Sin City Sinners is a Las Vegas-based rock ‘n’ roll group that performs originals and covers at key venues in the Valley. In 2010, Sin City Sinners was awarded Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best In Vegas – Editor’s Pick.” All attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots and the United States Marine Corps.
Town Square Pictures with Santa
10 a.m.- 9p.m. Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 16- Dec. 24
Bring the kids to take photos with Santa Claus at his Norman Rockwell-inspired house in Town Square Park to make this holiday season a memory that will last forever.More info
Pet Photos With Santa
St. Nick’s Pet Pics Nights
Fashion Show and Meadows Mall
6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 & 16
PJ Nights
Fashion Show and Meadows Mall
6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 & 17
Kids are in invited to wear their pajamas while visiting Santa.
