Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/215016
GUIDE excite For the holidays, Bellagio welcomes wildlife not usually seen in the desert. Hit the Lights FROM HIGH-STAKES SPECTACLE TO HOMESPUN FUN, LAS VEGAS SHINES EVEN BRIGHTER THAN USUAL DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. BY ASHLEY TOMLIN Glittering Lights One of the world's most celebrated indoor gardens, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens changes dramatically with the seasons, turning into a sea of red and green for the annual holiday display. December 6–January 5 Bellagio, 702-693-7111; bellagio.com The pace may be a bit slower than usual, but the millions of colorful lights decorating the 2.5-mile circuit at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are no less breathtaking than the track's customary sights. "I love the light tunnel," says coproducer Shannon Bentham. "There are three of us around the world—the others are in Japan and Texas—who claim to have the largest. Last year Japan turned out to be bigger than us. This year we've made it our goal to take our title back." November 15–January 5 7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd.; glitteringlightslasvegas.com Cactus Garden Lighting A three-acre outdoor space adjacent to the workshop of Ethel M, the Valley's favorite chocolatier, glows in the dark with more than half a million lights for the event's 20th year. Come for the shimmering cacti, a visit with Santa, and a tour of the factory (with free samples). November 12–January 1 2 Cactus Garden Dr., Henderson, 702-435-2608; ethelm.com Magical Forest This award-winning extravaganza at Opportunity Village— featuring hundreds of sparkling ornamented trees, gingerbread houses, nightly entertainment, and photos with Santa in his workshop—benefits intellectually disabled Las Vegans. HGTV recently called this one of its top holiday destinations. November 22–January 6 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., 702-2593741; opportunityvillage.org Snow in the Square You don't have to drive up Mount Charleston to see snow. In the heart of Town Square, the popular shopping and lifestyle center on the South Strip, it snows every evening at 7 PM (and at 8 PM, too, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Other events include photos with Santa Claus (for pets as well as kids), concerts, and a parade honoring Santa's arrival. November 16–December 23 Town Square, 702-269-5000; mytownsquarelasvegas.com Underwater Santa The South Strip's Silverton Casino Hotel is just a little bit famous for its very big (117,000-gallon) aquarium, featuring an astonishing variety of sea life. There are more than 4,000 finned things swimming here, including brightly colored tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks. But December is when visitors can catch a glimpse of the tank's most exotic creature: a scuba diving Santa Claus. December 7–8, 14–15, and 21–22 Silverton Casino Hotel, 702-2637777; silvertoncasino.com Winter in Venice With nightly winter parades, a light show, a skating rink suspended over Venetian's outdoor Grand Canal, and—of course—a 65-foot Christmas tree, one of the Strip's most elegant holiday events is back for a third year. November 18– January 5 Venetian and Palazzo, 702-4141000; venetian.com V THE NUTCRACKER Artistic Director James Canfield of Nevada Ballet Theatre talks about bringing a fantasy to life. "Last season we debuted an all-new and original production of The Nutcracker, with new sets, costumes, and choreography. This year the magic continues as our company brings this annual holiday favorite to our new performance home. Unique to our production is a life-size Victorian dollhouse, complete with a 30-foot-tall growing Christmas tree—as well as doors and grandfather clocks more than 15 feet tall. This largerthan-life production will hopefully evoke feelings of wonderment for both adults and children alike, providing them a setting in which to fully embrace the holiday season." December 14–22. Reynolds Hall, Smith Center, 702-749-2000; thesmithcenter.com 150 PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIRGINIA TRUDEAU (NUTCRACKER); RICK RAYNER (CANFIELD); COURTESY OF MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL (CONSERVATORY) Bellagio Conservatory VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 150_V_BOB_G_Excite_Dec13.indd 150 11/19/13 2:39 PM