Travelers spending a part of the holidays in Las Vegas have no shortage of festive displays to arouse the spirit of the season, with nearly all resorts decking their halls through the first of the year.
A classic poem inspired the team behind the sentimental display at Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The story of "A Visit From St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore is told through scenes depicting the spirit of generosity, tradition and family bonds.
"This year's theme offered us a special opportunity to create an experience that brings out the nostalgia of the holidays," designer Ed Libby said. "By blending iconic holiday elements with a comforting, dreamlike atmosphere, we've crafted a display that even the most sophisticated adults can enjoy with childlike wonder."
The focal point is the West Bed's 45-foot holiday tree topped by a Swarovski star. More than 35,000 mini-LED lights and 8,700 ornaments cover the fir that originally stood in Burney, Calif.
Guests can also look for a gingerbread house, a vintage carousel, stockings hanging above a fireplace, a crimson sack with toys, a sleigh pulled by two reindeer made of botanical elements and the grand Bellagio bear, Drum Major Dolly. Poinsettias, pine cones, ornaments and "snowy" trees abound.
The Peppermint Express pop-up counter, set up in the alcove behind the South Bed, serves treats from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily that were baked by Bellagio's pastry chefs. They include cookies, peppermint meringue, chocolate candies and holiday nougat.
Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Among the many other holiday displays of note:
• In addition to a sack full of last-minute gift ideas, The Forum Shops at Caesars has several custom installations, including a 35-foot Christmas tree in the Festival Court. The Fortuna Terrace, in the casino's main entrance, has LED-lit garland spanning the columns, each adorned with an eight-foot Roman shield accent. Goddess Fortuna wears a red and gold holiday sash.
Santa Jaws in the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay provides plenty of photo opportunities. Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy
• Santa in the Shipwreck returns to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. With each paid admission, children 12 and younger receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus. "Santa Jaws" in a scuba suit also plunges into the shipwreck exhibit.
• For the first time, two ice rinks at Fontainebleau's Winter Wonderland provides an alternative to the Cosmopolitan's traditional ice rink. Both have public skating, season decor and culinary options.
Off-Strip festivities
Off the Strip, the annual Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson features millions of lights across three acres of desert landscaping. East of the Strip, the indoors Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall boasts more than 26,000 lights and a nine-minute laser show.
Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall has a nine-minute laser light show. Photo Credit: Boyd Gaming
Enchant Christmas, with massive light displays, a maze, seasonal food and beverages, an artisan marketplace and live entertainment, is at Las Vegas Ballpark west of the Strip through Dec. 29. North of the city is a drive-through experience, Glittering Lights, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway through Jan. 5.