No holiday season seems right without “The Nutcracker” performed on pointe. The Nevada Ballet Theater fills the stage with glittering holiday cheer as Tchaikovsky’s beloved score takes the stage. When Clara goes in search of a one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift, she discovers a golden thread that leads her to a strange and mysterious world led by a soldier named Phillip and a group of mice who help her unlock the mystery of the holidays. Dec. 8, 14-15, 20-22, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9, 15, 16, 22-23, 2 pm. Tickets start at $29. Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, 877.893.2003
Holidays Galore
Get into the holiday spirit in December in Las Vegas. Resorts up and down the Strip showcase the best of the season with an ice skating rink, holiday shows, snow (snow!) and Santa Claus making his much anticipated arrival from the North Pole ahead of Christmas day. Shopping, holiday decor and even hot chocolate make it a season to remember with family and friends. Get off the Strip for lighted cacti and illuminated racetracks. Best of all, holiday shows replete with songs of the season that can melt Scrooge’s heart. Here, nine ways to celebrate the holidays in Las Vegas.
1 COSMOPOLITAN ICE RINK
Let it snow! Not something you expect to hear in Vegas, but if you’re at the Cosmopolitan, that’s just what you’ll experience. It’s part of the winter wonderland that centers on the Boulevard Pool, transformed into a 4,200-square-foot ice rink. Rent a pair of skates and take a few turns around the rink. Afterward, roast S’mores and sip hot chocolate (or something a little stronger) as you watch the snow fall (every 30 minutes every Friday through Sunday from 7 pm-midnight). The ice rink is open M-F, 3 pm-midnight; Sa-Su, noon-midnight; and from Dec. 21-Jan. 6, daily, noon to midnight. Tickets are $10-$20. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 702.698.6797
2 GLITTERING LIGHTS
This story is from the December 2018 edition of Where Las Vegas.
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This story is from the December 2018 edition of Where Las Vegas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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When Vegas Goes Country
Known as the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is one of Las Vegas’ largest—and richest—events, with a total purse of $10 million. This season-ending championship for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association consists of 10 rounds, one on each consecutive day. Here’s how to rope in all the fun even if you never set foot in the arena.
Gonna Have a Good Time
Everyone comes to Vegas to party in one form or another. For those wanting to ring in the New Year at the newest spot in town, look no further than The Mayfair at Bellagio. Part restaurant, part lounge and all show, it’s set against the backdrop of the Bellagio Fountains and will return guests to the glamour of the days-gone-by supper club— Vegas-style, of course. The Mayfair opens New Year’s Eve. For those who can’t wait, here are nine hotspots to kick off your festive Sin City experience.
Eat, Drink And Enjoy Scary
Fall brings out the best of Las Vegas, including the weather. Take advantage of the crisp air and cool vibes at food festivals that showcase some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs. There’s also Oktoberfest fun, or round up family and friends for any of the Halloween festivities. Looking for a scare? Las Vegas has that in spades, too, at museums, haunted houses and escape rooms.
Find The Best In Venetian/Palazzo/ Grand Canal Shoppes
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It's Showtime
Las Vegas dubs itself the Entertainment Capital of the World, a lofty nickname that calls out the broad spectrum of shows in the city. Resident acts, magic, cabarets and comedy all find a home here. These shows are meant to keep fans coming back for more . Dive into some of the best the city has to offer, whether it’s something new, something tried and true, something fans can’t get enough of or something to rev up your engine.
Holiday Magic
No holiday season seems right without “The Nutcracker” performed on pointe. The Nevada Ballet Theater fills the stage with glittering holiday cheer as Tchaikovsky’s beloved score takes the stage. When Clara goes in search of a one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift, she discovers a golden thread that leads her to a strange and mysterious world led by a soldier named Phillip and a group of mice who help her unlock the mystery of the holidays. Dec. 8, 14-15, 20-22, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9, 15, 16, 22-23, 2 pm. Tickets start at $29. Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, 877.893.2003
Laying It On The Line
Country music duo Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, otherwise known as Florida Georgia Line, bring their hits such as “Cruise” to the stage. Canaan Smith opens during this five-night residency. Dec. 1, 5, 7-8, 11, 8 pm. Tickets start at $49. Zappos Theater at Planet Holly wood Resort, 702.777.2782
Seductive Las Vegas
Sexy neon, a 24-hour environment and hot nights combine to create some of the most steamy experiences in Las Vegas. Whether that means an intimate dinner for two in a private enclave, a spa treatment with a loved one for complete relaxation or cozying up in one of the fabulously cool, luxurious cabanas. Las Vegas’ most seductive experiences await.
Dining Adventures
Las Vegas knows how to take care of just about any kind of dinner outing, whether it’s heading out with the girls for a night out, celebrating a bachelor party, eating with the kids or spotting celebrities. Restaurants can handle wedding plans, whether getting married or holding a reception, and can help with business, either landing a big deal or entertaining clients. Here’s a look at 12 restaurants in Las Vegas that are ready to cater to every dining whim.
Hot Dates
JUNE 27, 29-30: Gwen Stefani Your favorite “Hollaback Girl” takes over Las Vegas for 25 dates starting in June. Gwen Stefani, the lead singer for No Doubt, got her start with hits such as “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Hey Baby” and “It’s My Life,” has her own L.A.M.B. fashion line inspired by Japanese Harajuku street style, and plays a role as a judge on “The Voice.” Now she stars on the Las Vegas Strip with her big hits including “Spiderwebs,” “Sunday Morning” and “What You Waiting For?” Tickets start at $59. Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.777.2782