Las Vegas has what you need to get in the holiday spirit

It seems like the whole of December is a lead-in to the day the head elf makes his magical flight, and we have to admit, we’re here for it. And if you’re here for it, too, Las Vegas has lots of goodies just ready to be unwrapped, and lots of merriment to be made. Check out this smattering of special fun this week, perfect to take you into the holiday proper. 

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens has done it again with the holiday-themed ’Twas. Check out a dazzling display of lights and decorations, all evoking the larger-than-life holiday themes of A Visit From St. Nicholas, with tall Christmas trees, elves, sleighs, reindeer, a toy train, stockings hung over the fireplace and so much more. And it’s primarily done with floral and natural elements—fir trees, poinsettias and preserved roses are just part of the picture. 

At Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, catch Santa in the Shipwreck, where good little boys and girls aged 12 and younger can get their photos taken with the jolly old elf (free with paid admission) on Dec. 15 and 21-24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At 4 p.m., Santa jumps into his scuba suit and swims through the exhibit. Plus, keep an eye out for Santa Jaws, who periodically appears for photos and fun.

If you are a fan of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, head to AREA15, where you can enjoy the movie in a whole new way. The showing inside The Portal creates a special twist with immersive visuals, plus serves guest specialty themed cocktails.

Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden is already well-known among locals for its amazing chocolate assortments, but it also hosts a seasonal spectacular that showcases over a million lights strung among the cactuses. With 3 acres of desert plants lit up, the stroll down to visit Santa couldn’t be more pleasant. Plus, hot chocolate and snacks are available. You can also pick up holiday candies in the gift shop, perfect for sending off to Grandma.

Could you ever get tired of Santa? No! FSLV—Fashion Show Las Vegas lets you take snapshots with the big guy through Dec. 24, and you can reserve a time to make it more convenient. But that’s not the only camera fun here—check out the retro-themed Road Trip: North Pole, a “pit stop” with plenty of spots for a pic. Plus, you can knock out your shopping at the same time—we doubt you couldn’t find a great gift. 

Hungry? Definitely check out the “It’s a White Christmas” holiday pop-up menu at Bar Zazu at Resorts World Las Vegas, where until Dec. 31 you can enjoy Tuscan beef tartare with gnocchi fritto, winter squash formato, Parmigiano Reggiano risotto, porcini-rubbed scallop and fiore di latte gelato with glazed figs.

Imbibing? Shopping? Both? Definitely stop by The Mob Museum, where moonshine is produced at an in-house distillery. You’ll want to indulge in a holiday cocktail or two at the speakeasy-style The Underground before making your purchase.

But that’s not the only place to enjoy a little pick-me-up. March right into Sippin’ Santa at The Sand Dollar Downtown at Plaza, where you’ll find a tiki-style Christmas paradise. There are plenty of festive cocktails like the Kris Kringle Colada, live music and groovy decorations in this holiday hot spot.

At Mandalay Bay, the Foundation Room Jingle Bar offers amazing views along with a special menu of seasonal cocktails. Sip the Ta-Ta, Turboman!, an adult affogato; the Sandy Claws’ Surprise, a mint espresso martini; and other treats while enjoying the holiday décor.

As long as you’re at Mandalay Bay, you might want to head into Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, where A Christmas Parlor serves holiday cocktails inspired by the beloved Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. Enjoy tasty eats and the nostalgic décor as you are swept back to another time. Plus, there’s always the chance you’ll win a major prize, right?

Westgate Las Vegas has gone all out with its Christmas Suite, an elegant, festive retreat decked out in holiday cheer. With twinkling lights and a whole space just bursting with holiday decor, including life-sized Nutcrackers, plenty of Christmas trees and swag galore, it will get you in the seasonal mood, even if it’s summer. And by the way, the suite is available all year long, so you may just want to make plans to celebrate Christmas in July now. 

In The Shops at Crystals, you’ll find gorgeous décor, including a 55-foot holiday tree, which is bejeweled in more than 5,000 Swarovski ornaments. Plus, throughout the high-end retail center, displays of holiday-inspired ball gowns give you something to aspire to.

Laugh your way through the holidays with A Very Terry Christmas at The STRAT. Ventriloquist and singer Terry Fator presents his annual festivities, complete with visits from his most famous characters, dropping in to share Christmas cheer and possibly a few carols.

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