Photo by: Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
One of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where each season and holiday, senior director of horticulture and facilities Ed Libby and the horticultural team create amazing displays. This month, the attraction honors the 2026 Lunar New Year (the Year of the Horse) with multiple vignettes throughout each garden bed. It’s an incredible display with thousands of floral and botanical elements interwoven with sculptural pieces.
“Our vision for this year’s display was to capture the bold, fearless and majestic spirit of the horse while creating an immersive space that inspires optimism and renewal,” said Libby in a news release. “We hope it inspires guests to celebrate the excitement of the season and embrace the good fortune the new year brings.”
That vision starts in the west bed, where three enormous, tiled gold horses with flowing manes gallop in front of you, truly bringing the fire horse to mind. Behind them is a peaceful waterfall and to the side a stately jade pagoda. Overhead, strings of fireworks are ready to ignite and sparkling fireworks shine. Flanking the scene are massive fu dogs, guarding against misfortune and attracting wealth.
Photo by: Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
In the south bed, you’ll find many elements of Asian culture around a tranquil koi pond. In the foreground, a koi is captured mid-jump, while small children and enormous playful pandas frolic about and a dragon looks on. Overhead, Chinese lanterns and huge flowers hang.
“Designed as a vibrant gathering place, this installation ushers in the new year with energetic artistry, cultural enlightenment and time-honored tradition,” said Libby. That statement certainly applies to this bed, where you’ll find the Garden Table, located in the rear in an elegant tea pavilion with dim lanterns adorning the table. The Garden Table can be reserved, and in honor of Lunar New Year is serving prix fixe lunches and dinners from Noodles, Bellagio’s popular Pan-Asian restaurant, throughout the month ($118.88 per person for lunch, $158.88 per person for dinner; reservations required. Call 702.693.7075 for more information and to reserve a seat).
As elaborate as the south and west bed are, there are more vistas to discover in the east and north beds. The north bed has a new, larger-than-life character, Ajla the Cheerful Child, which has been woven from preserved roses and seeds, who juggles coins as she greets visitors. A traditional new year greeting, “Gung Hay Fat Choy (Wishing You Prosperity)” is spelled out in flower petals, while cherry blossom and mimosa trees bloom all around. And overhead, red and gold lanterns hang. Behind it all, animated fireworks go off while music plays.
The east bed features the god of wealth, Caishen, revered as bestowing prosperity and good fortune. A money tree, gold ingots and shining coins complete the scene around him—surely, he’ll pass his blessings on to you.
Bellagio. 702.693.7111 or bellagio.mgmresorts.com
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