2011 Christmas in Las Vegas

 

It will soon be Christmas again… how time flies! Are you ready to exchange presents, eat another turkey and listen to some carols? Well, if you plan to do this in Las Vegas, you can add a spot of gambling to that and maybe give yourself a nice wad of cash for Christmas. I know some of you will spend Christmas and New Year’s eve in this fantastic city – well, let me tell you, you are in for some great fun.

 

Let's face it, Las Vegas is known for doing everything big. Christmas is no exception. The holiday season is actually a great time to visit Las Vegas. However, I am hoping you plan ahead and get your flight tickets early because things get pricey and sell out fast around that time of year. If you haven't, no worries, it’s not too late to find something if you search now. There are still some tricks you can use to get decent prices. Check out these tips for help on how to get flights to Las Vegas for a considerable discount. Also don't forget to use Las Vegas hotel discount promotion codes when booking your room.

 

The Vegas strip is full of holiday spirit as the casinos try to out-do each other with decorations, lights and mega-Christmas trees. If you like shows, check out the list of our recommended Las Vegas Christmas shows below. These shows sell out fast, so if plan to see one, get your tickets as early as possible.

 

Things you should know about Christmas in Las Vegas

 

Christmas day 2011 in Las Vegas is actually going to be very crowded on the Vegas strip.

 

Everything will be open. I mean everything. shops, casinos, bars, restaurants, buffets, attractions. You name it, it will be open on Christmas day.

 

On Christmas day all the buffets have special pricing which comes out to almost double their regular price. It might make sense to eat at a hotel cafe. They usually have the best prices on that day and are open 24/7.

 

If money is not an issue here is a list of highly recommended restaurants you might consider calling ahead of time to make a reservation.

 

This is one day you have to make dinner reservations. If you are going to any restaurant on Christmas day either book ahead of time or be prepared to wait in line for a very long time.

 

With that said, if Las Vegas is beckoning you this coming holiday season, here are a few things you might want to put on your to-do list. You'll also find lots of resources and some money saving tips on this site while planning your Christmas in Las Vegas.

 

Note: This year, Christmas day falls on Sunday, December 25, 2011. Expect the Vegas strip to be very crowded on Christmas day. Dress warm and have a great time. Happy Holidays.

 

Things to do on Christmas day in Las Vegas

 

Below is a list of Las Vegas Christmas Events

 

 

Get into the spirit at the Bellagio. Is there a more romantic way to spend Christmas day than watching the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio? The free fountain water show is performed to Christmas music (see the list of songs below) and is just a beautiful sight. While you are there, step inside the Bellagio to see the Atrium which is completely done up for Christmas. (click here for a video clip)

 

 

Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes winter with a holiday display rich in nostalgia. The displays feature flying reindeer made of whole pecans, a polar bear family created with white carnations and a seven-foot-tall, custom-sculpted rocking horse in the midst of a whimsical rail display featuring a working Bellagio-emblazoned train. The centerpiece is a 42-foot Shasta Fir tree featuring thousands of holiday lights. The holiday display is available for guests to enjoy for free from December 6 through January 2. If you get there between 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., look out for "Mr. and Ms. Green Thumb" who will be on hand daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to answer guest questions about the displays.

 

 

If you can get to Henderson, NV., then a visit to the Chocolate Wonderland at Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden is a must see. This is one of the coolest holiday things you can do in Las Vegas. The huge Ethel M's cactus garden out front features a spectacular display of more than half a million holiday lights, chocolate houses and sculptures, and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate creations. Santa Claus visits the place at stipulated hours.

The display will be open from Nov. 16 - Jan 1; daily 5pm -10 p.m. and free to the public. (your kids will love this one)

 

Ethel M invites visitors to experience the Holiday Cactus Garden like never before – in 3-D. Visitors can purchase 3-D glasses inside the Ethel M store located next to the garden, throughout the holiday season.

 

 

Las Vegas has some of the world's best malls and esplanades. One of the great things about Las Vegas shops and malls are their annual holiday displays. Each store puts together beautifully designed windows to celebrate the season (as well as entice you into their store).

 

Celebrate the season - the shopping season, that is. Not just one, but many glorious venues await with more than 1000 shops to fill every item on your holiday checklist.

Put on your walking shoes and make a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Boulevard Mall, Fashion Show mall, Las Vegas Outlet Center or Le Boulevard at Paris and the high-end Via Bellagio. All will be open Christmas Eve and Day.

 

 

3720 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas

The Crystals shopping center at CityCenter, (on the Vegas strip) is a sight to see. At Christmas, this shopping center is decked out with thousands of fresh flowers for the holiday season. Even if you don't have the budget to shop at luxury retailers like Prada and Louis Vuitton, the mall is worth a visit just to see the elaborate holiday window displays.

 

Feast your eyes on tons of white and pink poinsettias throughout the mall as well as red and silver candy-like twists hanging from the ceiling. In the spirit of the season, the mall also features live music from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Crystals is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

 

 

Visit the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. The venue has become a major tourist attraction for downtown Las Vegas, and is also the location of the Neon Museum at the Fremont Street Experience and the city's annual New Year's Eve party, complete with fireworks on the display screen. The concerts are usually free, and held on two sound stages.

 

 

Again for Christmas 2011, the Springs Preserve plans to illuminate it's eight-acre garden and surrounding area with half-million eco-friendly LED lights illuminated by solar power. Children of all ages and adults alike will be mesmerized by the colorful and breathtaking displays of nature.

 

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Springs Preserve's annual Winter Lights Festival, you should definitely add it on your list of things to do this Christmas in Las Vegas.

In addition to the spectacular light display, guests enjoy entertainment from strolling performers, festive craft activities, rides on a "reindeer" pony, and a holiday sleigh or kiddie train. Holiday inspired treats and green gift options are available throughout the Preserve and the kids will have an opportunity to visit with Santa.

 

Last years Winter Lights Festival dates and time were: Dec. 3 to 4, 10 to 11, 17 to 23 from 5pm to 9 p.m.

Tickets were $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 12 and free for those 4 and under. Members receive half-off regular-priced admission. For more information, call (702) 822-7700. No reservations required.

Visit the website for more information

 

 

 

 

 

5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas

Considered one of the great Las Vegas attractions, the Mystic Falls indoor park at Sam's Town goes through a transformation at Christmas time.

 

Mystic Falls indoor park is a holiday haven this time of the year with a 30-foot Christmas tree, decorated with thousands of lights and displays of polar bears fishing in the pond. Bring your camera and enjoy this winter wonderland that is set to holiday tunes.
Guests can also enjoy a free 15-minute show nightly at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Mystic Falls is free and open 24 hours a day.

 

 

Silverton Hotel & Casino

3333 Blue Diamond Rd.,

Las Vegas, NV 89139

Visitors can see Santa Claus dressed up in scuba gear and submerged in the Silverton's 117,000-gallon aquarium. Santa will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. The aquarium is free to the public. Bring the kids and take lots of pictures.

(702) 263-7777.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino. Every year, the hotel lobby and the waterfall area near the Palazzo shops, are decked out with snow-covered trees measuring up to 20-feet tall, swirling holiday lights, giant pine cones, thousands of fresh poinsettias. This is a must see along the Vegas strip. The display is open to the public 24 hours a day and will run until the new year.

 

 

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway celebrates Nevada's largest Christmas Light Show by lighting up the speedway from Nov. 18 until Jan. 1. Featuring more than 400 animated and sparkling displays along a 2.5-mile drive-through course.

 

 

 

Christmas is a time for giving. What better way to give this time of year than a visit to the Magical Forest which is celebrating its 19th year of providing holiday joy to the Las Vegas community. Join the more than 150,000 people that visit the Forest every year. Feast your eyes at the more than three million lights on hundreds of decorated trees. Ride the Forest Express passenger train, take a spin on the Carousel or visit Santa. There is fun for the whole family and plenty of special events and offers throughout the Forest season.

 

The Magical Forest is open nightly at 5:30pm from November 20 – January 1, closing Sundays – Thursdays at 9pm and at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

*** ALL Proceeds raised at the Magical Forest will benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village

 

 

Recommended Las Vegas shows to see this Christmas

 

O by Cirque du Soleil
O by Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil weaves an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance in the timeless production, “O.” A continuous visual montage that combines circus acts, acrobatics, synchronized swimming and high diving. (more info..) Showing at the Bellagio No Shows -December 7-20, 2011 Bellagio "O" Tickets 2012 Prices from $104 Video Clip
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is a dynamic, crowd-pleasing production. Broadway’s biggest success story takes viewers behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and follows their rags-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way to the heights of stardom. Featuring such hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Oh, What a Night,” and more, “Jersey Boys” has everyone singing along just like the crowds of Broadway. (more info..)   Showing at the Paris Las Vegas Prices from $   Video Clip
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular is one the Strip's most popular hits. Staged in the Venetian’s magnificent $40 million custom-built theatre, The Phantom of the Opera is a 95-minute production that includes every song from the original and is directed by 20-time Tony award-winner Harold Prince. (more info...)   Showing at the Venetian Prices from $110 Video Clip
The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil
LOVE brings together the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the spirit and passion of the most beloved rock group of all time – The Beatles. The exuberance of The Beatles will be channeled through the youthful, urban energy of a cast of 60 international artists. Explores the essence of love that John, Paul, George and Ringo inspired during their astonishing adventure together Performance: 7:00pm & 10:00pm, Thursday through Monday Dark Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (more info ...)   Showing at the Mirage   Prices from $87 Video Clip
Blue Man Group
Although almost impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group's Las Vegas Show at The Venetian is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. Join the celebration and experience this one-of-a-kind performance for yourself at the 1,760-seat theater created especially for the trio’s unique brand of excitement. (more info...) Showing at the Venetian Video Clip

 

 

Best Las Vegas Shows 2012	Best Las Vegas Buffets 2012
Best Las Vegas Hotels	Best Las Vegas Nightclubs 2012

 

20% Off select O by Cirque du Soleil Tickets starting at $91.52 Bellagio "O" Tickets 2012	KA Internet Offer. Adult tickets from $75.90; Child: from $37.95 "KA" Tickets Jan - April 2012
LOVE 20% Off Internet Only Offer. Adult tickets from $87.12 LOVE Tickets 2012	Viva Elvis Internet Offer 25% Off. Tickets starting at $81.68
Criss Angel Believe - $76 Cirque du Soleil Winter Offer
Dinner & Show Tickets $65.56 Tournament of Kings Tickets 2012	35% Off Category 2 and Category 3. Tickets from $63.00

 

Las Vegas Christmas Discount Coupons

 

2011 Las Vegas Christmas on a tight budget

 

We are constantly searching for ways to save you money this coming holiday season. In the coming weeks, this section will be updated with all the Las Vegas freebies you can take advantage of. From free show coupons, to free attractions, to buffet coupons. Check back regularly to take advantage of these offers.

 

The 2011 Fountains of Bellagio Christmas Music

 

Hallelujah Chorus Artist: Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Composer: Handel. Work: The Messiah. Year: 1992. Length 3:53	Carol of the Bells Artist: Los Angeles Master Chorale. Composer: M. Leontovich. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1996. Length 1:29
O Holy Night Artist: Placido Domingo. Composer: Placide Clappeau. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1984. Length 3:57	It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Artist: Johnny Mathis. Composer: Meredith Wilson. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1997. Length 2:18
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Artist: Johnny Mathis. Composer. Eddie Pola & George Wyle. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1997. Length 2:45	We Need a Little Christmas Artist: Johnny Mathis. Composer: Jerry Herman. Work: Mame, Broadway Musical. Year: 1997. Length 1:54
Sleigh Ride Artist: Johnny Mathis. Composer: Leroy Anderson. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1997. Length 2:57	Santa Baby Artist: Madonna. Composer: J. Javita & P. Springer. Work: Christmas Carol. Year: 1987. Length 3:57

Click here to see a video clip

 

 

Important Las Vegas Links

 

Things To Do	Las Vegas Money Saving Tips
Where to Eat	Las Vegas Hotel Promo Codes
How to Get Around	First time Visitor Tips
Taxi Fare from McCarran Airport	New Year's Eve in Las Vegas

 

Share your Christmas experience in Las Vegas

 

Comments to date: 13. Page 1 of 1.

Tatiana	Dec 25, 2011
If the shopping center is inside a casino they will be open christmas day. If it is a stand alone like the fashion show mall it will be closed on christmas day. Weather is generally around 50 degrees F during the day and 30 degrees during the evening.
Annie b	Dec 2, 2011
Best christmas show in Vegas is the Christmas show At he fashion show mall. Every weekend It runs every two hours. Takes place on the runway. Santa and his elves(actually NYC rockette style dancers) sing and dance. It actually snows during the show.! And it's free! Great show or all ages. Ha... read more »
Anonymous	Dec 2, 2011
Most stores on the strip are open Christmas day, the lights will possibly be up the first week of January, there's indoor skydiving or gameworks for an 18 year old boy, and it's cold in Vegas is December.
Hi	Dec 20, 2010
Spring Preserve canceled the event yesterday 12/19/10 because bad weather
liked las vegas	Dec 17, 2010
Merry Christmas body !!! LAS VEGAS !!!
brenda cheveldayoff	Dec 13, 2010
Is the stores open for shopping xmas day?
vicky	Nov 13, 2010
whats the weather like on xmas day?
jjshopper	Nov 7, 2010
will the christmas lights still be up in the first week of january?
cathie	Jun 17, 2010
wheres the best place 2 get married
keelie	Dec 12, 2009
what do las vegars eat fo christmas dinner love
Trudy	Nov 3, 2009
Where is the best place for a sit down christmas dinner?
web admin	Oct 25, 2009
Click the "Things to do in Las Vegas" link and click "Shopping". All the malls listed on that page will be open.
Ruth	Oct 25, 2009
What malls will be open christmas day? I want to take the family and let them shop for christmas day.

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