It’s 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 2009 Las Vegas Christmas shows below.

 

Things you should know about Christmas in Las Vegas

 

Christmas day 2009 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.

 

Things to do on Christmas day in Las Vegas

 

Bellagio Fountains

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.

 

CityCenter's Grand Opening

Christmas 2009 will be special in Las Vegas with the opening of ARIA Resort & Casino on December 16 at the City Center. You can actually make reservations now to be one of the first people to stay at this dazzling urban resort destination on the Center Strip.

 

 

Also opening around 2009 Christmas time in Las Vegas are the

 

Vdara Hotel & Spa - Opened December 1, 2009

 

Crystals retail and entertainment district - Opened December 3, 2009

 

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas - Opened December 4, 2009

 

ARIA Resort & Casino - Opened December 16, 2009

 

The Harmon - Opening Late 2010

 

Residential occupancies slated to begin mid-January 2010

 

Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden

 

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 is open daily 5pm -10 p.m.

 

Shop, Shop, Shop till you drop

 

Las Vegas has some of the world's best malls. 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). Put on your walking shoes and definitely make a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesars, 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 will also be open Christmas Eve and Day. This is something certainly worth including on any holiday trip to Las Vegas.

 

Fremont Street Experience

 

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.

 

Winter Lights Festival at Springs Preserve

 

Again for Christmas 2009, the Springs Preserve plans to illuminate it's gardens with half-million eco-friendly LED lights. 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 will enjoy live performances of holiday music and festive craft activities, while the kids will have an opportunity to visit with Santa.

 

Winter Lights Festival 2009 dates and time: Dec. 11 to 13 and Dec. 18 to 24 from 5pm to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $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.

Visit the website for more information

 

 

Note: Expect the Vegas strip to be very crowded on Christmas day. Dress warm and have a great time. Happy Holidays.

 

 

2009 Las Vegas Christmas Shows

 

Las Vegas Hilton Christmas Shows

Wynonna - A Classic Christmas
Date: December 19-20, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM
Price: $39-$49 (plus tax and service charge)
Click here for more information

 

 

 

Andy Williams - Christmas Show
Date: December 23-24, 2009
Time: 8:00PM
Price: From $49-$89 (plus tax and service charge)
Click here for more information

 

 

 

 

Buffalo Bills Christmas Shows

 

BB King

Dec 26 Saturday 8pm

Tickets $43.95 - $60.45 +tax & fee

 

Click here for more information

 

Boys II Men with Salt-N-Pepa
Dec 27 Sunday 8pm

Tickets $32.95 - $43.95 +tax & fee

 

Click here for more information

 

 

Merle Haggard
Dec 31 Thursday 10pm

Tickets $49.45 - $82.45 +tax & fee

 

Click here for more information

 

 

Other shows going on around Christmas

 

Frankie Avalon @ Cannery

Special New Year's Eve Show featuring Frankie Avalon

Dec 31 Thursday 10:30pm Tickets: Starting at $59

Click here for more information

 

 

 

 

Jerry Seinfeld @ Caesars Palace

Dec 26 Saturday at 7:30pm
Dec 27 Sunday at 7:30pm

Tickets $75.00 - $150.00 +tax & fee

 

 

The Brian Setzer Orchestra @ Hard Rock

Dec 23 Wednesday at 8pm

Tickets $55.00 - $75.00 +tax & fee

Click here for more information

 

The Black Eyed Peas @ Mandalay Bay
Dec 29 Tuesday at 8pm

Dec 30 Wednesday at 8pm

Tickets $65.00; $95 & $130.00 +tax & fee

Click here for more information

 

 

 

The 2010 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

 

Aria Las Vegas Promotion Code

 

ARIA "Winter Special" Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter - Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 - Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10)

 

Click here for more discount codes

 

Vdara Las Vegas Promotion Code

 

Vdara "Winter Special" Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 - Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10)

 

Click here for more discount codes

 

 

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
Distance & Taxi Fare from McCarran Airport	New Year's Eve Celebration in Las Vegas

 

 

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