Top Stories Las Vegas

Archive for the ‘Attractions’ Category

By Jamie Helmick
Vegas.com

Unless you’re Kyle Busch, you’re probably not ever going to experience the thrill of breakneck speeds, fast-paced action and the checkered flag waving on the horizon from the driver’s seat of your very own stock car.

But, with NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Shelby American and Nationwide Series Sam’s Town 300 races coming to Vegas Feb. 26 – 28, you can experience it in your own way. Sin City offers up several different options to show your NASCAR stripes, before, after and during the races.

As Junior Johnson, who will be greeting fans at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway all weekend, said, “While NASCAR may have its roots in the southeast, the sport has always had a strong following in the western part of the country.”

We’re here to prove it. Read on to keep your vacation from crashing and burning:

To Do

Pole Position Raceway

To get your weekend started off on the right note — meaning one that’s a little bit adventurous and a lot time-saving, catch a NASCAR helicopter flight. Instead of waiting in traffic, fly right in as helicopters depart from Las Vegas and drop you at the Speedway throughout the day on Sunday — giving you more time for pre-race festivities.

If you’re itching to put pedal to metal in a vehicle that may have been used by Kevin Harvick, Travis Pastrana, Al Unser Jr. or Kyle Busch, check out Pole Position Raceway — a favorite for professionals like those or just folks looking for a little adrenaline.

Using racing karts with around 18-horsepower and the capability to go up to 45 miles per hour, Pole Position Raceway houses a quarter-mile European-style track with straightawaways and hairpin turns.

Racers can see their name on a huge screen above the track and check their progress relative to the other contenders. After it’s all over, a scorecard breaks down your splits and speeds for you — and shows exactly who among your friends is the fastest. If you grab a prize beforehand, you can have your own little Vegas Cup race.

For those that prefer to watch cars instead of drive them, Imperial Palace’s Auto Collection, located on the fifth floor of the hotel’s parking structure, is a display like no other, housing more than 300 cars, including racing cars, muscle cars and touring roadsters.

Plus, just a little bit down from the Imperial Palace is the Venetian and Madame Tussauds. Stop in to get your picture taken with a wax likeness of Dale Earnhardt — and get ready for a ton of Facebook comments.

To Eat

Nascar Cafe at Sahara

As Richard Petty and his Cheerios box would tell you, making sure you get a good meal is key and there’s no better place to eat your fill on race weekend than the NASCAR Café inside the Sahara.

The restaurant is massive, with NASCAR memorbilia, including items worn and used by some of NASCAR’s top racers, as well as a Pontiac Gran Prix stock car designed by Dale Earnhardt. Plus, an expansive TV and sound system means if there’s action to be seen, you won’t miss a second of it.

Portions at the NASCAR Café are huge and could definitely keep you full through hundreds of laps. The menu includes American favorites like barbeque and burgers, but also gets a little more adventurous with items like a six-pound burrito.

You read that right, at six pounds and almost two feet long, the NASCAR Café’s B3 (big, badass burrito) and the challenge surrounding it, is like the Daytona 500 of eating. The burrito’s $20, but if you finish the whole thing, it’s free and you get a lifetime pass on the Sahara’s roller coaster, Speed – The Ride. Pace yourself though, or three pounds in you’ll spin out and never catch back up.

While you’re at the Sahara, don’t miss the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway, a simulated race car game that’s not quite the real thing, but still pretty darn fun.

If you’re on the other end of the Strip and hungry, stop into Harrah’s. Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar’s got great food, strong drinks and we’d be willing to bet that you’ll be able to find more than a few people to talk race predictions with.

To See

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

You’ll catch a sample of his work if you’re attending the race on Sunday, but Terry Fator is more than just the guy singing the national anthem. The former America’s Got Talent winner has set up shop at the Mirage and, since you can’t watch cars all the time, why not check out his show? Fator’s pretty confident that the two pair well.

“I believe that my fans and NASCAR fans are one and the same, so it is a match made in heaven,” Fator said. “I grew up in Texas, so you know I’m a NASCAR fan!”

If the song selections from Fator’s show have put you in the mood for some country, check out the tribue show, “American Superstars” at the Stratosphere — it’s not actually Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood singing, but after a long day at the speedway, you’d never know.

To Celebrate

Whether your driver won or you’re just happy to be here, there are plenty of places in town to get your “boogity, boogity, boogity” on.

At Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, you’ve got a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll, and a lot of non-stop good times. Whether you’re riding the mechanical bull, dancing, bowling or just taking advantage of the amazing draft specials, Stoney’s is the spot for post-race festivities.

For action all in one place, check out Town Square. Upstairs there’s Cadillac Ranch, which houses another mechanical bull and is filled with TVs and good food. Downstairs, Yard House keeps more than 100 beers on draft and the bar area is surrounded by TVs to make sure you don’t miss a minute of NASCAR coverage.

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Las Vegas Rocks Cafe at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas.

In retrospect, it probably wasn’t the best idea to venture downtown on a rainy day.

True the Fremont Street Experience is covered by a Viva Vision canopy, and said canopy towers 90 feet above Fremont Street spanning the length of five football fields with more than 12 million LED lights.

Also true, the Viva Vision canopy is by no means rain proof. It’s actually more of an open grid than a canopy. I guess I just never really looked at it very closely, apart from watching the Viva Vision light show.

Note to self: Next time don’t leave the umbrella in the car.

Despite the rain, downtown was still somewhat busy mid-day and the crowds appeared to be having a good time. Tourists of all ages filled the casinos, yet there were still plenty of yard-long margaritas, deep-fried Twinkies and shrimp cocktails to go around.

Gone fishing

The newest building in downtown Las Vegas is the Golden Nugget’s opulent 25-story Rush Tower. The centerpiece of the tower is a 75,000-gallon tropical aquarium, which sits behind the registration desk, inside the new Chart House restaurant. The Tower is just around the corner from the hotel’s Tank pool area, which features a 200,000-square-foot shark tank.

The 1,000 exotic fish in the Chart House aquarium and the Tank sharks are off limits, but you can still “go fishing,” so to speak, across the street in the Vegas Club’s The Lobster Zone, an unsavory cross between a live lobster tank and an arcade game (also spotted at Micky Finnz). I’m not suggesting you spend $2 to try and catch one of these morose-looking lobsters, but if you do succeed in catching one, please do me a personal favor and set the poor little guy free.

Prefer to meet your crustaceans after they’ve already been cooked and placed on a plate? You’re also in luck. (None for me, I’m allergic).

Downtown is still home to the city’s original Shrimp Cocktail at the Golden Gate Hotel. Served with cocktail sauce and a wedge of lemon, the shrimp cocktail is only $1.99.

On Friday nights at Flame Steakhouse in El Cortez, you can eat stone crab claws for only $28 per pound.

If fish (dead or alive) just isn’t your thing, no worries. Maybe you would be more at home at the Beef Jerky Store, located in downtown Las Vegas just to the north of Fremont Street, between the Fremont and Fitzgerald’s casinos.

Or you could go eat tapas in a dome overlooking Fremont Street at the Plaza’s Firefly. Rest assured, no actual  fireflies will be harmed while cooking your meal.

Mermaids is home to deep-fried twinkies, deep-fried oreos and deep-fried arteries. It is also home to a bar with free samples of multi-flavored frozen alcoholic beverages, including mudslide, watermelon and ice tea flavors. If you like what you taste, you can buy a football-shaped cup filled with the stuff, or a yard-long plastic cup.

No smoking

El Cortez is in the process of converting its Vintage and Tower rooms to non-smoking. All the rooms should be smoke free by mid-April. The only smoking rooms that will remain are the Pavilion rooms.

Neonopolis

It’s dead, Jim

With its empty storefronts, boarded up windows and lonely neon signage, Neonopolis looks like the Vegas version of a ghost (down)town.

Still, there are some signs of life.

While the parking garage beneath Neonopolis was eerily empty, my first indication that there was someone else out there was the Telemundo van I was parked next to. Telemundo has a television studio located in Neonopolis.

Also spotted, a Sinful Delights Sweet Shoppe and Las Vegas Rocks Cafe.

And if the rumors are true, Star Trek the Experience, formerly housed at the Las Vegas Hilton, will be opening at Neonopolis sometime this year.

My final reminder to anyone heading downtown. Parking isn’t free. So don’t forget to validate!

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With 2010 only a few days away, do you have plans for New Year’s Eve yet?

Live rock music. A mesmerizing show with millions of lights. Thousands of people. If you still need plans to welcome 2010 in style, why not celebrate at Fremont Street Experience?

During Fremont Street’s 2nd Annual TributePalooza you’ll see concerts by eight tribute bands, a 2009 year-in-review show on the Viva Vision screen, followed by a countdown to midnight with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and an LED virtual fireworks show.

And if you’re a fan of any of the following artists – Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, INXS, Led Zeppelin, No Doubt, U2, Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix – then you’re in for a ride. For only $20 ($10 for locals), this 21-and-older event is sure to rock your socks off. Wristbands can be purchased in advance by calling (702) 678-5600.

With approximately 30,000 visitors, the five-block Fremont Street Experience event is expected to be Vegas’ largest block party. See continuous live concerts on both the 1st Street and 3rd Street stages from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. The performance schedule is as follows:

6 – 7:15 p.m.
INXS-IVE (INXS) – 1st Street Stage
The Joshua Tree (U2) – 3rd Street Stage

7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
Blasphemous Rumours (Depeche Mode) – 1st Street Stage
Fan Halen (Van Halen) – 3rd Street Stage

9:15 – 10:30 p.m.
No Duh (No Doubt) – 1st Street Stage
Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin) – 3rd Street Stage

10:00, 11:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.
“Jimi Hendrix and the Psychedelic Ride” – Main Street Stage

11 – 11:45 p.m. and 12:15 – 1 a.m.
Aeromyth (Aerosmith) – 1st Street Stage
Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses) – 3rd Street Stage

Can’t get enough of your favorite songs?  The party continues after New Year’s and this time, free of charge. The entertainment schedule is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 1 and Saturday, Jan. 2
8 – 9:45 p.m. – Fan Halen, 1st Street Stage
8 – 9:45 p.m. – Blasphemous Rumours, 3rd Street Stage
8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. – “Jimi Hendrix and the Psychedelic Ride,” Main Street Stage
10 p.m. – Midnight – Led Zepagain, 1st Street Stage
10 p.m. – Midnight – Aeromyth, 3rd Street Stage

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Give the gift of coal? Are you serious?

At Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit inside the Luxor, getting coal is a good thing. For all your history buff buddies, you can surprise them with a memento of the RMS Titanic, available in the attraction’s gift shop.

Give the gift (or take home) a commemorative keepsake that was once part of the 5,892 tons of coal loaded onboard the Titanic when it left England almost 100 years ago. Here’s a little fun fact: 159 furnaces burned almost 700 tons of coal each day to drive the ship’s three massive propellers.

Raised from the depths of the North Atlantic, the coal is the only artifact from the ship that can be sold to the public. If you really want to go all out, there’s a 55-pound piece selling for half a million dollars. But if you’re like most of us on a budget, there are coal pieces available for $20 and $45. Each piece of commemorative piece of coal comes with a certificate of authenticity.

And if you’re visiting the attraction Dec. 18 – 20, you’ll get a chance to enjoy complimentary tea and classical music. In addition, Lee Meredith, Titanic historian and author, will give tours each day from 5:30 – 7 p.m., free with paid admission. In the spirit of Christmas, guests who decide to buy a piece of coal and mention “holiday coal” during these dates will receive a discount.

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People may not believe you. They may even call you crazy. But it’s true: Las Vegas has its share of snow in the mountains during the winter months.

You’ll be surprised how many locals spend the day snowboarding, skiing, sledding and tubing. And since it’s only 30 to 45 minutes from the Strip, you can definitely squeeze in some snow time for yourself.

Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is fun for all ages. Located at Mount Charleston’s Lee Canyon area, the resort offers trails fit for all levels.  There are 40 acres of ski terrain (with the longest trail at 3,000 feet) and 30 acres of snowboarding terrain. Snowboarding is really popular at Lee Canyon.  Adventurous types can check out the Darkside Terrain Parks, which offer table-top jumps and assorted rails.

Don’t worry about hauling all of your gear to Vegas — rentals are available. Snowboard and boot rental for one day is only $35. And if you worked up an appetite, there is a café located at the base lodge.

If you’re coming from the Strip, take the I-15 freeway to US 95, heading north. Drive approximately 30 miles to Highway 156 (Lee Canyon). Stay on this road 17 miles to the resort.

You hear all the time about the city’s trendy nightclubs, malls on the Strip and fancy restaurants. Surprise your friends with a story about your time in the mountains instead. See you on the slopes!

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Palm trees, late-night entertainment and all-around craziness don’t really conjure up thoughts of the holidays, but you’d be surprised how much there is to see and do during the season in Las Vegas.

Don’t let the desert and neon lights fool you. From magical garden displays to once-in-a-lifetime holiday shows, Vegas celebrates in style.

Ring in the season with a festive display

What do flying reindeer, a polar bear family, larger-than-life toy soldiers and a Shasta fir tree have in common? They are all components of the Bellagio Conservatory’s elaborate holiday display. Each year, the enchanting winter garden touches the hearts of visitors from all over the world.

“When you get into the Conservatory for this particular display, it’s like we become children again,” said Andy Garcia, director of horticulture for Bellagio Conservatory. “It really is one of my favorites.”

This year’s display includes a polar bear family made from white carnations. Comprised of 35,000 carnations, the bears’ “fur” is kept fresh by a specially designed water drip system.

The polar bear family is considered to be a favorite among visitors: “People have been asking for that, and that is one of the things we do,” Garcia said. “We listen to the guests and the people who are walking through the Conservatory.”

Just steps away, eight “flying” reindeer soar over a giant holiday card made of thousands of blooming flowers. Another fun animal addition is the 7-foot-tall rocking horse, placed right in the center of a working train display. This year, visitors can see snow falling from above the reindeer and polar bear displays: “When the snow comes down from the ceiling, I get moved by that,” said Garcia.

The Conservatory would not be complete without its towering, 42-foot Shasta fir tree. Dressed with thousands of shimmering lights, the breathtaking Christmas tree serves as the Conservatory’s centerpiece. The gigantic ornaments and the 15-foot-tall toy soldiers standing in front of the tree both add the perfect finishing touch.

According to Garcia, the most important thing is the visitors’ reaction: “Every year, we try to bring something different or change the position of the props,” he said. “We have to take care of the flowers every day and make sure they are looking perfect for the duration of the show.”

While it takes perfection to plan out the annual holiday Conservatory display, the horticulture staff’s love for the holidays makes it all worthwhile.

“I still have chills when I come in because of everything within the Conservatory,” Garcia said “It’s peaceful, whimsical, beautiful. When [we] see these things, we go back to how we celebrated the holidays in our homes or countries where we’re from. That says a lot to me.”

Click here to see a video of the Bellagio Conservatory preparing for the holiday.

Mystic Falls a Winter Wonderland

The garden fun doesn’t stop at Bellagio. In addition to a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, thousands of lights and snow-covered lampposts, Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town also features a video and laser show. The 20,000-square-foot indoor atrium, truly brings the holidays to life.

“I think the real attraction of this show is the setting,” said Mike Garms, vice president and general manager at Sam’s Town. “We have a specific video show and a laser light show that is geared toward the holiday themes and it’s just something unique, especially in a desert setting.”

The light show runs at 6, 8 and 10 p.m., and is about 14 minutes long. Guests can also see shooting water “dance” to traditional holiday music like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Let It Snow” and “The Nutcracker.”

Popular with tourists and locals alike, there are about 150-300 visitors per show. “It’s really enjoyed by a lot of different folks,” said Garms. “Everyone [can] come out and enjoy snowfall in the desert and our holiday presentation.”

Staying on the Strip? If you’d like to check out the show, there are buses at Harrah’s and the Riviera that do a continuous loop to Sam’s Town and back. The bus runs 10 times a day. The holiday presentation lasts until Jan 2.

Holiday Cactus Lights

Cactus and lights are two words that usually don’t go together, but Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens makes it work. For almost 16 years, Ethel M has featured an outdoor holiday showcase with more than half a million twinkling lights. It takes more than a month to put the lights up but the results are worth it.

“Our cactus garden is really beautiful,” said Jennifer Gudgel, brand director for Ethel’s Chocolates. “It’s this kind of desert oasis that turns into a chocolate wonderland. It’s unique in its own way because in Vegas, there really isn’t anyone lighting a cactus garden.”

Through Jan. 1, guests can take a quiet stroll through the winding cactus-lined paths to witness the vibrant, colorful lights and approximately 300 different species of cacti. There are benches scattered throughout the garden, perfect for sitting and getting lost in the lights. During the weekends, local choirs and Santa come to visit.

Just steps away, guests enter chocolate heaven. Inside the Ethel M factory, you can see the making of chocolate, as well as a chocolate waterfall flowing onto pretzels and gummy worms: “Everything’s done in store, so guests can see fresh product being made,” noted Gudgel.

Purchase a hot drink at Ethel’s lounge and souvenirs or holiday gift boxes in the gift shop. This year’s festive chocolate flavors include eggnog, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and white chocolate peppermint bark. As always, guests receive a free sample of the seasonal chocolate.

While this is an off-Strip attraction, it still gets it share of attention from locals and tourists alike.

“For me, it’s a great free thing to do over the holidays,” Gudgel said.

The garden is open nightly from sundown to 10 p.m. The chocolate factory is open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Have a Twisted Christmas

If you think cacti and lights are quite the combination, then heavy metal Christmas music will blow your mind.

From Dec. 15 – 17, Twisted Sister brings “Twisted Christmas” to the Las Vegas Hilton. Not only will the band perform hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I Wanna Rock,” “The Price,” and “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N Roll,” they will also rock the stage by putting an interesting spin on all your favorite Christmas songs from their album, “Twisted Christmas.”

Infusing heavy metal with Christmas seems unorthodox, but it worked out for this ’80s hair band.

“It was kind of a happy accident,” explained Jay Jay French, lead guitarist and co-founder of the band. “We were all sitting around rehearsal one day and the words ‘Twisted Christmas’ kind of rolled off my tongue. Turning heavy metal songs into Christmas songs will either destroy our career or boost it. And what did we have to lose?”

The band, in fact, had everything to gain.

“We started a trend and we’re really proud of it,” said French. “What happened was the record became a huge hit. It is the biggest-selling heavy metal Christmas album in the last few years. Now, every single heavy metal band started recording Christmas songs when they all thought that we were crazy three years ago.”

Owning the “Twisted Christmas” album is one thing, but seeing the band live is another. What started out as a small East Coast gig four years ago is now making its way to Vegas.

“It’s a fun show and that’s really the entire inspiration,” he said. “We have a lot of fun with it. When people come and watch us and hear these songs, it brings shock and surprise and they have a great time. The show has really taken a life of its own.”

Even the stage has a bit of a “twist” to it: “The stage looks like Santa Claus’ workshop in hell,” said French. “It’s a beautiful stage and it really helps create the entire mood.”

One may wonder if the wild holiday celebration continues off stage. “Well, we all have kids now, so you can imagine what that’s like!” French joked. “We’re all held hostage by the next generation.”

With the original five members delivering passion on stage like they did years ago, you might consider adding the show to your holiday schedule.

“Nobody thought that we’d be out there doing it, but you know what? It keeps you young!” French said. “You have to find reasons to go and have a good time. And we put as much energy in it today as we did 30 years ago. We love our fans, and we love this whole concept, it’s great.”

Mr. Christmas Andy Williams comes to town

If you’re looking for something just a tad more traditional, Andy Williams brings the true spirit of Christmas to the Las Vegas Hilton Dec. 23 – 24.

Dubbed “Mr. Christmas,” Williams will be performing in Vegas for the first time in years. He didn’t originally intend to do a show in Las Vegas, but a little convincing from his wife did the trick.

Williams is no stranger to Christmas songs. With six Christmas albums and 12 years of Christmas TV specials under his belt, he has also traveled with symphonies and orchestras for his live Christmas shows.

“I’ve been doing Christmas shows, seems like, all my life,” he said. “I like doing them. Beautiful music, beautiful sounds from the orchestra, great lights, Christmas trees, children laughing.”

With his love for the holiday, it’s no surprise he opens the show with his favorite song, “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

“It was written for me in 1963 and I’ve done it ever since then,” Williams explained. “It’s a great song – very happy [and] perfect for the weather.”

No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, celebrating the season in Las Vegas will leave you with a vacation you’ll never forget.

Other Vegas holiday shows and attractions

Andrea Bocelli: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., MGM Grand Garden Arena. Boccelli will perform his hits and songs from his highly-anticipated album, “My Christmas.”

Wynonna Christmas: Saturday, Dec. 19 – Sunday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton. Wynonna Judd does holiday hits, country style.

Mannheim Steamroller: Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Orleans. One of the largest selling Christmas artists of all time.

X-107.5 X-Treme Radio Holiday Havoc 09: Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., The Joint at the Hard Rock. On Friday, Alice in Chains will perform. Smile Empty Soul and Chester Bennington’s Dead By Sunrise open the show. On Saturday, Muse will perform. Cage the Elephant, Paper Tongues and Afghan Raiders open the show.

The 7th Annual Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza: Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m., The Joint at the Hard Rock. Brian Setzer brings his Christmas rock show to Vegas, featuring his 18-piece big band rocking out to classics from his “Christmas Rocks!” CD.

Legends in Concert Holiday Show: Daily through holiday season (dark Wednesdays), 7:30 and 10 p.m., Harrah’s. Celebrity impersonators belt out popular holiday tunes.

Michael McDonald This Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino. Michael McDonald sings his hits and adds his R&B touch to popular Christmas classics.

“The Polar Express 4-D” motion ride at the Excalibur: Through Jan. 6, 2010, Excalibur, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. weekends, 11 am. – 10 p.m. weekdays, $15 or holiday pass (good for “The Polar Express 4-D” and “Spongebob Squarepants 4-D”), $17.95. Based on the popular movie, this journey to the North Pole comes alive in an unforgettable 4-D experience.

Ice Skating Rink: Through Feb. 15, 2010, MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas, noon to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays, 3 – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday, $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. Skate on a floating ice skating rink atop Lake Las Vegas.

Believe in Magic Holiday Show: Starts Nov. 27 for a five-week run, Fashion Show Mall. Features a 35-foot Christmas tree, dancers, artificial snow falling from the ceiling and Santa. For times, call (702) 369-8382.

The Gift of Lights: Through Jan. 3, 2010, Sunset Park on Eastern Avenue, between Warm Springs and Sunset roads, 5 -10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, 5 – 9 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays, $15 per car Fridays, weekends and holidays; $13 Mondays – Thursdays. Drive-through more than 400 animated holiday LED light displays.

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village: Through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., between Torrey Pines Drive and Jones Boulevard, $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for children 3-11. Passports (which include rides) are $16 for adults and $14 for children. Guests must purchase tickets at any CVS pharmacy. Festive trees, holiday displays, Santa, train rides and other winter theme attractions.

Annual Gingerbread Village: Until Dec. 25, Four Seasons Hotel, 24 hours. See 20 gingerbread houses and a working carousel made completely from chocolate and sugar.

Santa in the Shipwreck: Dec. 21 – 24, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. Children may take pictures with Santa with Santa Jaws swimming in the background. Pictures are free with admission.

Winter Lights Festival: Dec. 11-13, 18-24, Springs Preserve, 5 – 9 p.m., $8 for adults, $4 children 5-12, 4 and younger free. Enjoy half a million LED lights shining in an 8-acre garden while listening to carolers and enjoying holiday refreshments at the Springs Café by Wolfgang Puck.

Christmas tree lighting: Dec. 12, M Resort, 5 – 9 p.m., free admission. See the lighting of the nation’s tallest Christmas tree.  Bring the family and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and live performances by local school choirs.

Arctic Display opening: Dec. 9, Palazzo, 5 p.m., free admission. Located at the Palazzo’s waterfall atrium, the Ice King and Queen will pour 225,000 cranberries into a water feature. The holiday garden will also feature a 16-foot-tall polar bear mom and her 6-foot-tall baby polar bear, both made of white poinsettias.

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The Great Santa Run

The start of December means more than just cooler weather. The rodeo is in town. Cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans and boots abound as guests roll in for the National Finals Rodeo Dec. 3 – 12 at Thomas & Mack Center. With the NFR comes a jam-packed line-up of entertainment including Brooks and Dunn, Bill Engvall and Willie Nelson.

Cowboys aren’t the only ones flocking to Vegas this weekend. On Dec. 5 the city will host the 5th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run.

Events

Spruce up your spurs for National Finals Rodeo

The world’s premier rodeo kicks up some dirt once again in Las Vegas. The National Finals Rodeo features the cream of the crop in rodeo competitions. This event takes place Dec. 3 – 12 at Thomas & Mack. Event times vary.

Run Santa, Run: Race will help charity

Put on your running shoes for the 5th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Dec. 5 to raise money for Opportunity Village and break the Guinness World Record for largest Santa gathering.

Festivities take place at Town Square with check in at 8 a.m. and the 5k run/walk at 10 a.m. There is also a 1-mile walk around Town Square. Walkers, runners and other guests can sign a book to be counted for the world record attempt.

An all-ages event, people are encouraged to bring children, and strollers are welcome. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Day of is $45. Fee includes a five-piece Santa suit, race bib and gifts from various Vegas vendors including a ticket to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.

Dining

In Vegas, seven fishes are better than one

Get a taste of Italian culture with the Feast of Seven Fishes at Nove Italiano as Executive Chef Geno Bernardo brings a southern Italian Christmas Eve tradition to guests in Vegas by adding seven new seafood items to the menu. Available only in December, items include baked clams oreganata, stuffed calamari, olive oil poached big eye tuna, marinated fresh sardines and raspberry point oysters.

Nightlife

Andrew Dice Clay shakes things up at the Riviera

Jazz up your Friday night at Sam’s Town
Unwind from the work week with Free Jazz Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sam’s Town through Jan 29, 2010. Enjoy the smooth sounds of various jazz performers including Paris Red, Velvet Sundae and Bobby C and the Windy City Band.

Frankie’s Tiki Room has a 1st birtday party

Frankie’s Tiki Room, celebrates its first anniversary on Dec. 5 with tiki artists, live music by DJ Rex Dart of the Bargain DJ collective and the unveiling of a new limited-edition High Roller tiki mug. Frankie’s, 1712 W. Charleston Blvd., is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Special country music guests at LAX

Best known for their single “Wild at Heart,”American country music group Gloriana get the party going on Dec. 4 at LAX Nightclub at Luxor. The country music hits keep coming with special guests Love and Theft on Dec. 5. The group made its chart debut in early 2009 with the single “Runaway.”

Penthouse potentials compete for photo shoot

Join Penthouse Pet Taya Parker at Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace on Dec. 5 for a chance to win a photo shoot and appearance in “Penthouse” magazine. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Shows

Bill Engvall is performing at Treasure Island

Legends in Concert at Harrah’s puts on a special holiday show through Dec. 30. The show features the usual line-up of impersonators, but each will add a popular holiday song to their performance at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Thu. – Tue. (6:30 p.m. on select days).

A little bit country and a little bit rock ’n’ roll

Blue collar comedy funny man Bill Engvall entertains audiences Dec. 3 – 4 at 9 p.m. at Treasure Island.

Country music group Lonestar performs their hits in their 10 p.m. show at Golden Nugget on Dec. 3.

Country comedian Rodney Carrington leaves audiences in stitches at 10 p.m. at MGM Grand Dec. 3 – 12.

See America’s most controversial comic, Andrew Dice Clay, at the Riviera at 10 p.m. Dec. 3 – 13.

Popular country music duo Brooks and Dunn perform at the Las Vegas Hilton at 10 p.m. Fri.; 9 p.m. Sat. – Sun., Dec. 4 – 6.

Country singer Clay Walker sings his greatest hits in his 10 p.m. show at Golden Nugget Dec. 4 – 5.

Cher dazzles in her show at Caesars Palace at 7:30 p.m. Tue. – Wed., Sat. – Sun. Dec. 5 – 20.

Metallica rocks the house with head-bangin’ hits Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Mandalay Bay.
Celebrate the season with Lee Greenwood’s Tennessee Christmas show Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at Orleans.

All-girl group The LoneStarlets stir up a foot-stomping good time at 10 p.m. Dec. 6 – 9 at Golden Nugget.

See Morrissey perform Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. at Hard Rock Hotel.

Chickenfoot , comprised of legendary rockers Joe Satriani (guitar), former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar (vocals) and Michael Anthony (guitar) and Red Hot Chili Pepper’s drummer Chad Smith, perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Hard Rock Hotel.

Watch living legend Willie Nelson perform “Crazy,” “Red Headed Stranger” and other greatest hits Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. at Planet Hollywood. Nelson will be joined by special guest Asleep at the Wheel.

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How can you not love polar bears?

They’re cute, cuddly and so good with their cubs.

But with us, they might be a little too aggressive. Luckily the bears at the Palazzo and Bellagio don’t bite.

The Palazzo celebrates the holiday season with its Arctic-inspired winter wonderland display. The seasonal décor includes a 16-foot-tall polar bear mom and her 6-foot-tall baby polar bear. These polar bears are made up of 10,000 white poinsettias. Together, the bears weigh approximately 5,000 pounds.

On Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. in the hotel’s waterfall atrium, the Ice King and Queen will pour 225,000 cranberries donated by Ocean Spray into a water feature. In addition to the cranberries and polar bears, you’ll also get a chance to see snow falling from the ceiling, completing the arctic theme.

The Palazzo partnered with Polar Bear International (PBI) to raise awareness about the conservation of polar bears. A portion of the proceeds of each poinsettia sold will be donated to PBI, developed by Ecke Ranch.

Palazzo isn’t the only attraction featuring these cuddly creatures. Starting Dec. 6, the Bellagio Conservatory will also feature a polar bear family. Comprised of 35,000 carnations, the bear’s “fur” (see photo) is kept fresh by a specially designed water drip system. A popular display with tourists and locals alike, the polar bear family brings back all the holiday memories we shared when we were young. In addition to the polar bear display, visitors can see other animal additions like pecan-encrusted reindeer and a 7-foot-tall rocking horse.

Everyone is welcome and both attractions are free. These displays will be available through the end of the holidays. You’ll definitely have a “bear-y” good time.

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KISS performs at the Palms

 Your turkey isn’t the only thing getting stuffed for Thanksgiving. This weekend, Vegas is busting at the seams with activities for guests of all ages.

Take a stroll through one of the holiday attractions or laugh until your sides hurt with comedy headliners including Bill Cosby, Jay Leno and David Spade. Basketball fans can spend the weekend at the Las Vegas Invitational College Basketball Tournament at the Orleans Arena while partiers gear up for a wild night on the dance floor with Paul Oakenfold spinning inside Rain at the Palms. Music fans can rock and roll all night with a performance by legendary music group KISS at the Palms.

Attractions

Experience the North Pole at the Excalibur

Take a magical journey to the North Pole with Polar Express 4-D Experience on Excalibur’s Fantasy Faire level.

Based on the popular movie, Polar Express 4-D Experience is a multi-sensory adventure complete with faux snow. Open daily through Jan. 6, 2010, hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon. – Thu.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun. Cost is $15.

Magical Forest will enchant guests

Experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season with a stroll through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village, located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

Enjoy an enchanted forest, photos with Santa and entertainment by local performing groups. Take in the sights on foot or hop on the Forest Express, a train that winds its way through the two-acre display. Kids of all ages can delight in a ride on the Enchanted Carousel. The Gift Box Café offers tasty treats. All proceeds benefit Opportunity Village.

This attraction is open daily through Jan. 2, 2010 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sun. – Thu.; 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fri. – Sat. Tickets start at $7.50 for children (ages 3 – 11) and $9.50 for adults (ages 12 and up). For more information, call (702) 225-XMAS.

Mystic Falls Park is a winter wonderland

Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town transports guests to a winter wonderland. Located in the hotel’s 25,000-sqaure-foot indoor park, this festive attraction features various scenes with animated animals and a light and water show choreographed to holiday music.

The free 15-minute show takes place at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. daily, but the display can be enjoyed throughout the day until Jan. 2, 1010.

Sports

Nothing but net at this basketball tournament

Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Las Vegas Invitational College Basketball Tournament live at Orleans Arena. The field of eight teams includes Seattle University, Presbyterian College, Wofford College and Southern University. The tournament is Nov. 27 – 28 with each team playing both days of the event and the championship round taking place on the final day. Games start at noon.

Nightlife

Kick up your cowboy boots at Stoney’s

Thanksgiving night Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, is treating ladies to $1 admission and $1 drink specials. Get ready for some boot scootin’ boogie with free dance lessons starting at 7:30 p.m. On Nov. 27 Stoney’s will host legendary American country music band Reckless Heart at 9 p.m. Guests who arrive early can enjoy free well wine and draft beer from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10.

Perfecto at the Palms with Oakenfold, Pavo

Electrifying beats by famous DJ Paul Oakenfold and Pavo provide the perfect opportunity to work off that Thanksgiving feast on the dance floor at Rain Nightclub at the Palms on Nov. 28. Doors open at 11 p.m.

Ask yourself, ‘Are you the next Miss Playboy?’

Head to Playboy Club at the Palms on Nov. 29 as gorgeous women compete to be Miss Playboy November. Pop sensation Matt Goss and creator of the world-famous Pussycat Dolls, Robin Antin, will judge. Doors open at 11 p.m.

Zowie Bowie does Vintage Vegas

Stay classy on Sunday nights at Cufflinks and Cocktails at Brand Steakhouse at Monte Carlo, featuring cast and crew from the Zowie Bowie Vintage Vegas show. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Pure Fun with Scott the Engineer

On Nov. 28 dance off that pumpkin pie to beats by Howard Stern’s Scott the Engineer spinning at Pure inside Caesars Palace. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Shows

Headliners take the stage in Vegas

Bill Cosby performs at Treasure Island

From Bill Cosby to “America’s Got Talent Live,” these headliners give audiences a change to experience some of their favorite television moments live.

David Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear — watch him perform his larger-than-life illusions at MGM Grand Nov. 26 – Dec. 2 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. nightly; plus 4:30 p.m. Sat.

Audiences in Vegas can experience all the fun and excitement of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” live at Planet Hollywood. Hosted by celebrity talk show host Jerry Springer, the production features this year’s top performers including million dollar winner Kevin Skinner. See it Nov. 26 – Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., Wed. – Sun.

Barry Manilow performs audience favorites in “ULTIMATE MANILOW: The Hits” at Las Vegas Hilton Nov. 27 – 29 at 8 p.m.

Out of the television and onto the stage – Jay Leno’s jokes resonate even more with the crowd in person. See the Emmy Award-winning talk show host live at Mirage Nov. 27 – 28 at 10 p.m.

Comedian and actor Bill Cosby is no stranger to the spotlight. See him at Treasure Island Nov. 27 at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Funnyman David Spade delights audiences with his sarcastic, sharp-tongued brand of humor in his show at the Venetian on Nov. 27 – 28 at 9 p.m.

Cher delivers a parade of hits and stunning Bob Mackie-designed costumes in her show at Caesars Palace on Nov. 28 – 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Renowned Psychic John Edward crosses over Vegas for a show at the Flamingo Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.

Rock and roll all night long with legendary rock band KISS live at the Palms Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.

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