Christmas lights are almost redundant in a place like Las Vegas, the eternally glowing city whose preternatural radiance is visible even from outer space. Nevertheless, the holidays are a festive time in the Entertainment Capital of the World, and the city feverishly celebrates the occasion with seasonal events that are fun for the whole family.
If you’re spending Christmas with us at tropical Tahiti Resort, a South Pacific-themed property just minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip, you should take the time to sample the many wondrous attractions throughout the city – attractions that belie the notion of Las Vegas as nothing but an adult playground.
LAS VEGAS STRIP
Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory
The dancing waters outside the Bellagio, just three miles from Tahiti Resort on the Las Vegas Strip, put on a special holiday show featuring classic holiday tunes on the half and quarter hours throughout the Christmas season. While you’re there, step inside the hotel and marvel at the awe-inspiring Christmas display at the Bellagio Conservatory. It’s a spectacular winter wonderland that features abundant lights, poinsettias and a 40-foot Christmas tree!
Cosmo, Mandalay Bay, LINQ
While you’re on the Strip be sure to take in the holiday attractions at the Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay and the LINQ. Nothing is more emblematic of the holiday season than the Cosmopolitan’s rooftop ice skating rink overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll find fire pits, plenty of places to sit, and a menu of warm cocktails, comfort foods and hot chocolate. Snow showers fall every 30 minutes to complement the wintry holiday atmosphere. There is also a 65-foot digital marquee showing holiday movies while skaters navigate the 4,200-square foot rink.
ARIA
Not far from Tahiti Resort Las Vegas, the sweetest holiday attraction on the Strip resides at Aria, in whose lobby resides a 15-foot tall gingerbread house. The three-tiered display is seven feet wide, 12 feet deep and is comprised of more than 400 pounds of gingerbread in addition to more than 60,000 peppermints, 200 pounds of icing, 80 pounds of chocolate and more than 1,000 pounds of candy. It is accompanied by a 5-foot-tall gingerbread man who tips the scales at a svelte 120 pounds. Please resist the temptation to sample. The gingerbread house is for viewing only.
Venetian and Palazzo
These center Strip sister properties celebrate the holidays with thousands of lights, towering Christmas trees and nightly shows.
The Venetian’s 65-foot-tall Christmas Tree is lit with 50,000 programmable LED lights, adorned with more than 5,000 ornaments and weighs more than 12,000 pounds. It takes approximately 12 people nearly three days to install.
The Palazzo’s winter gardens feature white poinsettias, ice branches and glittering frosted trees courtesy of the resort’s horticulture team. Hand-crafted white and pearl peacock statues overlook the guests.
Wynn
Not to be outdone, the neighboring Wynn celebrates the season with festive activities and events throughout the resort.
CELEBRATE LIKE A LOCAL
Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden
Located in suburban Henderson, about 13 miles east of Tahiti Resort Las Vegas, Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden is one of Las Vegas’ favorite holiday attractions. The three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden, adjacent to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, is a sight to behold during the holiday season and features more than one million lights. Open through January 1, 2020, the annual event is free to attend. Visit us on select nights for choir performances in the garden and photos with Santa.
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Celebrate the holidays with a cherished Southern Nevada tradition – the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village! The Magical Forest, approximately five miles north of Tahiti Resort Las Vegas, is filled with sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and endless holiday cheer. Every year through Dec. 31 Opportunity Village’s Las Vegas grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring hundreds of trees lit with millions of bright LED lights and fun activities. Don’t miss it!
Mystic Falls Park Light and Water Show
Every year Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, approximately 12 miles east of Tahiti Resort Las Vegas on Boulder Highway, transforms its pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park Light and Water Show into a Winter Wonderland experience. The holiday display gives visitors a peek inside Santa’s workshop, where the elves are busy making toys and loading the sleigh. A nine-minute holiday laser light show features classic holiday tunes and runs daily every hour.
Book a visit to sunny Tahiti Resort, a French Mediterranean-themed timeshare property just three miles west of the world famous Las Vegas Strip.