Yes, Virginia, there really is a Christmas in Vegas.  In fact, it happens all over the city, from North to South, East to West, you can find some of the most spectacular festive Holiday sights in the U.S.  Heck, we even make it snow here when it’s not snowing on it’s own (yes, Virginia, it really does snow in Vegas).

Now, there are the obvious holiday decorations in Las Vegas, but as your insider guide, I’m going to direct you to my Top 3 spots

The Tram from City Center to Bellagio~ The Bellagio Conservatory is hands down the most beautiful place to visit to get you in the holiday spirit.  But, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  Take the Tram.  Especially if you have little ones.  First of all, the parking and the crowds getting in and around the Bellagio at this time of year are insane because everyone wants to be there.  My advice is to valet at Aria (North valet from the back entrance), from there, you can easily walk to the Bellagio using the Air Bridge through Vdara.  It’s a quick jaunt, and will lead you directly to the place where the Conservatory is and you can avoid all crowds getting there.  Personally, my kids love the tram.  It’s a high tech monorail, lit up by LED lights and cool doors and a space-agey lady that directs you to come aboard.  It will take you between hotels Monte Carlo, Bellagio and the City Center.  After your visit to the Bellagio, get back on the tram and get off at City Center where you can go from one extreme to the next.  A beautiful European, Martha Stewart-like Christmas at the Bellagio to a Streamlined, bright light, modern and funky holiday at the City Center.  After you walk through City Center and head back to your car, pose at the Christmas tree in the Aria side-lobby completely made out of neon colored ornaments.  Seriously, it’s like a Christmas you’ve never known.  Oooh….to really get into the Christmas spirit, stop by one of my favorite bakeries, Jean Phillipe Patisserie.  Yes, it is pricey, but if you’re in the mood to splurge, grab a hot choc or coffee to go, indulge in a crepe, gelato, or one of their handmade chocolates.  It is so worth it.

Ice Skating at the Venetian~What better way to spend the holidays than to take the kiddos ice skating in Venice, or right off the Las Vegas Strip.  Decked out for an Italian Holiday, the Venetian is pure eye candy for those Sugar Plum Dreams.  Statue tenors, a light show, strolling violinists and enormous snowflakes set the mood, and continues with Egg Nog cupcakes, apple cider and hot chocolate.  There are several packages for ice skating, one includes a gondola ride.

Snow at Town Square~ If you are looking to avoid the holiday Las Vegas Strip thing, but don’t want to venture too far from your hotel, don’t forget about Town Square.  They have really embraced the Vintage Christmas by introducing their Norman Rockwell inspired Santa to the clone scene when they opened a few years ago.  It’s a great place to also grab dinner, a movie or catch up on some shopping in a family friendly environment.  It snows nightly at Town Square and adding to the festivities are nightly concerts and the 45′ Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo~

RSMLV