MGM Resorts International is celebrating the holidays by turning its world-renowned Las Vegas resorts into seasonal spectaculars. From the Bellagio Conservatory’s transformation into a winter wonderland to “Santa in the Shipwreck” at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, Las Vegas is like no other destination during this magical time of year.
• Not-Your-Average Tree: Winter wonderland at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Ring in the season at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with a 45-foot-tall Shasta Fir; floral creations including interactive polar bear and penguin families; and live musical performances. Located in the Giardini corner of the immersive display, a large 6-foot-tall greeting card made entirely from flowers and surrounded by an elaborate frame makes for the perfect family photo opportunity. The Conservatory’s holiday exhibition is open 24 hours daily and will be on display through January 1.
• Meet Santa Jaws: “Santa in the Shipwreck” at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Santa is making his list and checking it twice, finding naughty sharks, a rare Komodo Dragon and piranha in his sight. Throughout the month at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, children can share their holiday wishes with Mr. Claus in the aquarium’s shipwreck exhibit. With each paid admission, children ages 12 and under will receive a complimentary candy cane and a photograph with Santa to remember their unique experience. A very large and toothy character – Santa Jaws – will join the kiddies for a photo. Enjoy Santa in the Shipwreck each weekend throughout the month (December 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24*) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. *The exhibition will close at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
• Better than Christmas TV Specials: “A Very Terry Christmas” starring Terry Fator at The Mirage
Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert presents the holiday-themed “A Very Terry Christmas” at The Mirage throughout December. The stage becomes the Fator Family’s “living room” in a journey that highlights the show’s loveable puppets as they come home for Christmas. “A Very Terry Christmas” will be performed Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through December 29.
• Holiday Feasts: Festive menus at restaurants across The Strip
MGM Resorts’ celebrated restaurants will provide unforgettable menus on Christmas Eve and Day, featuring innovative twists on traditional dishes that fit most budgets. Sirio Ristorante at Aria Resort & Casino will feature Executive Chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia’s take on a favorite holiday sponge cake, Buche De Noel. Rí Rá inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place will serve an Irish celebratory menu, including Honey-Glazed and Clove-Stuffed Ham, Cornbread Stuffing, Eggnog Cheesecake and more. NOBHILL TAVERN by Michael Mina inside MGM Grand is offering a three-course, luxurious tasting menu showcasing Black Truffle Lobster Bisque and specialty Herb-Rubbed Prime Rib with potato gratin and au jus. Dozens of other award-winning restaurants across MGM Resorts’ portfolio of resorts will delight guests with special menus and dishes worth celebrating.
• Worth Making the Naughty List: Chocolate Santas at Jean Philippe Pâtisserie
The talented chefs at Jean Philippe Pâtisserie inside Bellagio took an entire month to create a five-foot chocolate Santa made from 230 pounds of dark chocolate, 50 pounds of fondant and a glistening suit fashioned with sugar icing. At the Pâtisserie’s ARIA location, a giant, incredibly detailed statue of The Grinch was crafted entirely out of sugar and is on display along with an array of spectacular celebration cakes, a festive signature of French Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury and his eponymous pâtisseries. While guests cannot take home the life-size creations, both Bellagio and ARIA feature smaller chocolate works of art, such as a classic Cherubic Santa or miniature Praline Christmas Tree, which make for wonderful gifts.
• Have a Jolly Ole Time: Seasonal cocktails crafted for Las Vegas’ renowned nightlife destinations
Tabú at MGM Grand is bringing cheer to Las Vegas’ nightlife scene with winter holiday cocktails available now through March. The boutique nightclub is mixing up three original libations, including the Red Apple Shandy, Pumpkin Patch and Winter White Mint-tini. Over at Hyde Bellagio, acclaimed mixologists are introducing innovative takes on retro cocktails and signature creations blending winter fruits, veggies and spices. The Snowflake packs an icy bite thanks to a splash of liquid nitrogen. Additionally, the Pomegranate Mojito, Iced Irish Coffee, and Rock & Rye will keep the winter party going for the remainder of the year.
• Time to Relax: Holiday Spa Treatments
When the shopping is done, melt away stress with seasonal treatments at these luxurious spas. The Spa & Salon at ARIA brings warmth to the soul and body with Spicy Chestnut Manicures and Pedicures. As a gift from Spa & Salon Bellagio, guests who upgrade a massage with one of several $25 enhancements – including aromatherapy, exfoliating services and mud masques – will receive a second complimentary enhancement. Those looking to start 2013 with a fresh face should turn to Spa & Salon Vdara for its Purifying Pumpkin Enzyme Facial. Also, Grand Spa at MGM Grand is offering a special winter enhancement to its Signature Massage, incorporating the fresh scent of baked biscotti – a feast for all the senses.
• Shop ‘Til You Drop: Crystals at CityCenter’s holiday fashions, décor and entertainment
Visions of Jimmy Choo pumps and Harry Winston diamonds will dance in guests’ heads as Crystals at CityCenter, the world’s only luxury-exclusive fashion destination, makes the season glamorous. While guests shop at their favorite retailers such as Paul Smith, H. Stern, Assouline, and Donna Karan, they can enjoy a public display of five renowned designers’ collections, the funky and festive sounds of The Hornzmen and a massive LED-lit holiday tree among other exquisite decorations.
• The Ultimate Carolers: Classic holiday songs at The Fountains of Bellagio
The iconic Fountains of Bellagio get into the spirit with water shows intricately choreographed to time-honored melodies such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Santa Baby,” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” During the holidays, the shows run every 30 minutes starting at 3 p.m. (at noon Saturdays and Sundays), and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
• Not Your Average Board game: Vegas Family Fun
With the kids on winter vacation, Circus Circus and Excalibur offer family friendly attractions. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus provides roller coasters and themed rides that will give a festive thrill to children and parents alike. Any families that have a holiday tradition of playing games during the season can go to the Fun Dungeon at Excalibur. Guests of all ages will have a blast playing over 150 games including 65 arcade games.
Related Links:
Click to Book Tickets Now: Terry Fator
See More Events: Christmas Las Vegas 2012
Book Now and Save: Aria Resort & Casino
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