There’s no better time to visit the sights of Las Vegas than around the holidays when pleasant weather is everywhere along The Strip and the only snow is the imaginary kind. MGM Resorts International has a lot of holiday-themed fun awaiting visitors. Here’s a taste:
At Bellagio, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will take guests on a journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet classic “The Nutcracker,” with its enchanting holiday display. The exhibit will replicate iconic scenes from the classic ballet, following protagonist Clara’s journey through her holiday dreamland. Witness awe-inspiring floral displays and festive décor, each bed will showcase different enchanting moments from the show, transporting visitors to a true winter wonderland where they can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Free to all and open 24 hours daily from December 2 to January 2.
Meanwhile, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas announces the much-anticipated return of its beloved Ice Rink. The Boulevard Pool will undergo a magical transformation into the ultimate rooftop winter wonderland featuring a 4,200-square-foot ice rink with unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. All-day skating access is $30. On Monday through Thursday, all-day skating access for Nevada residents, military and first responders with a valid ID is $20. Admission to the dazzling winter wonderland atmosphere surrounding The Ice Rink is complimentary.
There, visitors can indulge in craft cocktails and holiday bites throughout the deck, including at The Chalet, a reimagined mountaintop village adorned with open-air fire pits and charming décor. Classic holiday films will be shown above the rink on the resort’s 65-foot marquee every Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m.—and there are snow showers every half hour after 7 p.m.
Santa in the Shipwreck at Mandalay Bay (Photo Credit: MGM Resorts International)
At Mandalay Bay, Santa Claus steers his sleigh from the North Pole to Las Vegas to find out who’s been naughty and nice during the annual Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium. With each paid admission, children 12 and under receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus. Jolly St. Nick will also have a little help this year from a rather large and toothy holiday helper—Santa Jaws. Throughout the day, Santa Jaws will happily “swim” by to join the kiddies for a photo.
And Santa will even put on a SCUBA suit and plunge into the shipwreck exhibit to wave farewell alongside his underwater friends before going back to his elves and reindeer! The fun runs from December 16 to 24, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Special appearances by Santa Jaws will take place every hour for photos and interactions with kids and families. And Diving Santa will check on the sharks and fish in the Shipwreck exhibit daily at 4 p.m. before heading back to the North Pole.
Come to New York-New York for “Terry Fator: A Very Terry Christmas.” Here, Terry Fator and his cast of characters performing Christmas classics as well as original songs. Expect appearances from Maynard Thompkins, the Elvis impersonator; the Apollo Theater legend Julius; Duggie Scott Walker; and Winston, the Impersonating Turtle. This show is on select dates from November 24 through December 30 at 7:30 p.m.
And at Excalibur, “Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight” means that guests can eat, drink and be merry—all while being part of a spectacular production that mixes classic medieval jousts with holiday-inspired music. Audiences are immersed into a winter wonderland full of majestic costumes and flags while they enjoy a seasonal feast. The meals run from November 22 through December 25; Wednesday – Monday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; dark on Tuesdays; and Wednesday, Nov. 29, Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Additional fun can be had at many other MGM Resorts food and beverage venues, such as exclusive offerings, prix fixe menus, and seasonal dishes. Menus and more information can be found here.
Looking for a great gift? MGM Resorts International offers a fun and innovative way to gift a piece of Las Vegas. Through MGMShops.com, guests can shop exclusive room amenities, gifts, and furnishings from their favorite MGM Resorts properties long after checking out. The online shopping experience allows for seamless browsing of highly requested items not available in the hotel gift shop, all ready to be shipped in time for the holidays.
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