When it comes to getting into the holiday spirit, Las Vegas doesn't wait until December. With its world-renowned resorts and casinos, the city is known for going all out with its Christmas decorations, lights, and festive events, sometimes as early as October. This tradition not only ensures that visitors can enjoy the holiday magic longer but also provides an opportunity for these hotels to attract early holiday travelers. Here are five Vegas hotels that are known for decking the halls early:
The Bellagio Hotel and Casino
The Bellagio is famous for its spectacular seasonal decorations, and Christmas is no exception. This hotel starts preparing for the holidays immediately after Halloween:
- The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Transforms into a winter wonderland with enormous trees decked in lights and ornaments, live reindeer, and even a faux snowfall.
- Exterior: Features a massive Christmas tree display and animated holiday characters on the Lake Bellagio’s water fountain show, which adds a magical touch to the nightly performances.
The Venetian Resort
The Venetian brings the romance and elegance of Venice to the holiday season:
- Canal Shops: Decorated with festive lights, garlands, and faux snow, creating an enchanting shopping experience.
- The Winter in Venice: An indoor ice-skating rink at the Grand Canal Shoppes provides a unique way to enjoy the winter season, opening usually in November.
❄️ Note: Ice-skating sessions can be booked in advance to avoid long waits during peak times.
The Cosmopolitan
Known for its modern and chic approach, The Cosmopolitan takes a more contemporary route with its holiday decorations:
- The Chandelier: This multi-level bar transforms into a sparkling ice palace with silver decorations and crystal lights, offering a unique holiday experience.
- Artistic Displays: Throughout the property, there are interactive installations that provide a mix of traditional and modern holiday themes.
The Aria Resort & Casino
The Aria captures the essence of luxury with its holiday setup:
- Lobby Displays: A massive Christmas tree, often stretching from the lobby to the ceiling, adorned with ribbons, lights, and decorations that reflect the elegance of the property.
- Hotel Tower: The exterior lights up with holiday themes, while inside, the casino floor is accented with festive decorations.
| Hotel | Holiday Attractions |
|---|---|
| The Bellagio | Conservatory, Water Show, Massive Christmas Tree |
| The Venetian | Canal Shops, Winter in Venice Ice Rink |
| The Cosmopolitan | The Chandelier, Interactive Art Installations |
| The Aria | Lobby Tree, Holiday Lighting |
| The Wynn/Encore | Encore Christmas Tree, Holiday Events |
The Wynn Las Vegas & Encore
The Wynn and its sister property Encore offer an opulent holiday experience:
- Encore’s Christmas Tree: A 60-foot tree with more than 75,000 lights and 7,000 handmade ornaments, making it one of the most impressive displays in Vegas.
- Holiday Events: Special performances, holiday brunches, and elegant decorations create a sophisticated holiday atmosphere.
🎄 Note: Both The Wynn and Encore host exclusive holiday events and parties, making reservations is advisable to avoid disappointment.
These five hotels provide a dazzling array of holiday experiences, from the whimsical and grandiose to the sophisticated and modern. By starting their decorations early, Las Vegas not only ensures that visitors get into the holiday spirit but also allows these properties to shine during the holiday season. The early decoration tradition is a testament to Vegas's commitment to celebrating every season with extravagance, ensuring that guests from around the world can enjoy the festive atmosphere for a longer period.
Why do Vegas hotels deck the halls so early?
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Vegas hotels start early to extend the holiday season for tourists, providing more time to enjoy the festive decor, participate in holiday events, and boost tourism.
Can I see all these holiday decorations for free?
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Yes, most of the hotel lobbies and public spaces are open to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy the holiday ambiance without any cost. However, some events or attractions might have an entry fee.
Is there a specific time to visit Vegas for the best holiday experience?
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While Vegas hotels deck the halls early, the peak holiday experience is typically around Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, with the most festive atmosphere around Christmas.
