Las Vegas Christmas Events 2013

As we're approaching our final week-end before the big day, you may be looking for Las Vegas Christmas Events 2013 to share with friends and family.  There is no shortage of options, both free and with tickets.  Here are some of our favorites:

Bellagio Hotel Conservatory - Bellagio changes their seasonal display several times throughout the year.  The Christmas display is always beautifully done and it's free to the public.  This year's display features Las Vegas' largest indoor Christmas tree, measuring 45' tall and 8000 lbs.  Grab a hot chocolate at Jean Phillippe Patisserie next-door and marvel at all the cakes and deserts that are decorated for the holiday.  After paying a visit to the huge Christmas tree in the Conservatory, venture out to see the Bellagio Fountains.

Ethel M's Cactus Garden in Henderson - This is another annual tradition.  Local chocolate company, Ethel M decorates their cactus garden with millions of lights for the season.  Appearances by local performers and Santa of course.  The decorations will be up through January 1st.  The Cactus Garden is lit up from 5-10 p.m. and admission is free.

Opportunity Village's Magical Forest - This one isn't free but it's well worth the cost of admission and the proceeds go to one of our favorite local charities.  Here you'll see a magical forest with beautifully decorated trees that are sponsored by many of our local businesses.  Displays include the North Pole's fire house, the cookie village and a huge Christmas tree in the center of the village.  Take a train around the forest.  Play a round of golf, ride the carousel and grab a yummy treat at Dasher's Diner.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway "Glittering Lights" is the display that was held at Sunset park for many years.  View over 400 LED, energy efficient lights that line 2.5 miles of the racetrack.  This year a live nativity scene has also been incorporated and is open Thurs-Sat evenings.  The light display is open Sunday thru Thursday from 5:30 until 9 and open Friday and Sat until 10 p.m.  Admission is $15/vehicle during the week and $20/vehicle on the week-end.

The Venetian & Palazzo Present Winter in Venice complete with an ice skating rink.  You'll find these sister hotels are beautifully decorated and worth visiting just to view the beautiful scenery.  These year's theme features snow flakes, and strolling hosts even offered us a free cup of hot apple cider.  There is an ice rink with skate rentals available.  While we didn't venture onto the ice, it was beautiful to watch.  Performers include stilt walkers who are dressed as huge snow flakes.  The resort features a 65 foot tall Christmas tree that is amazing.

Downtown 3rd's Jingle Bell Block as you might guess is on 3rd Street between Ogden & Stewart, just North of the Freemont Street Experience.  You can shop for your tree, enjoy traditional Christmas drinks, shop for hand made gifts and visit Santa's Village.  Afterwards, check out the newly re-opened Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino.