Las Vegas Christmas Guide 2009
The Las Vegas Christmas
Guide page has information about this holiday, where to shop in Vegas, and what events are happening in Vegas during the Christmas
season. There will also be links and information to where to dine in Vegas on Christmas day. Just click on the colored
links to visit that web site or web page.
Christmas Day is a celebration of Christ birth though the actual date of birth is not
known. This holiday is celebrated by most people as most government and private industries are closed in Las Vegas. Santa
Claus is associated with this gift-giving holiday and is commonly found in Las Vegas stores and malls. The Christmas tree is
sometimes replaced in Las Vegas with the Christmas cactus.
On Christmas Eve, many Catholics and other Christian denominations
in Vegas celebrate a midnight mass or service. There are also special dinners related to someone ethnic background.
People of Polish descent eat a traditionally non-meat christmas dinner which consist of pierogis and fish dishes such as pickled herring.
Las Vegas Italians feast on a a tradition seven fish dinner. People of Mexican descent serve a dish called bacalao a la
vizcaina on the Las Vegas Christmas Eve. This dish is composed dreied smoked cod with tomatoes, potatoes, capers,
olives, onions, and red peppers. Many other ethnic groups have special Christmas Eve dinners. Many people of Eastern European,
Scandanavian, South American, and German descent will exchange their Christmas Gifts on Christmas Eve in Vegas. While most
of the USA including Las Vegas, the gift exchange is on Christmas morning.
Las Vegas Christmas Season Events and Entertainment
Among
the events going on for the Christmas season include the 5th annual
Las Vegas Great Santa Claus Run on December 5th, 2009.
The
Gift of Lights for 2009 contains millions of lights creating colorful Christmas displays is located at Sunset Park (Eastern and Sunset),
2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV and runs Sunday through Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm and Friday, Saturday & Holidays 5:00pm
- 10:00pm.
At the Four Seasons Hotel located at 3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, there
is a Holiday display.
The 16th Annual Chocolate Wonderland is located at Botanical Cactus Garden & Ethel’s Chocolate
Factory, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014. This display contains over 500,000 Christmas lights creating a colorful
pathway through the cactus garden from 5pm to 10pm, seven days a week, except on Christmas day. Additionally, there will be
choirs singing all the favorite holiday songs. Santa will be there from 5pm - 9pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through
December 20. Santa will also appear Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Christmas week from 5pm - 9pm. The cost is
free.
The Magical Forest:at Opportunity Village is opened nightly at 5:30pm through January 2, 2010 and is located at 6300
West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146. The Magical Forest has decorated trees and displays; nightly entertainment and carousel
and train ride.
At the Henderson Convention Center & Events Plaza between
December 10th through the 12th, the WinterFest Celebration will be going on. Winter Lights Festival will be going on Dec. 11
to 13 and Dec. 18 to 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Springs Preserve.
Another event happening during the Christmas season is 2009
Cowboy Christmas Gift Show : Thursday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 12th, 2009 which is runs 10am to 5pm, daily
at the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. On December 14th, the Maaco Bowl Las
Vegas will be played between OREGON ST. (8-4, 6-3 Pac-10) vs. BYU (10-2, 7-1 MWC) at 5 PM PT at the Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas.
At the Cashman Center located at 850 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89101, The Forgotten Carols Production will be performed
on December 21 at 7:30pm.
Las Vegas Casino Christmas Season Events and Entertainment
At the Tropicana, “Great
Moments in Magic” ,
Xtreme Magic starring Dirk Arthur will be playing from Nov 26, 2009 - Dec 31, 2009. To celebrate the holiday
season, the magic show will include holiday music, seasonal magic tricks and more. At the Mirage,
A Very Terry Christmas starring
Terry Fator will feature holiday impressions and puppets.
At the Cannery Casino and Hotel,
The Fab will Presents A Beatles Christmas:
Dec. 4 - "A Very Pepper Christmas" and Dec. 5 - "Dreaming of A White Album Christmas at 8pm.
Michael McDonald's This Christmas will be at the Star of the Desert
Arena on Wednesday, December 9th at 8pm and Sara Evans will be at the same local on Friday, December 11th at 9pm.
Xtreme 107.5
presents Holiday Havoc 09 on December 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino featuring Alice in Chains, Dead by Sunrise
and Smile Empty Soul.
Xtreme 107.5 presents Holiday Havoc 09 on December 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM with Muse, Cage the Elephant,
Paper Tongues & Afghan Raiders which is also at the Hard Rock.
Andrea Bocelli will play at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on
December 12th at 8pm and will include songs from his new release "My Christmas."
Several of the outlets and malls
by
the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority are offering a special promotion called
Shop 'Til It Is Show Time starting
on Nov 29 and running through Dec 13, if you spented $500 or more at these outlets and malls, you receive 2 tickets to your
choice of shows including the following Vegas shows: Phantom of the Opera, Blue Man Group, George Wallace, Donny & Marie,
Penn & Teller, Peep Show or Human Nature. There are restrictions on who qualifies including must have an out-of-state government
issued ID.
Crystals which is located at 3720 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 offers Christmas
shopping for luxury gifts.
The Forum Shops, and
Appian Way Shops located in Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas
Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 has over 160 boutiques and shops for all your Christmas shopping needs.
Las Vegas Christmas
Dining
BRAND Steakhouse & Lounge which is located at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas,
NV 89109 has a special
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu. The holiday menu includes: SMOKED KUROBUTA PORK CHOP “HAM”
with APRICOT GLAZED, BRAISED RED CABBAGE, SPICED DRIED FRUIT CHUTNEY for $28 or WHOLE ROASTED DOVER SOLE with TRUFFLE RISOTTO, PORT
WINE BRAISED MUSHROOMS for $33.
Buffet at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
has a
Christmas menu. The menu includes: Roasted Turkey, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Challah Bread Stuffing with Fig and Chestnuts,
Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Grilled Swordfish, Eggplant Caviar, Port Reduction, Muscato Braised Baby Parsnips, Long
Grain Rice, Cranberry, Pine Nuts, Stuffed Pork Loin, Raisin Rum Glaze Sauteed Clams,Pancetta, Capers, Winter Root Vegetables, Citrus
Tea Infused Duck Legs, Wild Game Ragu Gnocchi, Grilled Asparagus, Balsamic Onion Medley, Seared Salmon, Citrus Tomato Salad, Baby
Squash, Molasses Bourbon Short Ribs, Red Potatoes with Whole Grain Mustard, Broiled Chicken Breast, Roasted Garlic, Thyme, Beurre
Blanc, Pierogies, Hazelnut, Hericot Vert, Three Cheese Cavatappi, Sauteed Forest Mushrooms, Sea Bass, Anise Cucumber Relish, Cashew
Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, Mushroom Beef, Vegetable Pad Thai, Steamed Rice, Pork Fried Rice, Hoisin Long Beans, Shrimp Cocktail, Carving
Station, Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham, Pasta Station, Mongolian Grill, Citrus and Ginger Anise Syrup, Seared Mushroom and Smoked Bacon
Salad, Roasted Apple and Butternut Squash Salad with Blue Cheese and Endive Steak and Asparagus Salad, Assorted Pies: Pumpkin, Apple,
Cherry, Pecan, Sweet Potato Pie, Assorted Cream Pies: Chocolate, Banana, Coconut, Eggnog, Assorted Cakes: Chocolate, Grand Marnier,
Pineapple, Almond Rum, White Chocolate, Plain and Pumpkin Cheesecake, Bread Pudding, Cream de Mint Pie, Plum Tarts, Fruit Cake, Spice
Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Cream Brulee, Assorted Christmas Cookies, Raspberry Linzer Squares, The cost is 23.95 per person plus tax and
tips.
Cafe at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 has a
Christmas menu.
The holiday menu includes: Mixed Baby Oakleaf Salad, Dried Cranberry, Candied Pecans, Herbed Goat Cheese, Yellow Teardrops, Fig-Balsamic
Vinaigrette; a choice of Holiday Hens with Fig Glaze with Cranberry Bulgar Wheat Stuffing, Sauteed Heirloom Carrots Or Herb Crusted
Prime Rib with Potato Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Creamed Horseradish; Marble Chocolate Mousse Box, and includes a non-alcoholic beverage.
The cost is $20.95 plus tax.
d.vino Italian Food and Wine Bar which is located at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas
Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 has a
Christmas menu. The holiday menu includes: Kenter Farms Mixed Greens with Roasted winter
beets, orange glazed turnips, candied walnuts, sherry vinaigrette, Roasted Prime Rib Au jus – cream horseradish, twice baked potato,
buttered vegetable fricassee and Rum Raisin-Ginger Trifle with Eggnog cream, raspberries. The cost is $38 per person.
Dragon
Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar which is located at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 has
a
Christmas menu. The menu includes: Handcrafted Tiki Cocktail of Mango Dragon, Sweet & Sour Wonton Soup, Main Dish
of Crispy Fried Chicken Cantonese Style (served in a half chicken), Dragon Seafood Nest, Crispy Batter Fried Oyster, Steamed Seabass
Filet with Black Bean Sauce, and Dessert of Ginger Cake. The cost is $58 per guest.
Mon Ami Gabi which is located at Paris
Resort & Casino, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 has a special
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu.
The menu first course is a choice of Soup Du Jour or Broiled Oysters with a Champagne Custard Sauce or Baked Escargot in Parsley-Garlic
Butter or Belgian Endive & Cress Salad with Roasted Pears: 2nd Course Choice of Roast Turkey, Chestnut Stuffing, Port & Sage
Gravy, or Sautéed Salmon with Crayfish & Cognac Sauce, Steamed Potatoes or Grilled Filet of Beef, Merlot Butter or Braised Lamb
Shank, Green Olive-Chile Relish, Pomme Puree and a dessert choice of Buche de Noel served with Bailey's Irish Cream Crème Anglaise
or Crème Brulee or Tart Tatin with Cinnamon Cream. The cost is 49.99 per person plus taxes and tips.
Morels French
Steakhouse & Bistro which is located in The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino,
3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
has a special
Christmas menu. The menu includes: A beginning choice of ROASTED KURI SQUASH & LOBSTER BISQUE with
Toasted
Pepita Seeds & Truffle Crème or IMPORTED BELGIUM ENDIVE SALAD with Farmers Market Apples, Candied Pecans, Fourme d’Ambert Blue
Cheese & Balsamic Shallot; GRILLED 100% NATURAL 8 oz. FILET MIGNON & WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Petite
Parsly & Asparagus Burre Blanc Red Wine Reduction and WARM WINTER APPLE TART with Vanilla Bean & Dark Rum Ice Cream, Carmel
Sauce. The cost is $75 per person plus taxes and tips.
Pinot Brasserie which is located at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas
Blvd. South, Las Vegas has a
Christmas Eve and Day menu. This holiday menu includes a choice of First course which are Oysters
on the half shell, petit white asparagus, caviar crème fraîche vinaigrette or Creamy lobster bisque, lobster salpicon crostini or
Marinated roasted root vegetables, baby field greens, banyuls vinaigrette orCured duck breast, warm green lentil salad, foie gras
de terrine; an optional second course which are Maine lobster, haricots verts salad, caviar-crème fraîche dressing or Seared
foie gras, spiced kumquat confit, radish petit salad or Crispy skin whitefish, clam brunoise nage, olive oil smashed potatoes; a main
course selection of Sea scallop, celeriac remoulade, crispy celery or Rack of lamb Niçoise, ratatouille gratin, olive-lamb jus
or Pavé of New York strip, potato mousseline, caramelized cippolini onion; and dessert of Chef’s holiday desserts. The cost is $55
for the 3-course dinner and $65 for the 4-course dinner plus taxes and tips.
Regale Ristorante Italiano located at Excalibur
Hotel and Casino,
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109-6778 has a
Christmas menu. The menu includes:
a choice of soup or salad or creamy tomato bisque; a choice of entrees of Maple Roasted turkey, giblet gravy, traditional dressing,
baked sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed fall vegetables, Cranberry-orange relish or crab stuffed salmon with garlic
mashed potatoes, sauteed fall vegetables and lemon caper sauce and a choice of desserts of pumpkin cheesecake or warm apple pie a
la mode. The cost is $29 per person plus taxes and tip and is available from 5pm to 10pm..
Roundtable Buffet located
at Excalibur Hotel and Casino,
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109-6778 has a special
Christmas Buffet menu.
The Christmas menu includes: Salad bar, shrimp cocktail, grilled corn chowder, roasted turkey, ham, prime rib, baked sweet
potatoes, giblet gravy, green beans, fried chicken, short ribs, pork chops, steamed fall vegetables, white fish, a pasta bar,
and assorted desserts. The cost is 18.99 per person plus taxes and tips
The Steakhouse at Camelots located Excalibur
Hotel and Casino,
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109-6778 has a special
Christmas menu. The menu
includes: a choice of soup or salad or corn chowder; a choice of entrees of Maple roasted turkey with gravy, dressing, baked
sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed fall vegetables, Cranberry-orange relish or Pan seared Chilean bass topped with jumbo
shrimp and creamy leak Bleurre Blanc and a choice of desserts of pumpkin cheesecake or warm apple pie a la mode. The cost
is $29 per person plus taxes and tip and is available from 5pm to 10pm.
Verandah which is located in Four Seasons Hotel
Las Vegas, 3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 has a special
Christmas menu. The holiday menu includes:
A choice of appetisers which are Marinated White and Green Asparagus with Roasted Red and Yellow Sugar Beets, Fennel Slaw and Grapefruit
Citrus Dressing or Vine-Ripened Red and Yellow Tomato Terrine, Warm Savory Vegetable Pie, a second course of Wild Mushroom
Soup with Fino Sherry, Truffle Spiced Éclairs, a choice of entrees which are Traditional Free-Range Oven-Roast Turkey, Apple
Sage Cornbread Stuffing, Winter Vegetables, Cranberry Tangerine Sauce, Giblet Gravy or Braised Short-Ribs with Jumbo Mexican Tiger
Prawn
Scampi-Style, Roasted Root Vegetables, Three-Cheese Potato Strudel or Lightly-Smoked Herb-Crusted Organic Salmon,
Wilted Greens, Creamy Organic Carolina Grits, Chardonnay Lemon Sauce or Vegetable Assortment – Grilled Portobello Mushroom Stack,
Organic Grits, Potato Strudel, Roasted Root Vegetables, and a choice of desserts which are Chocolate and Hazelnut Pine Cone,
Eggnog Gelato, Cinnamon Cream or White Chocolate and Glazed Chestnuts Yule Log, Chilled Cranberry Sabayon or Gelato-Style
Christmas Rum Stollen, Roasted Almond and Rum Raisin Gelato.
Las Vegas Holiday Dining
Some restaurants are offering
special Holiday menus which run throughout the Holiday season.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon which is located at MGM Grand Hotel
& Casino, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: Chilled
Tomato Gazpacho with croutons, Crispy langoustine fritter with basil pesto, a choice of Scottish salmon with capers and lemon or Braised
pork belly with confit sweet onion, Selection of imported cheeses, and a choice of Traditional tarts or Ice cream and sorbet.
Craftsteak
Steakhouse which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: Appetizers of Grilled Quail with Vincotto, Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese and Red Pepper
Caponata, Mixed Baby Lettuces, Shaved Fennel Salad; Main Course of Grilled Angus Skirt Steak, Roasted Flat Iron Steak, Diver Sea Scallops;
Sides of Jerusalem Artichokes,Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Shiitake Mushrooms and Dessert of Pastry Chef's Selection. The cost is
$100 per person.
Diego which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South,
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The holiday menu includes: Chips and Salsa made of Fire roasted
and Handcrafted Salsa and Fresh Corn Chips; Braised Beef Taquitos with Crema, Onion, Cilantro, Queso Fresco, Guajillo Salsa; Enchiladas
Oaxaquenas which are Fresh Corn Tortillas cooked with Tangy Red Chile Sauce, Rolled with Chicken, Poblano, and Onion Finished with
Oaxaca and Chihuahua Cheese, Diced Onion, and Cilantro; Tacos al Carbon which are "Roll'Em" Yourself Soft Tacos of Garlic-Lime Marinated
Chicken Breast or Red Chile-Rubbed Skirt Steak served with Frijoles Maneados and Red Chile Rice and Flan Del Dia. The cost
is $65 per person.
FiAMMA Trattoria and Bar which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 Las
Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: A choice of antipasta which
are PROSCIUTTO composed of San Daniele Prosciutto, Melon, Vincotto or CAESAR made of Romaine Hearts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Roasted
Garlic Vinaigrette or GAMBERONI composed of Grilled Black Tiger Prawns, Strawberry Panzanella; a choice of entrees which are SALMONE
which is Pan Seared Salmon, Putanesca, Grilled Asparagus or TAGLIATA which is Grilled Skirt Steak, Potato Puree, Spinach, Red Wine
Reduction or FUSILLI PRIMAVERA made of Fresh Peas, Grape Tomatoes, Roasted Eggplant and Mushrooms, Cortese Reduction; and a choice
of desserts which are TARTUFO composed of Dolce di Latte Gelato, Caramelized Hazelnuts, Warm Valrhona Chocolate Sauce or PANNA COTTA
made with Mascarpone Panna Cotta, White Balsamic Honey Dried Mission Figs, Marcona Almonds or SORBETTI which is the Chef's Selection
of Three Seasonal Flavors. The cost os $79 per person.
NOBHILL TAVERN which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino,
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: A choice of appetizers
which are CLASSIC CAESAR with Lemon Dressing, White Anchovy, Garlic Crouton or CELERY ROOT SOUP with Celery Branch, Toasted Walnut
or BAY SHRIMP "LOUIE" with Little Gems, Avocado, Egg, Tomato, Spicy Louie Sauce; a choice of main courses which are KUROBUTA PORK
CHOP with Braised Swiss Chard, Bacon Lardons, Toasted Farro or CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS with Roasted Cauliflower, Carrots, Broccoli,
Baby Leeks or ATLANTIC SALMON with Shallot Potato Salad, Roasted Mushrooms, Mustard; and a choice of desserts which are MAPLE CRÈME
BRÛLÈE or PECAN PRALINE SUNDAE. The cost is $75 per person.
Pearl which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799
Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The holiday menu includes: A choice of
soups which are Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup or Sweet Corn Soup; a choice of main courses which are Surf and Turf which is made
of Wok-Fried Spiny Lobster Tail and Black Pepper Tenderloin of Beef or General Tso’s Chicken or Garden Vegetable Fried Rice; and dessert
of Raspberry Chocolate Cake. The cost is $79 per person.
SEABLUE which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino,
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: Daily Selection
of Meze, "Create You Own" Market Salad, Seablue "Paella" which is Seasonal Shellfish, Chorizo, Grilled Quail, Wood-Fire Grilled Skewers
and Side Dishes to Share with Marinated Chicken and Beef, Ground-Spiced Lamb, and Lemon Polenta Cake Créme Fraîche Sorbet,
Fresh Berries. The cost is $79 per person.
Shibuya which is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino,
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 has a special
Holiday menu. The menu includes: Edamame, Okinawa
Salt, Served Individually Kyoto Miso Soup, Tofu, Green Onions; Rock Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Aioli, a Choice of two served family style
which are Black Angus Filet of Beef, Roasted Mushrooms, Whole Grain Mustard Ponzu or Organic Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Sauce or
Pineapple Miso Baked Atlantic Salmon, Caramelized Pineapple or Miso Broiled Black Cod, Miso Spinach and Pickled Ginger shoot or Seared
Ahi Tuna, Shichimi Pepper which are all served with Chicken Fried Rice and Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables. The cost is $95 per
person. Additionally, there is a $49 Teppanyaki Menu, available.
This page will be continued
updated through the Christmas season.