reviewjournal.com -- Arts & Entertainment: Events: Holidays 2009

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Holidays in Las Vegas -- 2009

Celebrate the season!

If you would like to add your event to these listings, please send a press release to webmaster@reviewjournal.com.

• Lights/Decoration Displays
• Dining
• Headline Entertainment
• Music & Plays
• Other Entertainment/Events
• Santa Photos
• Kid's Stuff
• Shopping/Gifts
• Religious Events
• Charity Events
• New Year's Celebrations

Lights/Decoration Displays

9th annual Gift of Lights
Where: Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, Henderson
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays and from 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Jan. 3
More info: giftoflights.com
Admission: Admission is $13 minimum per vehicle Mondays thru Thursdays and $15 Fridays through Sundays
Celebrate the holidays by experiencing over 400 animated and sparkling scenes displays in a convenient, comfortable drive-thru setting! Enjoy millions of lights, plus festive arches and tunnels. A Vegas holiday tradition you won't want to miss and great fun for the entire family.

Winter Lights Festival
Where: Las Vegas Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.; 822-7700.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-13 and 18-24
Admission: Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for those four and under. Members receive half off regular priced admission.
More info: 702-822-7700
All ages will be mesmerized as a half-million eco-friendly LED lights create colorful and breathtaking displays of nature.

Guests will enjoy live performances of holiday music and festive craft activities, while young ones will delight in visits with Santa. Holiday-inspired treats will be available in the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck, and green gift options can be found throughout the Preserve.

16th annual Holiday Cactus Garden
Where: Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Gardens, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson
When: Sundown to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. Closed Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
More info: 800-680-0150
The three-acre botantical cactus garden is decorated with almost 500,000 thousand lights.

Video of cactus lighting event

Magical Forest
Where: Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd
When: Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sun. - Thurs. and 5:30-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Nov. 21 through Jan. 02.
Admission: General admission is $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for ages 3-11. An adult passport is $16 and a children's passport is $14 with access to unlimited rides.
More info: 702-225-9627
The Magical Forest is a wonderful experience for "kids" of all ages. From the moment you enter you are enchanted by the sights and sounds of the holiday season. From strolling through decorated trees and displays to photos with Santa and nightly entertainment, there is something for everyone.

Enjoy a ride on the passenger train. The FOREST EXPRESS winds it way through the two acre Forest giving visitors another angle to view the many trees and displays.

The ENCHANTED CAROUSEL will delight riders and spectators alike. Featuring beautiful animals, lights and traditional carousel music you will find yourself lost in the moment.

If you are looking for more of a thrill, then climb to the top of our 40' ALPINE SLIDE, the view is amazing! For the little ones check out the Junior Alpine Slide.

Visit the GIFT BOX CAFE and enjoy a warm funnel cake, hot dog, burger or pizza as you are entertained nightly by local performing groups.

Another Magical Forest favorite is the GINGERBREAD HOUSE and GIFT BASKET display and raffle and don't forget to stop by our GIFT CABIN, a great place to get some holiday shopping done.

ALL Proceeds raised at the Magical Forest will benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village.

Mystic Falls Indoor Park
Where: Sam's Town
When: daily at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. through Jan 2.
More info: 702-456-7777
Mystic Falls Park will feature a winter wonderland show with a 30-foot Christmas tree, over 50 lit trees, three polar bear scenes, holiday music and snow at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. daily Thursday through Jan. 2.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Where: Bellagio
When: Dec. 06-Jan. 2, 2010
Admission: Free
More info: 702-693-7111
Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' Shimmering Wonderland display will feature flying reindeer made of whole pecans, a polar bear family adorbed with coats of white carnations, eight reindeer captured in mid-flight as they guide a present-filled, red-lacquer sleigh into a snowy sky, a stately 42-foot Shasta Fir ablaze with thousands of twinkling lights and encircled by oversized holiday ornaments that appear to float in mid-air, a 7-foot-tall custom-sculpted rocking horse and a whimsical rail display.

Headline Entertainment

VISITING HEADLINERS

CAESARS PALACE
Dec. 26-27/Jerry Seinfeld

HARD ROCK HOTEL
Dec. 11/Holiday Havoc '09 with Alice in Chains, Dead by Sunrise

Dec. 12/Holiday Havoc '09 with Muse, Cage the Elephant, Paper Tongues, Afghan Raiders
Dec. 23/Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza

LAS VEGAS HILTON
Dec. 23-24/Andy Williams Christmas Show

MGM GRAND
Dec. 13-Jan. 20/David Copperfield

THE ORLEANS
Dec. 6/Lee Greenwood's Tennessee Christmas
Dec. 5/Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 13/Mannheim Steamroller
Dec. 18/Winter Wonder Slam Tour with Toby Mac, Relient K, Stephanie Smith and B. Reith

South Point
Dec. 18-20/"Island Christmas"

Suncoast
Dec. 18-20/A Scinta Christmas
Dec. 25-27/Clint Holmes Christmas

Terrible's Primm Valley
Dec. 9/Michael McDonald "This Christmas"
Dec. 11/Sara Evans Celebrates the Season
Dec. 26/B.B. King

Music, Plays, Dance

'Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 10-12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 12 and 13
Where: Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.
Tickets: $7 general admission, $5 for teens and seniors, $3 for children ages 12 and under
More info: 702-229-6553
The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre will present "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" this holiday season at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. The production, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, is directed and choreographed by Rainbow Company Artistic Director Karen McKenney. The cast of 38 will feature Timothy Heidorn as Joseph, with narration by Andrea Shepherd. Joseph's 11 brothers will be played by David Zobell, Anthony Meyer, Chris Marcellus, James Guinn, Joel Ruud, Jared Rush, Alec Terberg, Connor Breretou, Lucas Reilly, Oliver Kompst and Alix Locke Wells.

Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis
When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Orleans Arena, The Orleans
Tickets: $40, $55 and $70
More info/tickets: 702-284-7777
In its 25th year bringing Christmas music to fans, Mannheim Steamroller will perform many classic carols found on its latest album, Christmas 25th Anniversary Edition, such as "Joy To The World" and "Winter Wonderland." Vivid lighting and high-energy arrangements are certain to stimulate senses with a signature sound that fuses classical and modern-day rock creating a truly inspiring holiday celebration.

Known as the "18th century rock band," Mannheim Steamroller is an elite group of violinists, guitarists, pianists, drummers and woodwind players performing together under the direction of Grammy award-winner Chip Davis. As one of the most popular and best selling acts in the past 30 years, recognizable works include the Fresh Aire album series, American Spirit and Romantic Themes.

BOWFIRE Holiday Heartstrings
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Grand Ballroom, M Resort
Tickets: $29.75 and $40.75 inclusive
BOWFIRE Holiday Heartstrings will take audiences on a musical journey with rousing takes on holiday classics such as "The Nutcracker Suite," "Sleigh Ride," "So This Is Christmas," "Dreydl, Dreydl, Dreydl," and "The Christmas Song," as well as the best of BOWFIRE'S extensive repertoire, in a fully-staged, theatrical event. As seen on PBS, BOWFIRE'S ensemble of world-renowned musicians takes audiences on a journey that moves seamlessly from jazz to classical to bluegrass to Celtic to rock.

Twisted Sister: A Twisted Christmas
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 15-17
Where: Las Vegas Hilton
Tickets: $29-$55
More info/tickets: 702-732-5755
The band will rock your stockings off with their twist on your holiday favorites from their hit CD, "A Twisted Christmas". With set and stage designs created with the help of Kevin O'Callaghan, Chair of 3D Design at New York's legendary School of Visual Arts, Twisted Sister: A Twisted Christmas is a mind-boggling, theatrical spectacle designed to kick off the holiday season with a memorable assault of lights, sound and staging, filled with holiday thrills to delight one and all. Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza and A.J. Pero will also perform their iconic hits including, "We're Not Gonna Take It," "I Wanna Rock," "The Price" and "You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll."

Nevada Public Radio Holiday Programming
NPR will feature special programming in celebration of the holiday season.

Hanukkah Programming includes:
News 88.9 KNPR
• Hannukah Lights 2009, Dec. 18 - 7-8 p.m. and Dec. 20 - 9-10 a.m. Well into its second decade, Murray Howitz and Susan Stamberg host the program and explore Hanukkah traditions in original stories.

Christmas programming includes:
News 88.9 KNPR
• Jonathan Winters' A Christmas Carol, Dec. 24 -11 p.m. - Midnight and Dec. 25 -10-11 a.m.
Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of a special performing edition of Dickens' holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol," featuring Mimi Kennedy.

• Tinsel Tales: NPR Christmas Favorites, Dec. 24 - 7-8 p.m. and Dec. 25 - 9-10 a.m.
Stories of seasons past are read by David Sedaris, Bailey White and John Henry Faulk are read touching on the meaning of Christmas, hosted by Lynn Neary.

Classical 89.7 KCNV
• A Festival of Lessons and Carols, Dec. 24 - 7-9 a.m. and Dec. 25 -12-2 p.m.
During this live two hour music and spoken-word broadcast hosted by Michael Baron, the 30-voice King's College Choir will perform its legendary Nine Lessons and Carols service of biblical readings and music directly from the chapel of Kings' College in Cambridge, England.

• Cantus: All is Calm, Dec. 24 - 7-8 p.m.
A moving musical drama, performed by Cantus, one of America's most accomplished male choirs, and Theater Latte Da, about the 1914 World War I Christmas truce scripted from soldiers' diary entries played to new arrangements of Christmas favorites.

• St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Dec. 24 - 8-10 p.m. and Dec. 25 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Featuring more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra, the festival is one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations where hymns, carols, choral works and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity are played.

• Welcome Christmas, Dec. 25 - 8-10 a.m.
This lively musical program is a perennial broadcast favorite featuring the Minneapolis-based ensemble, VocalEssence.
• Chanticleer Christmas, Dec. 24 - 10-11 p.m.
One of America's finest male choruses celebrates the mystery and wonder of Christmas with an elegant blend of traditional and best-loved Christmas songs from Gregorian chant to gospel.

• Echoes of Christmas, Dec. 24 - 11 p.m. - Midnight
Hosted by Brian Newhouse, the Dale Warland Singers will be performing their signature holiday concert consisting of a the best and most moving choral Christmas classics.

• A Harpist's Christmas with Yolanda Kondonassis, Dec. 25 - 2-3 p.m.
America's premier harpist Yolanda Kondonassis celebrates the season with treasures of Christmas. Joshua Smith on flute and Cynthia Phelps on viola accompany and showcase her heavenly instrument in music arranged just for American Public Media listeners.

Other Entertainment/Events/Activities

Holiday Events Town Square
More info: townsquarelasvegas.com
Snow in the Square featuring snowflakes and holiday music will be featured through Dec. 23 in the park at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Hours are 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7 and 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Photos with Santa Claus will be available through Dec. 23. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. Pet photos will be available for dogs and cats only 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Holiday Nights & Lights community concert series featuring local choirs and music groups from Las Vegas area schools and community organizations will be at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 23.

Ice Skating Rink
The rink is located on the Floating Stage at MonteLago Village, 15 Costa di Lago, Henderson. Hours are noon-9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and 3-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger (564-4766).

Holiday Potluck and Tree Trimming (ages 50+)
When: noon, Nov. 30 (advanced registration is required)
Where: Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive
More info: 229-1702
Bring a food dish to share and an ornament for the tree. Sponsored by City of Las Vegas.

Free Tree Trimming Party (ages 50+)
When: Monday, Nov. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Join in the festive spirit to decorate the center for the holidays.

Holiday Decorating and Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Where: Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Drop in and help add some spirit for the winter holidays to the senior center. Bring along two dozen of your favorite cookies to share, and take home a variety of cookies with you!

Bunco Bonanza -- White Reindeer Games (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. Advance purchase is required.
Cost: Fee: $3, includes light lunch.
Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., (702) 229-6601.
Enjoy this parlor game with a holiday touch. Bring two small, wrapped, white elephant gifts for a gift exchange.

Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, noon. Advance registration is required.
Cost: Fee: $2
Where: Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Bring two dozen cookies and your recipe to exchange with others while enjoying coffee, hot cider, tea and hot chocolate. Advanced registration is required.

Gingerbread House Building Contest (ages 50+)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Cost: Fee: $3 per person on team, includes supplies.
Where: Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Form a team of three people to create the best gingerbread house. Gingerbread house, icing and some candy supplied; you provide the creativity. Each team may bring two non-food items and three edible items in addition to what is provided.

Breakfast with Santa (ages 50+)
When: Thursday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Cost: Fee: $3
Where: East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.

Nation's Tallest Christmas Tree at M Resort
When: Dec. 12
Where: M Resort
The M Resort will welcome the nation's tallest Christmas Tree, a 109-foot White Fir on Dec. 12. The Christmas Tree is expected to wow throngs of spectators with its towering display of lights and ornaments this holiday season.

The tree will be placed in the M Resort's Villaggio Del Sole Outdoor Entertainment and Events Piazza on Dec. 2. It is expected to take up to a week to decorate with thousands of lights and ornaments. The M Resort will host a special Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, carolers, Christmas cookies and more will be available in the resort's piazza.

Santa

Santa Claus at Galleria at Sunset mall
More info: 702-434-0202
Santa Claus will be available for photo opportunities through Dec. 24 during mall hours at the lower level Center Court at Galleria at Sunset mall, 1300 W. Sunset Road, Henderson.

Santa Jaws at Shark Reef Aquarium
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21-24
Where: Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay
Tickets: $16.95 general admission, $10.95 for children; free for kids four and under. Nevada residents receive discount with valid ID
Santa is making his list and checking it twice, finding naughty sharks, a rare Komodo Dragon and piranha in his sight. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 through Dec. 24, children can share their last-minute wishes with the traditional Santa in the aquarium's shipwreck exhibit. With each paid admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary candy cane and a photograph with Santa to remember this unique holiday experience. Jolly St. Nick will have a little help again 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.

Kid's Stuff

Letters to Santa
When: Nov. 30-Dec. 11
Where: Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilionm Center Drive
More info: 702-229-1100
Parents, have your child deliver his or her letter to the Santa Mailbox at Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center by Dec. 11. Information forms (filled out by parents) must be delivered with the letters. Information forms may be picked up at the front desk anytime after Nov. 30. Your child will receive a personal letter back from Santa in time for Christmas. Sponsored by City of Las Vegas.

Mac King's magic show and storybook reading
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Barnes & Noble, 567 N. Stephanie St., Henderson
More info: 702-564-7809 Las Vegas comedy-magician Mac King will honor Spread the Word Nevada Kids to Kids with a magic show and storybook reading on Friday, December 11. The organization was recently selected by a local Barnes & Noble bookstore to be the recipient of their annual holiday giving program. All are invited to attend the open magic show and storybook reading.

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