East Valley Community Events Calendar, Dec. 24-30, 2015

THE WEEK'S BEST BETS

1. Old Fort Tours:Visit the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort for a ranger-led walking tour of the grounds at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 26 at 500 E. Washington Ave. The tour covers the timeline of settlements on the site and includes a discussion of historical visuals, artifacts and natural resources. Admission is just $1 for ages 13 or older, and children 12 or younger are admitted free. Visit parks.nv.gov/parks/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort or call 702-486-3511.

2. Train Rides to Santa's Cottage: Train rides to Santa's cottage with holiday stories and candy canes are set to be offered at 11 a.m, noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Tickets are $4 for members and $6 for non-members. Visit springspreserve.org.

3. Kwanzaa 2015 — A Celebration of African Values, Culture & Community: The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 26 and 27 at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. The community is invited to celebrate and share the meaning of Kwanzaa and embrace the best in African culture, community and humanity. Keynote speaker Al Gourrier is set to speak on Community Education. The event also is set to include workshops, speakers and a Marketplace Bazaar with artisans and vendors. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-4800.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Children's Christmas en el Barrio: The event, hosted by the Mexican Patriotic Committee, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Call Carlos Silva at 702-595-8256.

Joyous Christmas Feast: The event, planned for Dec. 24 and 25 at Crossroads at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set to feature a traditional, comfort-inspired Joyous Christmas Feast for $38 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A la carte options are also available. Call 702-632-7607.

Pia Zadora's tribute to Sinatra: The final performance honoring Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday is scheduled at 9 p.m. Dec. 26 at Pia's Place inside Piero's Italian Cuisine, 355 Convention Center Drive. Visit pieroscuisine.com or call 702-369-2305.

The Loud New Yorker and Friends: The performance of musical theater songs in a cabaret setting is scheduled at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Baobab Stage Theatre at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. Visit baobabstage.com or call 702-202-8010.

Noon Year's Eve: The New Year's Eve-style event for kids is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and is set to include an inflatable slide, a rock wall, bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists and a dance party with music provided by a 98.5 KLUC disc jockey before toasting to the "Noon Year" with juice boxes. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

New Year's Eve at The Smith Center: The event, hosted by Erich Bergen and featuring Norm Lewis, Capathia Jenkins, Clint Holmes and Patina Miller, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are $39 to $125. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators: The New Year's Eve concert at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 31 for ages 18 or older. Tickets are $39.50 for general admission and $49.50 for reserved. Open bar starts at $99.50 and includes a general admission ticket. Call 702-632-7600 or visit houseofblues.com/lasvegas.

New Year's Eve at the Hard Rock Hotel: The show is set to feature Sunset Strip's London featuring Nadir d'Priest at 10 p.m., followed by Brent Muscat's Vegas All-Stars featuring Eric Stacy and Greg Steele (Faster Pussycat), Todd Kerns (Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators), Rob Cournoyer (Raging Slab) and local artists Siana King and Kimberly Barnhill at 11 p.m., Dec. 31 at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Hard Rock Hotel, 4475 Paradise Road. General admission is free, and drink specials and party favors are planned. VIP tables are available. Call 702-733-8400 or visit hardrock.com/cafes/las-vegas-at-hard-rock-hotel.

Kane Brown: The concert is set for 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Stoney's Rockin' Country at Town Square Las Vegas, 6611 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 160, with doors set to open at 7 p.m. and dance lessons set for 7:30 p.m. A free champagne toast is planned at midnight along with a balloon drop with up to $500 in cash. A VIP table and bottle is available with the purchase of four tickets, while supplies last. Tickets are $65 and include one free drink and party favors. Visit bit.ly/kanebrown.

New Year's Eve at Hard Rock Live: The Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set to host a New Year's Eve celebration at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 featuring a premium open bar, food stations, party favors and a special champagne toast at midnight, along with a performance by local band Ashley Red. Tickets are $175 for those 21 or older. Visit hardrock.com/live/locations/lasvegas.

Casa de Shenandoah: Tours of the Wayne Newton estate at 3310 E. Sunset Road are discounted up to 50 percent for Nevada residents during the holiday season. Guests who purchase a Gold Tour package will receive 50 percent off their second ticket as well as free admission for children 12 or younger through Jan. 7. The visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with scheduled tours beginning at 9 a.m. and the last tour departing at 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Christmas Day. Visit casadeshenandoah.com or call 702-776-7491.

"Terminal": The exhibition of abstract works by Valentin Yordanov is set to be on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 8 at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive. Visit clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-7340.

Public Employee Art Exhibit: The exhibition is scheduled to be on display from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Feb. 4. at Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-1012.

"Monkey": The fine art exhibit focused on Chinese heritage is set by appointment through Feb. 20 in the Mayor's Gallery at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. A meet-the-artists-reception is planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Admission is free. Call 702-229-1012.

WORTH A DRIVE

Las Vegas Garden Railways Christmas display: The display is planned from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 24 and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 30 in the showroom at Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 W. Centennial Parkway. The display will be closed to the public Dec. 25 and 27. The layout is set to be decorated with a Christmas theme and is free to the public during business hours. A raffle is planned, with proceeds donated to a local Las Vegas charity.

Civil War Experience: Try on Civil War uniforms and learn to march in formation from re-enactors during an event set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 26 at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 state Route 159. Visit tinyurl.com/gmr82wq.

Beatles Tribute Band: The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute is set to perform the Beatles' hits at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26 and 27 at the Suncoast Showroom, 9090 Alta Drive. Tickets start at $30.28. Visit suncoastcasino.com or call 702-284-7777.

Winter Chess Camp: Budding young chess students can spend the winter break from school learning the game of chess at Las Vegas Chess Academy, 3160 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 105. A session is scheduled from Dec. 28-30, with half days from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $180 and full days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $250. Family discounts are available. Visit lasvegaschesscenter.com.

Paws on the Patio: The event to benefit Adopt A Rescue Pet is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 29 on the patio of Brio Tuscan Grille at Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly (and unfashionably) for an ugly sweater contest including canine friends. Rah! Raw! Rah! Pet Foods will have treats for the dogs. To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/zu749r6.

CSN 2015 Juried Student Exhibition: The student exhibit is scheduled during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 30 inside the Fine Arts Gallery at the College of Southern Nevada Cheyenne campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. Visit csn.edu or call 702-651-4000.

Cafe New Years: Ring in the New Year with a six-course dinner and a view of the Strip from 6 to 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Divine Cafe at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Reservations are required, and the event is limited to guests 21 or older. Tickets are $151.92 for dinner and appetizers during fireworks or $107.82 for just dinner or $56.75 for just appetizers. Visit springspreserve.org.

New Year's Double Dash: Valley residents are invited to lace up for the inaugural event, set to be hosted by the Cadence master-planned community at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31, with registration starting at 9 p.m. The event will feature two 5K runs, with one starting at 10:30 p.m. and the other at 12:15 a.m. Jan. 1. A 1-mile fun walk also is planned at both times. Routes are set to wind through Cadence's grounds, which offer views of the Strip. The events will culminate at the community's Central Park, where registered participants can enjoy the Strip fireworks show, a cup of soup, hot cider, hot cocoa, music and party favors. Registration costs $35 for both 5Ks or $25 for one. The walk costs $15 for adults or $10 for children 10 or younger. Visit cadencenv.com.

Tule Springs First Day Hike: The hike is set from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 1 at the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Join state park rangers for a walk in ancient Nevada at Tule Springs. The meeting place for this hike is within Las Vegas city limits and will be provided to participants upon registration. Admission is free. Participants should feel comfortable walking over uneven terrain for two hours without sitting. The number of participants on this hike is limited to 100 people. Call 702-875-4141 to reserve a spot. Group reservations will be limited to 8 people per group.

Brandeis University National Committee event: Nancy Scott, associate professor of fine arts at Brandeis University, is set to be the guest lecturer for the group's University on Wheels brunch event set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 3 at Canyon Gate Country Club, 2001 Canyon Gate Drive. Scott has published various art journal articles, and her most recent book about Georgia O'Keeffe has been published by Reaktion Books as part of its Critical Lives series. The book focuses on O'Keeffe's work in the context of her life and will be the subject of Scott's presentation. The event is open to the public, and the cost is $40. Reservations are required. Contact Evelyn Brunner at bnclv.org.

Heritage Holidays: The Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway, has opened its houses and buildings on Heritage Street for self-guided tours through Jan. 9. It is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Daily admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 702-455-7955.

Robert Burns Night Dinner: The St. Andrew's Society of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit cultural organization, plans the 32nd annual event at 5 p.m. Jan. 16 at Sunset Gardens, 3931 E. Sunset Road. The cost is $50 per plate, which includes salad, an entree, a vegetable, dessert and coffee or tea. The event is slated to feature bagpipe music and dancing. Checks must be payable to SASSN and can be mailed along with with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to PO Box 33244, Las Vegas, NV 89133-3244. Visit sassn.com.

"Faded Glory": Art by Rafael Blanco is set to be on display through Jan. 9 inside the gallery at the Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 S. Brush St. The photographs, paintings and sculpture in the show are a statement on America's multicultural heritage and its dedication to the red, white and blue of the flag. An artists' talk and reception is slated from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7. Visit artslasvegas.org.

"Hot, Dry and Inked": An exhibit of Las Vegas tattoo art and objects is scheduled to be on display through Jan. 10 in the gallery in the Origen Museum at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit springspreserve.org.

Odyssey's Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure: Find out what it's like to be a shipwreck explorer, the captain of a sinking ship or a pirate on the run in the visiting interactive exhibit scheduled to be on display through Jan. 31 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit springspreserve.org.

Sustainability Gulch Puppet Show: A wacky Wild West puppet adventure is scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekends through December in the Big Springs Theater at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The show is included with paid admission. For an extra $5, guests can meet, sing and dance with and take pictures with the puppets at a Puppet Party Hoedown scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. Visit springspreserve.org.

Utah Shakespeare Company Tour: The Utah Shakespeare Company plans to bring its 75-minute education outreach production of "Hamlet" to town at 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. The program is free, but tickets are required. Get them at artslasvegas.org.

Casa de Shenandoah: Tours of the Wayne Newton estate at 3310 E. Sunset Road are discounted up to 50 percent for Nevada residents during the holiday season. Guests that purchase a Gold Tour package will receive 50 percent off their second ticket as well as complimentary admission for children 12 or younger through Jan. 7. The visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with scheduled tours beginning at 9 a.m. and the last tour departing at 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Christmas Day. Visit casadeshenandoah.com or call 702-776-7491.

Spring Mountain docent classes: The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Docent Organization is seeking volunteers. New classes are set to begin Jan. 9. Call Carlo Luzzi at 702-355-9341 or email carlo6180@yahoo.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Holiday light show: The Light Up the Night display at center court inside the Galleria at Sunset mall, 1300 W. Sunset Road, can be seen every hour on the hour through Dec. 24 from 5 p.m. until closing. The show features 54,000 lights on a 40-foot Christmas tree. The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit galleriaatsunset.com.

Holiday Cactus Garden: Residents can visit the Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 to see the more than 500,000 colorful lights. More than 70 percent of the lights this year will be LED, the business said. Visit ethelm.com.

Pictures with Santa & Train Rides: Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., plans to offer pictures with Santa and train rides from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24. Photos start at $10. Visit tivolivillagelv.com or call 702-570-7400.

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: The event featuring a 2.5-mile, drive-through holiday light display is scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holidays through Jan. 3. Tickets are $20 per vehicle and $55 for a season pass. Buses are $1 per person with a minimum charge of $20. Purchase tickets at glitteringlightslasvegas.com, Southern Nevada Walgreens locations or at the gate. Goodwill of Southern Nevada offers discounted entry coupons for Glittering Lights with a donation of goods. The coupon is available at any of the stores, drop-off locations or at the entrance of Glittering Lights. Value is $5 off Monday through Thursday and $2 off Friday through Sunday and holidays. A portion of each ticket sold benefits Speedway Children's Charities.

Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland: The holiday-themed light, music and animatronics show is scheduled on the hour from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. at Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Highway. Visit samstownlv.com or call 702-636-7075.

The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: The seasonal venue is scheduled to be open from noon to midnight daily through Jan. 3 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Snow showers are scheduled every half hour from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and amenities include holiday movie screenings, festive culinary offerings, including curated cocktails and roasted s'mores over a fire pit. Admission is free. All-day skating access is $15 or $10 for Nevada residents. Skates can be rented for $5, and skating aids can be rented for $10. Visit cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or call 702-698-7000.

Photos with Santa Claus: The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com.

Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade: The 20-minute parade with eight floats, music and characters such as penguins and reindeer is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Rock Rink: The Rock Rink, the public skating rink at Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, is set to be open daily through Jan. 18 (closed Christmas Day) near the Pavilion on the northwest side of the property at Rosemary Park Drive and Summa Drive. Skaters of all ages can join in the fun through January. A detailed schedule and prices can be found at downtownsummerlin.com.

Santa's Wonderland: Families are invited to visit with Santa, get a free photo, make crafts and participate in activities through Dec. 24 at Bass Pro Shops, 8200 Dean Martin Drive. Special features include holiday video option and a Bass Pass that allows Santa visitors to schedule a time and shop while they wait versus standing in line. Visit basspro.com/santa or call 702-730-5200.

PLAN AHEAD

"The Maltese Falcon":The screening, part of the Tuesday Afternoon at the Bijou series "Femme Fatales, Gumshoes & Film Noir," is scheduled at 1 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Mob Month 2016: Mafia 101 is set to kick off Mob Month at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. The event, which will feature experts from the "College Of Mafia Knowledge" sharing basic history of American organized crime, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 5 in the library's main theater. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Savvy Senior Scam Prevention Series: The series, co-sponsored by the Better Business Bureau, is set to present Tax Return Fraud at 2 p.m. Jan. 6 in the small conference room at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. The free workshop is set to feature a BBB representative to explain the many ways that tax scammers can rip you off, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you are a victim of tax return fraud. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Las Vegas Stories: The monthly series is set to present Growing Up in Jerry Tarkanian's Las Vegas, 1973-92 at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the Clark County Library's Jewel Box Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. This coming spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Rebels' last trip to the Final Four and the team's epic loss to Duke. Writer Greg Blake Miller is set to present the free program. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Las Vegas Philharmonic: Cabrera Conducts Rachmaninoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets start at $26. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

"The Cat in the Hat": The performance is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are $14.95 to $22.95. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

"Reservoir Dolls": Performances of the play, written by Erika Soerensen and based on the film "Reservoir Dogs" by Quentin Tarantino, are scheduled at 8 p.m. Jan. 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 and 31 at the Onyx Theatre, 953-16B E. Sahara Ave. Tickets are $20. Visit onyxtheatre.com or call 702-732-7225.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME: The circus is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 16-18, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. June 18, and 1 and 5 p.m. June 19 at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Tickets are $20 to $50. Visit pac.unlv.edu or call 702-895-2787.

ONGOING

Look inside "Ka": Cirque du Soleil invites visitors and locals to get an inside look at "Ka," as it reveals the history, background and science behind the show in free Ka Theatre Spectacular open houses scheduled for 11 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The open houses will highlight the work, inspiration and technology used in the $165 million production. Call 702-891-7940.

Social CirKish: Acrobatic performance and social skill development classes for youths 13 to 19 are planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway. EmailShannon Pates Xhola at smp4984@gmail.com.

"Matt and Mattingly's Bucket Show": Performances are scheduled at 10 p.m. Wednesdays at the Art Square Theatre, 1025 S. First St., Suite 145. The two-man improv show with musical accompaniment is free, but audience members are encouraged to pay what they want into a bucket at the end of the performance. Visit mattandmattingly.com.

African drum class: Master teacher "Papa" Diarra Zumana is scheduled to instruct this class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Baobab Stage at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The cost is $20. Visit baobabstage.com or call 702-202-8010.

Rhythm of Life drum classes: Percussionist and musical facilitator L.A. is scheduled to instruct classes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the City of the World gallery at 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd. The cost is $35 per class. Visit cityoftheworld.org or call 702-409-7549

"Failure Is An Option!": The original comedy show featuring anti-success guru Tom Rubin is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. nightly (dark Tuesday and Wednesday) in the Sin City Theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $49.95 for general admission and $59.95 for VIP front rows. Visit failureisanoption.vegas.