Downtown Summerlin holiday event draws crowd

From enjoying a new holiday parade to ice skating on its Rock Rink after posing for photos with Santa, officials from The Howard Hughes Corp. say local families have been flocking to Downtown Summerlin in record numbers to celebrate the holiday season.

Downtown Summerlin Senior General Manager Andrew Ciarrocchi said the retail, dining and entertainment destination near Sahara Avenue and the 215 Beltway went to great lengths to enhance its holiday attractions and festivities to help its guests celebrate the center's second holiday season. One of the popular new attractions is a family-friendly parade through the streets of Downtown Summerlin.

"We're thrilled to share Downtown Summerlin's first holiday parade with families from all over Southern Nevada," Ciarrocchi said. "We're incredibly excited about the entire holiday season and look forward to sharing some festive experiences and nighttime surprises with our guests."

Of course, for any last-minute shoppers, he added that Downtown Summerlin's stores "provide a great selection for anyone still left on your shopping list. And for those having trouble deciding what to buy, Downtown Summerlin gift cards are now available at the concierge desk or at the kiosk near our concierge office."

As of Saturday, there are six nights remaining to see the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade, a nondenominational celebration with floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princesses and princes, dancers, drummers and festive music. Ciarrocchi said crowds have been gathering each night for this one-of-a-kind Las Vegas celebration. The parade lasts for 20 minutes and is scheduled for 7 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23. On Christmas Eve, the parade will start at 6 p.m.

Whether you've been naughty or nice, there's still time to visit Santa before he leaves. And for those who haven't yet bought their holiday tree, Ciarrocchi said Downtown Summerlin has added a new tree lot in its Winter Wonderland area by the skating rink that offers a huge selection of fir trees. Guests have also been taking advantage of the free delivery service, which he said delivers trees purchased at Downtown Summerlin to any location in the Las Vegas Valley.

After a successful debut last year, he said the Rock Rink continues to be one of Las Vegas' top holiday attractions again this year. This outdoor entertainment venue has a local DJ spinning music on Friday and Saturday nights, with themed nights every Tuesday. The skating fee of $15 includes skate rental, and skaters and spectators can enjoy a hot beverage at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf truck parked adjacent to the rink.

Downtown Summerlin offers special holiday hours throughout the week, open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23. Downtown Summerlin will open at 8 a.m. on Christmas Eve and close at 6 p.m., just in time for the last night of the Holiday Parade.

For a full list of activities, holiday hours, prices and more, visit www.downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.