Henderson-area Community Events Calendar, Dec. 3-9, 2015

THE WEEK'S BEST BETS

1. Theatre in the Valley: The troupe plans to perform "KNOL Noel Radio" at 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at its Playhouse, 10 W. Pacific Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children ages 4-14. Call 702-558-7275, email tivrsvp@gmail.com or visit theatreinthevalley.org.

2. Lake Las Vegas holiday events: Lake Las Vegas and the MonteLago Village Association plan to offer holiday events Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Children can board the La Contessa yacht at the Lake Las Vegas Marina, 10 Costa Di Lago, for a one-hour Santa Claus cruise at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Participants will sail around the 320-acre lake, make a holiday craft and take photos with Santa that will be available for purchase. The cruise costs $12 for children 12 or younger and $18 for adults. Proceeds are slated to benefit children's charities. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, Santa visits in the gazebo at MonteLago Village are planned free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free Christmas Express Train Rides through the village are slated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and strolling carolers are scheduled to perform holiday songs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. through the village. Visit lakelasvegasevents.com.

3. Symphonic holiday music: The Henderson Symphony Orchestra is set to perform holiday favorites and classics at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St. Admission is free. Visit cityofhenderson.com, hendersonsymphony.org or call 702-267-2171.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Gingerbread-Apolooza: Children ages 6 through 11 can make a gingerbread house with frosting for a gingerbread man at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. Space is limited, and passes will be distributed at the children's desk 30 minutes before the event. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

South Point Western Gift Show: The event is planned Dec. 3-13 in the South Point's Arena and Exhibit Hall, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. More than 100 vendors are set to sell items related to the Western lifestyle, including shirts, jeans, cowboy hats, boots, belts and buckles, tack, saddles, Western ranch style furniture, furs and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Holiday stockings for troops: The public is invited to help stuff stockings for troops overseas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St. The city of Henderson and the Blue Star Mothers of Henderson and Boulder City are leading the project. Visit tinyurl.com/hendersonstockingstuffers.

Breakfast briefing: Houldsworth, Russo & Co. plans to host its annual year-end tax update Breakfast Briefing at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the HRC offices, 8675 S. Eastern Ave. HRC managing partner and CPA Dianna Russo will review 2014 tax strategies as well as changes in W-2 and 1099 forms and insights into 2015. Breakfast Briefings are free to HRC clients and $35 for nonclients. Register at trusthrc.com.

Homework Help Club: Teen volunteers can assist children in grades kindergarten through eighth with their homework at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Holiday prizes: Library Tree Lane drawings are planned through Dec. 4 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. Participants can win a fiber optic tree, a Nothing Bundt Cake gift card, Marvel Comics, wine baskets, decorated wreaths, a Starbucks basket and more. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Herpetology talk: The Southern Nevada Herpetological Society plans to meet from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100. Call Martha Barajas at 702-257-5522.

Caring for chameleons: The Herpetological Society plans to discuss the topic at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 during its meeting at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. Karen Venaas, owner of The Chameleon Farm in Anaheim, Calif., is set to share her experience and knowledge about the lizard's breeding habits. Contact M.L. Robinson at 702-257-5529 or email robinsonm@unce.unr.edu.

Free computer code workshop: Residents can learn about computer coding from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. Raffle prizes are planned at the event, which will be presented by TechBrainiacs. The group aims to promote learning in the fields of computer science and electronics and foster digital literacy. Visit techbrainiacs.com/hourofcode to RSVP.

Writing workshop: Author and literary critic Liz Ozi is slated to lead the workshop at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Ozi plans to help adult participants polish their writing and storytelling skills. Attendees can bring their writing and their ideas. Register at 702-207-4261.

Crafting candles: Attendees can make holiday gel candles at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Gibson Library, 100 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Registered patrons are set to receive a candle-making kit during the free event. Space is limited to 12 participants. Register at mypubliclibrary.com or at the reference desk.

Letters to Santa: Children can write to St. Nick during a Santa's Workshop set at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Letters will be mailed to the North Pole. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

The Myron Heaton Chorale: The group, under the direction of Myron Heaton, plans to present its 26th annual free Christmas concert, "Born to Us Was Christ Jesus," at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2 S. Pecos Road in Henderson. A free-will offering will taken. Highlights of the show include Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata" with guest organist Lois Toeppner and the UNLV brass quartet. Visit myronheatonchorale.org or call 702-277-9046.

Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show and Sale: The event is planned Dec. 6-12 at the South Point Exhibit Hall, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The event is a Western art show that offers limited edition pieces of art and is free and open to the public.

Fabulous Shoe Night: The nonprofit plans a brunch at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Sonrisa Grill, 30 Via Brianza. The mother-daughter event is set to benefit Santa Cops, which distributes Christmas gifts to economically disadvantaged children around the valley. Registration is $25, and the food tab is $20 for adults and $15 for children 13 or younger. Visit facebook.com/fabulousshoenightlasvegas or fabulousshoenight.com.

HOA training: How to run a homeowners association meeting and "Roberts Rules of Order" are slated to be discussed at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. The program is set to be presented by Stacee Spoerl, program training officer with the Nevada Department of Business and Industry's Common Interest Communities & Condominium Hotels program. Registration is required at mypubliclibrary.com or 702-492-7252.

Women's car clinic: Imperial Auto & Truck Service Center, 1251 American Pacific Drive, plans to host the free event from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 8 for the first 15 women who register. The hands-on clinic will include training materials and cover general vehicle maintenance and how to tell when repairs are needed. Fifteen raffle prizes are set to be awarded. Five of the prizes are scheduled to offer the opportunity for winners to change the oil in their cars with automotive supplies and equipment included. Certificates will be awarded following the clinic, slated to be held monthly on the second Tuesday. Call 702-568-4053 to register or visit imperialautoandtruck.com.

Airlines Kiwi Club luncheon: The American Airlines Kiwi Club Chapter is set to host a luncheon and meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 9 at the home of Kay Jennings. All flight attendants, online or retired, from American Airlines, American Eagle, TWA or US Airlines are welcome to attend. Call for the address. RSVP to Kay Jennings at 702-896-5496.

Reindeers & Snowmen: The event is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, and is part of the Toddler 'Tis the Season series. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Photo contest: The city of Henderson's seventh annual What Makes Henderson Great! photo contest is underway, with entries due Jan. 5. Those who enter the free contest can submit up to five images, which must reflect positive aspects of living, working or enjoying recreation in the city. Entries can include landscapes, landmarks, friends, animals, abstract, sports, portraits and other types of photos. To enter the contest, participants can use the hashtag #WMHG15 on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Images may also may be submitted by email to photo.contest@cityofhenderson.com or by mail to City of Henderson, Attn: Photo Contest, P.O. Box 95050, MSC 141, Henderson NV 89009-5050. Winners will be announced Feb. 3 during Mayor Andy Hafen's State of the City address and will have their images displayed at Henderson City Hall, 240 S. Water St.; at cityofhenderson.com; and on the city's Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofhenderson. In addition, winners will receive recognition by the Henderson City Council. Entry forms and instructions may be found on the city's website.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve: Visitors to the preserve during fall can see migratory waterfowl and returning shore birds. Fall migration also includes the possibility of seeing warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, sparrows and other passerine species. The preserve's fall hours are from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through November. Visit cityofhenderson.com or call 702-267-4180.

Photo exhibit: The Desert Companion Focus on Nevada photography showcase is planned through Dec. 31 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Photos will be available for viewing during library hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

WORTH A DRIVE

Craft fair: The Blue Diamond Craft Fair is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in the village's Rec Hall. All proceeds support the Blue Diamond Recreation Association. For vendors, booths are $25. Call Megan Tanner at 702-875-4322 or 702-885-3024.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis is set to direct and co-produce a live family-friendly concert featuring classic hits from Mannheim Steamroller and multimedia effects at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Orleans Arena, 4300 W. Tropicana Ave. Tickets start at $35. Call 702-284-7777 or visit orleansarena.com.

Rogue Toys' 12 Days of Christmas: The local toy store's two Las Vegas Valley locations — 616 Las Vegas Blvd. South and 2115 S. Rainbow Blvd. — plan to host the 12 Days of Christmas valleywide scavenger hunt through Dec. 12. The hunt is full of freebies and encourages residents to shop local, joining up with Maximum Comics, Wii Play Games, Celestial Comics, Cash for Chaos, Alternate Reality Comics and Johns Grand Slam Collectibles. The shops will offer clues for finding items hidden in the store by Rogue Toys' co-owner Steve Johnston, who is organizing the event for the second time. Shops will donate toys to Toys for Tots, and Rogue Toys will be accepting donations for charity from customers throughout the scavenger hunt. Clues will be posted daily on Rogue Toys' feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A grand prize pack valued at more than $2,000 will be given away, and grand prize finalists will be invited to a special party on Dec. 19. Visit roguetoys.com/pages/the-12-days-of-christmas.

Christmas in Las Vegas: The event, part of the Las Vegas Stories series, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Patricia Cafferata used extensive research and personal interviews to create a heartwarming collection of stories about how Nevadans have celebrated the holiday, from 1858 to the present day. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

"Grounded": Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 5, 6, 10-13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 at Art Square Theatre, 1025 S. First St. George Brant’s' one-woman play tells the story of a nameless soldier who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, leading her to be reassigned to operating a remote-piloted aircraft (drone) from Creech AFB, outside of Las Vegas. Tickets are $16 to $20. Visit cockroachtheatre.com.

Nursing Job Fair: The event is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4 in the main lobby at Summerlin Hospital, 657 N. Town Center Drive. Interested applicants should fill out an online application prior to the job fair and bring resumes. Nurses must have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse. Acute care experience is preferred. Visit jobs.valleyhealthsystemlv.com.

"A Year With Frog and Toad": The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre is set to perform the musical based on the children's book at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 12 and 13 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Tickets are $5. Visit artslasvegas.org.

Holiday Gift Fare: The event for the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at 450 Fremont St., Suite 270. Find unique gifts and meet the artists who made them. Museum members discount available. Light refreshments are planned. Call 702-382-2926.

The 11th annual Great Santa Run: The event is scheduled at 10 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Fremont Street Experience, from Fremont and Main streets through Las Vegas Boulevard South. Day-of registration and packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m. in the Mob Museum parking lot, 300 E. Stewart Ave. The event features thousands of participants in Santa costumes walking or running to raise funds for Opportunity Village. Visit tinyurl.com/santarun15.

Winter Brew's Best, Hand-Crafted Beer Festival: The event is scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Green at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $30, and all proceeds benefit New Vista Community. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

"Elf U — A Crash Course in Christmas": Performances are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at The Onyx Theatre, 953-16B E. Sahara Ave. The original show recommended for ages 5 or older puts the entire audience in the first day of elf training as experts Mrs. Claus and Mary Christmas guide them and the audience in everything about the holiday season. Tickets are $10. Visit onyxtheatre.com or call 702-732-7225.

Repeal Day: The event is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Mob Museum, 300 E. Stewart Ave. Tickets are $45.95 for general admission and include museum access, Boss of the Bars Competition, two free drink tickets, signature menu by Relish, cigars for purchase, casino table games, Roaring '20s costume contest and performances by cabaret dancers and a jazz swing band. VIP tickets are $65.95 and include early access, open bar, speakeasy atmosphere and 1920s dance lessons. Visit the themobmuseum.org or call 702-229-2734.

Suite Holidays: The exclusive tour of Las Vegas' high-end hotel suites is scheduled from 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5. It is set to visit high-roller and VIP suites not typically accessible to the general public. Roughly 300 tickets are available, and proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. Tickets are $200 per person or $1,750 for a group of 10. Visit tinyurl.com/suiteh15.

"Love, Sex, and the IRS": The comedy in three acts by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, described as a cross between "Some Like it Hot" and "I Love Lucy," is scheduled to be presented at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 12, 13 and 20 on the mainstage at Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive. Tickets are $24 for adults and $21 or seniors and students. Visit lvlt.org.

Drone Day: Unmanned aerial vehicles are set to run test flights and races from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, on state Route 159 about 10 miles west of the 215 Beltway. Participation is free with park admission, which is $7 for Nevada residents or $65 for an annual pass. The event is also set to feature a speaker from a Las Vegas drone engineering company and the chance to experience a virtual reality flight. Visit tinyurl.com/lvdroneday.

Holiday Bazaar & JunkFest: A shopping event to feature local artists and crafters is scheduled at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at Not Just Antiques Mart, 1422 Western Ave. Visit notjustantiquesmart.com.

Sun City Summerlin Musicmakers Holiday Concert: The show, "A Christmas Rose," directed by Dennis Gazso and featuring pianist Eddie Fluellen, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Starbright Theatre, 2215 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd. Reserved seating only. Tickets are $10 at all Sun City Summerlin Community Monitor Stations (cash/checks only) or online at scscai.com (accepts debit and credit cards). Call 702-384-4222.

Saint Nicholas Festival: Our Lady of Wisdom's annual festival is set to feature children's games, a pageant, a bake sale, a raffle, food and an appearance by Saint Nicholas from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Italo-Greek Byzantine Catholic Church at 2120 Lindell Road. Visit ourladyofwisdom.net.

12th Annual Toys For Tickets All-Star Jam: Station Casinos and 95.5 The Bull plan to host the event at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 for guests 21 or older in the Summerlin Ballroom at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Locals who drop off a new, unwrapped toy (no gift cards) to Findlay North Volkswagen or Findlay Honda Northwest will receive a ticket to the show, which is set to feature performances by country music superstars Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Eric Paslay, Canaan Smith, Old Dominion, Cam and Mickey Guyton. All donated toys will benefit Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. General admission tckets are a minimum value of $15, with one ticket per toy and a two-ticket maximum per person. Visit catholiccharities.com.

Reset Summerlin: The event is planned from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at The Fit Labs, 8645 W. Flamingo Road, Suite 104. It is held generally on the first Saturday of every month and is planned to be followed the next day by the Sunday Reset Project, set from 8 to 11 a.m. at Turntable Health, 701 Bridger Ave., Suite 150. Learn how to reset once a month through movement, lecture and food. The cost is $15 per person. Visit facebook.com/theresetproject.

Live classical music: The 10th annual Messiah Do-It-Yourself Concert is scheduled at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 1806 Del Webb Blvd. Choirs, soloists and a chamber orchestra will invite the audience to sing along with the choruses. Visit facebook.com/diymessiahlv.

A night of Mariachi Music: The musical performance is planned at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 inside the College of Southern Nevada's Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. General admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Call 702-651-5483.

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.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown": Students are set to present the musical Dec. 9-12 at Desert Oasis High School, 6600 W. Erie Ave. Show times are 6 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Opening night admission is $5 or free with a blanket to be donated to the Linus Project. Tickets for Dec. 10-12 are $7. A fundraising dinner is scheduled to proceed the show at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets for the dinner are $15. Dinner and performance tickets combined are $20. Visit tinyurl.com/docharliebrown.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk: The event benefiting the Arthritis Foundation is set from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd. Wear a holiday-themed costume and run or walk a 5- or 10-kilometer route with team members. A 1-mile option and a children's fun run also are planned. The cost is $60 for the 10K, $45 for the 5K, $20 for booster or 1-mile walk, $10 for children ages 9 to 16 and $5 for children 8 or younger. Register at tivolivillagelv.com.

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.

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

Nevada Storm Youth Track and Field Club: The club plans to host early registration for the 2016 season from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Nicholas E. Flores Jr. Park at 4133 Allen Lane at San Miguel Avenue. Visit nevadastormtrack.org or call 702-325-6846.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Ward 6 Cowboy Christmas and Car Show: The event is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road. The free event is set to include a classic car show, hay rides, a petting zoo, a jump house, local entertainment, choirs, a holiday elf contest and a visit from Santa. Food, toys and clothing donations are requested for local charities. Call 702-229-8100.

Hometown Holidays: The holiday event is slated from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Huckleberry Park, 10325 Farm Road. Activities include photos with Santa Claus, train rides, crafts, cookie decorating, food trucks and writing letters to Santa to benefit the Macy's Believe campaign where Macy's donates $1 to Make-A-Wish for every letter received. Call 702-216-2020 or visit providencelv.com.

Huntridge Santa: The event featuring the neighborhood Santa, cocoa, cookies and a performance of "A Very Merry Christmas" by the students of Welthy Silva's Las Vegas Ballet School is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Huntridge Circle Park, 1251 S. Maryland Parkway. The event is bring-your-own mug.

Menorah lighting at Downtown Summerlin: To celebrate Hanukkah, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, plans to host the lighting starting at sundown Dec. 6. For eight nights, the Jewish Community Center will light the candles, in addition to different events and entertainment for all each night. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Hanukkah choir performance: The choir from Temple Sinai is set to perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village inside the Performance Pavilion, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., following the Jewish Family Service Agency Light of Life community menorah lighting. Visit opportunityvillage.org or jfsalv.org.

Menorah Lighting at Tivoli Village: A menorah lighting is scheduled for sundown Dec. 6-13 to celebrate Hanukkah at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd. Visit tivolivillagelv.com or call 702-570-7400.

Stockings with Mrs. Claus: The event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Children of all ages are invited to decorate holiday stockings with beads, buttons and holiday cheer. Each reservation includes a free 5-by-7 photo with Santa. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

Pet Nights With Santa: Cats and dogs are invited to get a photo with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at the Meadows Mall, 4300 Meadows Lane. Visit meadowsmall.com.

Menorah Lighting at The District: The event is slated from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2225 Village Walk Drive. Chabad of Green Valley/Henderson is scheduled to lead the celebration, marking the third night of Hanukkah. The free event will include live entertainment, balloon creations, doughnuts, dreidels and gelt. Visit shopthedistrictgvr.com.

WinterFest: The city of Henderson event is planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 and noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St. Visits from Santa, entertainment, family activities and a tree lighting are scheduled at the event. A WinterFest Evening Light Parade is slated at 5 p.m. Dec. 12, featuring floats with the theme of Christmas stories. Cash prizes are set to be awarded for the top three entries, with ballots tallied and awards presented at 7:30 p.m. following the parade. Visit cityofhenderson.com or call 702-267-2171.

Old-Time Ranch Christmas: Celebrate the holidays with pinecone crafts for kids, ornament making, s'mores, hot cocoa, a live band playing holiday music, a fire in the fireplace and a visit from Santa from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, on state Route 159 about 10 miles west of the 215 Beltway. Participation is free with park admission, which is $7 for Nevada residents or $65 for an annual pass. Visit parks.nv.gov.

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. daily Dec. 20-24 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Tickets are $4 for members and $6 for non-members. Visit springspreserve.org.

Magical Forest: Enjoy a holiday walkthrough, carousel and train rides, miniature golf, faux snow tubing and live entertainment from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 3 at Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Admission is $11.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. A passport that includes unlimited rides is $21.99 for adults and $18.99 for children. Additionally, the forest is set to host Santa Paws, an interactive photo opportunity for visitors' pets and Santa Claus, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6; the honorary Menorah Lighting Dec. 6; Feliz Navidad Day Dec. 25; the New Year's Eve countdown Dec. 31; and the Day of the Dead festival Jan. 3. Visit magicalforest.org.

The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: The seasonal venue is scheduled to be open from 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 18 and noon to midnight daily, Dec. 19-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.

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 noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18; 9 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Dec. 21-24. Photos start at $10. Pet pictures with Santa are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. Visit tivolivillagelv.com or call 702-570-7400.

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. Cowboy Santa returns to Mystic Falls Park to greet visitors Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 and will be available from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visit samstownlv.com or call 702-636-7075.

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.

Snow in the Square: The event, featuring a 10-minute show choreographed to classic holiday tunes, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

Holiday Nights & Lights Community Concerts: The events are scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 17 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Every Thursday night before the Snow in the Square show, local elementary through high school students are set to take center stage to entertain crowds with performances ranging from school choirs to holiday musicals. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

Photos with Santa Claus: The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday Through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 20 and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 21-23 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. You can avoid the lines and use the Town Square Santa Fly By Reservation system. Text "SANTA" to 708-323-2689 or use the link online at mytownsquarelasvegas.com to save your place in line. There will be no Santa Fly By on Dec. 24.

Claus & Paws Pet Photos: The events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 23 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Town Square shoppers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to Santa's house to pose for holiday photos and enjoy treats every Wednesday. The center requests guests limit their pet photos to dogs and cats only. Reservations are required. Visit mytownsquarelasvegas.com or call 702-269-5000.

Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade: The 20-minute parade with eight floats, music and characters such as penguins and reindeer is scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5 and nightly Dec. 11-24. The parade starts at 7 p.m. each evening, except for Dec. 24, when it will start at 6 p.m. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Destination North Pole: The annual winter holiday ice show is scheduled at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Fiesta Rancho SoBe Ice Arena, 2400 N. Rancho Drive. The show is set to feature local figure skaters of all ages performing to holiday music. General admission is $10, and VIP admission is $15 and includes prime seating. A $2 discount is offered on all tickets in exchange for a donation of at least three canned goods per ticket. Tickets are set to be available at the SoBe Ice Arena Box Office beginning Dec. 1. Visit fiestarancho.sclv.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. For a full schedule, visit basspro.com/santa or call 702-730-5200.

Rudolph's Tree Farm: The tree farm is set to offer a selection of Douglas, Noble, Frazier and Grand fir trees in the Winter Wonderland on The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, through Dec. 24 during center hours. Free home delivery service is available throughout the valley. Pick-up service will be available after Christmas Day for an additional fee. Visit downtownsummerlin.com.

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 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.

PLAN AHEAD

Scholastic Book Sale: New Scholastic children's books are set to be sold at half price from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10-12 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. A portion of the proceeds is to help support Henderson Libraries' summer reading program. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Nashville Unplugged: The country music event is slated to feature Andrea Pearson at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and Bill Luther at 8 p.m. Dec 18 inside Club Madrid at Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road. Tickets are $10; Boarding Pass card members receive a $5 discount. Attendees must be 21 or older. Visit sunsetstation.sclv.com.

Pages and Popcorn: The new adult book club is slated to meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. The club watches movies and then discusses the books that inspired them. The film for Dec. 11 is set to be "Fight Club," based on Chuck Palahniuk's book of the same name. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Santa's Workshop: Children are set to make holiday crafts during the event, set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Martin Nievera: The singer is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the M Resort pavilion, 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $32, $38 or $46 and can be purchased at the M Resort box office, by calling 800-745-3000 or at ticketmaster.com.

DIY bath and beauty products: The workshop is planned at 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Gibson Library, 100 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Participants will make a candy cane sugar scrub. Parents must accompany children 15 or younger. Registration is required at mypubliclibrary.com or 702-565-8402.

Government meetings: The Henderson City Council is set to hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the council chambers inside Henderson City Hall, 240 S. Water St. The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission plans to meet at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the same site. The Henderson Bicycle Advisory Committee also plans to meet at the location at 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Visit cityofhenderson.com.

Jingle Bell Run: Attendees can don their holiday apparel and ring in the season at the event, which involves a 3.1-mile course along the Pittman Wash Trail starting at Pecos Legacy Park, 150 Pecos Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 19. A visit from Santa and holiday music are planned. Registration starts at $20. Visit cityofhenderson.com and use activity code 644080-58 or call 702-267-4050.

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.

Ronnie Milsap: The country music artist plans to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 inside the Grand Events Center at Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway. Tickets go on sale Dec. 18, costing $20, $30, $40 or $50 at any Station Casinos reward center, by visiting sclv.com/concerts or through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

ONGOING

Open mic nights: Kelly Clinton is scheduled to host the dinner shows from 9 to 11:55 p.m. Mondays at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The events will feature unknown and established entertainers. Reservations are suggested. Visit bootleggerlasvegas.com.

Harp music: Mariano Gonzalez is scheduled to perform on the harp from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays in the main dining room at The Bootlegger Italian Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Visit bootleggerlasvegas.com or call 702-736-4939.

Live acoustic jams: The free event for adults is scheduled at 6 p.m. every Tuesday through September at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Attendees can play and sing old-time folk and blues music and meet other musicians. Visit mypubliclibrary.co