Your holiday handbook, from feasts and light shows to finding Santa

By Erin Ryan, Camalot Todd

Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Home for the holidays.

For some Las Vegans, that means flying this fabulous coop to wherever loved ones are gathered. But the 2016 Orbitz Insider Index ranks the city America’s No. 2 Christmas destination.

Tourists come for the mild desert winter and notoriously merry mood, so why not invite the family here to start a new tradition?

In typical Las Vegas fashion, reality is being defied all over town, with ice rinks, St. Nicks and snowflake princesses waltzing through the streets. We’ve rounded up as much fun as we could squeeze into these pages — a blueprint for your best December ever.

The Strip

Think of Las Vegas Boulevard as the North Pole with slot machines. It’s the epicenter of the city’s holiday blitz, with wonderlands made of flowers, sweets and actual ice, and shows rich in nostalgia and seasonal flourishes. However you feel about braving the throngs of tourists taking in the Strip’s singular glow, this is the time to park that antler-clad station wagon and take advantage of the resident spectacle.

OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

The Cosmo on Ice For the fifth consecutive year, the Boulevard Pool has transformed into an ice skater’s paradise with its own weather system. (As the Cosmopolitan’s tagline says: “Just the right amount of wrong.”) After taking some laps in occasional snow showers, skaters are welcome to indulge in themed cocktails and s’mores around private fire pits. And on Mondays, they can catch a holiday movie on the resort’s digital marquee. Through Jan. 1, $10-$15 day passes, $5 skate rentals, Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan.

Lights at the Linq The Cosmo isn’t the only place making it snow. Seasonally branded as Winter Parq, the Linq’s promenade gets a nightly dusting every 30 minutes until midnight. Its 35-foot tree glows from the Fountain Stage, where live holiday shows also happen nightly from 6 to 10. Just as dazzling, Lights at the Linq is synced to five songs (one is a holiday favorite) and brings the fountain, the High Roller’s glowing wheel and the giant cake topper above Sprinkles into the act. Through Dec. 30, free, Linq Promenade.

Holiday at the Park As if the towering, glowing sculpture of a naked woman dancing weren’t eye-popping enough, the Park lit a 60-foot tree in November. Those 13,000 lights now shine on a grove of decked-out trees, a 10-foot holiday wreath, crystal blooms and two 16-foot ornaments that double as tunnels into the experience. Las Vegas Academy carolers will rove in the evenings through Dec. 24, and the Park’s restaurants (Beerhaus, Shake Shack and California Pizza Kitchen) are offering drinkable specials; Mint Icicle, anyone? Speaking of ice, there’s a rink at Toshiba Plaza. If Santa sees you fall, he might feel bad enough to take you off the naughty list. Dates vary, ice rink $15, the Park and Toshiba Plaza between New York-New York and Monte Carlo.

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS

Christmas in Bloom Bellagio’s Conservatory is the one true free space for staring people blocking the way. This year, the display spun from plants features countless poinsettias, elves decorating a 42-foot fir with 7,000 lights and 2,500 ornaments, a polar bear family at play, giant snow globes and a walnut-encrusted train station guarded by four animatronic toy soldiers. What’s pulling into the station? A pair of trains flocked with Christmas-colored roses. Santa should drop by to poach ideas. Through Jan. 2, free, Bellagio.

Holi-Dome We know Circus Circus’ theme park for its theatrics at Halloween, but never before has it morphed into a winter playland. Santa presides over a massive snow globe and supply of eggnog, hot chocolate and cookies, backed up by carolers. On Dec. 17, young locals from such groups as Las Vegas Academy’s guitar ensemble and the orchestra from Shadow Ridge High School will provide the musical support. For a taste of what it would be like to deliver gifts to the world’s children all in one night, strap into El Loco for big drops and G-forces. Through Jan. 2, $17.95-$31.95 day pass (individual rides $6-$12, holiday treats extra), Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

Winter Wynnderland Wynn Las Vegas doesn’t just deck the halls with thousands of twinkling lights and poinsettias in luxe shades of ivory and gold. Its horticulture team created five fantasy “villages” offering themed experiences, and 33 expertly decorated trees. The famous buffet is churning out premium holiday dishes around a centerpiece of gingerbread and chocolate created by in-house masters of cake and pastry, including chef Patrice Caillot, who’s teaching a class on edible ornaments Dec. 17. If you eat too many, settle your tummy with specialty nog from holiday pop-ups throughout the resort. Through Dec. 31, Wynn.

SHOWS IN THE SPIRIT

’Twas the Knight From the decor and music to the festive costumes in the jousting ring, “Tournament of Kings” is going full-tilt holiday. A new light show will beam from the castle, and Merlin (who looks a lot like Santa — just saying) will cast a spell to make it snow inside the Camelot-mimicking casino in the middle of the desert. Bet your family Christmas has never included dragon’s blood soup. Through Dec. 26, $73.12-$84.47, Excalibur.

Piff’s Piffmas Piff-Tacular Mr. Piffles the red-nosed Chihuahua and his magic dragon boss are bringing “a sleigh of new tricks” to their comedy assault at the Flamingo, and guests who bring unopened dog-food donations for Three Square will receive a limited-edition Piff poster. The favorite of Penn & Teller and finalist on “America’s Got Talent” is known for deadpan jokes and deft magic. Through Jan. 4, starting at $68.62, Bugsy’s Cabaret Showroom at Flamingo.

Human Nature Holiday Jukebox The Australian pop vocalists are pouring on the holiday cheer with classic tunes, from “White Christmas” to “Silent Night” (you can even vote for other favorites to be added on the show’s website). The group’s Andrew Tierney said of the special: “There is nothing like the joy of holiday music and the happiness it brings audiences from all parts of the globe.” Through Dec. 23, starting at $49.95, Venetian.

A Very Terry Christmas Maybe Bing Crosby was always meant to duet with David Bowie. While the music legends died many years apart and come from different sound planets, ventriloquist and celebrity impersonator Terry Fator is bringing both back to life for his holiday special. It promises puppet-spiked renditions of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Winter Wonderland,” not to mention a new character named ... Juana.Through Dec. 22, starting at $59.99, Mirage.

Legends in Nostalgia Ever wanted to hear Garth Brooks pluck and croon through “The Christmas Song,” or for Barbra Streisand to turn plain old “Jingle Bells” into a diva moment? The long-running “Legends in Concert” tasked its tribute artists with bringing the superstar Christmas, and that means Elvis, Michael Jackson and local youth choirs and performing arts groups will be singing favorite tunes and dancing up a storm. The Legends band even does a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s sweeping “Carol of the Bells.” Through Dec. 29, starting at $35, Flamingo.

EAT + DRINK = BE MERRY

Season's All-You-Can Eatings Bacchanal at Caesars Palace is doing a holiday brunch (Dec. 19-27) featuring 12-hour prime rib, truffled potatoes and gingerbread with nutmeg cream, among other delights. On Christmas Day, Harrah’s buffet Flavors has a pineapple-studded ham and whole Tom Turkey with candied yams. Le Village at Paris will do pork-and-bean cassoulet, roasts of duck, sole and prime rib, mussels steamed in white wine, orange bread pudding and more. Over at Planet Hollywood’s Spice Market, the holiday feast will go highbrow with five-spice leg of lamb and deliciously homespun with green-bean casserole, and Rio’s stalwart Carnival buffet is sure to wow guests with brown butter lobster and pecan tartlets.

Nutcracker Tea The ritual of high tea is made for holiday reunions, and no one does it in Las Vegas like Mandarin Oriental. Along with the view from the 23rd floor, you’ll be treated to a luncheon inspired by the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.” Nibbles include smoked salmon on brioche; a sesame cone of curry chicken and trumpet mushrooms; a croissant bite topped with egg salad and chives; petite ham sandwiches; the tea lounge’s signature scones with clotted cream and house-made jams; and seasonal sweets. Two dozen fine teas are available, plus tea cocktails, Champagnes and a build-your-own hot chocolate option for kids. The real gift? A portion of proceeds go to Nevada Ballet Theatre. Through Jan. 4, $45 luncheon and $14 tea service ($28 children’s version and $14 hot chocolate service), Mandarin Oriental.

The Valley

Aside from easy access, reasonable prices and endless range, the joy of holidaying in the neighborhoods is about community spirit, whether you meet new friends on a fun run or share a silent grimace with another parent waiting in line for mall Santa. It’s a chance to get to know parts of the city outside your own, or participate in a local tradition you’ve always missed.

ACTIVITIES WEST OF I-15

Magical Forest Celebrating 25 years, Opportunity Village’s holiday spectacular launched in November with Santa dropping in from a helicopter. Mayor Carolyn Goodman flipped the switch on the forest of lighted trees, which contains a train ride, carousel, courses for racing and mini golf, an Avalanche Slide for the bold, an Ethel M Candy Cabin for the wise and photo ops with Santa and his elves for all. There’s even a 3-D experience with a certain elf named Boris. Through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Day), $9.99-$21.99, Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

Doughnuts with Santa In the absence of sleigh rides, Gilcrease Orchard has maximized our desert winter with wagon rides through the fields on its 60 acres. The farm is owned by a family that knows how to make a serious apple-cider doughnut, so don’t miss the chance to buy a few (dozen) after the ride, along with rustic caramel apples, kettle corn, chili and hot mugs of cocoa and cider. The concessions are extra, but face-time with Santa is included. Dec. 16-23, $2, Gilcrease Orchard, 7800 N. Tenaya Way.

Holiday Parade As the public shops, the streets of the outdoor mall fill with floats surrounded by an ensemble of dancing nutcrackers, snowflakes, toy soldiers, penguins, polar bears and reindeer. And the canopy above is a constantly changing canvas of red and green lights. 6 p.m. nightly Dec. 16-24, free, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Dr.

Rock Rink Every hour the rink is bathed in multicolored light synced with music. Got kids who aren’t ready to skate? Lessons are available by appointment for those 12 and under from 9 to 10 on Saturday mornings. Hours vary through Jan. 16 (closed on holidays), $15 admission and $15 skate rentals, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive.

Picnics with St. Nick You may have dreamed of sharing a cookie with Santa after he popped down the chimney, but what about a picnic on the grass? Every Saturday, Tivoli Village sets the scene, adding live entertainment, balloon artists, face painters, crafts, holiday treats and story time to the sweet deal of seeing St. Nick. All you need is a picnic blanket and a family ready to brave the cold for the warmth of a great memory. 11 a.m. Saturdays through Dec. 24, free, the Piazza at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.

Operation North Pole This kid-centric look inside Santa’s life begins at Candy Cottage, where participants package fresh sweets and seal them with ribbon. Then it’s onto toy making, and each child selecting a teddy bear to take home. Mrs. Claus then invites them into her kitchen for warm cookies to get them ready for a trip to the reindeer stables. After that, it’s Christmas stories, cocoa and quality time with Santa Claus. Times vary through Dec. 25, $28-$36, Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.

Springs Preserve Holiday Express Ten times a day, the train picks up new passengers and takes them to Santa’s village. Snow and hot cocoa are promised along the way, and the destination offers chances to make holiday crafts, decorate cookies, hear stories and check out a nutcracker display. Remember to bring your own camera for the photo op with Mr. Claus. Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 11 and 17-23, $8-$10, Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

ACTIVITIES EAST OF I-15

Cacti Aglow You can’t truly appreciate a barrel cactus until you see it dressed up in fuchsia bulbs twinkling to the vocal stylings of a local choir. A must-do classic on the Las Vegas holiday calendar, the illuminated cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolates is a desert-y tribute to Christmas. And if you haven’t found presents for those pesky in-laws, the gift shop is an edible gold mine. Factory tours 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and lights 5-10 p.m. daily; Santa visits 5-9 p.m. and choir performances 6-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday through Dec. 24, free, Ethel M Chocolates, 2 Cactus Garden Drive.

December to Remember Inspiration for ornament making just got serious, because the Neon Museum is opening its Boneyard for the occasion. Santa will be available for photos in the North Gallery, and hot cocoa and caroling will sweeten any touring of the grounds. The day is part of the Cultural Corridor’s greater observance of the holiday season. 2-6 p.m. Dec. 17, free, Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Pancake Stacks and Gingerbread Dreams North Las Vegas lit its tree in front of City Hall Dec. 7, but two tasty community gatherings are on deck: Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m., Aliante Library (2400 W. Deer Springs Way) is hosting a free gingerbread workshop so kids can build the graham-cracker/frosting/candy house of their dreams. At 10 a.m. Dec. 17, the Silver Mesa Rec Center (4025 Allen Lane) is putting on a pancake breakfast with Santa, and the $2 ticket covers food as well as face painting, crafts and entertainment courtesy of carolers and Santa’s elves.

The Nutcracker Backed by a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, Nevada Ballet Theatre performs “The Nutcracker” on the Smith Center stage. A new bonus this year is the pre-show Nutcracker Wonderland inside the Troesh Studio Theater. Promising to be “worthy of many family selfies,” the space offers several holiday scenes and a special guest reading of “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 11, 16-18, 21-24, times vary, $29-$179, Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave.

Nutcracker Extravaganza In collaboration with Nevada Ballet Theatre, the Discovery Children’s Museum offers young showgoers a sense of the story of Clara and the Nutcracker before the curtain rises. They’ll learn about set and costume pieces, and special programming ranges from designing your own pointe shoes to exploring nutcracker mechanics. Through Dec. 30, $15, Discovery Children’s Museum, 360 Promenade Place.

Jingle Bell Run Yes, the jingle bells should be literal for this 5K, where costumes are encouraged and no pace is too slow (participants are encouraged to run, walk or skip). The course follows the Pittman Wash, and the finish line will be manned by a live DJ spinning holiday tunes and a food truck vendor selling treats and hot drinks. 9 a.m., Dec. 17, $35-$40, Pecos Legacy Park at 150 N. Pecos Road.

Santa Trains By day, it’s the Santa Train, and it’s all about chatting up Mr. and Mrs. Claus while the cars chug along. By night, it’s the Pajama Train, and it involves wearing those PJs so you can settle in for hot chocolate and cookies and stories from St. Nick. Santa Train Dec. 11, 17-18, times vary, $6; Pajama Train Dec. 15-16, 21-23, 6 or 8 p.m., $20-$30, Nevada Southern Railway, 601 Yucca St., Boulder City.

Mystic Falls Park Made over as a winter wonderland, the atrium at Sam’s Town promises an updated laser show, with a new soundtrack and water features. The nine-minute program is choreographed to earworms such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman,” and the gazebo is staffed by none other than Cowboy Santa. Through Jan. 2, laser show hourly starting at 5 p.m., free, Sam’s Town, 5111 Boulder Highway.

Glittering Lights Electric Daisy Carnival gets all the credit, but Glittering Lights has been lighting up the Speedway much longer, with more than 3 million lights this year. Drive the course or reserve a spot on the new Santa Tram. Glittering Lights through Jan. 7, times vary, $20-$30 per car, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North; Santa Tram Dec. 11, 16-24, 6:15 p.m., $35 (reservations at glitteringlights.vegas), Exotics Racing, 7065 Speedway Blvd.

Snow in the Square In addition to opportunities to bend Santa’s ear, Town Square is gracing visitors with 10-minute showers of snowflakes drifting around the lovely tree in the central square. 7 and 8 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, free, Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

One-Man Christmas Carol The timeless tale of a man consumed by greed finding his humanity will be performed by actor, director and filmmaker Duffy Hudson. Without costumes or props, he plays all 36 characters through 75 minutes of emotional storytelling. 1 p.m. Dec. 17, free, Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd.

Menorah Lightings

Hanukkah begins Saturday night, Dec. 24, and ends Sunday, Jan. 1.

Downtown Summerlin partners with the Jewish Community Center for a Chanukah Celebration, starting with lighting the menorah and including a family skate night on the Rock Rink. 5 p.m. Dec. 27-29, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive.

Join Rabbi Shea Harlig under the neon lights of downtown’s Viva Vision canopy to illuminate the Grand Menorah in this annual tradition. Sundown around 4 p.m. Dec. 25, Fremont Street Experience.

The Grand Menorah Lighting at The District includes live entertainment from the Dancing Dreidels and a children’s choir singing modern and traditional holiday songs, plus chocolate coins, dreidels and doughnuts. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26, The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2240 Village Walk Drive.

Jewish Family Services Agency partners with Opportunity Village to host its seventh annual menorah lighting at OV’s Magical Forest. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

Santa Sightings

The Santa portrait experience can be deflating even without the lines common to big mall operations, so it’s nice to know that His Jollyness has scheduled lots of photo ops throughout the month and throughout the valley. If your fridge is in need of a pic of Santa kicking it with your kid (terrified or otherwise), stick this list to your wall and strategize.

ON SOLID GROUND

Bass Pro Shops: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 24, free, 8200 Dean Martin Drive.

Downtown Container Park: 1-5 p.m. weekends through Dec. 18, free to shoot your own, 707 Fremont St.

Downtown Summerlin: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 23 (dogs welcome Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.), starting at $22, 1980 Festival Plaza Dr.

Ethel M Chocolates: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday through Jan. 1, free, 2 Cactus Garden Drive.

Galleria Mall: Times vary through Dec. 24, $23-$48, 1300 W. Sunset Road.

Meadows Mall: Noon-9 p.m. through Dec. 22 (dogs and cats welcome Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.), $35, 4300 Meadows Lane.

Magical Forest: 5:30 p.m. through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas), $9.99-$21.99, Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

MonteLago Village: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 17, free, 30 Strada Di Villaggio at Lake Las Vegas.

Mystic Falls: 4-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon-8:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 23, free, Sam’s Town, 5111 Boulder Highway.

The Park: 4-10 p.m. through Dec. 24, $20, Between New York-New York and Monte Carlo on the Strip.

Tivoli Village: Times vary through Dec. 25 (reservations at opnorthpole.com), $28-$36, Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.

Town Square: Through Dec. 24 (reservations by emailing [email protected]; dogs and cats welcome Wednesdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m.), $19.95, Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd.

ON A TRAIN

Nevada Southern Railway: Times and dates vary, $6-$30, 601 Yucca St., Boulder City.

Springs Preserve: Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 11, 17-23, $8-$10, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

UNDERWATER

Shark Reef Aquarium: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11 and 17-24, $12-$20, Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Silverton: Noon-1:15 p.m. and 2:15-3:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 17-18, free, 3333 Blue Diamond Road.

ON A SCREEN

An interactive Adventure with Santa: At Fashion Show mall, DreamWorks DreamPlace offers a family-friendly interactive adventure to the North Pole with the cast of “Kung Fu Panda.” The experience includes two interactive games, a cinematic ride, a keepsake passport and a “Kung Fu Panda” greeting card. Through Dec. 24 (reservations at dreamplaceexperience.com), times vary, $35-$75, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO SANTA (AND ACTUALLY GET A RESPONSE)

Not much beats tearing open an envelope and reading the contents of something so important that it couldn’t be shared through tweet, text or DM. And the only thing better than grandma’s Christmas card is a letter from the one and only Santa Claus.

The U.S. Postal Service’s Letters From Santa Program ensures the Jolly Old Soul will send a personalized response, complete with a North Pole postmark. Just remember that “Letters From Santa” must be received by the Anchorage postmaster no later than Dec. 15, and Santa’s helpers at the Postal Service will take care of the rest.

1. Have your child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole.

2. When you’re alone, open the envelope and write a personalized response.

3. Put the response in an envelope and address it to your child.

4. Add the return address: Santa, North Pole.

5. Attach a First-Class Mail stamp.

6. Place the completed envelope into a larger envelope with appropriate postage and address it to: North Pole Postmark / Postmaster / 4141 Postmark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998