Lighting up the Holidays in Las Vegas
Lights and Las Vegas go hand in hand year round, but when the holidays approach, the lights reach a whole new level of fantastic in Sin City. Light up your holiday season at these attractions.
Beginning on November 11, 2016 and running through January 1, 2017, the Glittering Lights Holiday Light Show at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is an awesome drive-through experience. The 2.5 mile long speedway is enveloped in over three million Christmas lights and includes not only Christmas music, but also over 400 animated displays. This year they’ve added a Santa Tram that offers a VIP experience which includes kettle corn, hot cocoa and photos with Santa.
The Ethel M. Chocolates Botanical Gardens lighting ceremony is on November 15th with the display lasting through January 1st. Enjoy the breathtaking, 3 acre botanical garden where over 300 species of cactus and desert plants are bedecked with over half a million holiday lights. Of course, Santa will be making appearances as well. After touring the gardens, visit the shop and take home some sweet treats for gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends.
On the 19th of November, the holiday enchantment continues at the opening of the Magical Forest and lasts through January 4th. Take the Forest Express train through hundreds of trees decorated with millions of lights, have pictures taken with Santa in his workshop and enjoy many other holiday activities. All proceeds from the Magical Forest benefit Opportunity Village, a non-profit dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.
Last but not least is the annual lighting of Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. The 50 foot tree draped in 12.5 million lights is lit by the Mayor and Santa Claus and will be on display throughout the Christmas Holiday. The City of Lights shines even brighter during the holidays and you definitely don’t want to miss it.