Give Thanks in Las Vegas

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but Las Vegas is a close runner-up. 

Inside the ARIA, Carbone, the resort and casino’s newest restaurant, dishes up New York-inspired cuisine from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick. If you’re looking for something less continental, Alizéat the Palms Casino Resort offers fine French dining conceptualized by Chef André Rochat it will be easy to find the perfect wine pairing with their award-winning selection. 

If you’re spending the holiday abroad with friends, La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside the Wynn Las Vegas specializes in tapas style small-plates and offers artisanal craft beers and an extensive wine selection. Head to Andiamo Steakhouse at the D Las Vegas for a heartier selection of premium American steaks and Italian favorites including award-winning sauces and handmade pastas. 

Of course it’s Vegas, so along with new venues there are timeless favorites like Bouchon at The Venetian headed by world-renowned Chef Thomas Keller. Restauranteur extraordinaire Costas Spiliadis brings the most flavorful seafood bounties to Estiatorio Milos in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Rao’s at Caesars Palace will keep you in the holiday spirit year-round with its perpetual tinsel and Christmas lights. 

If your family knows you’re spending the holidays away from them, they’re likely to expect some compensation in the form of great gifts. The Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s feature over 80 boutique retail spaces, while the Fashion Show Mall offers nearly two million square feet, including an elevated runway. 

Want to spend more time exploring the resorts? The Shoppes at Mandalay Place inside Mandalay Bay, the Encore Esplanade and the Wynn Esplanade, and the Forum Shops at Caesars offer plenty shopping variety. 

For a more contemporary, unique feel to your holiday shopping, head to Downtown Container Park. Located on Fremont Street, the open-air space features dining and entertainment destinations all housed in stacked shipping containers. And if you're always searching for a good deal, do your shopping at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.

No matter where you spend the holidays, they’re never complete without at least some festivities. Luckily, Vegas knows how to bring the holiday cheer. 

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Holiday Display becomes a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas. The Ethel M Chocolates' Botanical Cactus Garden is festooned with lights, decorations and carolers - even Santa Clause makes frequent visits. 

If you’re worried that spending winter in the desert means you’ll miss out on all your cold weather traditions, The Ice Rinkat The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has your back and even overlooks the heart of the Strip. 

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts takes place has a variety of spectacular shows lined up for the season, including Elf the Musical (November 23-29), Clint Holmes (December 3-6), and The Nutcracker (December 12-13 & December 18-20). 

Sate your appetite for Christmas music with Las Vegas headliners Human Nature as they present “Christmas, Motown and More” at The Venetian. The Australian vocalists begin their limited engagement November 21 at The Sands Showroom. 

Don’t let the phenomenal show lineups keep you cooped up your entire stay though. The Fremont Street Experiencedecks the halls with complimentary Christmas-themed stage shows, a towering tree, and a special holiday edition of the Viva Vision light show that kicks off in late November and carries on through the holiday season.