Banish those bah-humbugs with our hall-decking, jingle-belling, holly-jollying roundup of the season’s best events.
By the time the holiday season sleighs into view, the election will be over, and 2016 will be winding down — that alone ought to get anyone’s lords a-leaping. But perhaps you need a nudge to get into the holiday spirit. Well, this long list of seasonal events — from light shows to musicals to trotting Santas and more — should do the trick. So grab the kids, pull grandma from in front of those reindeer and have some well-earned fun. Stay Frosty, my friends.
November 1-25
Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Harvest Show
24 hours daily, seven days a week, free. Bellagio, 702-693-7111
November 4-6
Christmas Bazaar
The St. Viator Women’s Guild hosts the 37th Annual Christmas Bazaar. Shop for fine arts and crafts, photography, clothing, jewelry, essential oils and sports items, as well as antiques and collectibles at this indoor/outdoor bazaar. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun., free. St. Viator Parish, 2461 E. Flamingo Road, 702-733-8323
November 4-6
The Craft Festival
An art and craft show featuring 150 booths with handmade items from 200 independent crafts workers from seven western states. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., $2-$8 (one admission fee is good all weekend), kids 10 and under free, $5 parking. Cashman Center, stevepowers.com
November 11
Santa’s Arrival Parade
Starting at the west valet near Yard House in Town Square, this annual parade winds to Santa’s house in Town Square Park. After Santa lights the 45-foot Christmas tree, enjoy the Snow in the Square show and photos with Santa. 7 p.m. Town Square, 702-269-5001
November 11-December 23
Snow in the Square
This 10-minute show enchants guests with falling snowflakes choreographed to classic holiday music. 7 p.m. Mon.-Sun., with 8 p.m. shows Fri.-Sun., free. Town Square, 702-269-5001
November 11 through mid-January
Rock Rink
Skaters will glide by a 30-foot holiday tree, which overlooks the rink, while multicolored light shows run every hour from 4-10 p.m. Open 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during school holidays. $15 skate rental.
downtownsummerlin.com
November 11-January 17
Glittering Lights Las Vegas
Nevada’s largest drive-through light show, this annual event showcases one million LEDs and more than 400 animated displays over 2.5 miles. Open every night at dusk. $20 per vehicle. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glitteringlightslasvegas.com
November 12
Brews Best Handcrafted Beer Festival
The beer festival, held at Sunset Park, features more than 30 local and regional breweries offering samples, plus live entertainment, activities and food to benefit local charity New Vista Community. 3-7 p.m., $30 includes a beer mug and tasting guide; purchase tickets at brewsbestlv.com, Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, 702-269-5001
November 12-13
Winter Art Fest
The annual indoor Winter Art Fest hosts fine artists and crafters from around the Southwest, offering unique gifts and holiday fun for the entire family. Boulder City Parks and Recreation Gym, 900 Arizona St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission. bouldercityartguild.com
November 12-December 24
Photos with Santa Claus
Bring the children to take photos with Santa in his Norman Rockwell-inspired house from 1-1:30 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 2-3 p.m. Sun. Photo schedule is available at mytownsquarelasvegas.com. Town Square, 702-269-5001
Mid-November to Early January
Holiday Cactus Garden
Over half-a-million lights are strung throughout the 3-acre garden at Ethel M Chocolates, which features more than 300 plant species. Tickets are required for the Cactus Lighting Opening Ceremony, TBA. Holiday Cactus Garden, daily, free admittance, TBA. Santa visits and photos, TBA. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, 702-435-2655, ethelm.com
Mid-November — Early January
Mystic Falls Holiday Shows
Sam’s Town’s famous indoor laser light and water show transforms into a holiday dreamland filled with snow-covered trees, wreaths, poinsettias and more. The renovated park will feature a festive new light display running for 15 minutes every hour. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, 702-456-7777, samstownlv.com
November 16-December 21
Claus & Paws Pet Photos
Every Wednesday, come down to Santa’s house with your dogs and cats so they can pose for a holiday photo and sample pet treats. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Town Square, 702-269-5001
November 17-December 22
Holiday Nights and Lights Community Concerts
Students from elementary through high school charm crowds with performances that include choirs and holiday musicals. Every Thursday prior to the Snow in the Square show, which starts at 7 p.m., free, Town Square, 702-269-5001, mytownsquarelasvegas.com
November 17-December 24
Adventure to Santa
Head to the North Pole for an interactive escapade with Santa. All new this season, join Po and friends for a magical adventure to the North Pole to explore Santa’s workshop. Afterward, enjoy a photo op with Kris Kringle. Reserve your spot online to cut down on wait times. The Great Hall at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., dreamplaceexperience.com
November 18
Ornament Workshop
In this ornament-making workshop participants will create two mini-wreath ornaments. The program is free, and materials will be provided. Registration is required. 11 a.m., Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Dr. 702-507-6107
November 18-December 24
Kids and Pets Visit with Santa
The whole family can visit with Santa and frolic in a winter wonderland-themed igloo. Photo packages available. Pet photos with Santa begin November 22. Macy’s Promenade. Hours, details at downtownsummerlin.com
November 18-26, December 2-24
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
With floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princes and princesses, nutcrackers, dancers, drummers and joyful music, this nondenominational parade is fun for the whole family. 6 p.m. along Park Center Drive. Hours, details at downtownsummerlin.com
November 19
Pilgrims and Indians Feast
Share your gratitude and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with food, drinks, entertainment and more. 2 p.m., $2, all ages. Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane, North Las Vegas, 702-633-2550,
cityofnorthlasvegas.com
November 19-20
Holiday Craft and Gift Festival
Check out the vintage Christmas train display while Santa and his elves greet you. Choose from an array of handcrafted items for sale. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., $5 for adults, 12 and under free. South Point, 702- 656-2337, lvcraftfestival.com
November 19-January 1
Magical Forest
Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest is a cherished Southern Nevada tradition for good reason. It’s a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, the Forest Express passenger train, Boris the Elf’s 3-D Experience, an Avalanche Slide, food and more. Park opens at 5:30 p.m. nightly. Free parking is available in the CSN parking lot. Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., 702-259-3741, opportunityvillage.org
November 22-27
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Adapted from the classic movie, White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. The Smith Center, 702-982-7805, thesmithcenter.com
November 25-January 2
The Rink at the Boulevard Pool
Skate on a real-ice rink, high above the Strip, with snow showers every 30 minutes. Sit by fire pits while enjoying s’mores and warm cocktails. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., free. November 25-December 18: Fri.-Sun., 7-11 p.m. December 19-January 2: Tue.-Sun., 7-11 p.m. The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, 702-698-7000, cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
November 25-January 2
Fountains of Bellagio
The internationally renowned Bellagio fountains presents Christmas performances choreographed to holiday classics. Bellagio, 702-693-7111
November 26
Holiday Tree Lighting
Bring the family. 6-9 p.m., free. The District at Green Valley Ranch, 702-564-8595
November 27
Thanksgiving Craft and Gift Shopping Event
Features handcrafted fabric arts and handmade wood items, as well as jewelry, candles, cosmetics, accessories and more. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., free admission. The Cannery, North Las Vegas, 702-507-5700
November 30-December 4
Steve Solomon: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish
& I’m Home for the Holidays
Steve attends a crazy holiday dinner at Grandma’s in this award-winning one-man comedy. Chaos arises throughout the meal as Steve deals with his wacky family. Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 7 p.m.; Dec. 3, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 4., 3 p.m. $35-$40, ages 5 and up. The Smith Center, 702- 982-7805, thesmithcenter.com
December
Winter Parq
Once again, the LINQ Promenade will transport visitors to a wintery fairyland, decked out with holiday adornments, carolers and seasonal music. Dates, times and prices to be announced. 702-322-0560
December 1-January 2
Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Holiday Show
24 hours daily, seven days a week, free. Bellagio, 702-693-7111
December 1-10
Cowboy Christmas Gift Show
Cowboy Christmas is the long-running gift show of the annual National Finals Rodeo. It boasts more than 400 vendors selling custom jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, handmade crafts and pottery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, free admission. Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, nfrexperience.com
December 1-10
Cowboy Marketplace
Western-lifestyle enthusiasts will be delighted with this marketplace, which is stocked with hundreds of vendors offering everything from country home goods to western wear. Entertainment includes live music. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7777; cowboymarketplace.net
December 1-11
Stetson Country Christmas Downtown
Celebrating its 23rd year in Las Vegas, Stetson Country Christmas combines fan-favorite events and with newly introduced large interactions. Shopping and more than 350 exhibits to make it easy to check items off your Christmas list. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, free admission. The Pavilions at World Market Center, 475 S. Grand Central Parkway; 817-599-7664, countrychristmas.vegas
December 2
Christmas Tree Lighting
This annual small-town holiday event includes entertainment by local school choirs and visits by Santa and Boulder City’s Christmas mascot, Jingle Cat. 6-7 p.m., free. Frank Crowe Park, 640 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, 702-293-2034
December 2-11
Seussical
Presented by Rainbow Company, this is a musical extravaganza with favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Be transported from the Jungle of Nool to the invisible world of the Whos. 7-8:30 p.m. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., lasvegasnevada.gov
December 2-3
Hymns of Hawai’i
Three Hawaiian Music Masters share Hawaiian hymn traditions for the holidays, mixing Hawaiian music favorites with songs rooted in familiar church melodies. 7 p.m., $35-$55. The Smith Center, 702-982-7805, thesmithcenter.com
December 3
Doodlebug Bazaar
Sponsored by the Boulder City Community Club, the Doodlebug Bazaar offers one-stop Christmas shopping with items like handmade jewelry, clothing, holiday decorations, ornaments and toys. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona St., 702-293-9256
December 3
Santa’s Picture Party
Bring the kids to take pictures with Santa and meet Santa’s helper and the city’s Christmas mascot, Jingle Cat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona St., 702-293-9256
December 3
Santa’s Electric Parade
Boulder City presents its annual Christmas parade with floats decked out in Christmas lights. Parade starts shortly after dark, free. Historic Nevada Way, beginning at Colorado St., 702-293-2034
December 3
Las Vegas Great Santa Run
A holiday tradition for thousands of locals and visitors who dress up like Santa Claus, the Great Santa Run is one of Opportunity Village’s most important fundraisers. 8 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. 5K run, 10:30 a.m. 1-mile walk, $30-$65. Registration includes five-piece Santa suit. Downtown Las Vegas, lasvegassantarun.org
December 3
Ward 6 Cowboy Christmas and Car Show
Bring the family for a classic car show, hay rides, petting zoo, jump house, local entertainment/choirs and a visit from Old Saint Nick. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free. Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 702-229-8100
December 3-4
Home for the Holidays with Rita Moreno
Celebrate this festive time of year with Rita Moreno, award-winning actress, singer and dancer, as she narrates Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless classic, Peter and the Wolf. This family-friendly concert is an audience sing-along of holiday favorites. December 3, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; December 4, 2 p.m. $30-$109 The Smith Center, 702-982-7805, thesmithcenter.com
December 8
Sounds of the Season
The Henderson Symphony Orchestra performs favorite holiday classics as part of the WinterFest Parade and Festival. 7 p.m., free. Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St., Henderson, cityofhenderson.com
December 8-10
WinterFest
It’s a Fairy Tale Christmas includes a tree-lighting ceremony with Santa Claus, live performances, entertainers, gingerbread houses, family-friendly activities, crafts fair and food. On Saturday evening, enjoy a light parade beginning at 5 p.m. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Fri. and noon-8 p.m. Sat., free. Henderson Convention Center & Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., Henderson, cityofhenderson.com
December 10
Jingle Bell Run
Benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, the Jingle Bell Run welcomes runners and walkers on a 10K- or 5K-course. Wear a costume or holiday accessories, and bring the children for the 1k Kids Fun Run/Walk. All fitness levels welcome. 8 a.m. $25-$60. Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-888-3266
December 10-11, 18, 21-24
The Nutcracker
Presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre, this joyous holiday tradition tells the story of Clara and her nutcracker prince, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. with additional 2 p.m. shows on Saturdays (no 7:30 p.m. show on December 24) and 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. shows on Sundays, $29-$179, no children under 3. The Smith Center, nevadaballet.org
December 14
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
Featuring the cast of Cirque Musica and favorite holiday songs performed by the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of circus performers with the sensory majesty of great holiday music. 7 p.m., tickets start at $29. The Orleans, 702-284-7777
December 16-17
Deana Martin: Holiday Cheer
Blend the hip vibe of the Rat Pack with the stirring vocals of Deana Martin, and you have The Deana Martin Christmas Show, an electrifying musical revue. 7 p.m., $35-$59. The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
December 17
It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play
A nostalgic favorite bursts with vintage radio-era charm in this production by the award-winning Poor Richard’s Players, featuring foley sound effects, jingles and more. 7-8:30 p.m., Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383, artslasvegas.org
December 17
Breakfast with Santa
Dine on pancakes with Santa and his elves. Amuse the kids with face painting and arts and crafts while you enjoy Christmas carols and more. 10 a.m., $2, all ages. Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane, North Las Vegas, 702-633-2550, cityofnorthlasvegas.com
December 24
Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Each year Rabbi Shea Harlig participates in the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony will include festive-themed entertainment. Time TBA. Fremont Street Experience, 702-678-5600, vegasexperience.com
December 26
Menorah Lighting
Details TBA. The District at Green Valley Ranch, 702-564-8595
December 26-29
Menorah Lighting
Downtown Summerlin will host four nights of Chanukah activities starting with the lighting of the Menorah on December 26 at 5:30 p.m., in partnership with the Jewish Community Center. Hours, details at downtownsummerlin.com
December 31
Resolution Run
Get an early start to your New Year’s resolutions with a 10K, 5K or 1M Resolution Run. Finishers of this flat course, which traverses Kellogg-Zaher Park, the Bonanza Trail and Bill Briare Park, receive a shirt and a finishers’ medal. 4 p.m., $25-$45, Kellogg-Zaher Park, 7901 W. Washington Ave.
December 31
New Year’s Eve 2017 Downtown Countdown
This Downtown New Year’s Eve celebration will feature three stages of live entertainment with canopy light shows. Dates, times and prices to be announced. Fremont Street Experience, 702-678-5600, vegasexperience.com/nye/