The holidays are busy time for most of us from the company holiday party to the family visits.
Here's some ideas for things to do over the next couple of weeks with family and friends:
Heidi’s Events
DEC. 4-6
Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m., Fall Series Hike 10: Tecopa, CA to China Ranch Date Farm, led by VegasHikers Meetup group.
This is an all-day event, including the drive to Blue Diamond, the shuttle to Tecopa, the hike and the time allotted for date shakes at the ranch.
These hikes are well-organized, and I’ve always wanted to do this one.
DEC. 11-13
Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. "Grounded" by George Brant at Cockroach Theatre.
This is the last weekend for this one-woman drama starring Mindy Woodhead and directed by Andrew Paul. Woodhead was stunning in last season’s "Venus in Fur."
Tickets are $16 and $20.
http://www.cockroachtheatre.com
DEC. 18-20
Sunday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" An IMAX 3D Experience, at Red Rock.
The much-anticipated seventh episode in the Star Wars franchise opens Dec. 18, and I got roped into the full experience by a couple fans and their kids. Tickets are going fast, so get yours soon.
DEC. 25-27
Saturday, Dec. 26, 1-4 p.m., ice skating at Sobe Ice Arena, the best ice rink in Las Vegas, in my opinion. People who want to really skate go here.
Carrie’s Events
DEC. 4-6
Menorah Lighting at the Magical Forest here the College of Southern Nevada campus Torrey Pines, between Jones and Rainbow.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. There will be choirs and other festivities. Put on by Jewish Family Services Agency.
DEC. 3-12
Christmas Carol at Nevada Conservatory Theatre
It runs this weekend, then Wednesday through Saturday next week, ending Dec. 12 at the Judy Bailey Theatre on UNLV’s campus.
Tickets are between $27 and $33
DEC. 13
Everytown for Gun Safety and the local chapter of Moms Demand Action are sponsoring this walk in honor of the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings
The walk will be one to two miles downtown
Sunday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m.
They ask that people wear orange clothing – shirts, hats, coats, scarves, shoes. They’ll have orange glow necklaces.
Joe's Events
Runnin' Rebels vs. Oregon Ducks
8 p.m. MGM Grand Garden Arena
Everyone is watching the Rebels and Coach Dave Rice to see if this is the year they'll get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Natalie's Events
Opportunity Village Magical Forest
Open nightly through Jan. 3rd
Trees covered in lights, rides for kids, Santa, yummy hot chocolate and a train ride are all part of this Las Vegas tradition.
The money raised by the Magical Forest goes to Opportunity Village, which is a non-profit serving children and adults in Southern Nevada with intellectual disabilities.
Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden
Open nightly through Jan. 1.
Thousands of twinkling lights are strung on cacti and plants at Ethel M Cactus Garden. You can wander through the cactus and marvel at how they were able to put lights on them.
Holiday parade with snow, Santa, ice skating and a lot more.
There are several spots to go sledding on Mt. Charleston. Some are just off the side of the road or you can got up to the Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort to go tubing.
We like to stop at Big Dog's Brewing Company for great beer and food afterward.