Enjoy the season's events
Ethel M. Holiday Cactus Garden
Nov. 16-Jan. 1, 5-10 p.m. Jazzed up with over half a million Christmas lights, the prickly desert-dwellers at the Ethel M. Cactus Garden spread holiday cheer Vegas style: beautiful to look at, and more so at night. 2 Cactus Drive, www.ethelm.com Thanksgiving meal distribution
Nov. 19, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. If you can lift 15 pounds without keeling over, have a valid Nevada driver's license and insurance, you can help deliver Thanksgiving pantry bags with Helping Hands of Vegas Valley to homebound senior citizens. www.volunteercentersn.org The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Nov. 20-Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. What's most magical about The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is not the beautiful forest, but how attendees help the OV's clientele. 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., www.opportunityvillage.org Mannheim Steamroller
Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. Chip Davis directs The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller, infusing you with the holiday spirit with art for not just the ears but eyes as well. $35-$85. UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center, www.mannheimsteamroller.com CSN Fall Dance Concert
Dec. 2, 7 p.m. and Dec. 3, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Embark on an intellectual exploration of life, death and the ultimate meaning of existence - yeah, heavy stuff - when CSN's Fall Dance Concert pays homage to composer Gustav Mahler, with choreographer Kelly Roth presenting the composer's massive Symphony No. 9. $8-$10. CSN's Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, www.csn.edu Holiday Movie in the Park
Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Be a witness to Jim Carey's criminal inclinations - and subsequent change of heart - in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" along with complimentary pictures with the Grinch himself and holiday treats. Free. Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way UNLV Choral Ensembles Winter Concert
Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. There is an abundance of opportunities to hear holiday music throughout the season, but the UNLV Choral Ensembles Winter Concert is a special delight that includes the participation of all four university choirs. $8-$10. UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall, www.unlv.edu A Christmas Carol
Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, 8 p.m. You can imitate him by saying, "Bah Humbug," but don't be a Scrooge by opting out of the joyful performance that is "A Christmas Carol." $20-$30. UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre, www.unlv.edu The Las Vegas Great Santa Run
Dec. 3, 10 a.m. Put down the cookies and start training. The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is back and, whether you decide to don red threads, this event is worth attending for the mere fact that you get to see neighbors and local celebrities sporting beards. $25-$45. Town Square, www.opportunityvillage.org
Las Vegas Philharmonic Pops II: A Holiday Celebration
Dec. 17, 2 p.m., 8 p.m. Singers Kristen Hertzenberg ("Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular") and Travis Cloer ("Jersey Boys") along with the Las Vegas Master Singers perform favorite Christmas and Hanukkah melodies. $38-$78. UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall, www.lvphil.com Walt Boenig Big Band Holiday Concert
Dec. 18, 2 p.m. The Walt Boenig Big Band will knock your candy-cane stockings and Santa hat right off with their bone-rattling big sound. Sit up close - if you dare. Free. CSN's Nicholas J. Horn Theatre. www.csn.edu/pac The Nutcracker December 17-24. The only nut I've ever seen at "The Nutcracker" is my emotional mother bawling at the sight of the sugar plum fairies - and she's Jewish. Bring your nuts, er, family members to experience this holiday classic. Nevada Ballet Theatre' performs "The Nutcracker" Dec. 17-24 at Paris Theatre. Info: 946-4567. Las Vegas Ballet Company's runs Dec. 20-23 at Summerlin Library Theatre. Info: 240-3262 Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 29, 4 p.m., 8 p.m. The renowned progressive rock ensemble takes holiday classics and gives them the full-blown rock-opera treatment, complete with pyrotechnics and tight pants. $32-$59.50. UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center. www.unlvtickets.com | 
