If shopping makes you snippy, then defy your inner Grinch with this list of fun events
THROUGH NOV. 25Proud as a PeacockAutumn bursts into color at The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. 24/7, free. Bellagio, bellagio.com
NOV. 3–5The Craft FestivalThe grand finale after 35 years that you won’t want to miss features 200 independent artisans from seven Western states, plus food and fun. 10A–5P, $8; $7, seniors; $2 ages 11–17; 10 and under free; $5 parking. Cashman Center, stevepowers.com
NOV. 3–5Día de MuertosThis family-friendly event blends rich customs with exciting activities such as live theater and dance performances, altars, mariachis, face painting, sugar skull decorating, and an art exhibition. 4–9P, $8 adults; $5 children. Springs Preserve, springspreserve.org
NOV. 4Veterans Day CeremonyThe Basic High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC will present colors and read the names to be added to the memorial wall. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra will provide a special musical tribute to veterans and the armed forces. 10A, free. Henderson Amphitheatre, cityofhenderson.com
NOV. 4Sunset Park’d Food Truck and Micro Brew FestivalEnjoy live music, great food, and a festival of brews all while benefiting the New Vista organization. 12–9P, $30–$50, includes a beer mug and tasting guide. Sunset Park, brewsbest.com
NOV. 17–DEC. 23Snow in the Square and photos with SantaJoin us for Snow in the Square every night at 7 p.m. with a second show each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8 p.m. Magical snow flurries set to your favorite holiday music will fall on Town Square. Reservations are required for photos with Santa at townsquaresanta.com. Mon–Sun 7P; Fri–Sun 8P, free. Town Square, mytownsquarelasvegas.com
NOV. 17Santa’s Arrival ParadeJoin in the summoning of winter when Santa arrives and lights the 45-foot Christmas tree. There will be real snow and photos with Santa inside his house. 7P, free. Town Square Park, mytownsquarelasvegas.com
THROUGH JAN. 7Glittering Lights Las VegasNevada’s largest drive-through light show, this annual event showcases 1 million LEDs and more than 400 animated displays over 2.5 miles. Open every night at dusk. $20 per vehicle Sunday-Thursday and $30 Friday, Saturday, holidays and December 18-25. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glitteringlightslasvegas.com
NOV. 11Best Dam Wine Walk — Glow WalkTaste new wines and enter an exciting raffle as you enjoy the decorations in the historic downtown district. 21+ only. 4P, $25 individual, $45 couple. Historic Downtown Boulder City, visitbouldercity.com/events
NOV. 11Cheers to ChocolateThis fundraiser for Easter Seals features savory bites and scrumptious delights from several restaurants — plus wine and beer tasting. 7–10P, $35–$80. The District at Green Valley Ranch, easterseals.com/Nevada
NOV. 11–12NBT’s Classic AmericanaA Veteran’s Day celebration of Americana with the Nevada Ballet Theatre featuring works by George Balanchine and Paul Taylor. Sat 7:30P; Sun 2P, $29–$139. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
NOV. 15–JAN. 6Holiday Cactus GardenMore than 500,000 lights will be strung throughout the 3-acre garden. Stop inside for a chocolate sample. 5P–midnight, free. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, ethelm.com
NOV. 15–JAN. 6Mystic Falls Holiday ShowsSam’s Town’s famous indoor laser light and water show transforms into a holiday dreamland filled with snow-covered trees, wreaths, poinsettias and more. 6P, 8P, and 10P, free. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, samstownlv.com
NOV. 17–1940th Annual Christmas BazaarThe Women’s Guild hosts this popular indoor/outdoor event full of fine arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, antiques, and more. 8A–6P Fri–Sat; 8A–2P Sun, free. St. Viator Parish, 2461 E. Flamingo Road, stviator.org
NOV. 17–19Holiday Craft and Gift FestivalCheck out the vintage Christmas train on display while enjoying holiday music, food, and shopping. Fri–Sat 10A–5P; Sun 10A–4P, $5. South Point Hotel & Casino Event Center, lvcraftfestival.com
NOV. 17–18, 24–25; DEC. 1–2, 8–9, 15–24Downtown Summerlin Holiday ParadeWith floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princes and princesses, nutcrackers, dancers, drummers, and joyful music, this nondenominational parade is fun for the whole family. 6P, free. Park Center Drive, downtownsummerlin.com
NOV. 17–19Noah’s FloodSee the parable as you have never seen it before, through opera! Joined by the Opera Las Vegas Children’s Choir (playing the animals), it is a one-of-a-kind performance. Multiple venues and times, free, operalasvegas.com
NOV. 18Color Me Kind 5KThis paint run allows participants to be doused with a different color at each kilometer to create a kaleidoscope of fun. Ages 5+. 8A, $35. Along Paseo Verde Parkway, cityofhenderson.com
NOV. 18Henderson Stroll ’n’ RollThe road will be closed to motorized traffic so that you may enjoy the street via bicycle, skates, skateboard, stroller, or on foot. Along the way, enjoy craft and food vendors. 10A–2P, free. Along Paseo Verde Parkway,
cityofhenderson.com
NOV. 18LVIP Thanksgiving ExtravaganzaFeast on the musical comedy of the Las Vegas Improvisational Players as they make the show up on the spot based on your suggestions. 7P, $10; $5 kids, seniors, and military. Show Creators Studio, 4455 W. Sunset Road,
lvimprov.com
NOV. 24 & DEC. 29Last Friday — Just Add Water StreetA foodie, arts, music, and crafts celebration in the historic downtown area. 6–10P, free. Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., cityofhenderson.com
NOV. 24–DEC. 31Opportunity Village’s Magical ForestEnter a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, the Forest Express passenger train, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Boris the Elf’s 3D Experience, and more. Sun–Thu 5:30-9P; Fri–Sat 5:30–10P, $9–$20. Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., opportunityvillage.org
NOV. 24–DEC. 31House on RobindaleThe most decorated house in the valley welcomes visitors from far and wide. Park across the street to take in the 95,000+ lights synchronized to Top 40 hits and holiday favorites. 6–10P nightly, free. 1420 E. Robindale Road, houseonrobindale.com
NOV. 25–JAN. 2The Rink at the Boulevard PoolIce-skate high above the Strip, replete with snow showers every 30 minutes. Sit by the fire pits while enjoying s’mores and warm cocktails. 17+ unless with parent. Sat 10A–9P; Sun 11A–6P, $20; $10 locals; $10 skate rental. The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
NOV. 25–JAN. 2Fountains of BellagioThe internationally renowned Bellagio fountains present Christmas performances choreographed to holiday classics. Bellagio, bellagio.com
NOV. 30Luminaria and Las PosadaKick off the holidays with this live reenactment of the Nativity accompanied by musical performances from local talent. 6P, free. Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona St., visitbouldercity.com
DEC. 1–31Santa TrainThis 40-minute ride along the Boulder Branch Line features a toy train exhibit, Santa’s sleigh for photos, North Pole mailbox, and depot gift store. 10A–3P Fri–Sun, $5–$10. Nevada State Railroad Museum, 601 Yucca St.,
Boulder City, nevadasouthern.com
DEC. 2Great Santa RunYour registration for this fundraiser includes a full Santa suit, a medal, and the opportunity to be a part of the largest gathering of Santas in the world! 8:30A, $30. Opportunity Village, raceentry.com
DEC. 2–JAN 6Holiday GlamourThe Conservatory and Botanical Garden will be totally transformed into a magical holiday paradise. 24/7, free. The Bellagio, bellagio.com
DEC. 2Doodlebug BazaarNearly 140 booths offer items like handmade jewelry, clothing, holiday decorations, ornaments, and toys. 9A–4P; Santa parade at 4:30P, free. Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona St., visitbouldercity.com
DEC. 2Santa’s Picture PartyBring the kids to take pictures with Santa. 11A, free. The Gazebo at Bicentennial Park, 999 Colorado St., Boulder City, visitbouldercity.com
DEC. 2Home for the Holidays — Las Vegas PhilharmonicThe annual event features Peter and the Wolf, selections from The Nutcracker, a holiday sing-along, and more. 2p, $30-$129. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
DEC. 2Santa’s Electric Night ParadeAs the sun sets, downtown Boulder City will be glowing for the grand entrance of Santa Claus leading an old-fashioned holiday parade. 4:40P, free. Historic Nevada Way, Boulder City, visitbouldercity.com
DEC. 2A Baroque Holiday — Handel’s MessiahThe Las Vegas Philharmonic performs Baroque-era holiday classics, including Part One of Handel’s Messiah. 7:30P; pre-concert conversation, 6:30P, $30-$109. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
DEC. 5Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyMayor Carolyn Goodman helps Santa light Las Vegas’ official 50-foot Christmas tree. 5P, free. Stage 3 at Fremont Street Experience, vegasexperience.com
DEC. 7–17Stetson Country Christmas DowntownThe 24th anniversary of this mega-shopping event brings many traditions as well as exciting changes. Live music and more. 10A–5P, free. Sands Expo, countrychristmas.vegas
December 8–9WinterFestThis year’s theme is Dazzling Desert Holiday and includes a variety of family-friendly activities, including the official tree lighting ceremony with Santa, craft vendors, entertainment, and a spectacular evening light parade. Fri 6–9P; Sat 12–8P, free. Henderson Convention Center & Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., Henderson,
cityofhenderson.com
DEC. 9Best Dam Wine Walk — Ugly Sweater ContestGet your awful holiday sweater judged as you taste new wines and treats while enjoying the festive decorations all over town. 21+ only. 4P, $25 individual, $45 couple. Historic Downtown Boulder City, visitbouldercity.com/events
DEC. 9–10 & 16–23Holiday ExpressEmbrace the holiday magic with train rides to Santa’s magical village and festive activities, including photos with Santa, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, holiday stories, a nutcracker display, and more! 12–6P, ticket prices TBD. Springs Preserve, springspreserve.org
DEC. 9Jingle Bell RunRaise funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation in the 5K, 10K, or 1 mile kids’ run. Runners receive jingle bells for their shoes and other goodies. 8A, $25–$75. Tivoli Village, arthritis.org/nevada
DEC. 9–24The NutcrackerNBT’s annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic features more than 100 dancers. Wed–Sat 7:30P; Sat–Sun 2P, $29–$179, Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
DEC. 11A Nashville Tribute Band ChristmasPerforming traditional Christmas songs and their own originals, the band delivers with their tight harmonies and creative arrangements.
7P, $17–$27. Cashman Center, bit.ly/2hSzYRS
DEC. 14–16World Championship Dummy Roping for KidsLittle ropers travel from coast to coast, and even other countries, to compete for the coveted title. 10:30A–2P, free for spectators. Sands Expo,
worldchampionshipdummyroping.com
DEC. 16Reindeer Dash 5KDon your holiday apparel and jingle all the way through the fun run to holiday music and a meet-and-greet with St. Nick. Ages 5+. 9A, $25–$40. Pecos Legacy Park, cityofhenderson.com
DEC. 16Celebrity City Chorus Songs of the SeasonEnjoy CCC, an extraordinary group
of women who celebrate barbershop music, as they perform beloved holiday songs. 7P, $11. Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive, clarkcountynv.gov
DEC. 16LVIP Christmas SpecialGet out of the mall to enjoy an evening of holiday-themed comedy by the Las Vegas Improvisational Players. Brighten your silent night with lighthearted, clean antics based on audience suggestions. 7P, $10; $5 kids, seniors, and military. Show Creators Studio, 4455 W. Sunset Road,
lvimprov.com
DEC. 31Resolution Run 10K/5K/1MGet an early start to your New Year’s resolutions. Finishers of this slightly hilly course receive a shirt and a medal. Walkers and strollers welcome.
12P, $25–$45, Kellogg-Zaher Park, 7901 W. Washington Avenue,
tripledareruns.com