Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Credit: Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino
Las Vegas is a magical city no matter the time of year, but during the holidays the lights turn up a bit brighter, the glitz gets shinier and the whole city comes alive with the spirit of the season. Here are four ways to get festive on and off the Strip.
Winter’s Village at Green Valley Ranch
At the outdoor amphitheater in the backyard pool area of Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino in Henderson, you’ll find a winter wonderland until January 6. The jovial backdrop has more than five dozen trees decked out in white lights surrounding an ice-skating rink with panoramic views of Las Vegas.
Green Valley Ranch Resort’s Ice Skating Rink. Credit: Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino
After working up an appetite on your skates, hit the treats bar filled with snow-dipped crispy snacks and whoopie pies alongside savory comfort foods, such hot dogs, chili and nachos. Fire pits are also available for rent for up to two hours of s’mores roasting.
It wouldn’t be a winter wonderland without libations, and the ones that keep you nice and toasty flow freely at Frost Lounge. Check out the 12 Cocktails of Christmas menu to savor sips such as the Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, Candy Cane Jane and Holiday Mule Tide. Young guests get in on the fun with a roster of mocktails.
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa. Credit: Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
Winter’s Village at Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
Debuting this year on the westside, Red Rock Casino Resort Spa’s Winter Village — in the Sandbar Pool area — offers a more intimate ice rink at around one-third the size of sister property GVR’s, with the same beauty and splendor of trees, holiday lights and uplifting music.
In addition to sweet treats, such as cake pops, peppermint bark and s’mores, try comfort food, like grilled cheese, tomato soup and chicken fingers. There’s also the bonus of a specialty shop with a selection of winter apparel.
For those partaking in the holiday cheer, there are hotel packages that offer various skating and drinking options, fire pit time and s’mores kits.
Wynn Las Vegas’ Lakeside. Credit: Wynn Las Vegas
Culinary Delights at Wynn Las Vegas
At this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Sin City address, the focus this season is on culinary offerings, including holiday menus, master classes and New Year’s Eve blowouts.
A recurring favorite is the Wing Lei dim sum brunch — only offered from December 22 to January 1 at the Five-Star eatery — that features dim sum carts, shellfish and sushi displays and hot stations with prime rib. The crown jewel is the Peking duck presentation, where layers of decadent meat are placed into delicate, wafer-thin pancakes and dabbled in sweet garlic sauce.
On Christmas Day, find a prix fixe at Jardin, special dishes at Four-Star Sinatra and holiday favorites on December 24 and 25 at The Buffet.
To make seasonal sweets like the experts, check out the resort’s popular master classes. Cocktails and cookies are prepared with an adult spin by mixologist Andrew Pollard and Four-Star Lakeside pastry chefs Maria Mac and Andy Jin, respectively, on December 13. And returning for a third year, executive pastry chef Patrice Caillot helps you create edible ornaments on December 15.
For 2018’s grand finale, all of the restaurants of Wynn and Encore will offer celebratory menus teeming with luxurious cuisine. Two standouts are the butter-poached Maine lobster and whiskey-bathed Japanese wagyu filet mignon at Four-Star SW Steakhouse, and a five-course seafood menu at Lakeside. Both also roll out a DJ and a dance floor to get everyone feeling festive.
Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness. Credit: The Venetian
Peppermint-Scented Pampering at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas
At these Four-Star sister resorts, take a break from the holiday madness with a relaxing day at Four-Star Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness. Incorporating familiar scents of the season, the Peppermint Latte Massage is as decadent as the drink with peppermint, sweet almond and coconut oils and a choice of a peppermint mocha foot scrub or moisturizing hair and scalp treatment.
And for the visual senses, The Palazzo’s holiday décor is a sight to behold with reindeer, pinecones and snowflakes adorning the atrium, lobby and waterfall.
