The Midcentury Las Vegas Stage exhibit opens on Dec. 4th!

November 29, 2014

Please be sure to add this to your to-do list. You don't want to miss this terrific exhibit that looks at why Las Vegas became the Entertainment Capital of the World!

I was asked to write the text for this terrific exhibit that opens on Thursday.

Hope you will check it out!!!

December 4, 2014 – February 14, 2015:

Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush Street, Las Vegas, 702-229-6383
For more information, please call 702-229-1012
Free and open to the public
The new exhibit at the Charleston Heights Art Center Gallery titled The Midcentury Las Vegas Stage: Acts that Built the Entertainment Capital of the World explores both legendary and obscure stage acts from the perspective of the archives at the Las Vegas News Bureau and the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas. Rarely seen photographs combined with video footage and stage costume tell the distinctive story of Las Vegas' original hotel lounges and showrooms.

The midcentury Las Vegas entertainment scene was extraordinary, remarkable and singularly unique to the city. The unlikely pairing of Barbra Streisand with Liberace on a 1963 Riviera bill or the arcane combination, on the Sahara stage, of film legend Mae West with 1954's Mr. America are enduring examples of why Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World.

About Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum is one of seven managed by the Nevada Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the
grounds of the Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural institution with museums, exhibits, gardens, interpretive trails, event space and more, built on the site of artesian springs that once nourished desert life. Visit the museum at 309 S. Valley View Boulevard or on Facebook. Adult admission is $9.95 and includes entrance to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

About Las Vegas News Bureau
For more than 65 years, the Las Vegas News Bureau has captured the sights and sounds of the world’s leading destination like no one else, and has played a unique role in promoting Las Vegas by documenting unforgettable images on film. The News Bureau was created in 1947 as part of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s marketing efforts to promote Las Vegas as a tourism destination. Today, the Las Vegas News Bureau plays an important role in supporting
the marketing efforts of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Las Vegas Neighborhood Holiday Lights Displays

December 7, 2013

It took a bit longer than we expected but we have put together our annual list of neighborhood Holiday Light Displays and Events around the Las Vegas Valley. If you know of a house or Event that should be included be sure to hit the comments section and let us know!

Neighborhoods:

Take a tour of holiday lights and decorations around the Las Vegas Valley. The area is divided into quadrants by using Sahara Avenue to divide north from south and Interstate 15 to divide east from west.

DOWNTOWN:

Twisted Vegas at 1941 Houston Drive

NORTHEAST:
Address: 3164 Mclennan Ave., North Las Vegas, 89081
Resident: Kellee Enneman
Description: 5 - 11 p.m. Perfectly straight house lights and multiple yard decorations. Decorations are accompanied by music.

Address: 1343 Villa Park Court, Las Vegas, 89110

Resident: Chris Colasuono

Description: 4 - 10:30 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 4 - 11 p.m. Fri-Sat. 10,000 lights that are synchromized to music. Music can be heard on station 106.1 FM. Currently 14 various song/light shows are programmed.

NORTHWEST:

Address: 8117 Chestnut Hollow Ave., Las Vegas, 89131
Resident: Frank Endellicate
Description: Entire house decorated from top to bottom. Various lawn ornaments, blow ups, reindeer and santas! Lights galore!

Address: 6759 Rowena Circle, Las Vegas, 89131
Resident: Missi K. Winter
Description: Anytime after 5:30 pm. Themed as the Peanuts visiting the North Pole!

Address: 6601 Brandywine Way, Las Vegas
Submitted by Bonnie Sandusky
Description: 7 - 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday; Monday-Tuesday, all day. My parents' home, always decorated every space you can imagine ... from the roof to the whole front yard! My Dad does this himself everyt year. He is 80 years old! Climbs up that roof, etc. Then goes to my sister's house & helps her! Every year! Needs to be recognized.

Address: 6313 Bristol Way, Las Vegas, 89107
Submitted by Bonnie Sandusky
Description: My sister's house says: Happy Birthday Jesus. Everyone seems to forget what Christmas really means & her display says it all ... a must see!

New addition submitted by one of our readers:

NorthWest area, Residential home has an animated musical Christmas Lights display and a video of Santa in a window. A joke telling elf is hosting the Broadcast on 101.1 Fm

3646 Carol Lark Court Las Vegas 89129.

SOUTHEAST:

A new addition submitted by one of our readers:

Address: 4255 El Cid Way Las Vegas NV 89121

Description: Huge two story house all decorated, TONS OF LIGHTS, garage has a viewing of a HUGE mini Christmas village built up on Styrofoam which includes three full trains running throughout the mini village, house will NOT disappoint! Truly a masterpiece!!!

SOUTHWEST:

Address: 2757 Grande Valley, Las Vegas, 89135

Resident: Rupert Chamberlain
Description: 5-10 p.m. My favorite TV show of all time is "Star Trek." The recent "Star Trek" movie was OK, but I much prefer the original cast. As a tribute to the show I have decorated my front yard to represent some of my favorite episodes with a holiday twist. Kirk and Spock in hand-to-hand combat armed with candy canes and dressed as elves, red, white and green animatronic tribbles and much much more. A true Trekkies holiday delight! Come one and all and join for a Romulan ale as we boldly go where no man has gone before!

Address: 10878 Milbank Ave, Las Vegas, 89135
Resident: Jerrold E. Creed
Description: 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Tune your car radio to 103.9 FM. Thousands of LED lights set to music. THX opening, Carol of the Bells, Linus and Lucy, Jingle Bells, TSO Wizards of Winter. Picture on this web page is this house. Featuring 16 mini trees out front. Merry Christmas.

Address: 346 Maddalena, Las Vegas, 89183
Resident: Ryan S. Knepp
Description: 6 - 8 p.m. My 14-year-old stepson Ryan Knepp loves Christmas decorations. With every dime he gets he buys blow-up decorations to place in the yard. Over the last month he has spent countless hours setting up his display.

HENDERSON:

Address: 3018 Scenic Valley Way, Henderson 89052
Resident: Robert Thomas
Description: 4:30 - 11:30 p.m. Lots of lights, inflatable airplane on roof, nativity scene, snow globe and lighted animals, angels and more. Live Santa appearing on Sundays.

New addition: 1700 block of Quiver Point Avenue

NORTH LAS VEGAS:

A new addition:

3016 Judson Avenue

EVENTS:

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is hosting a nightly light show with 400 animated lights along the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) racetrack.

Town Square Park

And while real snow is a possibility at this writing (and gets less if the weather warms up), Town Square Park hosts a show of artificial snowflakes falling at 7 p.m. nightly until Dec. 23, with a second show at 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Neon Museum:

Starting Nov. 30, visitors who take the nighttime tour of the Museum’s Boneyard also will view a special, holiday-inspired palette of lights. Also on the Neon Museum’s holiday schedule is an ornament-making activity from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Following that session, from 5 to 6 p.m., hot chocolate will be served and singers from Las Vegas Academy will perform in the Neon Boneyard’s outdoor events area. The event is free and open to the public.

Nighttime tours of the Neon Boneyard are $25 for general admission and $22 for seniors, students, active military and veterans, and Nevada residents with valid IDs.

Sam’s Town

Mystic Falls at Sam's Town casino and hotel is once again decorated for the holidays. The winter wonderland features holiday trees, festive lighting, snowfall, animatronics, laser lights and water features. There is also a 15-minute laser light show hourly during the holiday season from 5 to 10 p.m. Santa Claus will appear from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. More info

Jingle Bell Block

Dec. 5-24
Downtown Grand Las Vegas and Downtown 3rd have created a winter wonderland named Jingle Bell Block on 3rd Street between Stewart and Ogden avenues. There is a Christmas tree lot, holiday beverages and festive food available for purchase, a free bounce house for kids, and handcrafted gifts for sale from the Downtown 3rd Farmers Market. Santa Claus will also be available for visits. The Christmas tree lot will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Santa's Village will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Open through Dec. 24. Admission and valet parking is free.

Sunset Park

1st annual Sunset Wonderland Holiday Festival
Dec. 6-22
4 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends
Sunset Wonderland will have activities every Friday, Saturday and Sunday including holiday music, children's games/activities, contests, horse rides, holiday carolers, live music and dance performances by local Las Vegas dance troupes and, of course, we can’t forget about photo opportunities with Santa. Additional craft and food vendor will be on site in our Wonderland Marketplace on the weekends as well. Ice-skating, Ferris Wheel, Tree purchases & the Holiday Wonderland of Tree Display will be available Monday thru Thursday from 4PM-10PM and weekends from 10AM - 9PM.The event is for all ages.
Price: Free to Sunset Wonderland, Ice Skating $8 per hour including skate rental
More info: Call (702) 455-8200

Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest

Opportunity Village

702-259-3741

November 27, 2013-January 6, 2014

Call or Check Site for Hours or to Purchase Tickets

Spring's Preserve

Spring's Preserve boasts the Holiday Spectacular, a winter wonderland bathed in lights and snow flurries, surrounded by madrigal singers and carolers, and offering pony rides and pictures with Santa Claus

Ethel M. Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden Light Display

This long time local favorite proves that even here in the desert the spirit of Christmas abounds. Hundreds of cacti and other desert plants are adorned with nearly half a million LED. Open (and free) to the public from 5 PM - 10 PM nightly until January 1st this Henderson must see includes holiday performances and visits from Santa. Perfect for kids and grandparents and anyone in between, few Las Vegas traditions can compete. See the schedule of events.

Crystals at City Center's Holiday Winter Wonderland

To say Free and Crystal's in one sentence will make any Las Vegas resident chuckle. The shopping center known for such outrageously high end shops like Cartier, Gucci and Prada has earned a reputation as the king of upper echelon shopping. If you're arms are laden with bags from these shops you're a high roller.

It may come as a surprise then to see one of the best FREE holiday displays anywhere in Las Vegas. Hundreds of seasonal plants decorate the multi levels of this amazing shopping mall, including the rare and never before seen in the US white LED Christmas trees, draped in crystal as well as numerous massive traditional trees sent in from Oregon. Take the kids or the wife or the in laws to this soon to be perennial holiday favorite. Just try and keep your money in your wallet.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Las Vegas Holiday Fun Things to Do

December 7, 2013

We thought it best to break our Holiday Lights Displays and Fun Things to Do into two separate blog posts so that people can find what they are looking for quicker and easier.

Bellagio Resort & Casino Conservatory

This year’s winter display includes more than 32,000 fresh poinsettias and a 45-foot-tall (14-meter) tree, along with a chocolate reindeer and life-size candy house.

The Fountains at Bellagio

Bellagio's famed fountains dance like sugar plum fairies to iconic holiday hits throughout the season. Sing along to favorites like Santa Baby, Carol of the Bells, Hallelujah Chorus and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year while the water spouts perform magical routines. Shows run every half hour Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from noon to 7 p.m. Performances shift to every quarter hour from 7 p.m. to midnight nightly.

The Nutcracker at the Smith Center

Witness a production of one of the most beloved holiday classics by the Nevada Ballet Theater. With choreography by Artistic Director, James Canfield, new elements, and a grandiose set, you're sure to fall in love with this timeless tale again. See the performance December 14-22 at varying show times. Tickets start at $52 (plus taxes and fees). No children under three-years-old will be permitted to attend. Purchase your tickets online.

Santa Claus at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Kris Kringle ventures 20,000 leagues under the sea to join the finned creatures of the Shark Reef Aquarium for a very unique Christmas photo op at the Shipwreck. With every admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary photo and candy cane with Santa and his shark helper, Santa Jaws. Children can also check out Santa's mad SCUBA skills at approximately 4:15 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Aquarium admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children. Children ages 4 and under are free. Santa drops by between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21-24.

Ice Skating Rinks:

THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

Real ice will be used for the rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' Boulevard Pool, beginning Nov. 30. In addition to the rink, the complex will feature such cozy touches as fire pits, warm cocktails and s'mores. Date Skate Mondays will feature holiday movies on the resort's 65-foot digital marquee, and Throwback Thursdays will feature music from the '70s to the '90s, with skaters invited to dress appropriately for the period. Regular hours will be from 3 to 11 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends, with extended holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4 (but closed New Year's Eve). All-day skating access will be $10 for Nevada residents, $15 for nonresidents; access to the complex is free. It will be open to those 2 and older, but those 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult who's at least 21.

Caesars Palace

Glide to your heart's content on the Bella Luce Terrace at Caesars December 6 through January 12. You can practice your favorite Blades of Glory moves for $10 with a $5 fee to rent skates. Rink is open daily from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The Venetian

Wave to the canal gondoliers and their passengers as you skate by. The Venetian's rink (open until January 5) floats along the water and features phenomenal views of the Strip. Open daily from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., hourly skate sessions and rentals are $14.95 per person or $9.95 for Grazie members and locals.

Tony Hsieh's Downtown Rink at Gold Spike Hotel

The not yet unveiled but highly anticipated downtown attraction, comprised of over 4,000-square-feet of synthetic ice, is the newest pet project of the Zappos.com CEO. While creating quite a stir in local media and gossip columns, few details have emerged about its inception, except to expect it to be open before next weekend, December 14.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Neighborhood Displays

December 21, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Here is a list we put together in 2009 of neighborhood Holiday displays. We have not had any luck finding an updated version for this year. If anyone knows where we might find the info please hit the comments and let us know.

In the meantime, since many people do these displays on a yearly basis, here is the list we have. Please be aware that some of the info may be outdated. If we find more up-to-date info over the weekend, we will post it!

NORTHEAST

Address: 3164 Mclennan Ave., North Las Vegas, 89081
Resident: Kellee Enneman
Description: 5 - 11 p.m. Perfectly straight house lights and multiple yard decorations. Decorations are accompanied by music.

Address: 1343 Villa Park Court, Las Vegas, 89110
Resident: Chris Colasuono
Description: 4 - 10:30 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 4 - 11 p.m. Fri-Sat. 10,000 lights that are synchromized to music. Music can be heard on station 106.1 FM. Currently 14 various song/light shows are programmed.

NORTHWEST

Address: 8117 Chestnut Hollow Ave., Las Vegas, 89131
Resident: Frank Endellicate
Description: Entire house decorated from top to bottom. Various lawn ornaments, blow ups, reindeer and santas! Lights galore!

Address: 6759 Rowena Circle, Las Vegas, 89131
Resident: Missi K. Winter
Description: Anytime after 5:30 pm. Themed as the Peanuts visiting the North Pole!

Address: 6601 Brandywine Way, Las Vegas
Submitted by Bonnie Sandusky
Description: 7 - 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday; Monday-Tuesday, all day. My parents' home, always decorated every space you can imagine ... from the roof to the whole front yard! My Dad does this himself everyt year. He is 80 years old! Climbs up that roof, etc. Then goes to my sister's house & helps her! Every year! Needs to be recognized.

Address: 6313 Bristol Way, Las Vegas, 89107
Submitted by Bonnie Sandusky
Description: My sister's house says: Happy Birthday Jesus. Everyone seems to forget what Christmas really means & her display says it all ... a must see!

Address: 4205 Via Vaquero Ave., Las Vegas 89102
Resident: Kelley Thomas
Description: 5 - 11 p.m. More than 25,000 lights, dancing characters, handmade Santa, lots of intricate details. Features Christmas music.

New addition submitted by one of our readers:

NorthWest area, Residential home has an animated musical Christmas Lights display and a video of Santa in a window. A joke telling elf is hosting the Broadcast on 101.1 Fm at 3646 Carol Lark Court Las Vegas 89129.

SOUTHEAST:

A new addition submitted by one of our readers:

SOUTHWEST

Address: 7040 Darby Ave., Las Vegas, 89117
Resident: Gary Bohannon
Description: 5 p.m. to at least 10 p.m., weekends until 11 p.m. Our display includes, of course, a Nativity scene, There is Santa in his sleigh with 9 flying reindeer suspended in air. Flying Sopwith Camel airplane with Snoopy. Mega tree. Animated polar bears and penguins. There are several lighted trees throughout the yard. We are approaching 100,000 lights.

Our lights are sound activated by controllers, with Christmas carols (Mannheim Steamroller, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kitaro, David Arkenstone) playing through outside speakers and the lights flash to the tempo of the music. Animated pink flamingos, carousel. Large U.S. flag on the roof (9' x 13').

We also have the obligatory gaudy plastic figures; Mickey, Minnie, Santa, Mrs. Santa, choir people, elves, candy canes, snowman, Santa waving in a train, toy soldiers, drummers and windows have animated lighted figures. Sometimes Santa appears, especially Christmas Eve and hands out candy canes."

Address: 2757 Grande Valley, Las Vegas, 89135
Resident: Rupert Chamberlain
Description: 5-10 p.m. My favorite TV show of all time is "Star Trek." The recent "Star Trek" movie was OK, but I much prefer the original cast. As a tribute to the show I have decorated my front yard to represent some of my favorite episodes with a holiday twist. Kirk and Spock in hand-to-hand combat armed with candy canes and dressed as elves, red, white and green animatronic tribbles and much much more. A true Trekkies holiday delight! Come one and all and join for a Romulan ale as we boldly go where no man has gone before!

Address: 10878 Milbank Ave, Las Vegas, 89135
Resident: Jerrold E. Creed
Description: 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Tune your car radio to 103.9 FM. Thousands of LED lights set to music. THX opening, Carol of the Bells, Linus and Lucy, Jingle Bells, TSO Wizards of Winter. Picture on this web page is this house. Featuring 16 mini trees out front. Merry Christmas.

Address: 346 Maddalena, Las Vegas, 89183
Resident: Ryan S. Knepp
Description: 6 - 8 p.m. My 14-year-old stepson Ryan Knepp loves Christmas decorations. With every dime he gets he buys blow-up decorations to place in the yard. Over the last month he has spent countless hours setting up his display.

He has about 40 blow ups plus countless lights and other displays. Last year he had blow ups stolen. He now attaches each one to plywood and puts a cable around all of them to prevent them from being stolen. He is very meticulous and makes sure every wire and string is just right. This 14-year-old does this all by himself and with his own money. Truly an inspiring story about Christmas and youth.

Address: 3308 Surfline Dr., Las Vegas 89117
Resident: Walt Patalina
Description: 5-11 p.m. Deer, trees, lights, music and lots more!

HENDERSON

Address: 3018 Scenic Valley Way, Henderson 89052
Resident: Robert Thomas
Description: 4:30 - 11:30 p.m. Lots of lights, inflatable airplane on roof, nativity scene, snow globe and lighted animals, angels and more. Live Santa appearing on Sundays.

New addition: 1700 block of Quiver Point Avenue

NORTH LAS VEGAS