One of the best times to visit Las Vegas is the first week of January. Why? The New Year’s Eve crowd is gone, tourists are few because most people are finishing up their Christmas family visits and conferences are not common this early in the New Year. What does this mean to you? Great hotel rates, shorter lines at shops, buffets, attractions and most restaurants and stores still offer their Christmas specials. The city is still very much in holiday spirit.
This year The Venetian had their “Winter in Venice” with a huge brightly lit Christmas tree and a brief musical show outside the hotel with characters dressed in gorgeous costumes. Inside, the resort was also in full Christmas decor.
At the Bellagio Conservatory a giant Christmas tree, reindeer, polar bears, hundreds of poinsettias and decorations and even fake snow were sure to delight adults and kids alike.
The Bellagio Cafe still offered their special holiday menu for very reasonable prices. I got tempted by their vanilla panna-cotta, so decided to have dinner there one night. Actually the dessert ended up being the least tasty of my meal, but their french onion soup and strawberry/arugula bruschetta were delectable.
For a few years now there has been a drive-through Christmas light park put together, Glittering Lights, basically a huge area is set up with lights in various shapes and you drive through it. I would especially recommend it for those with children or for adults with a whimsical side. It is a bit of drive to the north-east side of Vegas and it cost $20 per vehicle. This is only for a few weeks around Christmas, then they take everything off.
There are so many tantalizing patisseries in Las Vegas, but one you want to visit for sure is Jean Phillipe Patisserie at the Bellagio, even if only for their amazing chocolate fountain. Although I doubt you’ll be able to resist trying at least one of their delicious sweets.
Because I have been to Vegas many, many times I am familiar with the residential areas as well and have some favorite spots away from the buzz of The Strip. One of my most cherished places is Sambalatte, a cute coffee shop in Summerlin, with a delicious and very creative menu. My favorite is their notorious Nutella Latte, hmmm yes, you read that correctly! And is every bit as tasty as it sounds!
If you are looking to unwind and pamper your senses Las Vegas is the place to do it, even though most think of it as the capital of partying and gambling, which it is, only it is also so much more than that! First class shopping, spas, entertainment, and outdoor adventures are all in abundance.
I love Las Vegas, and especially around this time!
