Tis the Season for beautiful displays of Holiday Cheer:

Winter In Venice

The Venetian and the Palazzo join forces from November 21st through January 8th for the Winter in Venice spectacular. Wow that special someone this Christmas with a gondola ride through the lighted icicle laden environs of the Venetian, arguably teh most gorgeous of Vegas resorts. Featuring holiday concerts and events (some free, some not), a spectacular nightly light show and an ice skating rink (unfortunately not free), this years Winter In Venice will inspire and bring smiles of joy. See the schedule of events.

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.

Scuba Santa at the Silverton Aquarium

Already a top pick for Free Things To Do In Las Vegas, the Aquarium at Silverton's 117,000 gallon saltwater tank gets festive this holiday season. From 10 AM -1 PM every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas the aquarium will see a visit from Santa unlike any you've ever seen. Even sharks and fish need to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and this jolly old submerged fellow is a sight to be seen. This is a great event for kids. One friend told me that after seeing Scuba Santa a few years back his eight year old got into scuba diving. Talk about a Xmas gift that keeps on giving.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Another long time Free Best of Vegas attraction the Bellagio Botanical Gardens get a holiday makeover. A 42 foot Shasta tree dominates the display, but the thousands of lights adorning plants of all kinds, coupled with the holiday rocking horse and penguin statues bring a gaggle of holiday cheer to this amazing display of nature. Learn about the plants every day from 13:00 AM till 11:30 AM from Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumbs and make this holiday outing a place to learn and be jolly.

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Formerly Gift of Lights)

• Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• 702-451-1641
• November 16, 2012-January 6, 2013
• 5:30-9 PM Sun-Thurs
• 5:30-10 PM Fri-Sat

100% of proceeds will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities.

Magical Forest

• Opportunity Village
• 702-259-3741
• November 21, 2012-January 6, 2013
• Call or Check Site for Hours or to Purchase Tickets

MYSTIC FALLS

The annual Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland at Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Highway, also begins Wednesday. The property will be extensively decorated for Christmas and a 15-minute laser light show in the Mystic Falls atrium will be presented hourly from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. Cowboy Santa will appear from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23 in the gazebo in Mystic Falls Park.

WINTER GARDEN

The popular conservatory and botanical gardens at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, will display their autumn finery through Nov. 24, with the Christmas display making its debut a few days later.

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.

Springs Preserve

Holiday Spectacular

Experience a family-friendly winter wonderland filled with fun, colorful excitement and much more!

Bathed in the glow of thousands of colorful, eco-friendly LED lights, the family-friendly celebration will feature tasty treats, holiday arts and crafts, reindeer (pony) rides for the little ones, photos with Santa, and much more.

The Springs Cafe will offer a special selection of delicious dishes, decadent desserts and seasonal beverages to keep you warm.

Live entertainment includes caroling by community groups and high school madrigal singers throughout the Gardens.

Posada - Mexican Christmas Traditions
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Holiday Spectacular will present a Posada, a Mexican Christmas tradition. The Posada production will take you through some of the most distinct Mexican Christmas celebrations with songs, dances, a procession with candles, piñatas, rituals and decorations. Hot drinks and traditional food will be offered, and the celebration will conclude with the tradition of Three Wise Men Day (Día de Reyes).