From the Las Vegas Sun:

This holiday season, get in the spirit with a number of festive events for the whole family. Enjoy arts and crafts, concerts and of course photos with Santa, plus a variety of Hanukkah-related events. Don't forget to stock up on holiday treats at local chocolatiers Ethel M, Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man and Sugar Factory, which will all have special holiday items for sale.

Photos with Santa:

Boulevard Mall:

• 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, 735-8268

• Nov. 17-Dec. 13:

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Break 2:30-3:30 p.m.)

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Break 3-4 p.m.)

Sunday: Noon-6 p.m. (Break 3-3:30 p.m.)

Dec. 14-23:

Daily: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Break 1-1:30 p.m.; 5-6 p.m.)

Dec. 24:

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Break 12:30-1 p.m.)

Galleria at Sunset:

• 1300 W. Sunset Road, 434-0202

• Nov. 10-Dec. 24:

Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Meadows Mall:

• 4300 Meadows Lane, 878-3331

• Nov. 10-Dec. 24:

Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday: Noon-6 p.m.

• Pet photos with Santa: 6 p.m. until closing on Monday, Dec. 10, 17

Fashion Show:

• 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 369-8382

• Nov. 23-Dec. 14:

Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday: Noon-7 p.m.

Dec. 15, 21, 22: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 16: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Dec. 17–20: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Dec. 23: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Dec. 24: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Pet photos with Santa: 6 p.m. until closing on Monday, Dec. 10, 17

Tivoli Village:

• 440 South Rampart, 570-7400

• Through Dec. 23:

Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20 and Friday, Dec. 21: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 24: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Town Square:

• 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 269-5000

• Through Dec. 24:

Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Dec. 22, 23: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Dec. 24: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Santa takes breaks from 1-1:30 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday from 2-3 p.m.

• Pet photos with Santa:

Through Dec. 19: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Ongoing events:

Santa is making his list and checking it twice and so far has found naughty sharks, a rare Komodo Dragon and piranhas. Throughout the month of December at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, children can share their last-minute holiday wishes with Mr. Claus in the aquarium’s shipwreck exhibit. With each paid admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary candy cane and a photograph with Santa. Santa Jaws will make his rounds at the exhibit as well. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22-24. Santa will be present those days from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Head out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 2.5-mile track for a massive holiday lights extravaganza, Glittering Lights, featuring more than 450 animated displays. The event runs Sunday-Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30- 10 p.m. The cost is $15-$20.

KISS By Monster Mini Golf will hold a toy drive through the end of the year, benefiting Toys for Tots. Guests who bring in a new unwrapped toy can play mini golf for just $5.

New York-New York decks the Broadway Theater’s halls for the family-friendly holiday show “Christmas in New York.” This limited-time holiday engagement features favorite seasonal songs.

Winter in Venice returns to the Venetian and the Palazzo. The second annual celebration of the winter holiday season on the Las Vegas Strip features 50 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts through Jan. 6. Activities include an outdoor skating rink (open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.), a culinary clash between famous chefs on certain nights and a nightly holiday parade (at 6 and 8 p.m.) through the Venetian’s Doge’s Palace, featuring characters from the Winter in Venice celebration. Seasonal storylines will be projected in 3D as part of the “Light of Venice” display. Additionally, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas takes over the theater at Palazzo with its signature Christmas classics plus elaborate choreography and aerial displays. Performances are nightly at 7 p.m. though Dec. 30, plus additional shows at 9 p.m. on Dec. 25, 27 and 29. Concert tickets are $70-$146.

Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest celebrates its 21st anniversary. The holiday event features decorated trees, millions of lights, photos with Santa, an antique carousel and a gingerbread house display. The event runs nightly through Jan. 6 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $9-$17.50. This year, Opportunity Village will continue to provide special discounted nights. Monday nights (family nights) are perfect for the whole family, presenting a wonderful opportunity for a festive family get-together. Families purchasing one adult admission at the gate will receive a complimentary child’s admission. Thrifty Thursdays feature a $2 discount admission with the donation of a bag of new or gently used clothing/household items. College students receive $2 off general admission every Sunday night. Seniors, as well as men and women of the military, receive $2 off general admission daily.

Ethel M Chocolates hosts the 19th annual Holiday Cactus Garden. The beloved seasonal attraction features more than 600,000 sparkling lights decoratively displayed throughout a sprawling three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden. Enjoy live entertainment (Friday–Saturday), photos with Santa (Friday–Sunday) and other festive décor. The attraction is open nightly from 5–10 p.m. through Jan. 1.

The pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park Light and Water Show has transformed into a winter wonderland experience at Sam’s Town’s porte-cochère, featuring festive lighting, decorative snowflakes, poinsettias, red garland, ice crystals and an ice sculpture in the main fountain. Cowboy Santa takes up residence in the Park’s gazebo. Sam’s Town will host the 15-minute laser light spectacular hourly during the holiday season, from 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 1. And from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23, Cowboy Santa will appear Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-8 p.m.

The Springs Preserve will usher in the holiday season, complete with Santa Claus, “reindeer” rides and holiday arts and crafts, with its annual, family-friendly Holiday Spectacular. The event features live nightly entertainment by community troupes, snow flurries, cookie decorating, photos with Santa and reindeer (pony) rides for the little ones, all set against the backdrop of nearly a million LED lights throughout the property. The event will also feature “snow” in the Springs Amphitheater where a Christmas tree, menorah and Kwanzaa displays will help set the holiday spirit. The Springs Cafe by the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas will offer holiday goodies, and visitors can shop for “green” holiday presents at the gift shop. On Dec. 16, the Springs Preserve will present a Posada, a Mexican Christmas celebration with music, dance, piñatas, and unique decorations, as well as traditional food and hot drinks as part of the Holiday Spectacular festivities. The event runs Dec. 8-9 and 15-23 from 5-9 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and free for those 4 and under. Members receive half off the regular admission price. On Dec. 21, all public, private and charter school teachers, administrators and school staff will receive half-off admission with their school ID.

Underwater Santa visits the Silverton Aquarium along with his elves. He'll be floating around Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through the Dec. 23.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas invites visitors to spend the holidays with Selena Gomez as the attraction features her wax figure through Jan. 31. Gomez’s figure is dressed in a holiday-inspired outfit, perfect for photos with friends and family. Through Dec. 24, visitors can fill out letters addressed to Santa and drop them in the mailbox located by the wax figure. Those looking to speak with the big man directly can do so from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 and 20-23. Santa will pose for photos with guests in front of an image of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

Enjoy the new Winter Wonderland at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden. This year's display features a 45-foot-tall holiday tree with 13,500 white LED lights and more than 2,500 ornaments. The display features oversized toy soldiers, a floral holiday card and an ensemble of faux baby penguins frolicking around an ice pond. A playful family trio of topiary polar bears will be adorned with “fur” coats made of more than 35,000 hand-applied white carnations as the baby bear floats on a frozen pond. A chocolate village has been specially created by Bellagio’s renowned pastry team. The Conservatory display is open 24 hours a day through Jan. 5.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator mixes Christmas songs into his show for the holiday season. From “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” to “White Christmas,” “A Very Terry Christmas” captures the spirit of the holidays.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms the Boulevard Pool into a winter wonderland with The Ice Rink, featuring skating on real ice, custom-designed fire pits, warm cocktails and s’mores. Special evening programming will offer a night for everyone including Date Skate Mondays, where visitors will experience a date night on ice as scenes from beloved holiday movies play on the resort’s 65-foot digital marquee. Every Wednesday, DJs will turn The Ice Rink into an outdoor club scene during Industry Skate on The Strip. Throwback Thursdays give guests the opportunity to dig out their leg warmers and disco gear as they skate to music from the '70s, '80s and '90s. A full bar will also be available, including The Ice Rink’s signature cocktail, the Campfire Delight.

The Ice Rink is open through Jan. 20. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Holiday hours from Dec. 24–Jan. 4 are 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily. All day skating access is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for non-residents. Visitors to The Ice Rink are allowed to bring their own skates, or rent a pair for $5. The Ice Rink is open to those who are at least 2 years old.

Friday, Dec. 7:

Enjoy holiday favorites from local favorite Clint Holmes as he puts a festive spin on his Cabaret Jazz residency show at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

December’s First Friday Las Vegas showcases 75-plus artists, 15 live bands and DJs on four stages, 25-plus food trucks and more. The Holiday Shopping Bazaar will give you a jump on gift buying with plenty of handcrafted gifts, and Yelp will be on hand to wrap all your purchases. This winter wonderland will feature carolers, sleigh rides and snow. Marines representing Toys for Tots will bring their Humvee to receive toy donations for Las Vegas Valley children who might not be getting toys this year. Please bring unwrapped toys to donate.

Saturday, Dec. 8:

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children presents its 6th annual Night of Lights at its ranch at 100 St. Jude’s Road in Boulder City. The family-friendly holiday celebration of the ranch and its mission of helping local children offers wristbands for $25 that include selections from a special Italian menu provided by Tom and Jack Campione, owners of the Campione D’Italia restaurant. Children 3 and under are admitted free. The night includes carolers, food, a silent auction, photos with Santa Claus, a s’mores station for dessert plus arts and crafts activities.

Experience a variety of displays and special programming at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where guests can learn about diverse cultural traditions for the holidays. Activities are held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays, through Christmas.

Las Vegas families are invited to celebrate the holidays at We Knead the Dough, a fundraiser at Faith Lutheran School featuring more than 40 gingerbread houses, 1,000 gingerbread people, entertainment, a pizza lunch by Cici’s, visits with Santa Claus, carnival-style games and children’s activities. Admission is $15 per person and includes a gingerbread cookie decorating kit, pizza buffet and carnival games. For $50, guests can decorate their own gingerbread house. All proceeds benefit the Rape Crisis Center Building Fund.

Sunday, Dec. 9:

JG Productions Theatre presents Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Lawry's The Prime Rib at 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy. Enjoy a little holiday dinner theater. Call 893-2223 to make reservations.

The Nevada Chamber Symphony presents the "Home for the Holidays" concert featuring a program of traditional and well loved music including the "Skater's Waltz," "Jingle Bells Forever," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "The Christmas Song" and many more seasonal favorites. The Ronzone Elementary School Honor Choir will perform with the group and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to join in the fun. The event is free to the public, but reservations are suggested due to limited seating; call 433-9280.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the season with a holiday concert with singer and famed Broadway actress Linda Eder in Symphony Park. Known for her starring role in Frank Wildhorn’s Broadway production of “Jekyll & Hyde,” Eder will be the first to perform at the Smith Center’s 1.7-acre Symphony Park, which will be adorned in festive holiday décor with its 35-foot-tall palm trees strung with holiday lights. A traditional 23-foot Christmas tree will feature 11,500 lights. General admission tickets are currently sold out but reserved tables alongside the park sidewalks with food & beverage service are available for purchase for $50 per attendee or $600 per table by reserving online or by calling 749-2000.

Monday, Dec. 10:

Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will help Santa light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. The 50-foot tree will be set up below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen. Directly following the ceremony, the Candy & The Canes show will take place, a live song and dance show to holiday music hits. The tree will be on display at the Fremont Street Experience through the Christmas holiday.

It’s Holiday time at the Historic Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino, which means the Annual Gingerbread House Display will be out through Dec. 26. Chefs from Railroad Pass will design their own components of the display, which is available for viewing 24 hours a day in the casino lobby.

Wednesday, Dec. 12:

Chef Megan Romano of Chocolate & Spice Bakery hosts her first cooking class for children, inviting young chefs to participate in a cookie-decorating session. Chef Romano will lead the group through a hands-on class where children will design holiday sugar cookie cutouts and ginger bread ornaments to take home. The event costs $25 per child and will include treats and refreshments. Children must be 4 years or older, and parents must be present for the duration of the class. To sign up or for more information, email megan@chefmeganromano.com.

Thursday, Dec. 13:

Nannies & Housekeepers U.S.A. hosts its last story time of 2012 with a special reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s famous holiday classic "The Polar Express" at Brighton Collectibles inside Tivoli Village in Summerlin. The story will be read by Nannies & Housekeepers U.S.A.’s Mary Poppins story teller.

No need to rush your party dress to the cleaners. Stay home this December to benefit Easter Seals Nevada and its mission to serve more than 7,000 Nevadans living with disabilities. On Thursday, Dec. 13, Easter Seals hosts Nevada’s second “Stay at Home Gala,” a charitable event you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Embrace the spirit of giving by purchasing a $35 “un-ticket” and spend the evening at home with friends and family. Ticket holders are eligible to win a door prize.

Saturday, Dec. 15:

Get ready for Christmas at the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, where children can create their own holiday wreath or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The events take place during normal museum hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. from Dec. 15- 21.

Bring your family to the Old Mormon Fort for a hands-on day of making gingerbread houses and other holiday ornaments while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. The Fort is also hosting its holiday Wreath Sale, with all of the proceeds going to the Friends of the Fort.

The Las Vegas Library hosts a holiday concert by Hot Club of Las Vegas, an all-acoustic Gypsy Jazz group. There will be a reception and meet and greet immediately following the concert.

The “RMS” before Titanic stands for Royal Mail Ship, and the Titanic was responsible for transporting over 7 million pieces of mail. This year, children can give their letters directly to Santa at "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," on Dec. 15. Children will also receive a complimentary photo with Santa on the Grand Staircase. If kids miss their chance to give their wish lists to Santa, they can take their letters to drop boxes at Yogurtland locations, Town Square and "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition." Anyone who provides an email address with their letter to Santa will receive a personal note from Old St. Nicholas himself.

Simon Restaurant and Lounge at Palms Place hosts Communities In Schools of Nevada’s annual Santa Tea, which promises an afternoon of delicious treats and holiday activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating, festive games and music. Children can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Executive Chef Kerry Simon will prepare a feast including mac 'n cheese, tea sandwiches, fresh sushi and his signature holiday junk food platters as well as hot cocoa for children and cranberry mojitos for parents. Reservations are required; call 770-7611.

Nevada Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker" at the Smith Center. This timeless holiday classic features a new format with live music.

The Venetian and Palazzo present the third annual Festivino, a celebration of Bordeaux during their Winter in Venice event. On Saturday, Dec. 15, from 7-9 p.m., the Palazzo kicks off Festivino with an event starting with a Bordeaux glass of sparkling Gerard Bertrand Cremant Rosé upon entry plus wines and appetizers throughout the night. Guests can learn about the wines from master sommeliers by the Waterfall Atrium of the Palazzo, decked out in winter décor. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $35 for Grazie members. Pinot Brasserie and Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro will offer $75 prix fixe menus with Bordeaux pairings throughout the month.

Sunday, Dec. 16:

The Hogs & Heifers Miracle on 3rd Street Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run is an afternoon of crafts, snacks, music and of course a motorcycle ride. Proceeds benefit Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation & Sunrise Children's Hospital. Continental breakfast and registration take place from 8-10 a.m. with the ride beginning at 10:30 a.m. The after party takes place back at Hogs at 2:30 p.m. with live music from Hot Rod Deville and food. Please bring donations of new unwrapped toys.

Sunday, Dec. 16:

Vegas Ballet Company presents Nutcracker Highlights 2012 at the Summerlin Library's Performing Arts Center, featuring Yoomi Lee and Kyudong Kwak.

Hanukkah events:

Saturday, Dec. 8:

Learn about the traditions of Hanukkah and why it is a special time in the Jewish community. Create holiday cards and finger paint the nine candles and flames onto a menorah at the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. The events take place during normal museum hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9:

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will light the Grand Menorah at the Fremont Street Experience. A ceremony will be led by Rabbi Shea Harlig, director of Chabad of Southern Nevada, to welcome the Festival of Lights. The Grand Menorah will be on display through the holiday season. The event takes place just west of the intersection at 4th Street and the Fremont Street Experience.

Join the Jewish Family Service Agency for a menorah lighting at Opportunity Village's Magical Forest. There will be a wine tasting and live entertainment as well. Entry to the Magical Forest is $9-$15.50 and the wine tasting tickets which include Magical Forest entry are $36 or $72 per couple.

Wednesday, Dec. 12:

Join the Henderson Jewish community in the lighting of Henderson's largest menorah at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Enjoy live music, gelt, free donuts and opportunities to meet with community leaders.

Thursday, Dec. 13:

Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, untainted vodka cocktails and wine at the Vodka Latka at Hyde Bellagio, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. The event is $65 per person and a minimum donation of $180 is required for the Jewish Federation Campaign.

Sunday, Dec. 16:

Mushugginah Klezmorim will perform their style of klezmer music, or "Jewish jazz," on the last night of Hanukkah, Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Winchester Cultural Center.

KLAS-Channel 8 did a piece on the newly opened Neon Museum and the history of the signs.

Enjoy!

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).

Exposure  Episode 8

Like last week, this was a strong episode. A bit more predictable than last week but some character development.

The episode opens with Dixon in bed with a stewardess while “Don’t Step on My Blue Suede Shoes” on the soundtrack. Some flirting, some kissing, then Dixon hits the door because he’s late for work.

Over at the Sheriff’s Office, Ralph is surprised to see Vincent in his office and Jack is surprised to see Mia. Some flirting, no kissing and Dixon comes in late but not before one of the girls in the office notices he’s both late and handsome.

Vincent brought Ralph a good bottle of scotch which, of course, Ralph doesn’t want. There’s some bantering and then the call comes in, “dead body on the Westside”. Vince says “it wasn’t me.”

At the scene, Ralph notices a big oil stain and a blood trail that’s pretty easy to follow. Why does the Westside of town look like Fremont Street? Dixon stops an African American man from getting away by hitting him with a car- or maybe the guy ran into the car- hard to tell.

Over at the Savoy (on Fremont Street/The Strip), Vince and Johnny Rizzo are talking. Vince is pointing out that killing in town is bad for business. Vince says loosening up the tables and slots will help bring business back. Rizzo says he has an idea but he ain’t telling Vince what it is.  Drink if you know where this is going.

Rizzo, of course, is more worried about the skim than anything else. He hasn’t seen any of the coin since he took over, just last week. Drink if Rizzo sounds like a stupid, whiny hood.

Mayor Bennett (who, remember has no control over these things) still has auditors going over the Savoy’s books with a fine tooth comb. Drink if you just don’t like Rizzo.

Vince has an idea for how to get the skim out of the building without tipping off the auditors.  Mia and one “waiter” and another dressed in a security uniform, perform a very quick slight of hand passing the money from the security cart to room service cart while the elevator is in motion and Mia counts the time down.

When the elevator doors open, it’s business as usual.

Over at the Sheriff’s Office, the young African American has regained consciousness and is being asked questions about what he was doing in the alley at the end of the blood trail. The young man tries to explain that the guy’s wallet was in the car. Ralph says he stole the car and that the young man shot the dead guy and left him to bleed out while he stole a dying man’s car.

The young man is, of course, surprised to hear all of this (are you surprised? I thought not. Me neither. Let’s take a drink to our mutual unsurprisedness). The young man says “I knew this was a set up” which, of course, catches Ralph by surprise. Seems the young man saw the car, saw the keys and saw a cop. Jack asks him “are you sure it was a cop”. Now, gentle readers, you and I both know where this going and at this rate, we’ll be in our cups before the thirty minute mark.

“A White guy on that block at 6 in the morning, had to be” the young man tells Jack. Which just confirms that where ever this crime took place, it didn’t take place on the Westside (across the tracks and beyond the underpass) which was the segregated part of town back in 1960. The young man copes to taking the car but not killing anyone.

The interrogation is interrupted by the arrival of Lt. Norman Kaplan with the Office of Special Investigations out at Nellis AFB. He thinks he knows who the dead man is. Dr. William Dozier, the main doctor on the base who had a weekend pass to come but he didn’t make it back. The Lieutenant is not happy that no one informed him even though the Sheriff’s office had Dozier’s drivers’ license and base id. “It’s been a very fast developing case”, Jack tells him. Kaplan makes a snide comment about nepotism and HOLY CRAP, Dennis Quaid SMILES AGAIN!!!!!! DRINK!!!!!!!

Of course, Ralph and Kaplan aren’t going to get along and the OSI has jurisdiction over the case because the doctor was on the Air Force payroll. Kaplan goes off to interrogate the young man.

Over at the Savoy, Johnny Rizzo is coaxing a young woman we haven’t seen before into trying on a sable coat in the coffee shop of the hotel. Now usually, women try on coats like that in a fur store (which if the Savoy was the uptown swanky Strip hotel it wants us to believe it is- the Fur Shop would be on the premises along with cold storage for storing furs out of season- but this isn’t the real Vegas so I digress).

She and Johnny flirt. The Savinos come into the Coffee Shop and Missus Savino is surprised to see the young chippy, Diane Desmond.  Vince does not look happy to see her at all. Drink, because as any self-respecting tv drama watcher knows, these two have an illicit shared history and we haven’t even gotten to the hellos and we know this.

Vince tries to pretend that he and Diane Desmond have never met. “My reputation must proceed me” he says. Nope, just bad writing.

Seems Diane Desmond has been filling the lounge over at the Stardust. Vince introduces her to the Missus who really likes Miss Desmond’s records. Miss Desmond suggests the Savinos catch her show later that night and afterwards, the four of them can grab a drink. Drink if you already know Vince doesn’t like this idea (or the idea of spending extra time with whiny Johnny Rizzo).

Miss Desmond, it seems, is going to become a regular at the Savoy. Johnny got her out of gig at the Stardust and she opens in the lounge at the Savoy next week. But tonight, she is singing in the piano bar at the Savoy. (Because when you’re singing in the lounge of a hotel on the Strip, you want to give that up to sing at another hotel.)

Rizzo reminds all of them that he is running the show now and who needs loose slots when “we have the best singer in town .”

Coming back from commercial, Ralph is under the dead doctor’s car checking out the oil leak, no doubt. Well, guess what, “this has been way to easy. The oil line, it’s been cut. Whoever killed Dozier cut that oil line and left a good car running in a bad neighborhood.” Ralph and Jack discuss the evidence and deduce a frame job. Lt. Kaplan, of course, has his own ideas and tells the Lamb brothers he won’t be needing their help any further, he’s going to start his own investigation. Smart tv drama viewers should already suspect that the good lieutenant is up to no good. Ralph senses something is not right and reminds the good lieutenant that the body was found in Clark County and “jurisdiction cuts both ways.”

Back at the Savoy, Vinnie is having a drink and trying to figure out how to get rid, no doubt, of both Johnny Rizzo and Miss Desmond. But before he can, Miss Desmond comes flaunting in his office in her new sable coat. Guess what, Miss Desmond and Vince had an affair. Are you surprised? I hope not! Drink! Seems the affair was eight years ago in Havana when Vince and the Missus were going through a rough patch.

Seems Miss Desmond is carrying a torch for Vince. She takes off her coat and is naked underneath.  We cut to someone in the throes of happiness and Vince putting his watch on. But it ain’t Miss Desmond. He and the Missus are finishing up. Mrs. Savino is very happy but suspicious. It’s not like Vince to go in for a little afternoon delight.

Ralph breaks the news to a young woman who knew the doctor. Seems he was a regular at the Fremont Street Photo Shoppe. They were in the desert over the weekend taking pictures. They were supposed to go to the Lake but instead he took her to the desert. Kaplan says “we’re going to need to see those pictures”.  Jenny doesn’t have the photos, “it’s like they just vanished”.

Ralph realizes that shallow Lt. Kaplan is really shallow. Ralph recaps all he knows and wants to go to the base to ask questions of Dozier’s patients.

Mrs. Savino, meantime, is having coffee with Katherine. Katherine congrats Mrs. Savino on a job well done. “You turned a dry cleaner into mayor”.  Mrs. Savino acts modest. She also tells Katherine that she knows that she is the ADA.  No friendship between these two ladies anymore. Are you surprised? Nah, me neither.

Kaplan and Ralph head somewhere. We discover that Ralph was in Special Investigations in the Army after the war. The two spar and start to become friends. A truck tries to run them off the road. Two guys in masks tell them to get out of the ambulance.

After the break, Jack picks them up heading back to town. “Who the hell steals a body?” “They probably realized their two bit frame up job wasn’t going to work” Ralph replies. Luckily, Jack called ahead and got Dozier’s patient schedule for the Friday before he died. Most of the patients were with the 43^rd Airborne and were whisked away to Dover before anyone could talk to them. Drink if you smell Atomic Bomb/Radiation in this storyline.

Ralph actually shows some signs of humor. Drink if you like seeing this side of Quaid. I know I do.

Back at the Savoy, a young man approaches Mia. There’s a problem with Craps Table 4. The kid wants to call the Gaming commission. She goes to Vince and Daddy. Mia finally gives up the name of the kid saying she trusts the kid to keep his mouth shut. Daddy Rizzo says that’s enough for him. Yeah, right.

On the base, Ralph and Jack find a patient who saw Dr. Dozier. There was another patient who got mad at the doctor and got into a fight with him. There was a silver box involved. A Geiger counter!!

Ralph and Jack go looking for the missing papers. And Ralph finds them. Seems a patient died of radiation poisoning. There’s missing autopsy photos. Where’s the radiation coming from? Which MP did Dozier tell what he knew?

Over at the Savoy, Miss Desmond is singing. Daddy Rizzo seems to that Miss D is singing to him, but we know better, don’t we. Also, Daddy Rizzo wants to kill the young kid who found the problem with Craps Table 4. Vince tries to talk him out of it. Daddy will hear none of it.

After the commercial break, Ralph and Jack are talking to the patient. A defense company is testing a suit against radiation. Someone died and this guy didn’t do anything to investigate and “now Dozier is dead”. The defense company has a secret bunker on the base. Guess where those missing pics are!  Drink!

At the Savoy, the Savinos are having a drink with Miss Desmond. She mentions being in Havana. Missus Savino suspects. Vince tries to get Miss Desmond to take Rizzo home and put a mickey in his drink. She wants Missus Savino’s necklace in return. Missus Savino walks in and now she knows for sure.

Back at the base, Ralph, Kaplan and Jack are on the hunt for the missing paperwork, photos, etc. Flashlights blazing, they see the door marked Radiation Hazard. It’s where they did the testing.

MPs come with guns drawn. Kaplan pretends to take Ralph prisoner and sends the MPs chasing ghosts.  Dixon and Jack are still trying to find the missing clues. Jack comes up a winner. Missing Autopsy records and photos!  Drinks all around!!!!

After the commercial break, in the car with Vince, the kid and Daddy Rizzo. The kid is probably wishing he had kept his mouth shut and let the gaming board discover the missing original receipts. Vince is trying to keep the kid calm.  Vince, it seems, is sending the kid to Salt Lake in a meat truck and getting him out of town for his own good.

Back at home, he has to contend with the Missus. She wants Miss Desmond gone as much as Vince. But with Daddy Rizzo in charge, that’s not going to happen. He implores Missus to trust him. She’s not happy. Vince isn’t happy. Holding the necklace, we cut to the Sheriff’s office.

There, an almost criminally under-utilized Katherine is explaining that the Base is on federal land and they have no jurisdiction.  But Kaplan does. But Ralph doesn’t believe that anyone will get any justice. Ralph suggests a stampede. Jack goes for bolt cutters.

On the base, Ralph tells the defense guy he’s going to the papers. “We’re at war, sheriff”. Ralph, of course, is not happy and the defense guy threatens him. Ralph drives off with the suits in pursuit. Shooting ensues.

They get Ralph out of the truck. It all looks bad. But Ralph doesn’t have the real pictures or the files. Jack and Kaplan come to help Ralph.  Seems they aren’t on federal land. They are off the res and in Clark County. Someone is going to jail.

Back in town, Missus has asked Katherine to lunch. Seems Clark Gable is dead which pegs this episode as taking place the week of Nov. 16th, 1960 but the Missus didn't ask Katherine to coffee to cry over the loss of the King.  She wants Katherine's help. But while “I will do everything I can to protect my husband, who’s to say we can’t meet somewhere in the middle”. The Missus wants to take out Daddy Rizzo one way or another. And if it means, sending Daddy Rizzo to the pen, so be it. As long as Vince doesn't get his hands dirty.

Vince and Miss Desmond meet. She wants her necklace. Vince snarls, “some things don’t belong to you”. She didn’t drug Daddy Rizzo after all. But she knows that Vince wanted Daddy Rizzo out of the picture for another reason.

The episode ends with Miss Desmond singing, Jack and Mia flirting and Ralph tells his secretary, half smiling, to go paint the town red. The file for his dead wife catches his eye. He struggles with reading it. He drinks. We drink.

What does Ralph hope to discover.  No suspicion of foul play but she was found by Officer Smith.

Is this the season story arc, what really happened to Marilyn Lamb?  How does that relate to the story we are watching?

Hit the comments and let us know what you think!

A new episode of Vegas hits the airwaves tomorrow night. It's called Exposure and good news- we are done traveling and ready to review it while we watch it!

See you then!