Greeting holiday visitors to the Wynn Las Vegas main entrance is this 1980 fiberglass & stainless steel structure with painted enamel called “Smiling King Bear” by Okuda San Michel. The bear was purchased by the Wynn in 2018 and has also greeted visitors in the past to the Plaza Shops. Photo by Diane Taylor
I remember years ago when I first announced I was going to spend my company’s “Christmas Shutdown” in Las Vegas. Friends were appalled, but then again, my husband was Jewish (so Christmas was not a big deal) and my family had recently gotten together for a nice Thanksgiving.
Surprise! Yes, Christmas does happen in Las Vegas. Amid the slot machines, casinos play holiday music; restaurants have holiday decor, local performers have holiday concerts, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens becomes crowded day and night and the Nevada Ballet Company even offersThe Nutmaker to constant delight.
Years have now passed and I’m quite used to Christmas in Las Vegas. Yes, holiday decor and Christmas music is commonplace. And we’ve added cowboy hats. The National Finals Rodeo and a myriad of gift shows have joined the December holiday action.
Last Thursday I had occasion to visit two rather high-end Las Vegas locations: The five-star Wynn Las Vegas (I was taking a photo for a future story) and The Stirling Club (a membership club open to visitors; Mark O’Toole was singing there). Yes, both locations had holiday decorations: the classy kind. I had my camera with me….
Holiday decorations at the Wynn Las Vegas include a number of mini-towns. This one comes complete with its own miniature train. Photo by Diane TaylorThis Wynn Las Vegas town is surrounded by poinsettias, none of which have dead or dying leaves. Photo by Diane TaylorThe Wynn buffet features three decorated trees and lots of customers during the holidays. Photo by Diane TaylorThe Wynn buffet is large, and here’s one view from the entrance hallway of one of the eating areas. Photo by Diane TaylorDown the hall from the Wynn buffet is this display, a 1921 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost restored by Tom Bachelor and friends of Reno, NV and on loan from the National Automobile Museum. The Rolls does not represent the current season, but it is a holiday crowd pleaser none the less. Photo by Diane TaylorNot many of the multitude of shops at the Wynn have decorated their windows for the holidays. An exception: the store to purchase Rolex watches. Photo by Diane TaylorOne reason, other than the holiday decor, to visit The Wynn Las Vegas is a new $120 million show “Awakening” which opened in November. Entertainment writer John Katsilometes said the show comes with “sensory overload” (spectacular costumes; new technology; Anthony Hopkins narrating). Ticket prices begin at about $150. Photo by Diane TaylorrTrees and a view of one of the beautifully maintained pool areas are on display when one walks from the Wynn Las Vegas to The Encore Las Vegas. Photo by Diane TaylorA familiar sight for all seasons at Wynn Las Vegas is this merry-go-found which as been updated from its original design, but is still a hugely popular photo subject. Note the parent and child posing at the bottom right. Photo by Diane TaylorAt the south end of the Wynn property through the Esplanade shops one can see several spectacular waterfalls. The Wynn does not like views from its public areas to focus on Las Vegas Boulevard, so creates its own spectacular views inside the property. Photo by Diane TaylorThis is the “big tree” that greets visitors to the lobby of the Stirling Club. Photo by Diane TaylorAnother Stirling Club tree is this one, also in the lobby and looking at the grand stairway. Photo by Diane TaylorThe Stirling Club has valet parking for visitors. At night, waiting for a car, one sees this view of yet another Stirling Club tree and a bit of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort. Photo by Diane Taylor
2 responses on “Vegas Holiday Decorations…With Class”
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. Guess I need to make a trip to The Strip.
Las Vegas is a glitzy sparkly destination year-round but your photos prove they outdo themselves for the holiday season! Since I couldn’t be there in person, thanks for the exquisite sampling!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. Guess I need to make a trip to The Strip.
Las Vegas is a glitzy sparkly destination year-round but your photos prove they outdo themselves for the holiday season! Since I couldn’t be there in person, thanks for the exquisite sampling!