Tuesday, December 10, 2013

HOW CHRISTMAS IS MADE IN VEGAS - "TRAVEL TUESDAY"

VEGAS DAY, BABY!!!  My friend Jackie and I do this far too infrequently, but made a pact at lunch on Friday to go sightseeing in our town, once a month, in the new year.  The bah-Hus-bands aren't much for the tourist thing, so it falls to us to get out on our own.  We apparently jumped the gun on the "Changing O' the Seasons", and got there a day too soon this time.  Not to worry, we had a fabulous day taking in Christmas decorations in three locations, finding a treasure of a lunch spot (next post), and getting a behind-the-scenes look at just how this fabulous display comes together.
This is the middle of the Atrium at the Bellagio...velvet ropes in place to keep the tourists out, or the decorations in, depending on if your Mimosa glass is half empty or half full!
Flying reindeer, carts of foliage and a schematic of the whole layout, a snow globe arch between the tin solders, and cranes to hoist it all in place!
Touch-up on a hat - what a fun job this gal has.
And these two guys, in the corner pictures - gardening inside the Bellagio, out of the elements of both summer AND winter (it was overcast and below freezing all day, this day).  No snow for us outside that day, but Vegas is renowned for lots of fake things here (they usually come in pairs), so snow is no exception!  The large wreath sits tucked in a corner, and is a draw for photos (Jackie juggling Christmas ornaments on her head), obviously...National Finals Rodeo is in town, as well, hence the unwitting cowboys, snapped in a photo op.
Silver bells................................(gold ones, too)...it's Christmas time, in the cityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
A Christmas train will roll around a pond when finished...we couldn't see the other side of the tree, so there may be one there, as well.
This stunning tree is 45 ft. tall, and 8,000 lbs - hand picked in Mt. Shasta, CA, and flown in for the display...
Massive Christmas ornaments on the even "MASSIVER" tree (there's a word for those Sonic burger guys)...
And, of course, the view from the secret spot, high above the hustle and bustle..
So much preparation for these stunning displays...
Carpets and carpets of poinsettias...45,000, to be exact!
Bellagio is partnering with Coca-Cola (hence, the bears) to raise awareness for the World Wildlife Fund this season.  The three beautiful polar bears are constructed with 18,000 white carnations.
And then there was this...something you have to venture away from the lobby to find, on your way to the tram to the rest of Vegas Christmas...
Chocolate waterfalls, huge fondant Christmas ornaments, and a life-size chocolate and fondant Grinch atop Jean Phillipe Patisserie...enough chocolaty goodness to make ANYONE's heart grow three sizes!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...it's even feeling like it here in the desert, though no snow yet.  To family and friends who are suffering in this cold snap, stay safe on the roads, and bundled up!  More holiday fun to follow this week...Ho, Ho, HO!

13 comments:

Jackie said...

Damn, your blog posts are just amazing! Mine won't be so elaborate but I do like to share the fun we have with family and friends! We do have fun, this is a fabulous city we live in and what joy to find someone who shares my love of it! Can't wait for my touristy fun in 2014!!

My Garden Diaries said...

Hey you!!!! Is that just the most gorgeous sight ever!!!!!! Gosh! You know I want the job where you plan all of the garden components to these displays! Wouldn't that just rock?!? I love that you and Jackie are hitting the town once a month!!! And how cool is it that they are supporting the WWF this year! We need more love for the animals! If only I could hang by that chocolate! Ha! Just beautiful friend! This is pure magic and the swaths of colors just make me melt!!! You stay warm too! Merry merry this week lady!!! Nicole xoxo

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

WOW! I had no idea Las Vegas goes that far with holiday decorations!

I think its better to visit during the holidays than a summer vacation (what I thought of Vegas as). The bells are my favorite. Now I know where Santa really lives.lol

Colleen Mcgraw said...

Wow, looks amazing -love all the colors, looks like your girls had a fun day

Createology said...

Oh the immense work to achieve such beauty and magic. I love seeing all this joy and thank you for sharing. Christmas Chill is in the air...snow and ice here. Very cold and staying indoors bundled up sipping hot chocolate. Baking anything that will fit in the oven. December Delights Dear...

Everydaythings said...

I am SO glad you posted this, and it looks fabulous! I have a Q - I am coming over to vegas in late feb early march and am wondering how warm/cold is it then? do I need cold weather clothes? or warm weather clothes???? would really appreciate a little help considering I am not a good packer!

oldgreymare said...

I am digging that wreath! You always have the best girl days <3

Elisabeth said...

You two have the most amazing days out!

That tree is incredible, so pretty xx

Dorthe said...

Tanya,
OH MY!! My danish eyes have never seen anything like it ,- SOOO big and so filled with gorgeous dispalyes, from bottom to cieling.
The flower carpets are fabolous and I love the flying rheindeers - and huge bells, not to forget the chocolate waterfalls !!!
You are so rich in experiences in your stunning and very big land my dear.
Sending december hugs, and love.
Dorthe

Silva said...

LOVE THIS!!! Miss it all!!! Thank you for making it feel close by!
Hope the Greb's have more holiday adventures to share!

Jillayne said...

Love that wreath - sounds like you two had a blast! Good for you guys for not being held back by your less-than-festive husbands - looking forward to next month's adventure!

Quinn said...

Just...wow! And I love your birds'-eye view of things. :)

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

I would really love to see that tree in person!