How Vegas does Christmas? Over the top, naturally. We tend not to have seasons that support snow here, so the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens works their magic in providing the illusion of winter for us desert dwellers (sigh).
This is the reality of a Vegas Christmas, as seen from inside the atrium of the Four Seasons Hotel at Mandalay Bay. I did hear yesterday that this may be the warmest Christmas on record for LOTS of folks across the United States.
They do give it their best shot - the beautiful snow photo above the Four Seasons check-in desk is our Red Rocks Canyon, blanketed in a dusting of snow...probably from about 6 years ago, when we actually got some for a minute.
There's no better place in town to be transported to Christmasland than the grand Bellagio Conservatory - Christmas overload at its finest! And, ALWAYS, my beautiful American flag prominently displayed, no matter the season (which is usually the HOT season). Thank you, Bellagio, for keeping it in place.
A 42-foot White Fir, resplendent with 2,500 ornaments, and 7,000 lights...flanked by a 12 foot Jack-in-the-Box (and you thought creepy clowns were just for the circus?!), 10-ft. stockings, huge packages amid ribbon curls, and 14-ft. wooden soldiers.
Boo!
The three bears on display are covered with 22,000 white carnations, while the penguins are decked out in Vegas finery.
The large guy at the bottom pops up from the igloo above, and looks around (for victims, probably - yeah, I really don't dig penguins since the Batman movie!).
I'm fairly certain Clark Griswold would LOVE Vegas Christmas.
Poinsettias (28,000) as far as the eye can see - cyclamen, azaleas, mums...and roses, too. 35 THOUSAND flowers in all!
Lunch at the beautiful Cafe Bellagio - take a friend and let her buy you lunch (thanks, friend!). The open wall provides a view of the Atrium. Out the other side? The pool and "actual" Vegas December.
A 12 foot snowglobe, and a "rockin'" horse...
Cheers abound! The moon? 10-ft. tall and 5-ft. wide.
It all spills out into the rest of the hotel, as well...the gift shop off the side is always full of twinkling, shiny things and Led Zeppelins - the Chocolatier around the corner is always good for added calories. The Chihuly glass ceiling in the lobby adds to more grandiose decorations, and the area behind the registration desk, I could live in - seriously!
The display is in place now through January 3rd...always free...always spectacular...always a magical illusion that masks the casino hustle and bustle.
Two of my best presents this year arrive tomorrow! My wish for you and yours, is a SAFE and lovely Christmas and New Year, spent in the company of those you treasure the most. Merry Christmas! XOXO
Gorgeous as always..fun day out and about! Loved the cafe, we will have to make that a tradition, my treat!! Thank you for a Vegas Christmas Day!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tanya for the wonderful tour!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!
Amazing! Love the hug snow globe.
ReplyDeleteThat tree is absolutely stunning! WOW!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if you would be posting another seasonal and mind-blowing visit to the Bellagio...thanks for dazzling me once again. I can see why the place can become sort of addictive. I'd love to see it in person, but I don't think I could talk at all if I was there. I'd just have to sit down and soak it all in.
And who knew there are so many variations in poinsettias? Well, now I do ;)
Enjoy your "presents," Tanya. And have a wonderful, joyous, love-filled Christmas!
The word "overload" is the understatement of the year! Fabulous stuff. Can't have too much! Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteTanya dear I am so happy you have shared this beautiful Belagio Christmas display. I love seeing the amazing works of art. This truly rivals the Pasadena Rose Parade. I usually don' t miss visiting Las Vegas after spending 20 years going at least 4 times a year however I do miss seeing such Belagio Beauty. May you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas and enJOY all the Magic Dear...
ReplyDeleteWow, they do it big in Vegas, for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh Tanya, it couldn`t be more stunning or beautiful, than this. what a special place to be, what gorgeous tree, and all the poinzetta flowers are so amazing, dear.
ReplyDeleteMerry, merry Christmas to you my most dear friend. Frtom my heart a
blessed and happy New Year.
Love to you, sweet friend, and KISSES ,from Dorthe