MERRY AND BRIGHT
Holiday traditions and joyful celebrations transform casinos from coast to coast
For anyone who isn’t feeling the holiday spirit just yet, getting into the swing of things may mean putting up decorations, planning parties with friends and family, shopping and wrapping presents and more. But it could be as simple as heading to your favorite casino. Packed with all the sights, sounds, food and experiences of the holidays, these casino resorts surely know how to brighten the season. Here are some of our favorites.
The Ice Rink Returns to The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
For the seventh consecutive year, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas welcomes the return of The Ice Rink as Boulevard Pool transforms into a winter wonderland high above the Las Vegas Strip and opens to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Overlooking the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard, visitors will enjoy roof-top ice skating on more than 4,200 square feet of real ice, roasting s’mores by the fire, light snow showers, adult renditions of seasonal culinary classics, and breathtaking views surrounded by vibrant city lights.
Back by popular demand is the Date Skate Mondays and Tuesdays featuring holiday movie classics. Cuddle up with that special someone at a fire pit and stay toasty warm with a signature cocktail and double feature of classic holiday films shown on the resorts’ 65- foot digital marquee beginning a 7 p.m. Upcoming shows include: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Nov. 26); A Christmas Story (Dec. 3); National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 4); Home Alone (Dec. 10); The Santa Clause (Dec. 17); The Polar Express (Dec. 18); Elf (Dec. 24); Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Dec. 25) and celebrate the new year with Frozen (Jan. 1).
The winter wonderland will also serve a variety of curated cocktails with seasonal favorites such as the Egg Noggy Nog, Campfire Delight, Rebel with a Claus, Scrooged and The Griswold. Menu selections include winter childhood favorites such as grilled cheese and tomato soup, turkey potpie, loaded potato skins, sliders, crispy chicken tenders and warm pretzel rolls. Sweet bites include the fan favorite campfire ‘smore, cinnamon churros and a pumpkin pie waffle.
And speaking of the new year, the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration at The Ice Rink will also host its annual fireworks viewing party for guests of all ages with skating, open bar and a live DJ. Tickets for New Year’s Eve at The Ice Rink are available at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster. Adult tickets include open bar and complimentary skate rentals. Those under the age of 21 with tickets will be provided complimentary soft drinks and skate rentals. Currently, limited early bird pricing is available for $50 while supplies last. Tickets will then shift to $100 through Dec. 1, and following Dec. 1, general admission tickets will be $150. Tickets for those under the age of 21 are available starting at $50. All underage guests must be accompanied by an adult.
The Ice Rink will be open Nov. 21 through Jan. 6. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight. Special holiday hours of noon to midnight will be in effect Dec. 21 through Jan. 6. A light snowfall will occur every 30 minutes between 7
p.m. and midnight every Friday through Sunday from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20 and every Wednesday through Sunday from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6. Special holiday hours of noon to midnight, seven days a week will be in effect Dec. 21 through Jan. 6. All day skating access is $20, and Monday through Thursday, all day skating access for Nevada residents, hotel guests and military is $10. Additionally, skate aid seals and reindeers are available for $10 an hour. Admission to the unique winter wonderland atmosphere surrounding The Ice Rink is complimentary.
Also opening on Nov. 21 is the return of “Little Winter,” an immersive digital art installation that combines digital technology and architecture into one captivating piece. This one-of-a-kind digital art experience will transform areas throughout The Cosmopolitan into a vibrant progression of a winter’s day through a unique physical/digital hybrid of five scenic vignettes. The playful characters partake in The Cosmopolitan style of mischief with little surprises. Set to an original score composed by Jesse Solomon Clarke, “Little Winter” includes the following scenes drawn from relatable memories of the holiday season:
Scene 1: Arctic Ice Fishing in the early orange glow of dawn
Scene 2: Alpine Skiing in a day of sunshine Scene 3: Ice Skating in the colors of sunset Scene 4: Mountain Hot Springs in darker shades of evening
Scene 5: Fox Quest set in the deep night
Walk In a Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Once again, Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas is bringing a warm, snowy sensation to the desert with the return of Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland. Long consider one of the best free shows in Las Vegas, the annual holiday display includes a large Christmas tree, thousands of twinkling lights, holiday decorations throughout the indoor park and a variety of festive music, including classics “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Let it Snow,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
The attraction includes a 15-minute-long laser light spectacular complete with “snow” that plays hourly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Nov. 26 through the end of the year. The free attraction also features appearances by “Cowboy Santa” through Dec. 23 on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa are also available for purchase.
For more information on Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, visit samstownlv.com.
Holiday-Themed Show Marriage Can Be Murder Returns to The D Las Vegas
The award-winning, interactive comedy mystery dinner party Marriage Can Be Murder will bring back its annual holiday show this Christmas season. Running from Dec. 1 to Jan. 2 at The D Hotel in Las Vegas, the themed performances feature an alternate script and a decorated set. Tickets to the show include a three-course meal, a drink and server gratuity.
Audiences can purchase three tiers of tickets: general; VIP, which includes a souvenir t-shirt, priority seating and the option of an alcoholic drink; and RIP, which offers the t-shirt, a souvenir photo, two alcoholic beverages and the opportunity to participate in the performance.
Since 2013 Marriage Can Be Murder has received TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” every year. The dinner show also won Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas award for Best Date Night 2017, Casino Player Magazine’s “2017 Best Production Show” and Nevada Magazine’s “2018 Best Show in Southern Nevada.”
Be a part of the mystery, be a part of the fun! You’ll be thoroughly entertained during this two-hour experience which includes a three-course gourmet meal all served at your table while you try to figure out “who dun-it”. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thed.com.
Ice Skating Open at Foxwoods
Now that the colder weather has arrived, the Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio has opened for the season, offering skating daily in an outdoor rink surrounded with trees decorated with over 100,000 bright lights. There is a $10 ice fee for adults with a $5 skate rental, and $6 ice fee for kids with a $2 skate rental.
After your skate, you can relax your legs for a spell by enjoying a hot chocolate while sitting in an Adirondack chair set by one of four outdoor fireplaces that surround a fully-decorated 30-foot tall Christmas tree.
Experience The Magic Of The Holidays At Beau Rivage
Known by many as the jewel of the Gulf Coast, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino brings the magic of the holidays to life and transforms the resort into a whimsical winter wonderland with twinkling displays, exquisite shopping, classic musical performances and holiday charm throughout the property.
One of the most-anticipated holiday destinations in the South, the 1,740-room resort will enchant guests throughout the season with its spectacular display through Jan. 3, featuring stunning larger¬than-life nutcrackers, magnificent oversized ornaments, frost-covered trees, classic winter scenes, and thousands of white and red poinsettias.
“Over the years, Beau Rivage has become synonymous with Christmas tradition in South Mississippi. Our guests are captivated by our festive holiday displays and variety of entertainment,” said Beau Rivage Vice President of Marketing Brandon Dardeau.
On Nov. 23, Martina McBride launches her Joy of Christmas tour and kicks off Beau Rivage’s holiday entertainment with a 42-piece orchestra and conductor. The Beau Rivage Symphony Series continues one week later when Johnny Mathis with special guest Gary Mule Deer perform two Christmas symphony concerts on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Ballet leaps onto the stage Nov. 25 with its rendition of The Nutcracker at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two special performances of Christmas with Aaron Neville will fill the theatre on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. Tickets for all performances are available at www.beaurivage.com or by calling 888.567.6667.
Christmas comes alive with the holiday production show Christmas Dreams, performing in the Beau Rivage Theatre Dec. 15-27. The story of a young boy who doesn’t believe in Santa is told by an award-winning cast of professional ice skaters, singers and cirque performers who guide the boy with special magic that only the holidays can deliver. Enchanting holiday scenes, high-energy numbers, brilliant solos, a stage of real ice, a magnificent snowfall at each performance and a visit from Santa himself are sure delight the young and old alike. Tickets start at $12.95 plus tax and service charge. Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Christmas Dreams special offers are available throughout the resort. Packages of four tickets start at $40 plus tax and service charge by using code: CHRISTMAS, and hotel packages start at $99 and include accommodations for one night and two show tickets using code: HOLIDAY18. Kids 12 and under eat free in the Beau Rivage Buffet when a show ticket stub is presented. Christmas Dreams honors the nation’s military by offering four tickets for $30 for service members with military ID.
Holiday traditions are expanded this year as Santa and friends host an exclusive Christmas on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. BR Prime’s intimate setting provides unique backdrop for those special moments with Santa, along with an expansive presentation of fresh seafood, prime rib, live action stations, traditional breakfast offerings and delectable holiday pastries. Reservations can be made by call 888.750.7111.
Another new feature this year, sounds of the season performed by local choral groups and instrumentalists will echo freely throughout the atrium from 5-7 p.m. nightly, Dec. 14-24.
Capture the memories made at Beau Rivage and enjoy a holiday meal with Pictures with Santa in The Buffet from 5 -9 p.m., Dec. 16-20. Two complimentary photos with Santa are included with Buffet purchase. The Buffet will also have a special Christmas Eve brunch for $24.99, Christmas Eve dinner for $32.99, and Christmas Day holiday menu for $32.99 featuring herb roasted prime rib, fresh crab legs, oyster dressing, seafood stuffed pork roast, classical fixings and much more.
Take in the sights and sounds of Beau Rivage at the annual Holiday Open House, Dec. 11-15 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. in the shopping promenade. Browse the impressive window displays for unique gift ideas and meet more than a dozen artisans, vendors and their representatives during their annual holiday trunk shows.
For gamblers, guests can win a share of $500,000 in prizes in Beau Rivage’s Winning Wonderland promotion through Dec. 27. Earn one virtual drawing entry for every 100 Slot Points or table games equivalent accumulated throughout the promotion for a chance to win a Lexus RC F and other prizes. Drawings are at 5 p.m. every Thursday & Saturday. Grand prize drawing is Thursday, Dec. 27. See M life rewards desk for more details.
Tropicana Atlantic City
The most magical time of year gets merrier at Tropicana Atlantic City with festive fun for everyone. The season kicks off Friday, Nov.16 at 1 p.m. with the official tree lighting ceremony and holiday musical light show in The Quarter. The free Holiday Musical Light Show features a 35-foot decorated tree with festive lights synchronized to the sights and sounds of the season. Daily shows are Monday, Nov.16 through Thursday, Dec. 27, presented every hour on the hour starting at noon.
The fun continues with Jingle: A Magical Holiday Spectacular, dazzling audiences in the Tropicana Showroom Nov.25 – Dec. 21. Known for one of the best holiday shows in the industry, the showroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring glamorous dancers in dazzling costumes, angelic singers, music box ballerinas, dancing soldiers, Atlantic City favorites Kevin and Caruso, aerial artistry of special guest, Lady Hellevi and the award-winning choreographer and costume design from Mistinguett.
Tickets are $10 for children (16 and under) and $30 for adults. Tickets are subject to taxes and fees and can be purchased at the Tropicana Box Office and through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 1.800.745.3000.
Annual Holiday Sing-Along – Saturday, December 8 at 5 p.m. immediately following the SNJ Today Holiday Parade
Guests are invited to join the Jingle cast on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. on the Boardwalk for Tropicana’s annual holiday sing-along and Multimedia Light and Sound Show. The cast will lead your favorite holiday classics. Giant screens from the Multimedia Light & Sound Show will display the song lyrics. Plus, guests who bring a new unwrapped gift for Tropicana’s toy drive will be entered for a chance to win a $250 Macy’s gift card. For more information, please visit www.eldoradoresorts.com
Shop Til You Drop at Valley Forge Casino
Make your holiday shopping easier this year by playing your favorite slot and table games at Valley Forge Casino in King of Prussia, PA, throughout November and enter to win your share of $30,000 Cash and Macy’s Gift. Play on any eligible slot machine or table game with your Valley Club card to receive 5 entries for every point you earn November 1- 30. PLUS, earn 10X entries every Wednesday.
On November 30, between 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., activate your free entry at any kiosk and activate your earned and bonus entries at any slot machine. At 9 p.m., five winners will be chosen to win a $1,000 Macy’s Gift Card each and one winner will be chosen to win $20,000 CASH and a $5,000 Macy’s Gift Card!
JOHN LEGEND – A Legendary Christmas
John Legend is a nine-time Grammy Award winning recording artist, critically-acclaimed concert performer, philanthropist/ social activist, and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Legend’s debut album, Get Lifted (2004) sold more than three million copies worldwide and earned an astounding eight Grammy nominations with three wins for Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B album.
On Oct. 1, John Legend announced the release of A Legendary Christmas, his first holiday album, along with a full list of tour dates. Don’t miss John Legend’s amazing Christmas Show live at casinos from coast to coast:
CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY presents Wonderland at Harrah’s Cherokee
On December 15, guests at Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee, NC, will celebrate the holidays and enjoy an all-new concert experience featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with your favorite holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. Cirque Musica Holiday will bring audiences on a journey into a world of “Wonderland” with unforgettable visuals and amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. This is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to experience great holiday music, while enjoying spectacular costumes, production, and an edge of your seat circus experience.
Sounds of the Holidays at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, NY, celebrates the sounds of the holidays with two holiday-themed shows this season.
The Donny & Marie Holiday Tour takes the stage at the Seneca Allegany Events Center on Nov. 30 for a special night of entertainment. In the holiday tradition of the Osmond Family Christmas television specials we all grew up with, the legendary Donny and Marie invite you and your family to come celebrate the spirit of the season in true Osmond fashion.
After guest hosting the Mike Douglas Show in 1975, the brother and sister team were given their own prime-time variety show full of ice skating, comedy skits, musical numbers and more. Even today, their undeniable chemistry still comes through in songs like “I’m Leaving It All up to You” and “It Takes Two,” delighting fans around the country with plenty of Vegas glitz and glamour.
On Dec. 8 Seneca Allegany Events center will host another special, one-of-a-kind holiday celebration—Jewel’s Handmade Holiday Tour with Atz Lee and Nikos Kilcher.
One of the best singer-songwriters of the last 20 years, Jewel has created an unforgettable holiday show and will be performing holiday classics, her own holiday originals as well as music from her own repertoire for a real home-spun holiday concert. This season the award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist will have family members and special guests on hand as she shares special moments and traditions from her own holiday memories. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit senecaalleganycasino.com.
