How to Enjoy Family Holiday Fun in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has plenty of wholesome fun in addition to its casinos.

Las Vegas might not be the most traditional place to spend the holidays-but it's certainly one of the most spectacular-and in spite of its reputation as "Sin City"-Las Vegas showcases plenty to do for young and old alike. Here are some ways to make the most of a family Christmastime visit to Vegas.

Instructions

1. New York-New York is a reliable choice for a family stay, with a selection of reasonably priced restaurants, amusement rides and other all-ages diversions. Its convenient location near the heart of the strip is another bonus.

2. One of the best winter celebrations is undoubtedly at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, welcoming holiday visitors with "flying" reindeer created from whole pecans, an entire snowman family crafted from white carnations and a humongous wreath festooned with pine cones and a shiny golden bow. The real show-stopper is a 32-foot-tall fir tree bursting with over 12,000 lights. The holiday display runs from early December through early January.

3. Town Square Las Vegas is a 1.5 million-square-foot shopping, dining and entertainment center that really comes alive during the winter holidays. From a classically decorated 40-foot Christmas tree to a 900-square-foot Santa house, the center percolates with activity for young and old.

4. For some unique Western-style gift shopping, check out the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show (part of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo), bustling with over 400 vendors. Typically slated for about 10 days in mid-December at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the gift show is open to the public and has attracted millions of visitors since its origins more than two decades ago.

5. To both help a worthy cause and have a festive time, make a stop at Opportunity Village's Magical Forest, boasting amazing holiday displays, hundreds of trees covered with millions of brilliant lights, and much more. The nonprofit that serves people with intellectual challenges opens its doors to holiday revelers from about November 22 to December 30 each year.

6. For something a bit different, take the worthwhile side trip to nearby Henderson and the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. The company turns its 3-acre botanical cactus garden into a veritable Chocolate Wonderland with countless sparkling lights, visits from Santa Claus and local choirs spreading holiday cheer. Illuminated cacti pathways add to the fun, and the attraction is typically open every day of the holidays through the first of January.

7. Another easy excursion is to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas, home to a "Santa's Workshop," of activities and treats with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Among the activities are decorating gingerbread men, storytelling, singing and photos with "elves" from the North Pole. Adults can take a break from the holiday excitement with a special tea celebration (call ahead for cost and schedule).

8. Slated mostly for weekends between late November and late December (but closed on Christmas Day), the Winter Lights Festival at the Springs Preserve shows off half-a-million LED lights illuminated by solar power-plus diversions running the gamut from wandering musical groups to an original puppet show, "Dickens Done Over." The historic 180-acre cultural institution is about 3 miles west of downtown.

9. If you're in town for New Year's, the entire city is pretty much one big celebration, although America's Party-based at the Fremont Street Experience downtown-is a great spot for a "one-stop shopping" mix of casinos, dining and live entertainment. This is a good night to leave the kids with a babysitting service at your hotel, or-depending on their age-many hotels have arcades, rides and other youth-oriented fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead if possible to ensure your first choice of accommodations.

• Be sure to secure your wallet or purse when partying with large crowds on New Year's.