During December many Las Vegas shows go "dark" to allow cast members to take extended holiday vacations. If you’re going to Las Vegas between now and New Year’s and have your heart set on seeing a particular show, make sure to check that there will be performances during your dates. The dark days for the major productions are listed below.
Aria: Zarkana Dec. 18-20; Bally’s: Amazing Johnathan Dec. 25-29, Taylor Hicks Dec. 17-31, "Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding" Dec. 16; Bellagio: "O" through Dec. 18; Flamingo: Donny & Marie through Dec. 31, George Wallace Dec. 25, 29, Vinnie Favorito Dec. 24-25, 31; Golden Nugget: Gordie Brown through Dec. 17; Harrah’s: Mac King Comedy Dec. 25; Luxor: Carrot Top Dec. 21-26, "Criss Angel Believe" Dec. 16-25; Mirage: LOVE through Dec.19; Terry Fator Dec. 14-15; New York-New York: Zumanity Dec. 14-20; Planet Hollywood: Peepshow Dec. 31; Rio: Chippendales Dec. 19, 23-25, "MJ Live" Dec. 24-28, 30-31, Penn & Teller Dec. 9-12, 15-19, "Rat Pack Is Back" Dec. 31; Wynn" Le Reve Dec. 14-18.
» Twice the ice: This year Las Vegas boasts not one, but two skating rinks on the Strip. Fronting the Venetian is a rink made of synthetic "Ven-ice," which doesn’t require refrigeration but still accommodates skaters. The skating surface is open from 11 to 11 daily, and the fee to skate is $15 for 30 minutes (down 15 minutes from last year). The second rink at the Cosmopolitan is made of real ice and overlooks the Strip. It’s $15 to skate there, too, but the deal is a bit better, given that the fee is good for all-day access.
» More holidays: Other places to look for holiday displays and events are Sam’s Town (a decked-out atrium and Santa), Bellagio (conservatory), along with the noncasino Fremont Street Experience, Four Seasons and Fashion Show Mall.
Question: Is it still possible to get rooms for New Year’s Eve?
Answer: Yes. In a check of 95 hotel-casinos late last month, 78 had rooms available. The lowest-priced room for New Year’s Eve was at the Longhorn Super 8 ($88), and other good deals were found at the Golden Gate and Cannery (each $150). The most expensive rooms were at Mandarin Oriental, two nights (the minimum) for $990.
For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.
