During December, many Las Vegas shows go “dark” to allow cast members to take holiday vacations. If you’re visiting 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 (most shows are dark Dec. 31): Bellagio O Dec. 2-16; Caesars Palace Wayne Newton Dec. 16-18, 23-25; Cosmopolitan Opium Dec. 2, 9, 16, 25; Excalibur Hans Klok Dec. 23; Harrah’s Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert Dec. 15-16; Mac King Comedy Magic Dec. 25; Righteous Brothers Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-25; Tape Face Dec. 18-22; LINQ Mat Franco Dec. 2-3, 6-10, 16; Bronx Wanderers Dec. 7, 14, 24, 30; Luxor Blue Man Group Dec. 4, 24-30; Carrot Top Dec. 20-25; MGM Grand David Copperfield Dec. 5-15; Mirage Beatles LOVE Dec. 1-15; Terry Fator Dec. 9; NY-NY Zumanity Dec. 6-10; Planet Hollywood Criss Angel MINDFREAK Live Dec. 4-8, 11-15, 25; Rio Penn & Teller Dec. 9-20; WOW Dec. 3-4, 17; STRAT Celestia Dec. 18-22; Venetian Human Nature Dec. 1-16, 24-30; Westgate George Wallace Dec. 10-14, 17-21, 24-28; Magic of Jen Kramer Dec. 11-14, 18-21, 25-28.

Holiday nog: For the 17th straight year, Ellis Island is serving its homemade eggnog (contains alcohol). Get it at the bar for $7 a glass and $35 for a bottle.

Blanc blanks: Blanc de Blanc, the cabaret-style production show at the Sahara, has closed. The avant-garde production that featured two hot tubs for VIP guests was apparently a bit too over-the-top, even for Vegas. A replacement has not been announced.

Question: Is it still possible to get rooms for New Year’s Eve?

Answer: Yes. In a check of 94 hotel-casinos late last month, 88 had rooms available. The lowest-priced room for New Year’s Eve was at the Longhorn on Boulder Highway for $138. Other good deals were found in two-night packages at Excalibur for $348, Sahara for $377 and Four Queens for $418. The most expensive room was at the Waldorf Astoria for $1,000.

For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons, and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.