Las Vegas-area map featuring hundreds of homes decked out for Christmas

Las Vegas, Nev.

It's the holiday season, and in a town known for its glitz and glamour, Las Vegas residents are not disappointing when it comes to their holiday lights.

And a local group is making it a lot easier to find some of the top decorated homes in the valley.

Parents of Las Vegas and Henderson have a dedicated Facebook page showing fun things for kids to do in Southern Nevada. Of course, one of those activities is enjoying our neighbors' holiday decorations.

At last check, the map includes about 600 addresses of drive-up worthy decorated homes in the valley covering all parts of town from Henderson to Centennial Hills - showing plenty of families helping us get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday winter wonderland on full display at Sam's Town Mystic Falls Park

Las Vegas, Nev.

You don't have to travel far or even go outdoors to enjoy a winter wonderland in Las Vegas.

Sam's Town Mystic Falls Park is transformed into a huge festive display every year for the holidays.

"Mystic Falls is one of those hidden gems that a lot of new people to town might not know about it. We've been here now for 27 years, and every year we transform the atrium at Sam's Town into a winter wonderland," said David Strow, vice president of corporate communications for Boyd Gaming.

The Mystic Falls display has helped thousands of families over the years celebrate the holidays, and it continues to be an experience for all ages.

"This is a lot of work to get the display going, but it really is an immersive experience and an intimate experience and something that all families will enjoy. The entire atrium is full of holiday lights, and it makes you feel like you are outside in the forest display," Strow said.

Visitors can take their time strolling through the atrium and take in the scenery and, of course, the lights.

"We have about 2.5 miles of lights in the display that include nearly 30,0000 individual lights. It is something that we have upgraded over the years, and we want people to come out and really see what it is all about. We have an 18-foot Christmas tree that serves as the display's centerpiece. We also have a dozen of other holiday decorations throughout the forest," Strow said

And the star of the display is the Mystic Falls laser light water show.

"You'll see in here what is similar to that at Disneyland. We have a state-of-the-art laser light show, and the fountain actually serves as a backdrop for the show," Strow said.

Returning for the first time in two years, it's a nine-minute holiday-themed show that even includes snow.

"It is holiday-themed with lasers, holiday songs, and animatronic animals dancing along to the music. And at the end of the show, we'll have artificial snow falling," Strow said. "I have an 11-year-old son, and I remember the first time I brought him to the Mystic Falls. I saw the wonder in his eyes, and now every year, he asks to come back to Sam's Town.

For those families who would like to stay a little longer in the winter wonderland, a dining experience can also happen under the lights.

"Our Angry Butcher Steakhouse has an outdoor patio that comes into the forest. You can make a reservation and be able to see the show while also eating your dinner," Strow said.

The display is open daily, but at night, the lights turn on, and the best time to visit will come after the sunset.

"We start the nightly show at 2 p.m., and it runs every hour until 10 p.m. I would come out around 5 p.m. when the atrium lights become clearer, and when the sun goes down, you get to experience the laser light show as it is meant to be seen," Strow said.

Sam's Town has been a staple for many locals, especially during the holiday season, and looks to continue to welcome those to its winter wonderland for years to come.

"It really is just a neat family-friendly experience that doesn't cost anything. We invite everyone to come out and experience the Mystic Falls and what it's all about," Strow said.

Magical Forest continues to shine bright at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev.

It's not the local holiday season in Las Vegas until the lights go on at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.

"The Magical Forest was founded by a family in their backyard. Their own Magical Forest and carnival got so popular that we brought it on to our campus and it has grown to what it is today," said Taylor Judkin, donor engagement specialist at Opportunity Village

The annual event has become a family holiday tradition for those who call Las Vegas home, and 2021 marks 30 years of holiday magic.

"This is our 30th anniversary for the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. We have a beautiful walk through the forest for you to see all of the decorations and more," Judkin said.

Last year, the trees were dark due to COVID, but the sparkling lights can't be missed again near Oakey Boulevard and Torrey Pines Road.

Visitors can travel through the forest of trees to see hundreds of decorated trees and other displays.

"When you enter, we have Christmas music playing and even a dancing light show. We also have a retail shop, and then when you head right, you enter the magical forest of trees. There are plenty of differently decorated trees along with house displays. As you move through you, get to see all of the different excitement in the forest," Judkin said.

And the forest is the star of the show, but there's more in the expanded area, including rides, food and a family favorite -- a train through the forest.

"We have rides such as the train that takes you throughout the forest, a carousel, and of course, Santa visits. We also have other rides and mini golf and carnival food and food trucks for different types of cuisine," Judkin said.

The event is also a way for the community to give back to the Opportunity Village.

"Our decorated trees are put together by different community members. It gives them an opportunity to help with our own mission at Opportunity Village and also a way we can show our community thanks for helping us throughout the year," Judkin said.

Every dollar spent at the Magical Forest goes toward programs or services for the people with disabilities the organization serves.

"The Magical Forest is one of our largest fundraiser events, and all of the money raised from the event goes directly back to help fund education and programs offered at Opportunity Village," Judkin said.

And the forest is made up of volunteers nightly, with opportunities still available.

"We typically have about 200 volunteers helping run our forest. We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers run our entire forest, and it's really nice to see the community come out to help support our fundraiser event," Judkin said.

The attraction is open nightly until the new year, and weekdays could be your best bet to beat the crowds.

"We are open nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. and run through Jan. 2. The weekends are also are busiest. So, if you don't want a big crowd, I would come during the week. We still have a good turnout, but it isn't as much as on the weekend," Judkin said.

Even as new holiday displays come to town, take a page from us locals and make the Magical Forest part of your holiday celebrations.

"It's a great way to get you in the Christmas spirit. Everyone was closed last year, and we are back open this year. It's an outdoor event. Get out of the house, see the community, see the people and support a good cause. It puts a smile on your face, and it puts a smile on our face to see you at the Opportunity Village," Judkin said.

Glittering Lights back on at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for 2021 holiday season

Las Vegas, Nev.

Las Vegas is known for its neon lights and, now, for its Glittering Lights over the last twenty years.

The annual holiday light show is Nevada's largest drive-thru display, and in year 21, the lights are back with plenty to see.

"Glittering Lights is back for its 21st season, and we are so happy to be back with even more lights and displays than ever before," said event producer John Bentham.

And it takes a team of workers about a month to put everything together, but the ongoing pandemic couldn't slow them down.

"It takes a complete 30 days -- this year, we were kind of delayed due to some previous events at the speedway because of COVID and supply chain issues. But we had a crew that worked non-stop and opened on Veterans Day with thousands of families welcomed," Bentham said.

This year's Glittering Lights display can be found at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, off the Interstate 15 and Speedway Boulevard, and takes visitors on a 2.5-mile course.

"We have a full 2.5-mile course with more than five million LED lights and 1,000 display elements. You'll see a lot of fun traditional light displays," Bentham said.

Visitors can view more than 600 animated and sparkling displays from their car, taking in more than five million LED lights in motion.

"The best part of it is that you can enjoy the display from the safety and convenience of your car while enjoying holiday music from our radio station even," Bentham said.

Drivers are welcomed upfront by local Boy Scout troops to enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, kettle corn, along with a holiday gift bag -- featuring local coupons and a list of other holiday events.

"One of the things that make Glittering Lights so different is that we get great participation from our business community," Bentham said.

Several local businesses come together for the annual holiday display to help get the lights up while spreading cheer to the community.

"This really is a community-focused event. We have churches, Boy Scouts and several corporate sponsors participating. They have all come together to make this a community-based event for some holiday cheer," Bentham said.

The holiday event also gives back to the community by helping several local charities, including Goodwill of Southern Nevada and Speedway Children's Charities.

"We've got several corporate sponsors from big to small helping in any way they can. Not only are we able to put on one of the largest light shows in the country, but we can give back with a portion of each ticket sold going back to the Speedway Children's Charity," Bentham said.

This year, visitors have options of a fast pass, season passes, and even catching the Santa Tram.

"The Santa Tram is great for families and gives guests an out-of-car experience. We do the driving for you. So you don't have to worry about traffic or anything, and we'll take you and the entire family through the display," Bentham said.

The display is nightly at the speedway through the holiday season and extends until Jan. 9, 2022. And when it comes to your visit, there is a little bit of inside information.

"Come early in the night or come late in November or January as it's just the perfect time. If you have to come with some out-of-town visitors, it's still not a bad time to come in December; just come early," Bentham said. "We usually open about 15-20 minutes before our scheduled start time, and we never turn off the lights until the last car goes through."

Even if you think you've seen all the lights in Las Vegas, the Glittering Lights will certainly add a few new ones for you and the family.

"There's lots to see at Glittering Lights. There are items to your left, right and above you. It takes a good thirty minutes to complete the course," Bentham said.

Ethel M Chocolates' Holiday Cactus Garden lights up for the holidays

Henderson, Nev.

This year marks the 28th annual Holiday Cactus Garden at the chocolate factory, which is always on our holiday list.

"This is our 28th annual Holiday Cactus Garden, and we are so excited to be able to be open to the public again this year," said Lisa Vannerson, marketing and public relations manager with the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. "We sit on a three-acre botanical cactus garden that is decorated with more than one million holiday lights that transform the garden into a magical experience."

Visitors can stroll through the 3-acre cactus garden that features cacti, floral displays, and trees that all can thrive in Nevada's desert climate.

"Some of the trees that we have are mesquite trees, and they have been here for several years as we are celebrating our 40th anniversary right now. And if you are not from the Southwest, it's just a fun experience to learn about the different cacti," Vannerson said.

And during the holiday season, more than a million lights are added to the garden to help bring it to life.

"There is always something fun to find in the garden: There's lights, reindeer, elves, llamas, and it's just fun to walk around and see something new this year," Vannerson said.

The skilled gardeners start their holiday cheer in August to get ready for the holiday cactus garden.

"The guys who bring the lights to the garden start their work in August, and it takes several months to get everything decorated, and they go through gloves, but at the end, it is a magical experience. And you can bring your family out and make new memories," Vannerson said.

This year, visitors will have to make a reservation to help with crowds amid the pandemic while also making a $5 donation for groups of six.

"There are a few changes this year, and we think they are for the better. First, you have to make a reservation. It will help with crowd flow and traffic. We are also open until Jan. 2, 2022, and we are asking for a $5 donation that goes to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank," Vannerson said.

Something else new this year is a lawn area in the garden. Visitors can get hot chocolate and, of course, some chocolate sweets straight from the factory.

"New this year is we have added turf where there is a food truck where you can grab a snack and take a break along with visiting Santa. And the hot chocolate is flowing along with having chocolate-dipped items. We dip all of your favorite snacks into dark or milk chocolate, and we sell those inside the store or from the food truck," Vannerson said.

And with all the beauty outside, make sure not to forget to take a look inside during your visit.

You can get a first-hand look at the workings of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory while getting a free treat and getting to take home some sweet treats of your own.

"When you walk in, you are always greeted with a sample. So, make sure you stop in and get a free sample, see our self-guided tour where you can see where the chocolates are made," Vannerson said. "And then at the end, you can get all of our holiday chocolate boxes along with peppermint bark and even options to build your box of chocolates."

The chocolate factory is an easy trip to make down Sunset Road, and it has called Henderson home since 1981.

So, make sure to make your reservation, and Vannerson says to keep your weeknights open as an option to visit as well.

"The weeknights would be the best time to visit as there are certain days that have already been booked, but we still have plenty of Friday and Saturday nights available along with those weeknights. And with the beautiful weather we are having, pick a night and come out to visit," Vannerson said.