By Mick Bailey

Santa has his biggest day of the year on Christmas. He is loading up his sleigh and hitching up his team of reindeer for his trip around the world, delivering presents and good cheer to all children with only cookies and milk in return. Given the choice Santa would prefer to spend Christmas in Las Vegas and here is why.

First of all Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of The World and who would not want to be there? Holiday spirit is everywhere on the Las Vegas Strip. All the mega resorts have their Christmas décor up and they try to outdo each other. The most spectacular is Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Bellagio changes the Garden’s décor for each of the four seasons so it is a must see any time of the year.

This year. The Christmas holiday falls on a Tuesday this year; so many people are going to make it a four day weekend. Visitors will be enjoying the Vegas nightlife and making the four days one long party. Another reason Santa would like Christmas in Vegas is because everything is always open including shopping. Before Santa takes Mrs. Claus to a fine restaurant and a Vegas show he could buy her something special from one of numerous world class malls. It is easy to get caught up in the bright lights of the Vegas Strip; visitors may regret spending the whole Christmas holiday there.  Other Vegas destinations are worth the short drive. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada will be decorated for Christmas. The gardens will be covered with half a million lights. Mixing Christmas, candy and visits from Santa Claus, Ethel M is a favorite of the kids.  The Springs Preserve is known for science and nature exhibits but they go all out for Christmas. An eight acre garden and surrounding area are decorated with eco-friendly LED lights that are solar powered. The Springs Preserve will also have festive craft activities, strolling entertainers, rides on reindeer ponies, a kiddie train and a holiday sleigh. To see something different go to the Silverton Hotel and Casino. Often beautiful models in swimsuits can be found in the 117,000 gallon aquarium, but for Christmas Santa puts on his scuba gear and swims for pictures.

Maybe this year Santa will outsource his gift giving duties. Don’t be surprised if the elderly couple at the next table watching Monte Carlo’s Blue Man Group may not be your normal Las Vegas tourists. They just might be the first Las Vegas tourists from the North Pole.