BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Nov. 13, 2022
LOTUS OF SIAM OPENS AT RED ROCK RESORT
The third location of Las Vegas’ famed Lotus of Siam restaurant is now open inside the Red Rock Casino in partnership with the newly launched Bua Food Group owners Penny Chutima and Lou Abin. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Costing above $5 million to build out, visitors to the 8,000-square-foot restaurant enter through a grand entryway with a carved, 11-foot-tall wood door. Note the door had to be facing south because of the belief “money comes in.” Once inside 230 suspended lanterns glow overhead making a dramatic statement.
The Bua lounge (Thai for lotus) has a long bar stretching along one side of the room with a bamboo pergola and scaffolding forming shelves for the back bar. The Mali room (Thai for jasmine) is on the other back side with another standout display, a wall of 90 big jar-like brightly colored decorative containers, which are versions of the packs workers in Thailand wear on their backs while harvesting tea. Large circular booths are arranged beneath a bamboo pergola with decorative vines and potted ferns.
The rear dining room of the 280-seat restaurant is Siam, taking its name from the old Wester term for Thailand. Spanning this room are steel trusses, rattan chandeliers and teal banquettes. This room has corrugated aluminum panels, which is the same materials used to construct dwellings for the poor in today’s Thailand. Buddhist monks blessed this new establishment.
The Chutima family opened their hugely successful original understated Lotus of Siam in 1999 on East Sahara Ave. in Commercial Center. When it had severe water damage in recent years, the family opened at 620 E. Flamingo Road. Along came the pandemic and triggered shutdowns. After the Commercial Center reopens, renovations will take place at the Flamingo location and all three places should be open sometime in late 2023.
ENCHANT® RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS BALLPARK®
Enchant® will return to Las Vegas Ballpark® in Downtown Summerlin® from Friday, Nov. 25 to Jan. 1 for the second year with an all-new Mischievous Elf theme, which is only available at this location in Las Vegas. The whimsical and heartfelt Christmas Light Maze and Village will feature best pals, Eddie the Elf and Sparky the Reindeer, who help find missing presents for Santa to deliver— before it’s too late.
The full Enchant experience includes gliding down the ice-skating trail with an improved streamlined process for checking in; sampling gourmet holiday treats from around the world with many new vendors including the Build-A-Bear Workshop to make a special bear for your adventures; the Hallmark® Channel Holiday House; Polar Roller, where you can create your own snow cone; Merry Lodge for a signature Enchant lightbulb beverage; and for guests 21 and over, a stop at the new Tipsy Tree Tavern. Finish with the Christmas Market taking over the entire 360-degree concourse and an improved, special Santa experience.
General Admission tickets at the Ballpark start at $34 for adults and $20 for kids ages 2 through 12. Kids get in free on select Wednesdays with purchase of one adult ticket.
CIRCA LAUNCHES ‘WINTER SWIM’ AND WORLD’S LARGEST HOT TUB PARTY
Winter Swim will be turning Stadium Swim at Circa downtown into the world’s largest hot tub party and Las Vegas’ only year-round pool amphitheater. This new program will include three new signature events, including a Football Watch Party on Dec. 3; a totally tubular 80s Heat Hot Tub Party on Jan. 6; and the inaugural Winter Swim Bikini Contest, offering $10k in prizes on Feb. 4.
Transforming Stadium Swim into a winter wonderland, each Winter Swim signature event will feature an immersive Ski Lodge experience. Taking over the 965-square-foot Owner’s Suite, guests will be able to warm up with a variety of activations, drink samplings and merchandise from major brands such as Baileys, Crown Royale, Skyy Vodka and High Noon.
Winter Swim’s après-ski environment will feature six heated pools reaching temperatures ranging from 94 to 103 degrees. Guests will be able to imbibe on a seasonal cocktail menu complete with boozy takes on holiday drinks such as hot chocolate, mules and “Penalty Shots,” which invites revelers to take shots simultaneously off a hockey stick. When not soaking in the heated pools, guests can stay warm in one of 30 heated cabanas, which all feature a 65-inch TV, towel service, access to a VIP restroom and a dedicated VIP server. For an extra layer of warmth, plush robes will be available.
WINTER WONDERLAND DISPLAY RETURNS TO MYSTIC FALLS PARK®
Mystic Falls Park’s annual winter wonderland display at Sam’s Town, featuring festive décor, more than 26,000 points of light and a nine-minute holiday laser light show will return Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
The holiday-themed attraction at Mystic Falls Park® is a time-honored tradition dating back to 1994. The indoor atrium’s spirited theme this year highlights animated teddy bears coming to life and playing, dancing and decorating the park. The plush, animatronic bears were handmade by a family in Italy.
The whimsical winter display presents an 18-foot Christmas tree decorated with glistening red and gold ornaments and 5,300 lights, topped with a starburst tree topper. Garland-wrapped lampposts, streamers and wreaths fill the atrium, embellished with hundreds of lights, ornaments and red holiday bows. As guests stroll through the park, they will see blankets of snow, animatronic characters, giant pinecones and beautifully wrapped gift boxes. Mystic Falls Park’s gazebo will be covered in snow and decorated at the Park’s entrance. In total, the lit-up décor features 26,350 points of light and approximately 13,175 feet, or 2.5 miles, of wire.
Also returning is the nine-minute holiday laser light show, which is the centerpiece. The laser light show features a variety of classic holiday songs. Performances run every hour, between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Adding to the wintery experience, Mystic Falls Park® will make it snow every night.
Santa will visit the gazebo Friday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Dec. 23. He will be available 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, except for 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. as Santa will be away feeding his reindeer. Guests can take photos with Santa using their own cameras.
In addition to enjoying the free holiday attraction, families can drop off their letters for Santa in Santa’s mailbox.
LAS VEGAS GREAT SANTA RUN ANNOUNCES GRAND MARSHALS
Opportunity Village has named Terry Fator and Becky Hammonas Grand Marshals for the 2022 Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 3. The event offers both a 5K and 1-mile course with thousands of registrants decked out in Santa suits running or walking to empower, employ, and serve people with disabilities. Presented by Circle K, the exciting race day will feature three stages featuring a variety of entertainment partners with a pre-show under the Fremont Street Experience canopy at 3rd Street Stage beginning at 8 a.m.
Adding to the festive run, ventriloquist Terry Fator will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 5K course. The “America’s Got Talent” winner and New York-New York headliner has a gift for capturing hearts with his brand of entertainment combining ventriloquism, singing, comedy and celebrity impressions.
Las Vegas Aces’ WNBA Championship Coach Becky Hammon will continue to inspire participants as Grand Marshal of the 1-mile course. Fresh off the franchise’s first WNBA Championship, and the first major professional sports championship in Las Vegas’ history, Hammon was named 2022 WNBA Coach of the Year.
Returning to Downtown Las Vegas for its 18th year with a hybrid format, the Las Vegas Great Santa Run offers runners around the world two options to support Opportunity Village: a full capacity in-person race on Dec. 3ora virtual race, which can be completed any time between Dec. 3-24, 2022.
In-person race participants will receive a 5-piece Santa suit, medal, swag bag, race bib, and more. Pets are always welcome fun – simply sign them up when registering and they will receive a special goodie bag.
MEXICAN FOLK STAR KEVIN KAARL WILL VISIT BROOKLYN BOWL
Up and coming Mexican folk singer/songwriter Kevin Kaarl will be making his Las Vegas debut at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, March 24, 2023, to celebrate the release of his new album “Paris Texas.”
A lifelong musician, Kaarl started in a youth choir in his hometown of Meoqui, Chihuahua. From there, he joined a separate band and eventually began playing regional Mexican music alongside his brother. In 2018, his debut single “Amor Viejo” quickly saw success, capturing over 7 million views on YouTube within a few short months. With sudden fame, Kaarl followed up with “Vamonos a Marte” during December of the same year, quickly amassing more than 104 million plays on streaming platforms. His gift of songwriting and producing has taken him to some of the biggest stages and collaborations with prominent artists like GRAMMY award-winning singer Leon Bridges. His latest album “Paris Texas” features an added layer of rock and dream pop elevating his traditional, folksy style.
KNIGHT TIME HOCKEY BAR AT M RESORT IS OPEN
Converting the former 32° Draft Bar space at M Resort, the new Knight Time Hockey Bar features new TVs and a video wall. Now fans can catch all the game's nuances while watching televised Henderson Silver Knight games all season long. The bar also offers a new private area, The Penalty Box, and more intimate booths and seating with arcade games and a pool table. There are also eight private alcoves in the back of the bar where guests have their own TV and can control the channels to watch any game they choose.
To interact with other fans, guests can follow a live Twitter feed on the video wall display while adding comments and cheering on the team. Plus, watching hockey goes better with more than 99 beers on tap including a variety of key Canadian beer brands.
The Henderson Silver Knights logo is emblazoned on chairs, couches, and tables, as well as throughout the bar and casino. Located on the casino floor adjacent to the sports book, Knight Time Hockey Bar is defined by a hockey-inspired wall wrap to simulate a hockey rink. The fan favorite is an all-new floor comprised completely of hockey stick designs while various hockey memorabilia adorn the walls such as skates, signed hockey sticks, gloves and jerseys from the team.
‘WINTER AT THE TERRACE’ RETURNS AT GREEN VALLEY RANCH
“Winter at The Terrace” is returning to Green Valley Ranch for the festive season beginning Friday, Nov. 25. The holiday-themed pop-up lounge, located at the resort’s Lobby Terrace, will once again transform into a stunning winter wonderland where guests can cozy up in a merry atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
The picturesque destination will ring in the new season with cheerful music, twinkling lights, memorable photo opportunities, private igloos, fire pits and more. Guests will be welcomed to enjoy winter-themed libations, including an all-new hot chocolate cart, must-have shareable cocktails and a great selection of champagne offerings, as well as tasty light bites and holiday treats.
“Winter at The Terrace'' will be open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 4 to 11 p.m. Igloos will be available with a food and beverage minimum starting at $100 and may be reserved in two-hour blocks. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations for tables and igloos are recommended and can be made through the concierge at 702-617-7744.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS HOSTS TAMALE & MARIACHI FESTIVAL
This year’s Tamale & Mariachi Festival, a celebration of family, culture and holiday traditions, will be held outdoors on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Centennial Plaza at The Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. The family-friendly festival will offer an abundance of tamale varieties from all over Latin America. Festival admission is free and open to the public. A variety of vendors will sell refreshments.
There will be live mariachi music, folklorico dance, Mexican antojitos, and a host of artisan vendors. Guests will be able to watch tamales being made and then take the opportunity to make a tamale at the community tamalada. The SerVehZah Bottle Shop and Tap Room will offer brews and beverages for sale while arts and crafts activities will be available for the kids.
Entertainment will include five different mariachi bands, including the three-time Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos. Other bands include Mariachi Bonito Amanecer, Mariachi Oro de Rancho High School, Mariachi Internacional de Las Vegas Academy and Mariachi Alma del Sol. Recording and performing artist Julian Torres will sing with Mariachi Alma del Solto close the event.
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO PRESENT CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT UNLV
UNLV Performing Arts Center will present “A Very Merry Christmas” starring the ensemble Mariachi Herencia de México at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $50.
The Latin GRAMMY®-nominated group will perform Mexican and American favorites. In 2017, Mariachi Herencia de México scored a Latin GRAMMY® nomination in the “Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album” category for the group’s debut album “Nuestra Herencia.” The group’s 2018 follow up album, “Herencia De La Tierra Mía,” was features guest vocals by two Mexican music superstars, folkloric/fusion artist Lila Downs and veteran mariachi singer Aida Cuevas.
‘PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE’ WILL VISIT THE ORLEANS SHOWROOM
Peppa Pig Live! “Peppa Pig’s Adventure,” presented by Round Room Live and Hasbro, Inc., is coming to The Orleans Showroom on Thursday, Dec. 22 with performances at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
The live, 60-minute, family-friendly musical experience brings the loveable, cheeky little piggy on an exciting camping trip in the winter woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor holiday adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PRESENTS ‘A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER’
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum will present its annual community-created exhibition, A December to Remember, from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1. Visitors will be able to experience holiday traditions and celebrations from around the world.
Supported in part by Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, A December to Remember features a special collection of cultural exhibits, workshops, and performances by notable community groups and civic organizations. During the six-week event, visitors can learn about holiday customs from various ethnic and religious cultures including Hawaiian, Japanese, Scottish, Italian, Mexican, Filipino, Buddhist, Muslim, and Wiccan.
Workshops and performances from local community groups will be held in various exhibit halls on Fridays and Saturdays. A December to Remember exhibition is included with Museum Admission or Membership. Museum hours are daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas). General admission tickets are $12 per adult and $6 for children ages 3-11.
DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK’S SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY RETURNS
Downtown Container Park hosts small business-focused holiday all-day event featuring live music, tenant specials and more on Saturday, Nov. 26 beginning at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, guests can expect to find yummy eats, unique gifts and stocking stuffers.
Shoppers and strolling guests can enjoy a variety of live entertainment including live music on the stage provided by The Easy, Stanley Avenue, Sugatone and Dead Money, while complimentary face painting, balloon art and magic shows will be sprinkled around the park. Guests can also expect an early arrival of Santa’s sleigh when jolly Saint Nick stops by from noon to 4 p.m. to pose for photos.
Among business specials that day will be 10% off total purchases at Sugar Shop and The Alchemical Cabinet, 40% off $50 or more at LAYOP, $5 slice of cheese pizza at Mob Pie, as well as offers at Art Box, Dream Dance NV, Four Vedas, Gift Envy, House of 1000 Pins, Las Vegas Kettle Corn, Pinches Tacos, Shades Deluxe, The Olive Branch and Sunny Pole Fitness.
