Las Vegas is famous for doing everything big — and Christmas is no exception.

The Christmas season is actually a great time to visit the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World,’ as this is when the city takes things to a whole other level.

From the awe-inspiring star-studded shows and iconic casinos to the never ending exciting parties, lavish hotels and array of activities, 2014 Christmas in Las Vegas is sure to be magical.

And in a city that never really sleeps, and the fun never stops, you will have more than enough to keep you occupied this Christmas.

The Nutcracker at The Smith Center

From December 13, 2014 to December 21, 2014 you can get in the holiday spirit when you enter the marvelous world where toys become larger than life. The Nutcracker at The Smith Center is a ballet production and this Christmas the theater will be transformed into a wonderland of moonlit snow and waltzing flowers.

Winter in Venice at the Venetian

Winter in Venice is a spectacular holiday event at the Venetian as well as one of the Strip’s most stunning holiday and light shows. From November 18th to January 5, 2015, you can experience the delightful Italian festival when you visit Las Vegas this Christmas.

Winter in Venice is a must-see nightly attraction that will leave you in awe as the music comes alive, the gorgeous angel appears to light the huge Christmas tree. There is also food and drink to go with the entertainment.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run

December 6, 2014 is the annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run at Fremont Street Experience. This is not just one of the most popular events, but it is a holiday tradition for families and it is a must for visitors.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will give you the opportunity to put on your Santa Suit in support of individuals with disabilities in the community. Don’t miss the chance to give back.

Magical Forest

Another exciting event for you to experience is the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. This annual event will open from November 21, 2014, to January 4, 2015 and offers the chance for you to listen to holiday music while admiring the whimsical displays and strolling through the winter wonderland.

You will also have the opportunity to take in Boris the Elf’s 3-D Experience, ride the rails on the Forest Express train, take photos with Santa in his workshop or go for a spin on Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel. Other can’t-miss attractions at the Magical Forest include a gingerbread house display, Rod’s Mini-Golf course and Rudolph’s Raceway.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden

Ethel M is not only renowned for its free chocolate factory tour, but also for its yearly Holiday Cactus Garden. This year you can experience the splendor at the 21st annual cactus lighting ceremony.

Nothing says Christmas like the beautiful lights on the tree and Christmas music flowing through the air, and at the Ethel M Chocolate factory you will see more lights than you ever thought possible inside the amazing cactus garden.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

One of Las Vegas’ most popular free attractions the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is quite busy during the Christmas season. From November to January each year the Conservatory Botanical Gardens offers the opportunity for you to marvel at its unique displays.

In November, there is the autumn harvest exhibit, featuring over 51,000 seasonal flowers and pumpkins of all sizes. The winter exhibit is on display from December 6 to January 4, 2015 and the exhibit features a well decorated tree, fresh poinsettias and a large polar bear family.

Fremont Street’s Free Concerts

Fremont Street set the stage for a jolly Christmas as each holiday it welcomes Christmas in fine style with its huge Christmas Eve party. Although you can still do everything that you normally would, during this event there is a toy soldier procession, a seasonal display of lights, live music, and a visit by Santa Claus.

Hotel Concerts

In addition to its range of exciting events, you can enjoy Christmas concerts and shows in Las Vegas. Casino resorts such as the Mandalay Bay Hotel and the Las Vegas Hilton, are famous for their Las Vegas Christmas concerts.

These events are usually held before, on, or just after Christmas Day and often feature a lot of big name musicians. You can also catch headliner acts at the various hotels as well as enjoy an evening of music with one of the Orchestras.

Christmas Shopping

It’s hard to experience Christmas without thinking about gifts. This Christmas you can enjoy shopping at the shops and boutiques throughout the city. Hot spots such as Crystals at CityCenter and the Forum Shops offer a wide array of designer and luxury brands including Fendi and Dior.

The Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood features over 170 shops to satisfy your shopping desires. There are also a range of restaurants for you to check out on your day out.

Food and Drink

What would the Christmas holidays be without a dinner? Las Vegas restaurants are among the best in the country and on Christmas Day you can enjoy a fine dining experience at one of your choice.

Many restaurants around town offer special Christmas Day menus and reservations are usually required. Rí Rá Las Vegas at the Mandalay Place offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings you could ever want.

Rao’s at Caesars Palace is another fine choice for enjoying a mouthwatering dinner this Christmas. The restaurants at MGM Grand are also known for their delicious Christmas menu. Hash House A Go Go at M Resort, The Plaza or Imperial Palace and Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace all offer a la carte dining and are some of the other exciting restaurants for you to consider.

The Casinos

Las Vegas is a 24 hour adult party playground, and boy oh boy, what a playground it is. Christmas doesn’t change anything for the casinos, if anything it makes them better. Gambling is what the place is known for and nothing beats the thrill that the casinos provide.

This Christmas you can hold some cards or toss some dice as you work on your luck. There are also several poker rooms throughout the city such as the ones at Aria, Bally’s, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Hotel and Flamingo.

A final word

Las Vegas is famous for its beautiful lights and elaborate displays, but each Christmas the city is transformed into a wonderland. As this is when the casinos and hotels deck the halls with even more lights and glitz.

Add to that the beautiful Christmas trees and festive decorations, and you will discover that Christmas in Vegas is like no other.