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Happenings in Las Vegas for the Holiday Season

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Happenings in Las Vegas for the Holiday Season
Vegas Valley Dining news and Fun NYE options
Jimmy Fig

Jimmy Fig

Dec 24, 2025

Trivia Questionâť“

In what year did Las Vegas officially become a city, and who was the first mayor?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Tiki Bar has opened at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, bringing Las Vegas its first island-inspired retreat under the MGM Resorts International banner.

 

This lush escape, near the MGM Rewards desk, features a central bar topped with a thatched roof and a lounge framed by lava rocks and dramatic magma drapes.

 

Tropical patterns and lizard green velvets create an immersive, vibrant vibe, while medieval touches like a dragon lantern pay homage to Excalibur’s theme and mascot, Murphy.

 

According to James McBride, Excalibur’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, the bar fuses tiki identity with castle magic, making every visit feel like a getaway.

 

Signature cocktails—including the Whip Tai, Tiki Time Tea, and sharable Blue Hawaiian—headline a menu served in playful glassware.

 

Happy Hour runs daily, with live music igniting the scene on weekends.

 

The Tiki Bar opens from 11 a.m. to late, offering a fresh twist to the Strip’s nightlife.


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Las Vegas unveils the Malibu Barbie Café at AREA15, drawing visitors into a dazzling 1970s Malibu-inspired escape.

 

Opening on December 18, 2025, this new pop-up brings a whirlwind of nostalgia, bold pink hues, and playful coastal vibes.

 

Created in partnership with Mattel Inc. and Bucket Listers, the café combines themed dining, interactive décor, and lively entertainment.

 

Chef Becky Brown—Chopped champion and Master Chef finalist—presents a menu from pink hummus to triple-threat grilled cheese and custom cupcake boats.

 

Signature drinks fill the vibrant bar, while roller skating, photo swings, and a sandy beach scene add to the fun.

 

Special events like cupcake classes and paint parties make every visit unique.

 

With $25 tickets (credit for food and souvenirs), plus $1 roller skating benefitting Girls Inc., this café promises a memorable—and charitable—Vegas adventure through March 21, 2026.


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Chef Oscar Amador has quietly launched Amador Cocina Fina in Las Vegas’s vibrant Chinatown, signaling an exciting evolution in local dining.

 

Taking over the former site of EDO Tapas & Wine, Amador’s new spot draws on his deep culinary heritage while pushing boundaries.

 

This intimate restaurant offers a 16-course tasting menu at $135, blending refined Spanish flavors with Chef Amador’s personal memories—dishes like Hokkaido uni carrot cake and a macaron stuffed with marinated rabbit rillettes highlight the experience.

 

Ă€ la carte options include wild-caught shrimp with peanut salsa matcha and a daily ceviche made from dry-aged fish, all crafted with inventive flair.

 

Located at 3400 S. Jones Blvd., Amador Cocina Fina welcomes guests Wednesday through Monday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Last seating is at 10 p.m.

 

Reservations are available online for this new chapter in Las Vegas dining.


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Irv's Burgers, a celebrated Los Angeles burger institution, will debut at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson by spring 2026.

 

This marks the eatery’s third Las Vegas-area location, following its success at Durango Casino & Resort and the Miracle Mile Shops on the Strip.

 

Founded in 1946 on Route 66, Irv’s is cherished for its pressed-to-order burgers, chili cheese fries, and hand-spun milkshakes—all served with a nostalgic flair.

 

Patrons can expect these classic favorites when the new location opens.

 

The addition joins Green Valley Ranch’s $200 million revamp, which includes upgraded gaming rooms, Polaris casino bar, and acclaimed Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill.

 

Local visitors can anticipate Irv’s signature comfort food enhancing the lively dining scene in Henderson.


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Play Playground Las Vegas is bringing a high-energy New Year’s Eve celebration to the Luxor Hotel and Casino on December 31, 2025.

 

This expansive 15,000-square-foot venue promises a full day of excitement, with unlimited play across 20+ immersive physical games and nostalgic challenges from noon until midnight.

 

Event packages, offered in three-hour blocks for $77 each, include open bar access, fast-track entrance, unlimited gameplay, complimentary entry to the popular Duck Duck Boom! attraction, and a VIP lanyard and card as keepsakes.

 

CEO Jennifer Worthington highlights the playful, social energy, inviting guests 21 and over to connect and celebrate as they ring in 2026.

 

Located on the Atrium Level at 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Play Playground blends lively games with vibrant social interactions, making it a standout destination for unforgettable holiday fun.


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As 2025 wraps up, AREA15 in Las Vegas unveils its vibrant New Year's Eve Masquerade celebration on December 31, promising a night of mystery, art, and high-energy entertainment.

 

This adults-only event offers general admission at $62.08, granting access to The Portal, The Wall, and the spacious A-Lot.

 

Guests can expect mesmerizing roaming performers, interactive art, and lively ballroom-style parties.

 

Headlining the night is acclaimed electronic artist ALLEYCVT, known for fusing emotional vocals with experimental bass, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere.

 

Attendees are encouraged to dress in masks or bold attire, embracing the masquerade theme for a truly immersive experience.

 

For those craving a lavish evening, VIP tables—starting at $1,935—include expedited entry and $1,000 in beverage credit.

 

The district’s latest additions, like Universal Horror Unleashed and a Boeing 747-turned-nightlife venue, make AREA15 a must for anyone seeking a unique New Year’s celebration.


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Las Vegas prepares for a showstopping New Year’s Eve, dazzling visitors as it welcomes 2026.

 

This year’s “Rockin’ into 2026 Vegas Style” party marks the 25th anniversary of the famed fireworks show, now bigger than ever.

 

For the first time, the Palms Casino Resort joins nine Strip icons—including MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and The STRAT—lighting up the sky with a spectacular, eight-minute fireworks display by Grucci.

 

A synchronized drone show at the Las Vegas Event Plaza will add high-tech flair, painting illuminated scenes above the city.

 

The Sphere Las Vegas hosts hourly worldwide countdowns, while Fremont Street Experience’s “Countdown Under The Canopy™” brings star performances and a midnight fireworks finale downtown.

 

With the Strip closed to cars from Tropicana to Spring Mountain, revelers can celebrate safely as Las Vegas expects 340,000 visitors for a truly unforgettable start to 2026.


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Las Vegas locals and visitors are in for a treat as the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio Resort reopens on Christmas Eve.

 

This iconic spot is set to dazzle with a fresh, immersive theatrical experience launching on New Year's Eve.

 

Blending gourmet dining and high-energy performances, it overlooks the mesmerizing Fountains of Bellagio.

 

Entertainment experts hail it as a revolution in Las Vegas nightlife, promising unforgettable evenings on the Strip.

 

After a short closure for upgrades, the club now boasts extended hours, priority bookings for members, and surprise elements to amp up the vibe.

 

Community buzz is building, with leaders urging everyone to experience this innovative revival.

 

Top performers ensure seamless, magical nights without any hitches.

 

From 5 PM openings to late-night glamour, Mayfair is redefining Sin City's party scene.

 

Join the excitement and make your reservations now for a slice of premium Las Vegas entertainment.


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Henderson welcomes SMKD BBQ, a fresh addition at 10895 South Eastern Avenue promising to elevate the local barbecue scene.

 

Helmed by Chef Alex Reznik and Chef Matt Meyer, the restaurant blends classic smoked meats with creative flair, debuted on November 12, 2025.

 

Diners are treated to inventive starters like pig candy, smoky burnt ends, and wings served either plain or sauced.

 

Main offerings satisfy with hearty sandwiches—think Ribwich or Smash the Burger—plus generous BBQ plates featuring everything from citrus-glazed chicken to brisket and smoked catfish.

 

Signature sides include Not-Boxed Mac-n-Cheesy and My Mommy’s Kugel, while lighter options like the Chop Chop salad round out the menu.

 

SMKD’s drink selection features local brews and bold cocktails, alongside non-alcoholic options for all tastes.

 

Honoring veterans, the team offered free lunches on Veterans Day before opening.

 

SMKD BBQ is open daily, blending tradition and innovation for Henderson food lovers.


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đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:
Las Vegas officially became a city in 1905, and Peter Buol was its first mayor.
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