The city of Las Vegas offers many special events and activities for children and adults for winter holiday fun. These activities are just a sampling of the many available throughout the year. All activities are subject to change. Most activities require advance registration. Call to register and verify times and dates. Most senior activities require $2 annual membership in city of Las Vegas Senior Citizens Program. List is not all-inclusive. Call centers near you for complete list of classes and activities. Centers are closed Nov. 26, 27 and Dec. 25.
See below for full list...
Call for Artists’ Entries (all ages)
Through Dec. 4
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515.
Submit a handmade holiday postcard and message for our troops by Dec. 4, for the “Seasons Greetings” gallery display. Postcards will be sent to our military service men and women for holiday greetings from home. Call 229-1515 for details. No cost to participate.
Thanksgiving Luncheon (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Nov. 18, noon. Advance purchase is required.
Fee: $6
Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., (702) 229-6601.
This traditional feast includes turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, beans, yams, pumpkin pie, hot cider, coffee and plenty of good company.
Thanksgiving Lunch (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $8
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole and dessert.
Free Old-Fashioned Fall Festival (all ages)
Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave.
Join Councilman Barlow for an afternoon of fun, including face painters, a DJ, cake walk, community vendors and more!
Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest (ages 5-12)
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Fee: $1
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 229-6374.
Compete against children in your age group shooting free throws to win a turkey.
Thanksgiving Fun Workshop (ages 4-10)
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 4 to 5 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $5
Robison Community School, 4794 Harris Ave., (702) 229-2542.
Celebrate Thanksgiving together with refreshments and a Thanksgiving craft.
Letters To Santa
Nov. 30-Dec. 11
Fee: $1 per letter
Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, (702) 229-1100.
Parents, have your child deliver his or her letter to the Santa Mailbox at Veterans Memorial
Leisure Services Center by Dec. 11. Information forms (filled out by parents) must be delivered with the letters. Information forms may be picked up at the front desk anytime after Nov. 30. Your child will receive a personal letter back from Santa in time for Christmas.
Holiday Potluck and Tree Trimming (ages 50+)
Monday, Nov. 30, at noon. Advance registration is required.
Bring a food dish to share and an ornament for the tree.
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Free Tree Trimming Party (ages 50+)
Monday, Nov. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Join in the festive spirit to decorate the center for the holidays.
Holiday Decorating and Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Drop in and help add some spirit for the winter holidays to the senior center. Bring along two dozen of your favorite cookies to share, and take home a variety of cookies with you!
Bunco Bonanza – White Reindeer Games (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. Advance purchase is required.
Fee: $3, includes light lunch.
Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., (702) 229-6601.
Enjoy this parlor game with a holiday touch. Bring two small, wrapped, white elephant gifts for a gift exchange.
Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, noon. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $2
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Bring two dozen cookies and your recipe to exchange with others while enjoying coffee, hot cider, tea and hot chocolate. Advanced registration is required.
Gingerbread House Building Contest (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $3 per person on team, includes supplies.
Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Form a team of three people to create the best gingerbread house. Gingerbread house, icing and some candy supplied; you provide the creativity. Each team may bring two non-food items and three edible items in addition to what is provided.
Breakfast with Santa (ages 50+)
Thursday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $3
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Enjoy breakfast with Santa.
20th Annual Holiday Handicraft Sale (all ages)
Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free admission for shoppers.
Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Purchase handcrafted items that may include ceramics, artwork, jewelry, quilts and more!
Crafters, age 50 or older, may rent a table for $10 (6-foot, limit 3) or $15 (8-foot, limit 2). Call 229-6454 for more information or to reserve your table. Deadline for table reservation is Nov. 21.
Holiday Craft Show (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free for shoppers.
Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., (702) 229-6359.
Shoppers wanted! Enjoy the annual holiday craft show. All crafts are handmade. Get in the holiday mood as you shop.
Free Cowboy Christmas and Charity Event (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Floyd Lamb Park, 9200 Tule Springs Road, 229-8100.
Bring your family to join Councilman Ross at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs Park to celebrate the holiday season. Families will enjoy hay rides, a petting zoo, balloon artist, jump house and a visit from Santa. Join Councilman Steve Ross in helping local charities in our area bring food, toys and clothing to people in need. Call 229-6154 for more information.
Stardusters’ 30th Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Square Dance (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $5 per person plus a new, unwrapped toy
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center Ballroom, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515.
Join the Stardusters Square Dancers and the Marines in a fun evening of dancing. Whether you are a seasoned square dancer or just looking to learn a few new fun steps, come stomp and “twirl your partner” and make a child’s dream come true. Special guest callers will be featured. Toys will be presented to the Marines “Toys for Tots” holiday toy drive.
December to Remember (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Cultural Corridor, Las Vegas Boulevard between Washington Avenue and Bonanza Road
10 a.m. to noon Children’s Hands-on History Program at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. Children
will make ornaments from natural materials. $1 admission charge for those ages
12 and up.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Narrated Cultural Walking Tour of the Corridor (every half hour). Meet on Las
Vegas Boulevard in front of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.
11 a.m. Cultural Fashion Show at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum – See
traditional garb of many world cultures and displays of traditional December
celebrations from around the world. Museum admission is $8 adults; $7 seniors
55+, military and children ages 12+; $4 children ages 3-11.
12 to 1 p.m. Nevada School of the Arts performance at Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
12 to 2 p.m. Boneyard tours, arranged in advance. $15 per person, limit 20 people per tour.
Go to www.neonmuseum.org to request a tour.
12 to 4 p.m. Demonstrations by Soldiers of the Fort; Mountain Man demonstrations; BBQ
food, hot beverages and Dutch oven cobbler for sale; Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers will decorate the adobe building for Pioneer Christmas, all at the Old
Las Vegas Mormon Fort. $1 admission charge for those ages 12+.
2 p.m. Las Vegas Wind Quintet concert at Reed Whipple Cultural Center. Tickets $5.
2:30 to 4 p.m. Free Mariachi Colima de Las Vegas performance at Las Vegas Library.
5 p.m. Free holiday musical performance at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic
Park Visitor Center
For more information, contact:
Las Vegas Natural History Museum, www.lvnhm.org, 384-3466.
Las Vegas Library, www.lvccld.org, 507-3514.
Lied Discovery Museum, www.ldcm.org, 382-3445.
Neon Museum, www.neonmuseum.org, 387-6366.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 486-3511.
Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 229-6211.
Gift Wrapping (all ages)
Monday through Thursday, Dec. 7–10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance reservation is required.
Fee: $1 per gift.
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Holiday Luncheon (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $4
Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Enjoy entertainment, karaoke and a kick-off to the holiday season with this annual luncheon.
Holiday Season Celebration Lunch (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 9, Noon. Advance purchase required.
Fee: $6
Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., (702) 229-6601.
Celebrate the holiday season with pork roast with apples, potatoes, cranberry chutney, spiced cider, a delicious dessert and plenty of good company.
Poppin’ Popcorn Blast (ages 50+)
Thursday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $1
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
Enjoy eating popcorn while stringing it to make garland for the holidays.
Holiday Cheer Luncheon (ages 50+)
Friday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $4
Howard Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Ave., (702) 229-1600.
Free Breakfast With Santa (ages 5-12)
Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to noon
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 229-6374.
Area children nominated by their elementary school counselor will have the opportunity for a picture and breakfast with Santa, and receive an age-appropriate gift from their wish list donated by a sponsor. Contact Deirdre Thomas to be a sponsor at 229-6374.
“Seasons Greetings” Family Holiday Open House (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 12, noon to 3 p.m.
Free admission
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515.
Enjoy a holiday sing-along for all ages, with songs led in English and Spanish. Learn how to design and cut a big, beautiful snowflake. Make and send a decorated postcard with a personal message to our troops. Enjoy the “Seasons Greetings” card and snowflake gallery. Bring a camera to take advantage of the holiday photo opportunities.
“Gifts of the Islands” (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., 229-3515.
An evening of Hawaiian music, dance, and culture with Gary Haleamau & Kawili, featuring Kumu Hula Sheldeen Haleamau and Halau Hula O Kaleimomi.
Annual Adaptive Recreation Holiday Dance (ages 18+)
Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 to 10 p.m. Advance reservation required by Dec. 4.
Fee: $20 per person
Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Ave.
Kick off of the holiday season with a night of fun, music, dancing and food. Call 229-5177 for information and reservations.
Caroling Karaoke (ages 50+)
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
Join us in holiday fun! Come sing your favorite song. Participation is free.
Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 12:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $1
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Bring three dozen cookies and get three dozen cookies for holiday treats.
Free Holiday Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Howard Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Ave., (702) 229-1600.
Bring two dozen homemade cookies and the recipe to swap for a variety of cookies.
Gift Wrapping Extravaganza (all ages)
Weekdays, Dec. 16-23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $1 per gift
Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.
Are you through shopping and want to get your gifts wrapped? Have your gifts wrapped the last week before Christmas with a beautiful selection of paper and ribbon!
Holiday Make It & Take It Workshop (ages 2-12)
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 4 to 5 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $5
Robison Community School, 4794 Harris Ave., (702) 229-2542.
Come join the holiday fun as we enjoy punch and cookies and make a craft.
Winter Holiday Brunch (ages 50+)
Thursday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $ 7
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
Jingle Bell Rock Contest (ages 50+)
Friday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. Register by Dec. 18.
Fee: $1
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Free Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Friday, Dec. 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Advance purchase required.
Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., (702) 229-6601.
Bring three dozen cookies and the recipe and enjoy a peaceful morning together in celebration of the holidays. Coffee, cappuccino and cider will be served.
Downtown Cultural Series – A Spectacular Phantom Holiday Concert (all ages)
Friday, Dec. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 229-3515.
Cast members of “Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular” present a performance of beloved seasonal songs designed to highlight the reason for the season.
Happy Everything Day (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Fee: $3 per participant
Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 229-6309.
Celebrate all past and future holidays in one day! Hunt for eggs, bob for apples, toss Independence Day balloons, eat iced chocolate, costume contest, gift guessing contest, pumpkin slam contest, swimming games, Thanksgiving pie-eating contest…and lots more. Holiday music will be played.
All those who arrive in a costume will receive a goody bag!
Big Band Pops Christmas Featuring Tony Scodwell (all ages)
Guest Appearance by Lisa Mayer
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $5 all seats
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 229-6383.
Enjoy a big band Christmas program by the Tony Scodwell Big Band and vocalist Lisa Mayer.
Tenors For U Concert (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., 229-3515.
Enjoy holiday music from classic to pop at this afternoon concert.
La Posada December Fiesta (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 to 8 p.m.
Free admission.
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515.
Join Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese to celebrate the holidays with the traditional Hispanic custom that involves friends, family and the entire community. Enjoy live entertainment, traditional Posada, food vendors, a children’s raffle and a visit from Santa Claus. Sponsored by the city of Las Vegas, La Nueva 103.5 FM, Recuerdo 99.3 FM and Radio Variedades 870 AM.
Free Holiday Synchronized Swimming Show (all ages)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 229-6309.
Synchronized swimmers from Henderson, Clark County and the city of Las Vegas will perform to holiday music. Refreshments will be served while they last. Bleacher seating.
Holiday Cookie Exchange (ages 50+)
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
Bring two dozen cookies to trade with each other. Participation is free.
December Breakfast (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Fee: $5
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Enjoy sausage casserole, coffee, juice and good company.
Holiday Caroling (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Participation is free.
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Rites of Passage “Crossing Over” and Kwanzaa Celebration (all ages)
Sunday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m.
Free admission.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 507-3989.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American people, their culture and their history. This year the West Las Vegas Arts Center will celebrate Kujichagulia, (pronounced koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah) or self-determination — to speak for ourselves and create our own destinies. The community will present the graduating class of the Girls and Boys Rites of Passage program and honor community elder Calvin "Eagle Eye” Shields. Call 229-4800 for information.
New / Old Member New Year’s Eve Mixer (ages 50+)
Thursday, Dec. 31, 1 to 3 p.m.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
If you are a new member (or want to be) and want to meet existing Doolittle Senior Center members, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Staff will go over upcoming 2010 year activities, then off to the fun. There will be music, cookies and punch to kick off the New Year. Participation is free.
