That's IT....I gave in! Going to Vegas for Christmas! See you there...

LOL that's great MelissaHI, we're looking forward to our trip as well!

Gecko, thanks, you are correct.. we won't be leaving the kids locked up in the condo we rented on the strip all day. They will of course be there for their proper bedtimes with the sitter supervising, while we stay out late.

We plan on doing much of what was suggested here (gondola rides, M&M factory, lion habitat, etc), so thank you all for your positive suggestions!

Just around the corner now, we can't wait!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

LSUsajani, I got a couple of other recommendations from people.
- Oyster Bar at the Palace Station
- Joe's Stone Crab at Caesar's
- Grand Lux at the Venetian/Palazzo (it's part of the Cheesecake Factory but everyone I know loves it)

I don't know what you look like. But if you see me, come up and say hi!
http://urbanmixplate.honadvblogs.com

LSUsajani, on the "what are people going to wear in Vegas weather" thread, someone suggested the Fodorites who are in Vegas for Christmas get together. I don't know why I didn't think of that since I'm the GTG Queen! Anyway, let me know if you're interested! I haven't heard from anyone since the suggestion though.
:)

MelissaHI- I would skip the Palace Station. Maybe it's just me but I had read great reviews that it was the best buffet in Vegas and it was far from it, IMO. It's a drive to get there; it's off the strip, and it just seemed tacky and dated to me.

I hear Bellagio has a great buffet. We ate at Bayside Buffet at the Mandalay Bay last night and it was very good....I pigged out. There is a crepes place at the Paris hotel that looked great.

I am here with my kid and we are having a great time....well, actually, we are loving our suite so much we haven't left yet! We will do the Tournament of the Kings tonight.

LSU- I think Caesar's Palace is worth a walk through. They have a circular escalator at one end which I've never seen before. The Wynn is gorgeous to see and Encore is opening today. The Venetian is fun to explore as well. They create amazing indoor spaces here in Vegas.

Last time I was in Vegas (I LOVE that place), my husband found a list of "free things to do in Vegas" - and it was terrific. While your 9 month old may not get alot out of it, he (or she) might nap through it, I think your 2 year old would get a kick out of alot of things. On Fremont St in Vegas (downtown - not the Strip), the overhead "light" shows - or whatever you call it, are terrific, and I would think a 2 year old would be fascinated by all the colors and sounds. Check this, you're bound to find some things you and your family would enjoy: Free Attractions in Las Vegas Raging battles, fierce beasts, sweet treats -- Vegas has something to delight everyone. If you're looking for a free Las Vegas attraction not listed on this page, check out our comprehensive list.


The Aquarium at the Silverton
Located within the cozy Silverton Hotel, a 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium provides entertainment on a scale one can enjoy only in Las Vegas. More info

CBS Television City Research Center
Ever thought you could do the job of a network executive, deciding which shows are put on the air and which ones end up in the waste bin? The network jobs are hard to come by, but you can weigh in on the decision-making process by letting your opinions be known at the CBS Television City Research Center at MGM Grand. More info

Conservatory at Bellagio
Crafted by a team of 100 horticulturalists, the Bellagio's conservatory features elegant, elaborate arrangements of plants and flowers in its bright, airy atrium. More info

Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Ethel M Chocolates panders to the sweet tooth in all of us. Located seven miles from the Strip, its free admission entices us to the factory, through which many a visitor goes for a behind-the-scenes look at the candy-making (and tasting) process. More info

Fountains at Bellagio
Every evening, a water and music show plays again and again in the spectacular fountains filling the quarter-mile-long lake in front of the Bellagio. More info

Fountain shows at Caesars
No civilization put on a greater spectacle than ancient Rome, and now you have a chance to witness the glory for yourself at Caesars Palace's fountain shows. More info

Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience will have you dancing in the street with its $70 million light canopy and 540,000-watt sound system. More info

Lion Habitat at MGM Grand
One look into the MGM Grand's lion habitat and you'll be hooked. The majestic cats command adoration whether they're chasing a large ball, licking their immense paws or just lyin' around. More info

Marjorie Barrick Museum
With displays of Western culture, desert life and the history of ancient Mexico, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History is both educational and vibrant. More info

Show in the Sky at the Rio
This sensual, yet upbeat production takes visitors on a journey through the world's greatest celebrations with energetic dancers, exotic costumes and plenty of fun.. More info

M&M's World
M&M's World may be the most delicious attraction in Vegas. And judging by its scores of visitors, M&M's World must be doing something right. More info

Neon Museum
The open-air museum was created by the city of Las Vegas to preserve these vital pieces of Vegas history. More info

The Sirens of TI
Part muse, part temptress, part pirate, watch as the Sirens of TI battle a band of pirates in Sirens' Cove, located at the front entrance of the popular hotel and casino. More info

Streetmosphere
The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian adds a little 'Streetmosphere' to the shopping experience, providing fun and entertainment for all that visit. More info

Sunset Stampede
Take a symphonic journey through the Wild West at Sam's Town. More info

Volcano at the Mirage
Every hour after dusk, the Mirage volcano explodes forth for crowds of curious Strip onlookers. More info

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
The Flamingo's brilliant neon sign is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable on the Strip. And visitors can take a closer look at the creatures who inspired the bright display at the hotel-casino's very own wildlife habitat

BTW, I know many of the naysayers will disapprove of this, but my parents started taking with them to Vegas when I was just 4--this was in the 60s when the mafia still owned it. Also before the city had developed with so many cool things on the strip.

I still had a blast. To this day, when I go to Vegas I am filled with warm memories of the good times I had with my parents there.

I just returned from the Bellagio. Boy, are you guys in for a treat....that should be number one on the long list above of things to do. Their Christmas display is amazing and far exceeds any other place I've seen here. The fountain show is brief but fantastic as well.

Also, don't miss the Jean Baptiste Patisserie near the display. It is gorgeous with amazing confections and a dazzling chocolate fountain. One of the best things in Vegas IMO! My eleven year old son was suitably impressed. As much as he loves the Mandalay Bay, he said we really should try to stay at Bellagio some time.

TRIP REPORT:

Returned today from our week long Christmas trip to Vegas WITH the kids, and... drumroll..... we ALL had a blast!! Thank you again for all your positive feedback, my family and I had a fantastic time!

With the kids and teenage babysitter, we:
1. Watched the fountain show at Bellagio
2. Watched the brand spanking new volcano eruption at The Mirage (Treasure Island's shipwreck is closed til January unfortunately)
3. Visited Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden at The Mirage to see the dolphins, white lions and tigers, alpacas, leopards, etc.
4. Visited Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef where they have a fantastic array of sea creatures ranging from a very active octopus to a variety of sharks and fish
5. Checked out the acrobatic shows and rides at Circus Circus Midway
6. rode the New York New York roller coaster
7. rode the one ride that was open at the top of Stratosphere, and enjoyed a nice lunch and beautiful views at the revolving Top of the World restaurant there
8. visited the Lion Habitat at MGM
9. enjoyed the lovely conservatory, decorations, and Chihuly sculptures at Bellagio
10. Strolled thru Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood (the crystal hangings are really amazing and beautiful!) and checked out the "Live Rain Storm" they do there
11. Walked thru Paris, The Venetian, and Caesar's Palace (where they have the moving sculptures)
12. Enjoyed the bright lights of the Strip and took pictures with people dressed as popular characters for a small tip (you'd swear the guy dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow is the real deal!)

We actually ran out of time the entire week we were there; so we missed going up the Eiffel Tower, the Gondola Rides, and M&M Factory. Imagine that!

Our evenings were spent eating out, gambling, enjoying shows, and checking out the clubs while the babysitter and kids hung out at the condo.

Gambling: Planet Hollywood has the best, contemporary, well decorated casino area IMO... and Wynn/Encore aren't too shabby either.

Clubs: The Mirage's Jet is GREAT on a Monday night, and the Palms' Moon is FABULOUS on a Tuesday night! Well, if you like old school hip hop and R&B mixed with some new.. and of course a whole room full of young good looking people. Did not pay the $$ cover, there are lots of promoters walking up and down the Strip.

Shows: We enjoyed front row tickets to "O", "Ka", and David Copperfield. When we got there we were comped great tickets to the Phantom of the Opera. They were all terrific.. with "Ka" being the only one that was a bit unimpressive to us. Just not enough bang for our buck.

So there you have it, our week in Las Vegas with the kids for Christmas was a huge success! 2 Thumbs WAAAAY Up, and I'd definately do it again!

Thanks!
LSUsajani

LSUsajani glad you had fun!! Despite the weather those couple of days, of course.

I wonder if we passed each other? I hit many of the same places you did. There were so many beautiful families about, though--I had you in mind, but it was hard to tell if one of those might be you.

I'm so sorry I didn't get your emails til I returned. It would've been fun to meet up! Yes, those couple of days were nasty, but the rest were pretty great.. we used those couple days to rest up!