Las Vegas for the holidays? Let’s roll the dice!
The city implores visitors to embrace illusion and what better time than Christmas to suspend reality and believe in magic? The best place for that this season is the iconic Bellagio Resort & Casino, where Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens takes guests on a journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet classic “The Nutcracker” with an enchanting and whimsical holiday display through 7 January 2024.
With more than 100,000 energy-efficient lightbulbs, 20,000 poinsettias, 500 ostrich plumes, and one Swarovski Crystal star topping the holiday tree, Bellagio Resort & Casino ups the over-the-top ante on holiday decorations, and it feels right at home in Las Vegas.
Around 20,000 poinsettias were used throughout The Nutcracker display
Imagined by designer Ed Libby and brought to life by Bellagio’s Horticulture team, the Conservatory uses awe-inspiring floral displays and festive decor to replicate iconic scenes from “The Nutcracker.” Following protagonist Clara’s journey through her holiday dreamland, the exhibit tells the story of her adventures with the courageous Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a magical adventure in the Land of Sweets. The Conservatory also welcomes the Peppermint Express pop-up, selling sweet holiday treats baked by Bellagio’s talented pastry chefs.
“Our Nutcracker-themed display was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of this timeless classic”, said Libby. “Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to bring visitors into the heart of the story, evoking the spirit of wonder and joy that the holiday season brings. We hope our guests find inspiration, delight and a sense of holiday magic as they explore the Conservatory.”
West Bed
The West Bed sets a charming scene, boasting a towering holiday tree measuring 42 feet tall, trimmed with red-and-white peppermint swirls, cascading strands of warm light and a star-shaped topper. Nearby, an elegant ballerina performs a graceful pirouette, representing the mesmerizing poise and precision of “The Nutcracker” ballet. A 30-foot-tall Nutcracker Soldier stoically stands watch, protecting all from the wicked Mouse King and his army. Donning his finest ruby red dress uniform, his hat is emblazoned with a signature ‘B’ as an homage to Bellagio. Guests can watch as the miniature Peppermint Express Train circles the 18-foot base of the massive holiday tree. The train’s locomotive is outfitted with a special camera that offers a unique, ground-level view of its journey on nearby screens.
North Bed
At the center of the North Bed stands the Mouse King, a menacing, 16-foot-tall figure whose battle with The Nutcracker Prince is central to the narrative. Lying upon a beautifully upholstered red couch with gilded trim is the play’s young heroine, Clara, clutching her beloved new nutcracker doll. Here, Clara falls into a deep sleep and enters an ethereal dreamworld that forms the epic story of “The Nutcracker.” Four Nutcracker Drummers stand at attention atop their decorative oversized drums while LED screens bring the enchanting scene to life with images of a winter wonderland filled with natural beauty.
East Bed
In the East Bed, guests will step into a delectable dreamworld showcasing a visual feast of vibrant colors, glowing lights and sparkling adornments. Drawn from the original set of “The Nutcracker’s” 1892 world premiere, a 25-foot-tall diamond- and peppermint-encrusted gazebo welcomes visitors into The Land of Sweets. Four exquisite, oversized crystal cupcakes create a hedgerow of confectionary delight amid an assortment of red poinsettias, a symbol of love, hope and prosperity. Twelve live holiday trees illuminated with strands of light line the pathway.
South Bed
Presiding over the holiday scene in the South Bed is the jovial Mother Ginger, a larger-than-life figure that stands 20 feet tall and clutches a toy Mouse King. Emerging from her beautifully cascading, 20-foot-wide hoop skirt is a Polichinelle, a playful, clown-like character. A series of stunning crystal chandeliers hang overhead, specially created to bring a warm celestial glow to the holiday exhibit. Lavishly adorned trees with a plethora of presents below bring a delightful ambiance to the bed.
Peppermint Express
Guests craving a festive refreshment can visit the Peppermint Express pop-up to enjoy holiday-inspired offerings created by the Bellagio Pastry Team. Assorted treats are available for purchase in the Conservatory alcove behind the South Bed from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
Menu items include holiday cookies, peppermint meringue, chocolate candies, holiday nougat, popcorn, drip coffee and hot chocolate.
‘Tis the season for lights and merriment
Sustainability at the Conservatory
Water used in Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens comes from on-site underground wells that use rain and recycled water from the resort, avoiding the use of municipal potable water. The water in the Conservatory is also recycled throughout the exhibit and reused at the resort.Bellagio’s water conservation efforts are part of MGM Resorts International’s overall sustainability commitment.
At the conclusion of each display, plants and botanical material without remaining viable life are separated for collection by a local composting facility. The organic waste is made into compost products to help improve the environment. This method of recycling keeps thousands of pounds of waste out of local landfills and turns it into something that improves the region’s soil, air and water quality.
“The Nutcracker” Holiday Display by the Numbers
- 110,000: Energy-efficient lightbulbs on all trees
- 20,000: Poinsettias throughout the display
- 10,000: Preserved roses in the Mouse King’s cape
- 8,700: Ornaments on the holiday tree
- 500: Ostrich Plumes on the ballerina’s tutu
- 80: Bellagio team members who brought the display to life
- 41: Fresh-cut white fir trees in the display
- 24: Beautifully wrapped gift boxes
- 9: Crystal chandeliers throughout the display
- 6: Days to complete the changeout of the display
- 4: Toy soldiers in the North Bed
- 1: Swarovski Crystal star topping the holiday tree
Bellagio’s holiday tree is topped by a Swarovski Crystal star
About Bellagio Resort & Casino
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio Resort & Casino overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet. Award-winning dining, a world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning performance of “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a sumptuous spa and salon and exclusive luxury shopping all work together to compose the symphony that is Bellagio. Bellagio is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).
For more information and reservations visit bellagio.com
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Photos courtesy MGM Resorts International
