Beth's Easter Greeting got me thinking about holidays in Las Vegas.

What' s been your experience with holidays in our favorite city?

Are there holidays you would recommend as a great time to visit.... or holidays to avoid?

Holidays that are totally booked, or those where the town is empty (if there is such thing!)

What special arrangements did you have to make, or what holiday activities you enjoyed?

I look forward to hearing from everyone on this - here is my small contribution:

Our last trip we were there St. Patrick's Day- caught a little of the downtown celebration. It was a nice party scene - traditional music on the stage, mini-bagpipe parades at the end of every Fremont Street Experience. But why would anyone want to put green dye in a perfectly innocent beer is beyond me!

Cindy :rolleyes:

I was in town for Labor Day about 5 years ago and don't really remember anything special about it ...other than the crowds.

Fourth of July is a tradition (yes, Wendell, I will be there<g>) ...I love fireworks and have seen them in Summerlin and at Caesars but have yet to catch the block party out between Texas and Fiesta Stations, an omission I hope to correct shortly. It's really not that crowded at that time of year because a lot of people just can't stand the heat ...I think it average 115 during my stay last year.

I was there for Labor Day in 94 or 95 - when Jerry Lewis was broadcasting his annaual plea for the kids - it ws crowded as usual- as I was walking up LV Blvd with a giant Margarita in my hand - everyone stopped me and wanted to know where I received the "giant". I was there for the 4th of July last year - fireworks were rather disappointing - and I was there for a terrific TV meet last Thanksgiving. Conclusion: I don't think anything "special" has to occur in Las Vegas on a national holiday as just being in Las Vegas any day of the 365 is a "special holiday" (For Daisy: you haven't responsded to my invitation for a "Pullman dinner" - say on July 3rd????) Wendell

I love Christmas in LV, NO crowds, and the machines seem to pay more.

Kestral,
I hit all the Holidays, or at least the ones you get out of work for! LOL I'm still working on the St pattys day thing, but Sue's employer won't budge on that one! LOL

Presidents day weekend, larger then normal crowds from California for a 3 day weekend on the strip, but after the 3 day weekend, the rest of the week is normal. Note, Valentines day if close to the weekend can make it harder then normal for a weekend dinner reservation at a nice resturant!

Easter, Not too bad, and the weather is great this time of year. Easter weekend the brunches and buffets at the locals joints can get crowded, if you do partake go at off times.

Cinco D'Mayo (5th of May) Mexico independance day. This one is a fun time! Lots of special events in each casino, sometimes special slot touraments, or just music in the lounge. Lots of drink specials!!!! While some claim the sounds of a sax is sultry, I find the classic acoustic spanish gitar very seductive. Nothing better then a strolling musician at dinner IMHO

Memoriel Day weekend, larger then normal crowds from California for a 3 day weekend on the strip, but after the 3 day weekend, the rest of the week is normal. Temps generally warmer and can get down right hot on certin days. Expect to see more kiddies.

July 4th, been doing this one for a long time now. It's hot! Fireworks from the roof of Texas Station with music from "Kool 93.1" Now thats what a holiday should be, a couple of cold beers dosen't hurt either! I beleive the heat helps keep the crowds down on the strip, but the local places are jumping. All sorts of promotions & giveaways and double & triple slot points. Again the kiddie factor is set on MAX for this holiday.

Labor Day, Not much going on for this one, expect larger crowds from california, temps can still get to blazzing, but normally only for a day or two, it's not the constant unrelenting swelter of July. Lots of Local casino promotions, and the kid factor takes a dip!

Thanksgiving week, It's a very slow start to the week, but the crowds begin to build by Wednesday and after Thursday after noon, things get down right full! Stations casinos usually has the locals coming in for free minced or pumkin pies they earned and are picking up all day. It's a weird thing to be sitting in a casino and hear Christmas music, on thanksgiving day, they start playing it everywhere. If your holiday shopping isn't done at this point.....you might feel a little guilty.....but there are people on my christmas list that just love green chips from the casinos! LOL So I chalk it up to doing my christmas shopping!

Christmas & New Year, I have never experianced. It's a family time for us to be home with friends and people who are dear to us. One day this all will change, but for now, I want to be home for this holiday time.

The week before Christmas, very slow almost a ghost town, but by afternoon of Christmas Day all the way through New Years, be prepared for the largest crowds and the biggest party on earth on NYE.

Wendell, my apologies for not responding. What invitation? Whatever, you know I'd love to join you & Maxine for dinner anywhere ...I'd even promise to be on my good behavior<g>.

Daisy - you have a date - 7 pm, Pullman Grill, July 3rd, my treat (providing you mis-behave) Wendell

Wendell, it will be hard flying on a plane heading to Vegas and knowing your already enjoying a great Pullman meal! At least someone better have a drink for me!!!

Lee, we will definately have one for you - on second thought, we will have two. When do you arrive?? Wendell

Wendell,
11pm on the 3rd of July. It's a Wednesday to Wednesday trip. I never did one of these, but my wife couldn't get the whole week of the 4th of July. I'm not happy with the set up, but I got to take the days I'm given to work with. $207rt from Philly made it a little more bearable.
I'm guessing you'll be atthe Orleans? So far it looks like Main Street Station for us. That is unless some other place offers a better deal.

Lee - Roger, we will be at the Orleans. If you are not busy on the 4th, maybe we can hook up for lunch or something, what do you think?? Wendell

Wendell,
I think that is an excellent idea. I have a thought. I don't normally eat Italian food, but I'd like to try Sazio at the Orleans. Don't know if that sounds any good to you or not? Or maybe we could always have Lunch at the Palm. Think about it, and let me know, we have time! <VBG> Then there is always PF Changs! LOL Almost anything but Mexican, my wife dislikes it very much. Oh our Mexico trips are a riot at dinner time! LOL

I've done both the week before Christmas and the week between Christmas and New Years. Both were enjoyable and not too crowded. I like to try to go at less crowded times so these were ideal to me - especially the week before Christmas - VERY light on crowds. Of course, the downside to that week is that most of the shows are on vacation and the pickings for them are slim.

Wendell, if you do my drinking, I'll do the driving.

P.S. - I never misbehave.

For Lee: How about 12:30, the Palm (Caesars), July 4 for lunch?? For Daisy: Sorry to hear about the behavior mode so I guess I will have to handle the booze. See ya July 3rd. Wendell

Daisy: You could join us for lunch on the 4th, you know (Palms - Caesars) Wendell

Wendell, Maxine & Daisy, all are welcome, but I'll need a head count. A Holiday, might mean reservations are a good idea, at 12:30 lunch.
I usually am waiting for the place to open at 11:30 and walk right in. But really 12:30 works better.....more sleep! <S>

Lee, count Maxine and I in - so come on Daisy, give Lee an affirmative. Wendell

That's affirmative Lee ....that will probably be the only day I'll see you since I'm probably leaving on the 5th.

BTW, Wendell ...should I get off my duff and start making reservations<vbg>?

Kestrel ...to get back to your original topic<g>, I've not been in Las Vegas ON either Christmas or Thanksgiving, but I've been the week before each ....enjoyed the decorations and missed the crowds.

Daisy: I will handle the reservations for the Pullman - Lee: Do you want to handle the reservations for the Palm?? Wendell

Wendell, I'll handle the reservations for the Palm. Maybe we can get more to join us?

Lee, sounds good to me - we can consider this a "done deal" (except others who would like to join us. Wendell

Wendell,
Reservations have been made and we can expand the number of attendies if needed, provided we give enough notice!
12:30pm Lunch, July 4th, 2002