It’s that time of year again for the annual holiday display at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas. The entirety of the 14,000 square foot gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland, waiting to be explored. This year the theme is The Nutcracker which features over 125,000 lights and towering figures made of botanical materials. The room is set up in beds, each showing a part of The Nutcracker story.
Our friend and photographer Dan DeSlover was in Vegas recently and was able to check out the display and send in some amazing images of the over the top decorations.
Through the conservatory stand 41 fresh cut fir trees, all uniquely decorated with garland and ornaments. While walking through the dreamscape of The Nutcracker world, you will see a 30 foot tall Mouse King whose cape is made of 10,000 preserved roses, a larger-than-life ballerina that spins, a towering Nutcracker, and more. Each bed is covered in a total of 20,000 red and white poinsettia plants, and lit by 9 beautiful crystal chandeliers.
At the center of the conservatory stands a 42-foot tall Christmas tree adorned with ornate red and white ornaments. There is also a small Peppermint Express Train that rides on a track around the 18-foot base of the tree. Across from the Christmas tree is a beautiful 25-foot tall peppermint and diamond encrusted gazebo which makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
If you’re craving a holiday treat during your walk through the Conservatory, stop at the Peppermint Express pop-up shop right outside. Run by the Bellagio Pastry team, it offers holiday cookies, chocolate candies, hot chocolate, and more. The Nutcracker display is available for enjoyment now through January 7th. The Conservatory and Gardens are open 24/7 and are free to enter. If you don’t have the chance to see this beautiful display in person, you can visit Bellagio’s official website and immerse yourself in the exhibit with a 3D tour of the Conservatory.
Make sure to check out Bellagio’s other displays, which switch out 5 times a year along the following schedule:
Spring (March to June)
Summer (June to September)
Fall (September to November)
Winter (December to January)
Lunar New Year (January to March)
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan