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As the centennial of the tragic sinking approaches, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition invites guests to learn more about the recovered artifacts of the “Ship of Dreams.”  Soon to be sold at auction with almost 5,000 additional artifacts valued at $189 million, these American steamboat playing cards are from a pack of 52 found among the personal property of passenger Howard A. Irwin and can be found inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Many first-class gentlemen sailing on Titanic thought of card games as a pleasant social distraction. However, the ship had several “card sharks” on board and Captain Smith advised his wealthy passengers to use caution when sitting down to gamble.  He also instructed his stewards to break up games in which a known “shark” was cleaning out his opponent’s wallet.

The Nevada desert may seem an unlikely place to discover artifacts from miles below the North Atlantic, but Las Vegas is home to one of the largest RMS Titanic artifact collections in the world. Premier Exhibitions, Inc. manages the expansive collection at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and repeat guests discover a new treasure each time they peruse through its galleries.

Tickets for Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition are $32 for adults, $24 for children and $30 for seniors.  Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the last tickets being sold at 9 p.m.  Become a Facebook fan by visiting Facebook.com or follow on Twitter.com  @RMS_Titanic_Inc. Please call 702-262-4400

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This February, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino turns its fountain red in honor of American Heart Month. All change collected from the fountain will be donated to the American Heart Association, as part of the center’s Caring, Giving, Changing community campaign.

Starting Feb. 1, the fountain at Miracle Mile Shops will display a bold red hue between regularly scheduled water shows. All money tossed into the popular water feature as well as the center’s indoor rainstorm will benefit the American Heart Association.  Miracle Mile Shops’ fountain will keep its red glow through the end of the month. Regularly scheduled water shows take place at the top of each hour from noon to 11 p.m. daily.

The American Heart Association works to advance groundbreaking medical research, spread lifesaving knowledge and educate people of all ages about cardiovascular disease and stroke. One of the Association’s current initiatives is Go Red for Women, which encourages women to make it their mission to fight heart disease. On Feb. 3, National Wear Red Day, the nonprofit invites women all over the country to wear red in support of the cause.

The partnership between Miracle Mile Shops and the American Heart Association is part of the center’s Caring, Giving, Changing campaign, celebrating a year of change in 2012. In addition to the monthly fountain fundraisers, the Caring, Giving, Changing campaign also raises funds for other programs and organizations through community sponsorships, additional partnerships and a number of cash and in-kind donations. In 2011, Miracle Mile Shops raised a total of $100,000 for numerous local and national non-profit organizations and aims to surpass that number in 2012.

About Miracle Mile Shops:

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is a 1.2 mile retail/entertainment complex at the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip featuring 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants and three live entertainment venues.  The center is home to PBR Rock Bar & Grill, boasting a Strip-side location with excellent food, drinks and bull riding; H&M; Sugar Factory, the sweet shop adored by Hollywood’s hottest celebrities; American clothing line and complete lifestyle brand Original Penguin; GUESS; Urban Outfitters; True Religion Brand Jeans; 15,000-square-foot bar and restaurant Cabo Wabo® Cantina; Las Vegas’ very own Sin City Brewing Co.; Club Tattoo, featuring some of the best tattoo artists and body piercers in the nation; the first House of Hoops by Foot Locker in the city; as well as a multi-million dollar fountain show.  Miracle Mile Shops is owned by David Edelstein and Aby Rosen, in conjunction with leasing and marketing consultant Robert K. Futterman & Associates LLC.

Miracle Mile Shops is open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday – Saturday.  For more information, call (888) 800-8284

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KISS by Monster Mini Golf has announced the official opening date March 15, 2012 in Las Vegas.  The venue’s grand opening corresponds with the anniversary of the original KISS Destroyer Album, which was released on March 15, 1976.

In honor of the official opening announcement for KISS By Monster Mini Golf, the MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris dancers seductively pose in the authentic Destroyer KISS boots that are touring Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

KISS By Monster Mini Golf is the first of its kind and will include an indoor glow-in-the-dark custom-designed, rockin’ 18-hole miniature golf course, a state-of-the-art arcade, the largest KISS gift shop in the world, A KISS Gallery, “Hotter Than Hell” Wedding Chapel, a private VIP Room, FANtastic KISS themed event rooms and the “Rock ‘n Roll All Nite” Café.

‘These Boots Are Made For Rockin!’ featuring the beautiful dancers from MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, posing with the KISS boots from Destroyer. KISS by Monster Mini Golf has announced the official opening date March 15, 2012 in Las Vegas.  The venue’s grand opening corresponds with the anniversary of the original KISS Destroyer Album, which was released on March 15, 1976.

About Monster Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf is the leader in cutting-edge indoor glow-in-the-dark Monster themed entertainment centers. Founded in 2004, the company boasts 30 (and counting) 18-hole miniature golf courses across the country. Each custom-designed course also features an arcade game area, private event rooms, an in-house DJ, and fantastic entertainment for the whole family. For additional information visit www.monsterminigolf.com, or contact Christina Vitagliano, at 401-454-8100. For updates on the KISS By Monster Mini Golf project, visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MonsterMiniGolfKISS .

About KISS

KISS, the legendary American rock band formed in New York City in 1972, is one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll. Their career milestones are staggering. KISS is one of America’s top gold-record champions who recorded 37 albums over 36 years and has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. More than 30 years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2005 Rockin’ The Corps concert dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most recently, the 2009 finale of American Idol that boasted 30 million viewers.

The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army to the “Hottest Band in the World” is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with its fans. In 2009, KISS was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  For all things KISS, visit www.KISSonline.com.

About MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris:
Since its inception in 1951, Crazy Horse Paris has been a cultural phenomenon offering unique shows that engage the eye as much as the imagination. Crazy Horse Paris shows rely on raw body talent and beauty partnered with technology, and combine sensuous choreography with various luminary and projection effects to create a moving canvas of skin, where reflections and images meet in a kaleidoscope of colors and textured designs.

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris performs nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to attend the show. Tickets are priced at $50.50 (limited seating) and $60.50 inclusive of all tax and fees. Guests may purchase a “Meet & Greet”, on Fridays and Saturday evenings for an additional minimal fee of $25, which includes a commemorative photo and the chance to interact with the international performers.  Tickets can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (702) 891-7777 or online at www.mgmgrand.com.   Friend MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris on Facebook: Crazy Horse Paris

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The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas (click link to book) are hosting Winter in Venice, the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip.  Winter in Veniceis the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday experience through Jan. 8

The whimsical festivities features an enchanting ice skating rink above The Venetian’s picturesque outdoor Grand Canal, welcoming skaters to make figure-eights or glide hand-in-hand with loved ones.  Surrounded by snowflakes, strung overhead holiday lights and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree sitting atop the Doge’s Palace fountain, guests are entertained by strolling candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers and magicians.

”The holidays are such a magical time for everyone and Winter in Venice offers the perfect place to truly enjoy this special time of year,” said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. ”We are inviting everyone, from families and couples to business travelers, locals and Las Vegas first-timers, to enjoy the Strip’s first-ever true winter celebration. Join us in creating a new holiday tradition for years to come.”

Throughout the celebration, guests enjoy the finest holiday touches including warm apple cider upon arrival and a sincere ”Welcome to Winter in Venice” greeting. Strolling carolers and gondoliers singing holiday classics will set the mood as festive music plays throughout the resorts with joyful winter décor inside and out.

Doge’s Palace and Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

The Venetian’s front exterior will be adorned in winter schemes reminiscent of the fabled city of Venice. More than 2,000 festooned lights will hang over the majestic ice skating rink as nearly 30 larger-than-life snowflakes, ranging from 48 to 72-inches in diameter, surround the façade of The Venetian. Made of recyclable polymer, the synthetic ice rink requires no refrigeration or electricity, making for environmentally friendly holiday revelries complementing The Venetian and The Palazzo’s green initiatives. With gondoliers whisking by and strolling winter characters all around, guests can enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Tickets are $19 per person, per 30-minute session, and $14 for Grazie® members.

”Nightly Holiday Spectacular”

Each evening, The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace will host the Strip’s most stunning holiday and light show with the Winter in Venice ”Nightly Holiday Spectacular.” Guests will stand in awe as a spectacle unlike anything they’ve seen unveils before them. As the music crescendos, a stunning angel gracefully appears from the Rialto Bridge and lights the 65-foot holiday tree across the way in a magical moment, making the ”Nightly Holiday Spectacular” a must-see nightly attraction.

Show times are 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. nightly at The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace.

Food & Beverage

A seasonal Winter in Venice cocktail menu, including holiday-inspired spiced cocktails such as Piazza Prosecco, Negroni Festivo, Campanile Cider, Gondolier Blanco, The Godfather, Rialto Eggnog, Gluhwein and Café Italiano, will be available throughout the resort lounges, including La Scena, Salute Dueling Pianos Lounge, Oculus, Fusion Mixology Bar and Laguna Champagne Bar.

Holiday-themed prix fixe menus and specials will be offered by select world-class restaurants throughout the holiday including Aquaknox, B&B, Bouchon, Canaletto, Canyon Ranch Café, Delmonico, FIRST Food & Bar, Grand Lux Cafe, Pinot Brasserie, Postrio, Table 10, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Valentino.

Specialty Winter in Venice dining offerings can be ordered in-suite including crispy parmesan polenta cake with sautéed porcini, shiitake and oyster mushrooms and cavatappi with short rib ragu with sweet peas.

Guests can also enjoy Sweet Surrender’s limited-time eggnog cupcakes and Café Presse’s seasonal Winter in Venice hot chocolates.

Winter Wedding Packages

Those looking for a truly memorable way to propose or say ”I do” to their true love can do so with an array of Winter in Venice wedding experiences.  Amidst an enchanting holiday atmosphere, Winter in Venice offers a White Gondola Wedding experience along the beautiful Grand Canal or the Winter Wonderland Wedding, including an ice skating session for two, holiday photo album, snowflake photo ornament, hot chocolate, mulled cider and holiday cookies for the reception.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub

Canyon Ranch SpaClub will offer a soothing and relaxing holiday escape with unique winter services and healthy and delicious holiday beverages and desserts befitting the season. Guests can enjoy a Winter Solstice Massage with Silent Night bath and nourishing skin oils, a deep-moisturizing Winter Solstice Cocoon full-body wrap and a radiating Holiday Radiance Facial.

The Waterfall, Atrium & Gardens at The Palazzo

The Waterfall, Atrium & Gardens at The Palazzo will also feature hand-designed snowflakes suspended midair in the three-floor-high atrium.  Ice branches and 20-foot frosted birch, pine and glittering trees will complement the picturesque waterfall and crystal ice ponds as majestic hand-crafted white and pearl peacock statues overlook guests.  The winter gardens will also feature red beaded ornaments, pinecones and fresh poinsettias.

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The Venetian Hotel

The Palazzo Hotel

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It’s Holiday time at the Historic Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino. And, as part of the year- long 80th birthday celebration, they are bringing back a tradition from the 1800′s with the artistry of Gingerbread Houses.

The history of Gingerbread is an interesting story. It first became known as a European staple in 992, when a Monk from Pompeii moved to France, and began teaching Priests and Christians the art of making Gingerbread. By the 17th century, it was popular all over Europe. In 1773 the city of Drayton in Shropshire, England, became famous for its Gingerbread creations, which were displayed and sold throughout England. In 1812, the Brothers Grimm published the book, ”Hansel & Gretel,” which had a famous house, made of Gingerbread and decorated with various stones and sugar windows. America picked up on the Christmas tradition during the early 1800s, and trumpeted the making of Gingerbread Houses for the Christmas season.

”We wanted to display the artistic talents of our locals in Southern Nevada, while making the holiday display available free, 24 hours a day, to the public in our hotel lobby here at the Railroad Pass,” Curt Thompson, Director of Operations, said. ”We anticipate the Holiday display will be available thru Christmas Day.”

Thompson pointed out that while admiring each creation, please appreciate the time and dedication each baker put into creating their display. Thompson recalled that many years ago, Las Vegas Strip hotel chefs held Gingerbread House contests for all to enjoy, during the holidays. He plans to make the display an annual tradition at the Railroad Pass.

Historic Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino is located on U.S. 95 halfway between the Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam on Railroad Pass. (You can’t miss it).

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Providing an ‘only in Las Vegas’ experience, The Mirage Volcano at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will serve as the official venue for couples marrying or renewing their vows at a Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony during the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. The unforgettable three-minute nuptials will take place at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 while overlooking The Strip’s iconic fiery attraction that mirrors the intense love of each couple, creating an unforgettable wedding moment.

For the first time in the event’s history, the race will take place in the evening, giving participants the opportunity to experience the Las Vegas Strip’s world-famous neon lights. This provides the ideal setting for the run-thru wedding to be held alongside the tropical lagoon in front of The Mirage Volcano. The ceremony’s finale will be punctuated by massive fireballs shooting more than 12 feet into the air against the night sky.

The Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony will take place at Mile Two on the half-marathon course and family, friends and the public are welcome to celebrate the on-the-run couples in a designated viewing area. Although quick, the three-minute ceremony allows couples to declare their love and still keep pace during the marathon. More than 100 couples are already registered for the event, including those new to wedded bliss and others returning to renew their vows, in what is expected to be the largest turnout for the popular race feature.

For additional information or to register for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony, please visit www.StripatNight.com.

In addition to the run-thru wedding, the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon is known for live entertainment along the route, pre- and post-event parties and the largest group of runners dressed as Elvis creating a fun and unique party atmosphere. With more than 44,000 runners registered, the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon is set to become the largest nighttime running event in the world.

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The Venetian and The Palazzo (click link to book) continue the holiday spirit as season 13 winner of ”Dancing with the Stars” Karina Smirnoff makes a stop at the resorts’ first-ever Winter in Venice this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Smirnoff will grace the Winter in Venice white carpet, take festive photos and mingle with fans amidst the strolling holiday characters and ice skating rink.

The majestic ice skating rink is just one of the many ways guests can experience Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo this holiday season, taking place now through Jan. 8.  Winter in Venice is the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip, with 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, including strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers, magicians, the Nightly Spectacular holiday show and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree.

WHEN:  Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011

WHERE:  Winter in Venice at The Venetian Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Transforming into a magical winter wonderland, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (click link to book) unveils its spectacular holiday display, rich in tradition and filled with picture-perfect botanical creations, on Dec 2. In the center of it all, a magnificent holiday tree will stand tall sending gazes soaring while musical sounds and seasonal colors evoke the holiday spirit.

The majestic centerpiece of the winter exhibit, a stately 42-foot Shasta White Fir, will be decorated with more than 1,700 gold and silver holiday ornaments and ablaze in more than 13,500 twinkling white lights. Beneath the holiday tree, floating ornaments will bobble along a lazy river, which will be enclosed by thousands of bright-red poinsettias. Overhead, 24 over-sized gold and silver bells will hang gracefully from the Conservatory’s all-glass ceiling.

”The winter display at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is our most popular display of the year, exhibiting the spirit and traditions of the holiday season,” said Randy Morton, President and COO of Bellagio. ”Each day more than 22,000 visitors visit the Conservatory to enjoy this spectacular setting and commemorate a special time of year.”

New to the display this year, a group of five animated penguins will ice skate on a patch of arctic terrain among a life-like family of 34 adult and baby penguins. An animated penguin will examine the construction blueprints for an igloo ”in progress” while another will be hard at work as it moves blocks of faux ice between its flippers.

In the north garden, a scene of family bonding will play out with a trio of topiary polar bears adorned with ”fur” coats made of more than 35,000 hand-applied white carnations. A whimsical five-car toy train, equipped with a live webcam, will whirl on its tracks in the midst of three illuminated white trees.

Upon entering the Conservatory, a brick-lined path will be surrounded by pink and red poinsettias, inviting guests to stroll underneath eight streams of dancing water and two pergolas adorned with sparkling white lights. In the Giardini corner, a floral greeting card made of more than 3,000 carnations, will bestow well wishes for the holiday season.

Inquisitive guests strolling through the Conservatory are invited to visit with Bellagio horticulturists designated as ”Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb” from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily to receive holiday decorating tips along with additional information about the exhibit.

On view through Jan. 2, 2012, the winter exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

High-resolution images of the 2010 display are available upon request. Images of the 2011 display will be available Dec. 7.

Winter Exhibit Fast Facts:
Display dates: Dec. 2, 2011 – Jan. 2, 2012
Total flowers on display for duration of the exhibit: 43,000
Total types of flowers on display: 14
Total plants and shrubs on display for duration of the exhibit: 350

Holiday Tree:
Origin Mount Shasta, Calif.
Height 42 feet
Lights  Approx. 13,500
Ornaments  Over 1,800
Penguins: 34, of which nine are animated

Polar bears:

Covered with hand-applied white carnations
Father bear: 18,000 flowers
Mother bear: 12,000 flowers
Baby bear: 5,000 flowers

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ 2012 Calendar:
Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon Exhibit: January 9 – March 3
Spring Celebration: March 11 – May 13
Summer Garden Party: May 21 – September 8
Autumn Display: September 16 – November 24
Winter Display: December 2 – January 5, 2013

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This Christmas, Mr. Grinch leaves his perch on Mount Crumpit to look for mischief at Bellagio’s (click link to book) Jean Philippe Pâtisserie. More than a month in the making, the infamous Dr. Seuss character was brought to life using 50 pounds of chocolate and 112 pounds of fondant. The impressive six-foot tall green sculpture towers over guests and can be seen tip-toeing across the patisserie 24 hours a day.

The Bellagio pastry team also created 15 festive delicacies made especially for the holiday season.  Playful chocolate designs include Santa Claus involved in a variety of activities such as skiing, building a sandcastle, rollerblading, relaxing at the beach and posing with his sleigh.

Other delectable chocolate sweets include an interactive Christmas puzzle with edible pieces plus a scenic Christmas postcard and colorful Christmas ornaments. Each holiday treat is made with the finest European milk chocolate and accented with dark and white chocolate.

Those interested in taking home Jean Philippe Pâtisserie’s Christmas specialties can find them at Bellagio and ARIA as well as online at www.jpchocolates.com. Jean Philippe Pâtisserie also offers an assortment of French favorites including crepes, pastries, chocolate and gelato in addition to a wide variety of retail selections and custom cakes.

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Jean Philippe Pâtisserie

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Madame Tussauds Las Vegas (click link to book) offers Las Vegas locals $12.50 adult general admission tickets (half-price) Nov. 24, 2011 through Feb. 29, 2012.  To receive the discount, locals must purchase two or more adult general admission tickets online at www.madametussauds.com/lasvegas.  A valid Nevada I.D. is required to pick up the tickets at will call.  Discount applies to regularly priced adult general admission tickets and can not be combined with any other offer.

About Madame Tussauds Las Vegas:

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas offers guests the unique opportunity to ”interact” with incredibly life-like iconic figures from the celebrity worlds of film, TV, music, sports and politics.  Only at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas can you ”grab hold” of your favorite stars, with our many interactive experiences.  With more than 100 wax figures, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas allows you to take pictures, touch and get up close and personal in a themed setting.  Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is located on the Las Vegas Strip at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.  The attraction is open 365 days a year from 10AM.  For attraction hours and pricing, please call (702) 862-7800

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