Las Vegas calendar: events from December 2008 to February 2009

THROUGH JAN. 1

Chocolate Wonderland

Where: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge (Henderson)

Highlights: Stroll through Nevada’s largest cactus garden, decorated with 500,000 holiday lights. Free factory tours are also offered.

Info: (800) 471-0352, www.ethelschocolate.com

THROUGH FEB. 19

Floating Ice Rink

Where: MonteLago Village (Lake Las Vegas)

Highlights: For a taste of winter in the desert, grab your skates and sweater and head east past Henderson to this floating ice rink. Adults $15, children $12.

Info: (866) 383-1592, www.montelagovillage.com

DEC. 4-13

National Finals Rodeo

Where: Thomas & Mack Center (UNLV)

Highlights: Cowboys by the thousands saddle up and head to Vegas for NFR. Country and western concerts abound, as do cocktail waitresses in blue jeans and flannel shirts.

Info: (866) 388-3267, www.unlvtickets.com

DEC. 6

Pro Boxing

Where: Grand Garden Arena (MGM Grand)

Highlights: Two of boxing’s biggest names -- Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao -- square off in what’s being billed as “The Dream Match.”

Info: (702) 474-4000, www.mgmgrand.com

DEC. 7

Las Vegas Marathon

Where: Along Las Vegas Boulevard

Highlights: Plan to get up early -- or don’t bother going to bed -- as the 6 a.m. start outside Mandalay Bay will feature fireworks and runners dressed as Elvis. The course includes a dash through a wedding chapel.

Info: (702) 731-1052, www.lvmarathon.com

DEC. 7 - JAN. 3

Flower Fantasy

Where: The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Bellagio)

Highlights: This year’s holiday exhibit features a whimsical snowman made of white carnations and a gigantic living wreath.

Info: (888) 987-6667, www.bellagio.com

DEC. 9 - 20

Holiday Festival

Where: Fremont Street Experience (Downtown)

Highlights: The overhead sound and light show seems even brighter with holiday-themed displays. There’s also a 50-foot-tall tree.

Info: (877) 834-2748, www.vegasexperience.com

DEC. 12 and 13

Black Nativity

Where: Cashman Center Theatre (Downtown)

Highlights: The first act of this musical re-creates Mary and Joseph’s journey from an African perspective. The second act fast-forwards to a modern-day African American church where Christmas is being celebrated. Admission $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Info: www.trinityentertainmentlv.com

DEC. 19-21

Clint Holmes at the Suncoast ShowroomWhere: Suncoast Hotel & Casino (Summerlin)

Highlights: This singer-songwriter will brighten the season with seasonal music. Tickets from $30.

Info: (877) 677-7111, www.suncoastcasino.com.

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve in Vegas

Where: Along the Strip and at the Fremont Street Experience

Highlights: Rockets will no longer be fired from rooftops; you’ll need to be nearby to see them.

Jones is a freelance writer.