Las Vegas: Who knew Sin City could be so sweet?

By Jay Jones

Dec. 17, 2012 12 AM PT

Sugar craving or stocking stuffer? No matter, really. Las Vegas confectioners who have whipped up holiday-themed candies are at the ready this month.

Jean Philippe Patisserie in Bellagio and Ethel M Chocolates in suburban Henderson, also have displays to put you in the holiday mood.

The Jean Philippe Patisserie features a variety of Santa-themed boxes of chocolates, of course, but what might put that twinkle in your eye is a nearly-life-sized sculpture of Old St. Nick that looks and is good enough to eat.

The 5-foot-tall Santa, seated in his chair and surrounded by wrapped gifts, is made from 230 pounds of dark chocolate and 50 pounds of fondant. The finishing touches include dustings of pure gold powder.

With three locations along Las Vegas Boulevard (at MGM Grand, the Mirage and Paris) the Sugar Factory is stocked with an array of seasonal specialties, including treats from some Southern Nevada candy makers, including Jean Marie Auboine and Tipsy Truffles. Stocking stuffers start at $3.95.

Vegas’ newest confectionery, Chocolate Bistro at the Palms, has enough goodies to put even a person with an enormous sweet tooth into sensory overload.

With roots in Milan, Italy, this place has a decidedly-continental flair. The bistro features a “fusion of traditional European gelateria, creperie and cremerie,” a news release says.

Ethel M’s has outlets around the city, but it’s the suburban factory that delights shoppers and sightseers. Each evening, guests can walk through its cactus garden and revel in the winter wonderland created by thousands of twinkling lights. The display is free and open nightly from 5 to 10. from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, local choirs add to the festive feel.

The adjacent retail shop, with a variety of upscale candies created each year for the holidays, stays open until 10 p.m.