Holiday Getaway - Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo, Las Vegas

With 49 days of seasonal experiences throughout both resorts, Winter in Venice is the ultimate destination for a holiday getaway, running Nov. 18, 2013 through Jan. 5, 2014.

In 2013, a schedule of memorable Italian-inspired experiences will include a nightly winter parade, whimsical tree-lighting ceremonies, a stunning 3D light projection show, an elaborate Winter In Venice fantasy scene in The Palazzo Waterfall Gardens, and – a fan favorite – the return of the romantic skating rink above The Venetian’s romantic outdoor Grand Canal.

In its first two years, Winter in Venice captured the attention – and the hearts – of visitors around the world, including Travel + Leisure magazine. In fact, the prestigious publication touted the Winter In Venice skating rink in its feature on the “world’s coolest skating rinks.” The article, which shared a short list of the magazine’s favorite venues, said: “Some of the coolest [rinks] can be found where you’d least expect them—say, in the desert. The Venetian [in Las Vegas] debuted a rink in 2011, complete with a holiday-theme light show. It now touts a package deal that combines a skating session with an outdoor gondola ride—only in Vegas, indeed”.

The best way to experience Winter in Venice is by staying overnight at The Venetian or The Palazzo, taking advantage of additional experiences available to resort guests. Packages, which combine elements of Winter in Venice, begin at $149 per night.

Overnight guests also receive Passaporto di Winter in Venice, which includes specials for skating, retail, dining, entertainment and spa, with offers valued at more than $1,000. For those who book an upgraded suite, a Premiere Passaporto di Winter in Venice will feature additional exclusive offers increasing the value to more than $1,400.



A Holiday Storyline

“Winter in Venice finds its inspiration in the folklore and tales that generations of Italians have grown to know and love,” said Caparella. “Those stories have filled the imaginations of generations of Venetians with the experiences of festive holiday seasons coupled with the long-treasured spirit of giving and sharing. Within these tales are the characters that exemplify the good will, the fun and the excitement of the season.”

Throughout the 49-day celebration, guests will encounter these new characters -- including the stunning Winter in Venice Queen -- in entertaining ways, including the nightly parade, tree-lighting shows, and the new “Light of Venice” 3D light projection show.

Doge’s Palace and Outdoor Skating Rink

The Venetian’s front exterior will be adorned in winter schemes reminiscent of the fabled city of Venice. Thousands of festooned lights will hang over the majestic ice skating rink as larger-than-life snowflakes, ranging from 48 to 72-inches in diameter, surround the façade of The Venetian. The impressive skating surface is made of environmentally-friendly material playfully called “ven-ICE,” which doesn’t require electricity or refrigeration. The surface is actually not made of ice at all, but a state-of-the-art recycled polymer, part of the resort’s industry-leading green initiatives. On the canal, romance is in the air, as skaters are invited to make figure-eights or glide hand-in-hand with loved ones. Nearby, an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED Christmas tree presides over Doge’s Palace, and guests are entertained by strolling entertainers.

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.

Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas - The Symphony Tour

As a marquee addition, Winter in Venice will kick off with Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas - The Symphony Tour, at 8pm on Nov. 22-23 and Nov. 26-27. At this show presented in the Venetian Theatre, guests can celebrate this holiday season with the celestial voices of multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman. The 90-minute show features music from the all-female music ensemble’s second Christmas album, Home For Christmas, including holiday favorites “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Silent Night.”

Tickets are available by calling The Venetian or Palazzo Box Office at (866) 641-7469 or (702) 414-9000, or online at Venetian.com.

Nightly Holiday Parade, Light Show and Tree Lighting
Every evening, a parade will wind through the resort, featuring characters from the Winter in Venice celebration. The whimsical and elaborate designs will help to set the stage for the evening’s entertainment, and will offer the perfect photo opportunity for a post to Facebook or Twitter.

In addition, seasonal storylines will be projected in another way – in glorious 3D – in the technical marvel “Light of Venice.” This spectacular 3D projection show that transforms the architecture of the iconic clock tower using state-of-the-art digital technology. The show will conclude with a live finale that will illuminate the iconic plaza, including the 65-foot Christmas tree.

In addition, guests will enjoy strolling musicians and special entertainment performances scheduled throughout the 49-day celebration.



Specialty Weekends

What’s an Italian festival without food? As part of Winter in Venice, guests can participate in two Specialty Weekends:

 La Cucina Italiana Weekend, with Chef Mario Batali (Dec 6-8): In conjunction with Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, La Cucina Italiana will feature a three-day event celebrating the epicurean traditions of Italy. La Cucina Italiana, the undisputed expert on Italian food, wine and culture worldwide, will feature a weekend of food demonstrations, wine dinners, and other culinary-centered activities.

 Culinary Clash Weekend, with Chef Emeril Lagasse (Dec 13-14): Guests can witness the rise of a culinary legend, as one resort chef is crowned the winner of the second Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition. The competition, which unfolds over the weekend, is open to all chefs at the food and beverage venues located inside The Venetian and The Palazzo. These chefs will vie for the prestige of THE VENETIAN CULINARY CLASH AWARD.

Chefs will be challenged to create recipes using ingredients provided in a “mystery basket,” to be prepared in mobile “food truck” kitchens. Expect plenty of surprises, including a scheduled guest appearances by Chef Emeril Lagasse, who will be one the celebrity judges.

In addition, a mixology cocktail competition will feature scheduled appearances by Tony Abou Ganim, Francesco Lafranconi and Dale de Groff, each recognized as being among the greatest mixologists in the country.

Ice branches and 20-foot frosted birch, pine and glittering trees will complement the picturesque scene, including the waterfall and crystal “ice” ponds. Majestic hand-crafted white and pearl peacock statues will overlook guests. The winter gardens will also feature red beaded ornaments, pinecones and fresh poinsettias.

Food & Beverage

A seasonal Winter in Venice cocktail menu, including holiday-inspired spiced cocktails such as Gondolier Blanco, will be available throughout the resort lounges, including The Bourbon Room, Zebra Lounge, Bellini Bar, 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, and LAVO Italian Restaurant.

For more information on Winter in Venice or these exclusive suite packages, please visit https://www.venetian.com/winterinvenice