Season of shows

Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999 | 9:40 a.m.

Christmas seems to have lost a little of its sparkle this year, what with the passing of Mel Torme last summer.

"The Christmas Song," which Torme and Robert Wells penned more than 50 years ago, is a holiday classic that has filled millions with the spirit of the season over the decades.

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire; Jack Frost nipping at your nose."

When we sing along with those immortal lyrics, how can we not feel the warmth of Christmas?

But if the spirit has not yet moved you, there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas to rekindle the spark.

Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., is an excellent place to start.

Each evening from now through Dec. 31 the Village has on display in its Magical Forest, featuring brilliantly decorated Christmas trees. Choirs sing nightly. There is a craft and food village and a room full of gingerbread houses.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Hours are 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. weekdays and till 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Following is a list of other activities that should help you get in the mood.

Performances

"Amahl and the Night Visitors", by the UNLV Music Department and also featuring the Las Vegas High School Chorus. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Las Vegas High School Auditorium. Admission is $5. Call 895-2787.

"The Nutcracker", by the Nevada Ballet Theater. Tonight through Dec. 29 at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theater. Times vary. Tickets are $28, $38 and $48. For hours of performances, call 895-2787.

bf "A Christmas Carol", by Actors Repertory Theatre at Summerlin Library now through Sunday (Dec. 19). Tickets range from $15 to $22.59. For times of performances call 256-5111.

Concerts

Holiday Spectacular Concert, by the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra. Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. Tickets are $20, $40 and $60. Call 895-2787.

Jim Brickman's Holiday Concert, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. Tickets are $25 and $30. Call 895-2787.

Chinese Christmas Eve Concert, in the Mandalay Bay Events Center at the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino on Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. Tickets range from $48 to $108. Call 891-7777.

Chinese Christmas Concert, by Richie Jen and Karen Mok, in the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand hotel-casino on Dec. 25 at 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $35 to $150. Call (888) 646-1203.

"The Osmonds' Magical Christmas On Ice", in the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand hotel-casino now through Sunday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35.75. Call 891-7777.

Amy Grant Christmas, tonight at 7:30 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets are $21, $37 and $77. Call 895-3900.

Brian Evans with Peter Billingsley, with Evans singing classic Christmas tunes and Billingsley (the child star of the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story") reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Saturday and Sunday in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana hotel-casino at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.95.

"Don Ho's Christmas Show," with The Kids Next Door. Friday through Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Orleans Showroom at the Orleans hotel-casino. Tickets are $24.95, $29.95, $34.95. Call 365-7075.

"Doo Whop Ditty -- A Street Corner Christmas," in the Royale Pavilion at the Riviera hotel-casino now through Sunday, with shows at at 7:30 nightly and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are $15. Call 794-9433.

"Colors of Christmas," Featuring Dionne Warwick, Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams and James Ingram, Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Royale Pavilion at the Riviera hotel-casino. Tickets are $40 general admission and $50 VIP seating. Call 794-9433.

"Brian Boitano's Holiday Skating Spectacular", featuring Kristi Yamaguchi, Oksana Baiul and Alexei Urmanov at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $25, $37.50 and $50. Call 474-4000.

Christmas Ice Show, at the Santa Fe hotel-casino, at 6 p.m. Free admission. Call 658-4950.

Radio City Rockettes, perform special Christmas numbers such as "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Christmas Waltz." Admission prices begin at $42.50. For dates and time of shows call 733-3333.

Attractions

Christmas in the Park, at Sam's Town through Jan. 4. Admission is free. Call 454-8048.

Santa's Village, at the Excalibur hotel-casino, now through Dec. 24 noon to 9 p.m. except Tuesdays when it is 5-9 p.m. Call 597-7600.

Holiday Ice Spectacular, on the ice rink near the Statue of Liberty at the New York-New York hotel-casino. Free shows through Dec. 26. Hourly performances, which last 15 minutes, begin at noon. Call 740-6969.

Winter Wonderland, at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Rd., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call 455-8026.

Christmas activities

Toy Collection, by Silverton hotel-casino and Kool 93.1 radio. Toys to be donated to Child Haven of Nevada through Dec. 23. Drop off toys at the Silverton gift shop. Call 263-7777.