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Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com
The Bellagio’s annual holiday display photographed on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 | 1:04 p.m.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (at my house, but that’s year round and another story). So … the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveiled its annual Winter Wonderland, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue made a special trip on an early morning for his fabulous photo gallery.
Fun facts about the holiday extravaganza, which is free and open to the public 24/7 through Jan. 5: The 45-food Shasta Fir, the largest ever at the Bellagio, is adorned with more than 2,500 ornaments and white, energy-saving LED lights. The topiary polar bears are made with more than 35,000 carnations.
Two motorized trains whirl through a gingerbread village. The residents -- toy soldiers, four of which revolved around the main tree, a 7-foot-tall rocking horse, 11 penguins and a polar bear family -- live among 14 types of 50,000 flowers.
Next to the penguin pond is a gazebo where vibraphone and marimba performers fill the Conservatory with music from 5 to 6 p.m. daily. From Dec. 17- 25, the Conservatory will be filled with carolers from 4 to 5 p.m., another first for the holiday display.
“This year’s winter display at Bellagio’s Conservatory is truly magnificent,” said Randy Morton, president and COO of Bellagio, in a statement. “Our horticulture and pastry teams have outdone themselves with remarkable creativity, and visitors from around the world will marvel at what has been created for this magical holiday experience.”
Donoghue reports that Sammy the Penguin was his guide. “Hey, at 4:30 a.m. in Las Vegas, anything is possible.” Or, someone has had too much of the (spiked) eggnog. As well.
Don Chareunsy is editor of VegasDeLuxe.com and senior editor, arts and entertainment, of LasVegasSun.com.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
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Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake, where fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights.
Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano's Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family.
Bellagio is home to an impressive collection of luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Breguet, Prada, Fred Leighton, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Hermès and OMEGA.
A world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a luxurious spa and salon, dynamic nightlife at The Bank, Hyde Bellagio and Lily Bar & Lounge and an elegant casino all add to the extraordinary Bellagio experience.
We went yesterday to see the Bellagio Conservatory and was very disappointed with the display. It has always been our special Christmas treat to see the Conservatory. There is usually an amazing amount of things to see and this year it seemed that much was missing; it was flat; and for the most part and very unappealing to the eye. In eleven years we have never been disappointed in our visit until this year. Sad to say but this display is rated two thumbs down! VERY SAD INDEED!
Very disappointed with the Conservatory this year at Bellagio. Not up to their usual standards.