Fans cheering on the football game.

Planning Your NFL Championship Weekend in Vegas

Football is in the air and we could not be more excited about the upcoming game day weekend. There’s absolutely no better time to plan your Big Game Day weekend in Las Vegas! Watch as two of the best football teams compete for the ultimate win in the comfort of your own suite, at one of Vegas’ best sports books, or with a beer in hand. No matter what you choose, this big sports weekend (February 4th to be exact) is always a hit in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

If you’re ready to plan out your NFL Championship weekend, then we’ve got you covered with a full itinerary of where to watch the game, what to snack on, and the best spots to kick back and relax.

Where to Watch the Game

The NFL Championship is the biggest game of the season and will feature not only great football, but great entertainment. Justin Timberlake will be hosting the halftime show, Pink will sing the National Anthem, and we already know there will be plenty of glitz and glam thrown in. So where should you watch all the excitement?

Best Sports Books

-The Bellagio – The Bellagio is known for its luxury and comfort, but did you also know that their sports book is one of the most popular in Las Vegas? If you want to get away from some of the weekend rush, step into the upscale hotel-casino to place your bets in a more intimate setting. Get catered on hand and foot while you cheer on your team from the plush comfort of this Las Vegas staple.

-Green Valley Ranch – If you want to do the big weekend in true Vegas fashion, check out Green Valley Ranch, located a few minutes off the strip. This huge sports book has not one, not two, but more than 200 screens, including personal seats and over 30 plasma screen TVs. There’s also a VIP section for the high rollers, as well as incredible food and drinks.

-Westgate Las Vegas – Westgate is one of the original sports books in Vegas, dating back to 1986! It has set the standard for sports betting and features 30,000 square feet of entertainment space, 28 screens, and a massive 15 x 20 foot screen for viewing from all angles! Plus, it’s a bit off the strip, so you can avoid the major tourist rushes.

What to Eat

What’s football without snacks? The two go hand-in-hand and there’s no use doing the big game weekend without enjoying the delicious cuisine that Las Vegas has to offer!

-Last year, Umami Burger did a Big Game Bash, which included open bars, game day food, and special giveaways and this year will likely be something similar. The chic burger bar, beer garden, and sports book has it all for football fans and foodies alike.

-Like peanut butter and jelly, beer and football are BFFs. At Beer Park, you can enjoy both the game and the beautiful view from their rooftop patio, while also sipping on one of over 100 beer choices! This hot spot will also feature fun takes on game day classics, like chile verde nachos and mac and cheese egg rolls.

-Tahiti Village’s  17° South Booze & Bites features everything you need on game day, including wings, wide screen TVs and tropical island-inspired seating. Kick back, relax, and enjoy one of our many world-class food options. The stomach is the limit for this football party weekend!

Where to Stay

All this fun can get tiring! Start your NFL Championship weekend off right by picking the right place to stay. Las Vegas has many first rate hotel and suite options available for all.

–Caesars Palace is right in the center of the action on the strip and an iconic Las Vegas favorite. The hotel has food and drinks right there, meaning that after the game you can keep the party going!

-Tahiti Village features some of the most beautiful suites in the area and if you want to take your football weekend up a notch, look no further. Our Royal Tahitian, Bora Bora, and Moorea suites are all first-class and we feature vacation packages to make your trip about more than just cheering on a team.

Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or just here for the snacks, watching the Big Game in Las Vegas is an experience like no other. Whether you experience the rush of the stirp or take the party elsewhere, your NFL Championship weekend will certainly be one for the books.

Spending the Holidays in the Desert

Spending the holidays in Vegas is becoming increasingly common as more and more people flee the snow and head for the sunshine. This city’s over-the-top tendencies don’t stop when the holidays roll around. Everything from festive decor to light displays to special seasonal menus exude holiday spirit.

In an effort to make the most out of your desert holiday experience, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate eating, shopping, and otherwise enjoying the holidays and Christmas in Las Vegas:

Best Places to Shop for Gifts in Vegas

Vegas is one of the best places to be when you need to go shopping for gifts. Whether your loved ones prefer designer goods, gourmet snacks, or casual trinkets, this city has you covered.

-Town Square

Complete with a range of trendy retailers, Town Square is a one-stop-destination for all your holiday gift shopping. Make a day of your outing by dining at one of the many restaurants or stopping into a casual eatery. Town Square offers guests convenience wrapped in an elegant package.

-HEXX Chocolate

HEXX is a beloved Vegas chocolatier specializing in fine, artisanal chocolates. If one of your holiday gift recipients has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect option. HEXX chocolate is created from scratch with cocoa beans from all over the world. According to HEXX, each region brings out a specific flavor in the resulting chocolate, similar to wine. Chocolate can be purchased in single bars or in sample packs so your loved one gets a little taste of each region.

-RAO’s

Rao’s Specialty Foods offers an array of gift baskets during the holiday season, each featuring a unique selection of hand-crafted goodies. This gift is perfect for the food lover in your life, as you can personalize it according to their taste.

Holiday Events and Activities in Vegas

Don’t let the desert foliage and sunshine fool you – Las Vegas gets festive during the holiday season! The city embraces the holidays just like it does everything else – with vigor and extravagance. If you’re spending the holiday season in Sin City, be sure to check out these events:

-VEGAS! THE SHOW Holiday Spectacular

This year, the renowned Vegas production will take on a holiday twist. Additional dance numbers, shimmering decor, and extravagant holiday costumes will decorate the stage. This is a great option for couples and families alike, as the show is open to all ages. Show times are 7 pm and 9 pm nightly.

-Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

Get a taste of that classic winter weather in the desert by visiting the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan. The fourth floor outdoor pool that draws guests in the Summertime transforms into a Winter wonderland from November to January. S’mores, seasonal cocktails, holiday movies, and festive music add to the ambience. Tickets are $20 ($10 for locals and hotel guests).

-Annual NYE Party at Tahiti Village

Complete with hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight, this party is always one for the books. Guests are greeted with festive decor, a fresh seafood display, and a dance floor pumping with top tunes. Located in the Skyview Lounge of Tower 5, the atmosphere  of the party matches the excitement of the evening, providing guests with the perfect place to bring in the New Year in style. Tickets are $135 in advance or $150 at the door.

Easy Meals to Make in Your Suite

If you like to prepare your holiday meals yourself, make sure to stay at a resort that offers suites with fully functional kitchens. Here are a few easy-to-prepare, delicious holiday meals so you can both delight your loved ones and save time and money:

–Glazed Ham with Coriander and Fennel

Add a delicious twist to a Christmas classic. This slightly-salty, slightly-sweet flavor complements nicely with the meat and makes for the perfect holiday dinner.

–Striped Bass With Shallot Vinaigrette

This dish is a lighter alternative to most holiday classics. The delicate bass and tarte vinaigrette combine to create an exceptional flavor that will earn you compliments all day and night.

–Roasted Leg of Lamb with Carrots and Honey-Mint Sauce:

Feeling adventurous? This dish takes your taste buds for quite the ride. Each aspect of the meal contributes to the overall flavor, which is equal parts bold and intricate.

General Tips

-Book Early:

Restaurants, hotels, shows, and events tend to fill up pretty quickly during the holiday season as more and more people decide to celebrate in Sin City. As long as you make your reservations early, you’ll be good to go!

-Keep Your Mind Open:

Though it’s smart to have a pretty good idea of what you want to do during your trip, keep your eyes peeled for even more holiday fun along the way. Light displays and other holiday celebrations are plentiful throughout the city.

-Dress for the Occasion:

Though Las Vegas is typically thought to have hot weather year round, it can get pretty chilly in the Winter months (especially at night). Make sure to bring sweaters and jackets with you.

Las vegas embraces the holidays with excitement and spirit – and it shows! From the extravagant decor to the plethora of holiday-themed activities and events, this city is the perfect place to be when getting into the holiday spirit. Celebrate the season with loved ones in this desert oasis that never fails to impress.

Group of friends enjoying happy hour in Las Vegas.

Do Happy Hour Las Vegas Like a Local

When people visit Las Vegas, they usually want to hit all the hot spots on the Strip. And while the big names may seem like the place to party, Las Vegas locals know happy hour is where it’s at. All around Vegas, you can find great deals on appetizers, drinks, and many other specials – as long as you know where to look!

We’ve made the ultimate guide of how to enjoy happy hour Las Vegas like a local, including where to go, what to order, and how to save a buck here and there (to spend at the casino, of course!).

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis

During peak dinner hours, Hank’s is a swanky spot where you can get top-notch steaks and drinks. But, from 4pm-7pm, Hank’s offers one of Las Vegas’ best happy hours with half-price martinis and a special, gourmet appetizer menu. Locals love the French onion soup, beef sliders, oysters, and lobster rolls. And of course, you can never go wrong with half-price martinis with any liquor of your choice!

Sushi Roku

At Sushi Roku’s happy hour, you get it all! The restaurant includes $6 well drinks, $5 beer and wine, and $3 sake on their happy hour menu. When it comes to food, you can choose from $4 hand rolls or $6 cut rolls. If you aren’t a sushi-lover or are in the mood for something new, check out their ribeye-wrapped asparagus, donut holes, or chocolate volcano cake, all on the happy hour menu, too!

Top of the World

Top of the World is the restaurant located at the very top of the Stratosphere and features views of the Las Vegas Strip from 800 feet high! With a view like this, you would think that the restaurant would only offer expensive dishes, but locals can get in for happy hour at a fraction of the normal prices. And, Top of the World has two happy hours, one from 4pm-7pm and one from 10:30pm-4am! During the first, you can expect half price appetizers and 2-for-1 cocktails, and at the second you will see half price appetizers from 10:30pm-1am and 2-for-1 cocktails from 1am-4am (views included).

The Golden Tiki

The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas has an interesting happy hour, as they have their food catered in from another establishment. That being said, included in happy hour is all-you-can-eat appetizers like spring rolls and chicken wings! Pair that with a $5 Mai Tai and you have yourself a tropical storm of deliciousness. Buffets and alcohol, two things that the city does best, especially when it comes to the best happy hours in Las Vegas.

FIZZ at Caesars Palace

Who knew that you can find a killer drink deal right on the Strip? At FIZZ, located in Caesars Palace, you can score bottomless champagne for only $36. Bottomless Bubbles, as FIZZ calls it, runs Sunday through Thursday from 6-8pm or 8-10pm (you choose your two-hour window) and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30-7:30pm or 7:30-9:30pm. During happy hour, FIZZ also has $8 appetizers, $7 well cocktails, $6 house champagne, and $5 beers (Sunday-Thursday, 6pm-9pm). Pop the bubbly and get your Vegas party started with this sparkling happy hour!

Blue Martini Lounge

Blue Martini is known as “the exclusively chic, upscale lounge and live entertainment ‘locals bar’” according to their website, and there’s a reason why this spot is a favorite! Their list of martinis is unprecedented and includes concoctions like Strawberry Basil, Raspberry Sage, Starburst, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Come during happy hour, which is from 4pm-7pm every night of the week, for discounted drinks and half-priced eats. Plus, enjoy complimentary martini tasting to find your favorite!

The Leatherneck Club

The Leatherneck Club in Las Vegas doesn’t have the glitz and glam of some of the iconic spots, but it does honor the Marine Corps and other military members all day, every day! Guests can view memorabilia dating back to World War I and the brotherly camaraderie is one of the most special things about this bar. Oh, and their happy hour, which includes a make-your-own taco cart, with the first two being free! Check their Facebook Page for updates on happy hour, as this local bar is always doing specials and events.

You don’t always have to pay an arm and a leg for a good drink in Vegas, especially if you know where to look. Locals know all the best happy hours in Las Vegas, and now you can too! And after you score a deal or two, keep the party going at Tahiti Village, the perfect after-hours hangout!

Staying at Tahiti Village over Thanksgiving? Looking to get your turkey fix? We’re serving the bird all day long!

Sure it’s nice to give thanks for all we have on Thanksgiving, but who are we kidding? This holiday is all about stuffing your face and hoping your expanding waistline doesn’t blow the button off your pants.

If you’re staying with at Tahiti Village on Thanksgiving Day and looking for a turkey dinner with all the fixings, join us from 1-8 p.m. at 17˚ South Booze & Bites. Our onsite restaurant (main lobby building next to the front desk) is serving slow roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, house made sage stuffing, sweet potato casserole, roasted seasonal vegetables, and two kinds of pie (pecan and of course pumpkin!).

This dine-in only feast can be all yours for only $17.99 per person! We’ll also be showing all the games on our nine widescreen TVs. Don’t miss a minute of the action while you enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. We wish you all a happy and filling Thanksgiving!

Table full of Thanksgiving food, ready for the holidays.

Having the Happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season just like it does everything else – with extravagance! Holiday celebrations, shows, meals, parties, and other events help visitors get into the spirit and celebrate with zeal. Many locals and out-of-towners choose to visit the Strip for Thanksgiving festivities because of the overwhelmingly delicious food options and enchanting entertainment. Why cook at home when the glittering city of Vegas is begging to pamper you?

Traditional Thanksgiving feasts, new takes on turkey classics, and gorgeous Fall decor are added into the mix of fun that visitors would normally expect to find in Vegas. The sheer number of offerings can make navigating through the city during the holiday season a little overwhelming.

Below is a guide to having the happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas:

Where to Eat

There are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying a feast for Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. In true Vegas form, the city offers everything from traditional turkey dinners to eclectic Thanksgiving plates. Most Thanksgiving buffets will offer some holiday-themed dishes on Thanksgiving. However, lines can be overwhelmingly long so it’s best to make a reservation at a restaurant ahead of time. Some local favorites for Thanksgiving dinner include:

Aureole – This renowned Mandalay Bay restaurant lives up to high expectations on Thanksgiving Day. Beginning with a piping hot bowl of rich Pumpkin Bisque, this meal guides guests through an autumn-themed culinary journey. Traditional dishes are designed with a new flare, including roasted turkey with brussels sprouts and mushroom stuffing.

Herringbone – This restaurant located in ARIA provides guests with the perfect foundation to enjoy a holiday full of luxury and style. On Thanksgiving Day, Herringbone serves a feast complete with flavorful turkey and a mix of classic and unique sides. Fresh ingredients and innovative techniques are infused into every dish crafted in Herringbone’s kitchen.

Prime – For a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, visit Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse. In this elegant atmosphere complete with velvet drapes and luxurious finishes, you’ll find an expansive menu full of the savory dishes that any Thanksgiving-lover craves. For an experience uniquely Vegas, try securing a table on the garden patio, which overlooks the Bellagio fountains.

Attractions to Attend

Thanksgiving festivities extend past the big meal. Once the forks are set down, the credit cards come out and the Black Friday shopping commences, as does the world-class entertainment. Some of our favorite holiday-themed events in Las Vegas include:

Harvest Show – The Harvest Show decorates the Bellagio Conservatory with gorgeous Fall foliage. Pathways wind under archways of warm-hued leaves while intricate patterns bring the foliage to life. Visiting the Harvest Show is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the comfort of Fall with a Vegas twist. The 2017 display, Proud as a Peacock, features a magnificent explosion of flowers blanketing two towering peacocks. As guests meander through the conservatory, they are greeted with hanging silk weeping willow branches, playful scarecrows, flower-filled pumpkins, and the familiar warm colors of Fall.

Cactus Garden Holiday Lights – Though decorative lights are often associated with Christmas, Vegas is not one to limit the flashy fun. At the Ethel M. Botanical Garden, brilliant lights are displayed throughout November and December, making it a unique Thanksgiving in Las Vegas activity. The sprawling walkways are lined with thousands of colorful lights, making it a luminous spectacle perfect for couples and families alike. Cacti are draped with thousands of lights, resulting in a radiant display of desert plants like you’ve never seen. Visiting the Cactus Garden Holiday Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the onset of the holiday season.

Black Friday Shopping

The Vegas shopping scene pauses for no occasion and looks for any excuse to draw visitors. During Thanksgiving week, and especially Black Friday, the city is buzzing with shoppers in search of bargains. While most luxury retailers will offer minimal discounts, more casual shopping destinations like the LINQ promenade, Fashion Show Mall, and Las Vegas North Premium Outlets will be discounting products and services heavily. With over 300,000 out-of-towners flocking to the city for the holiday, Black Friday shopping in Vegas is sure to be an experience like no other.

Amongst the Vegas energy are brilliant displays of Fall decor and one thing is certain – a Thanksgiving in Las Vegas  is unlike any other and is not to be missed. The holidays are a wonderful time to bring the whole family together, and celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of something new. Tahiti Village is a family-friendly resort located centrally to all the mentioned excursions and we would love to host your Las Vegas Thanksgiving. Just remember to book early, as rooms are filling up fast!

Friends dining at the table together.

Dining Around the World All in One Location: Sin City

Dining options in Las Vegas have seen quite a boost over the years. Buffets are still synonymous with Vegas cuisine, but even the endless dishes lining these Sin City staples have been elevated. However, there’s more than the casino buffet to look forward to for your next dining experience. Las Vegas is a culinary hotspot attracting chefs from all over the world to open restaurants and further expand the food offerings available right here in the desert.

Nearly every type of cuisine is represented in these Las Vegas restaurants, which means you can go plan a food-centric trip and still not manage to try it all. However, it’s a challenge we think travelers are willing to try because each restaurant is trying to outdo the competition and keep their tables full of hungry diners. There are always new places opening and new dishes being created. Take your taste buds on a trip around the world by trying some of these places to eat in Las Vegas.

Thailand

Le Thai, DTLV

Although not as conspicuous as its Strip counterparts, Le Thai is a favorite among locals and visitors who have been instructed to seek out what many call “the best place for Thai in Vegas.” Located off downtown’s popular Fremont Street, this restaurant boasts quality food and affordable prices. The expansive menu includes Thai standard favorites like Pad Thai and a range of curries, while also putting a unique spin on certain dishes like Short Rib Fried Rice and Waterfall Beef. Get an authentic Thai meal in a casual Las Vegas restaurant setting for a taste of East meets West.

Greece

Estiatorio Milos, Cosmopolitan

Mediterranean-style cuisine is popular in Vegas, but a truly authentic, Greek-only food experience isn’t as easy to come by. Fortunately, one of the top dining options in Las Vegas offers just that. Restaurateur Costas Spiliadis serves up Greek favorites, as well as specialties like the Milos Special. This zucchini and eggplant dish is a fried concoction cooled by a creamy, tzatziki sauce and graviera cheese saganaki. From fresh seafood to full Greek spreads, guests can count on delicious fare from Estiatorio Milos.

Tahiti

17° South Booze & Bites, Tahiti Village

Tahiti Village guests need not travel far for a tropical-inspired dining experience. The onsite restaurant serves up vacation-ready cocktails like mai tais, daquiris, and margaritas, in addition to several specialty libations. Menu favorites like Wagyu Sloppy Joe Nachos, the Ahi Tuna Burger, and 17 South Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta all pair well with your drink of choice. There are also more standard options like create-your-own pizzas and chicken tenders to satiate your hunger any time of day.

France

Bouchon, The Venetian

Award-winning chef Thomas Keller has made Bouchon one of the best places to eat in Las Vegas. Indulge in the restaurant’s Caviar d’Esturgeon, Parfait de Foie Gras, and Steak Bouchon or enjoy a simple plate of mussels with a glass of crisp, white wine. Quality ingredients and advanced culinary techniques create impressive dishes without a lot of fuss. Be whisked away to the French countryside by making a reservation at one of the city’s top fine dining restaurants.

England

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Caesars Palace

Experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional English pub and grill from one of the world’s most notorious chefs. Gordon Ramsay has his namesake on several restaurants along the Las Vegas Strip but his restaurant in Caesars Palace is one that never disappoints. It’s casual food with a fine dining flair and full of the quality of flavor Ramsay demands from his chefs-in-training. Start with the ultimate in comfort food, Pigs in a Blanket, and then, go for the Yorkshire Ale Batter Fish & Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie for a taste of England right here in Las Vegas.

Japan

Morimoto Las Vegas, MGM Grand

Revered Iron Chef Morimoto has been a staple on the Las Vegas restaurant scene for years. His modern take on Japanese cuisine continues to delight and entice diners, despite the influx of up-and-coming dining options that sometimes are nothing more than a flash in the pan. Morimoto Las Vegas is a favored classic along the Strip offering up entrees such as Braised Black Cod and Duck Duck Goose. There is rarely a misstep at this popular place, which is to be expected from one of the most beloved celebrity chefs.

We couldn’t be luckier to have so much delicious food right at our fingertips available from every corner of Las Vegas. This barely covers the kind of cuisine you can find when you travel here, but it gives you an idea of what to look forward to in terms of Las Vegas restaurants. As the culinary scene continues to blossom in Sin City, you can dine around the world and have a taste from all around the globe while never leaving Vegas!