When most people think of Nevada, they think of Vegas. But there are many cities in the state that have their own vibe and are worth checking out. Henderson is one of these cities.
Henderson is not far from Vegas. It is defined by its many museums and vintage homes. It also has several nature areas including Lion Habitat Ranch, Lake Mead and the Sloan County Conservation Area.
With so much to offer, you can bet that Henderson is a vibrant place to visit at Christmastime. Here are some things that are worth checking out.
Henderson Holiday House
The Henderson Holiday House is a sight to behold. The home is lit up with a holiday light and effects show set to music. It is located at 1743 Clear River Falls Lane. It also has a terrific Halloween display.
Towering Mesa Avenue in Mac Donald Ranch
Drive or walk by this location to check out the impressive lights. Apparently, one man in the neighborhood decorates the entire street for Christmas. He provides lights and helps his neighbors install them.
Winterfest
Winterfest is a two-day event that includes a tree lighting ceremony, a light parade, entertainment, vendors and more. You can also buy a wrist band to ride on the carousel, toboggan or train and pony rides are available as well. After the event ends you can still come by to visit the Christmas tree erected in Henderson Events Plaza.
Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M. Chocolates
Ethel M. may be best known as a chocolatier, but she is also the owner of one of the largest cactus gardens. It features over 30 native southwest plants.
During the Christmas season. The four-acre garden is transformed into a glittering oasis complete with an ice-skating rink. Guests can take a self-guided tour to see employees make chocolate treats.
See the Home That Won Best Christmas Light Fight
Fans of Best Christmas Light Fight will be excited to see this home that took the prize in 2019. Owners Juan and Maria Torres impressed the judges with a pirate ship and castle that took them 600 hours to make by hand. The property is located on Lochleven Way near Anthem Highlands Drive.
Winter Village at Green Valley Ranch
This relatively new annual event is one that’s worth checking out. Guests are welcome to enjoy one of three packages including the following:
Stay, Sip and Skate: This one-night stay includes 2 Winter Village passes and a $30 credit that can be spent in the Winter Village Lounge
S’mores Please: This package includes a one-night stay, 2 Winter Village skate passes, a 2-hour fire pit reservation and a s’mores kit for two
Date and Skate: Perfect for couples, this one-night stay comes with 2 Winter village ice rink passes, a $50 resort credit, a 2-hour fire pit reservation and a S’mores kit for two
Note, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the Winter Village. You can simply come by to enjoy the holiday treats and beverages, carols, ice skating and winter events.
The event goes on in conjunction with the Red Rock Casino and Resort Spa in Las Vegas.
Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch
The Lion Habitat Ranch provides housing for African lions that have been rescued from unhealthy situations. There are other animals at the habitat as well, including giraffes, and guests have the opportunity to feed them when they visit. They will also learn about the organization, conservation and the environment.
The Ranch hosts a variety of Christmas themed activities during the holiday season. Guests can come by to participate in a scavenger hunt that will teach them about the animals that live on the North Pole. There will be multiple decorated areas for photo opportunities. Closer to Christmastime, the Ranch will feature story time with Santa that takes place every hour.
Heritage Holidays at Clark County Museum
The Clark County Museum is a great place to learn about the culture of Henderson and its surrounding areas. Every year it hosts a Heritage Holidays event that features the museum’s collection of historic homes and buildings decorated for the holidays. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour with museum admission.
Big Horn Wild West Tours
If you are interested in seeing Henderson and the surrounding areas, a Wild West Tour is the way to go. It offers tours to a variety of destinations including Joshua Tree Forest, the Mohave Desert and the Grand Canyon. Guests are picked up from their hotel room in the company’s Hummer H2 that can accommodate groups of two to six.
The most popular Big Horn Wild West Tour is the Grand Canyon Tour. It lasts approximately ten hours and passes through destinations like Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and Joshua Tree Forest.
Mustang Helicopters
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon? Guests will enjoy a narrated tour in an ECO-Star Helicopter as they soar over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam to the bottom of the Grand Canyon where they are served champagne and snacks. The experience takes four and a half hours.
The company also offers wedding packages that come with a private helicopter, minister, photographer and cake.
Las Vegas Distillery
The Las Vegas Distillery is the first distillery to open in Henderson. The family run business has two pot stills to make spirits. It prides itself in offering a ‘grain to bottle’ experience. It produces several kinds of adult beverages including gin, bourbon, rum, moonshine, vodka and whisky.
50-minute tours are available Monday through Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. The facility also hosts workshops, birthday parties, weddings, private tours and tastings.
Henderson may not be Vegas, but it sure has plenty to see and do. It combines the big city excitement with a small-town feel making it the perfect place to spend the holidays. What will you be doing when you visit?
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