What's Happening in Vegas for Thanksgiving

Going to be around to see what’s happening in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving? You can still have your turkey and eat it too.

Since Thanksgiving isn’t the most “touristy” weekend of the year, Sin City kicks back and relaxes into the holiday season.  Plenty of places offer fine Turkey Day meals, no cooking or cleaning up required. After you’ve downed you last pile of stuffing, there are still loads of entertaining things to do and see (we said Vegas relaxed; we didn’t say it turned off!). So hang out, have fun, and enjoy Thanksgiving the Las Vegas way.

Thanksgiving Dinner – Vegas Style

Nearly every restaurant in town is offering up their version of Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a few of our favorites that offer the traditional mix and then some.

•    “No place like home.” FIX Restaurant & Bar at the Bellagio (shown at right)– FIX’s $65 dish will remind you of a home cooked meal with sides like “Just Like Mom’s” greenbean casserole, double baked sweet potatoes, spiced pecans, roasted chesnut soup, and your choice of smoked or maple glazed turkey. Non turkey eaters have delicious duck confit and chicken pate to choose from.

•     “Designer dinner by Wolfgang.”  Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand - World renowned chef Wolfgang Puck will deliver an amazing menu full of Turkey Day favorites like dried cranberries, toasted almonds, honeyed yams, an oven roasted free-range turkey. Top it off with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake with gingerbread crust and nutmeg whipped cream – yum! Prices vary.

•    “Family Style Gourmet Dinner”  Nobhill Tavern at MGM Grand (shown at right).  Check out James Beard Award Winning chef Michael Mina's gourmet Thanksgiving dinner at Nobhill Tavern, an elegant restaurant with a casual, yet sophisticated, atmosphere.  The $95 family style dinner includes the restaurant’s classic take on Thanksgiving traditions like roasted chestnut soup, free range turkey, and pumpkin cheesecake.  Wine-lovers will enjoy the special Thanksgiving Sommelier Wine Pairing.  At an additional $55 per person, guests get to savor one great glass of wine with each course. (Nobhill Tavern received a 2008 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence).  Thanksgiving dinner will be served at Nobhill Tavern on Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm.  Reserve your spot by calling the restaurant at (702) 891-7337.

•     “A Mexican style Thanksgiving.” T & T (Tacos and Tequila) at the Luxor – T & T turns tradition on its head with turkey tacos doused in pico de gallo and (note: this is where Thanksgiving comes in) an onion and cranberry marmalade. For a festive drink, the Spiced Apple margarita will be the evening special that combines Thanksgiving darlings like apples with Mexican customs like lime juice.

•    “All in one.” Carmel Room, Spiedini, Promenade Café, and Ceres Restaurant at JW Marriot Las Vegas - The JW Marriot has not one, not two, not even three, but four different festive feasts to choose from. The Carmel Room takes it up a gourmet notch, the Promenade keeps prices low ($11.95 per person), Ceres keeps it conventional ($45 per person), and Spiedini does the traditional take at an affordable price ($36 per person).

Vegas Thanksgiving Weekend Entertainment – Special Appearances

Let dinner digest at one of these must-see headliner shows in Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend.

Music

The music scene on Saturday has something to suit every mood.  Pop it up with The Jonas Brothers at MGM Grand, rock out with the Smashing Pumpkins at the Palms, or shake your moneymaker 80s style with Bel Biv Devoe at the House of Blues.

Comedy

Favorite funnyman, David Spade graces Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Nov 28 – 29 with his rather small stature but very large presence.  Spade ain’t your bag?  Check out Wayne Brady's "Making It up" at the Venetian (Nov. 28-30th) or Carrot Top at the Luxor Nov. 27-29.  For a comedic spin on hypnosis, check out Keith Barry or  Mesmerized at Planet Hollywood.

Magic

Famed magician David Copperfield prepares to dazzle Vegas crowds with more of his death defying events (flying over the Grand Canyon anyone?) at the MGM Grand from November 20 – December 10.  Other great magic acts to see in Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend?  Penn and Teller, the "Bad Boys of Magic", at the Rio and Steve Wyrick, International Magician of the Year, in his custom-built theater in the heart of the Vegas strip.

…Shows that Stay in Vegas

Or you can go the traditional route and enjoy some of Vegas’ most talked about shows.

•    The Blue Man Group at the Venetian - The group continues to combine music, theater, art, and science for highly engaging experience that will make you feel completely alive and energized.

•    Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand – Just like the Paris tradition, the Vegas branch of Crazy Horse offers up plenty of naked bodies only in a very Vegas way. Lights, colors, and images are projected onto nude canvas for a strip performance not to be forgotten.

•    Cirque du Soleil Vegas shows – There is a Cirque show for everyone. The LOVE tribute will take you on a psychedelic journey through 60’s pop culture; KA offers up Cirque’s very first show with a plot; and Zumanity showcases “the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil.” Locations vary.  Check out our article on Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows for a guide to these great shows.  For Cirque du Soleil tickets, click here.

•    Le Reve at Wynn – The words are French for “the dream,” and this show – which combines water, fire, swimming, and acrobatics – is just that. Plus, there isn’t a bad seat in the place (all seats are no more than 42 feet from the stage).

•    Jubilee! at Bally’s – We are pretty sure that many visitors, especially Vegas virgins, can’t leave city limits until they have seen Vegas showgirls. After all, what is Vegas without half naked girls bedazzled with jewels, feathers, and sparkle?

•    V: Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood - Much like showgirls, a Vegas variety show is a must-see. This one features the best of the best in magic, comedy, and an amazing mix of acts including acrobatics, trapeze, and strength.
 

Photo credits:  Photos of "Fix" restaurant at Bellagio and "Nobhill Tavern" at MGM Grand are courtesy of MGM Mirage.