Bellagio’s holiday display/ 2013.
The magic of the holiday season has taken over Bellagio as the Las Vegas resort’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveiled The Strip’s largest indoor holiday tree, moss-embellished reindeers, a life-size chocolate house, and a family of topiary polar bears.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is Las Vegas’ largest indoor holiday tree, a 42-foot tall, 18-foot wide and 6,800-pound majestic White Fir handpicked from Mt. Shasta, Calif.
New this year, a walk-through snow globe is guarded by four grand toy soldiers to ensure privacy for lovers stealing a kiss in this romantic garden. Also new, six life-size chocolate-colored reindeers embellished in live moss haul an antique sleigh bursting with gifts. Below, a full-scale chocolate house created by Bellagio’s pastry team is made of 1,600 pounds of chocolate.
In the South Garden, a family of topiary polar bears frolics on an icy pond. Crafted from 24,000 snow white carnations, the momma polar bear watches protectively as her two cubs play in front of onlookers.In an effort to build awareness about the cherished and endangered polar bear, Bellagio is promoting the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) during this year’s exhibit. The ongoing sustainability initiative generates money for WWF with the goal of creating a safe haven for polar bears.
Located adjacent to the Conservatory, Jean Philippe Pâtisserie continues its sweet holiday tradition. An impressive chocolate Mr. Grinch stands five-foot-six-inches tall and is hand-carved from 112 pounds of sugar-rolling fondant and 50 pounds of chocolate, created over a three-month period.
A winter wonderland would not be complete without the seasonal sounds of Las Vegas’ most iconic feature. The Fountains of Bellagio, recently voted as the nation’s top landmark, adds special performances of classic holiday tunes such as Hallelujah Chorus, O Holy Night and Santa Baby.
