Photos: Bellagio
The magic of the holiday season has taken over the Bellagio. The Las Vegas resort’s conservatory and botanical gardens have unveiled a glistening winter wonderland that features moss-embellished reindeers, a life-size chocolate house and a family of topiary polar bears.
The centrepiece is Las Vegas’ largest indoor tree, a 12-metre-tall White Fir handpicked from Mount Shasta, California. Sparkling with 7,000 warm white LED lights and 2,500 richly coloured ornaments, this extravagant tree presents a perfect photo for festive travellers.
There’s also a walk-through snow globe, which is guarded by four grand toy soldiers, and six life-size chocolate-coloured reindeers embellished in live moss. And let’s not forget the full-scale chocolate house, which was created by the Bellagio’s pastry team from 7,000 kilograms of chocolate.
In the South Garden, a family of topiary polar bears frolic on an icy pond. Crafted from 24,000 snow white carnations, the momma 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 has partnered with Coca-Cola to promote the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) during this year’s exhibit. Coca-Cola is involved in an ongoing sustainability initiative to generate money for WWF with the goal of creating a safe haven for polar bears. With the help of generous donors, more than $3.1 million has been donated to WWF. To help continue these efforts, Coca-Cola will match up to $1 million for donations made to ArcticHome.com through to February 15, 2014.
A winter wonderland would not be complete without the seasonal sounds of Las Vegas’ most iconic feature: the fountains of the Bellagio. The fountains will be performing to classic holiday tunes such as Hallelujah Chorus, O Holy Night and Santa Baby.
The conservatory is complimentary to the public and open 24 hours a day. The holiday exhibit is on display until January 5. The fountains of the Bellagio are also complimentary, with performances beginning at 3p.m. Monday to Friday, noon on Saturdays and holidays, and 11a.m. on Sundays.