![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/winter_in_venice3.jpg\")
<\/a>Winter in Venice runs through Jan. 5, 2014, and includes a skating rink (suspended over water, no less), roaming costumed characters, holiday-themed onstage entertainment and one stunning, huge-ass Christmas tree.<\/p>\n The Christmas tree is 65 feet tall, and is covered with color-shifting orbs. If you can look at it without feeling a surge of holiday spirit, your heart may be three sizes too small.<\/p>\n Adding to the winter wonderland feel, the front of The Venetian is engulfed in a flurry of giant, projected snowflakes, some up to six feet wide.<\/p>\n Here’s a snappy little video promoting the whole extravaganza.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=iU1tK11WE3U The rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n As we said, there’s free entertainment on an outdoor stage throughout each evening. During our visit, there were three blondes in mini-skirts playing holiday music on their violins. We approve.<\/p>\n This is the third annual Winter in Venice at The Venetian, and judging by the crowds, we assume it’ll be back.<\/p>\n We even liked the stilt-walking spidery things.<\/p>\n Make sure to check out our list of Five Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Holidays<\/a>.<\/p>\n At its outdoor Grand Canal, The Venetian has managed to create a festive vibe for the whole family for the holidays. Kudos to The Venetian for skipping the schmaltz and bringing a heartwarming holiday attraction to the Las Vegas Strip.<\/p>\n Check out more photos of the wintertime whimsy in our exclusive gallery.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nThe skating rink at The Venetian is interesting in that it’s not made of ice. Guests are skating on recycled polymer that doesn’t require electricity or refrigeration.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>