Alright, it’s after Christmas, and some of you have “live” Christmas trees. Now that the holiday is over (and the tree is starting to get a bit dried out), how do you dispose of it?

Well the answer is easy in Las Vegas: participate in the 9th annual Christmas tree recycling program at the Springs Preserve! From now until January 15, you can drop off your tree at any of over 20 locations around the valley for free (search for the nearest one here). If that doesn’t work out for you, call 1-800-Got-Junk, and they will pick it up for a mere $30 — they’ll even vacuum up all those fallen pine needles!

89: Fine, I Won’t Pick the Next Movie

As we recount many of our holiday traditions, this episode of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast reminds the viewer that when it comes to watching a DVD on Christmas day with your family, a film that features full-frontal male nudity may not be the right way to go. Show notes:

• Weather (raining) / LiLV Pool (rain catcher)
• LiLV Stuff
  • Listener Line: 206.312.0105
  • Sign up for Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)
• Melissa passes her test!
• VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK Christmas Party
• Family Holiday Traditions

86: Cactus Lights and Deals with the Devil

Anybody can put lights on a Christmas tree. That’s easy. Try putting 500,000 lights on Nevada’s (and one of the world’s) largest collection of cactus (cacti, cactuses). And while you’re doing that, help Scott figure out if Melissa has made a deal with the devil. In today’s Living in Las Vegas Podcast, we tackle lighted cactus, devil deals, Irish pubs are more. Show notes:

• Weather (53 (but freezing some nights)) / LiLV Pool (45)
• LiLV Stuff
  • Listener Line: 206.312.0105
  • Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)
• Uncovering Melissa’s deal with the devil
• Thanksgiving without stress
• Black Friday at Fashion Show
• Cosmopolitan and job creation
• Cup of Morning Sunshine and magic
• Ethel M Cactus Garden

That’s a lovely singing voice you have, Mrs. Whitney.

Christmas Gathering

Last weekend Melissa and I had a GREAT time joining a bunch of friends we’ve made via the LiLV Podcast for dinner and drinks at Buca Di Beppo, on Lake Mead Blvd.  Besides enjoying the company of Jacob, Sally, Alicia, David, Cheryl, Brad, Sally, Kerry and Perry, we were joined by the Pope himself.

Hard to beat that!

Afterwards, Melissa, David, Alicia and I headed down to Frankie’s Tiki Room. 

I’ve included a link to some photos I’ve uploaded on Picasa.  (Some of those Frankie’s photos did not make it online.  Yikes!)

Merry Christmas to all!

Location: Sunset Park, 2601 E Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
Date: Now through January 3
Hours: Sun-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm
Cost: $15/vehicle Fri-Sun and Holidays, $13/vehicle Mon-Thur

With some 8 million holiday lights that line a two-mile tour that features 400 displays, you’ll see dinosaurs, a 100-foot-long dragon, an animated reindeer band and Santa on his cell phone. Get $2 off with any bag of gently used items donated to Goodwill of Southern Nevada on-site or at any Goodwill location in Las Vegas or Henderson.

Location: 6300 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Date: Now through January 2
Hours: Sun – Thur: 5:30-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30-10pm
Cost: $9.50 adults, $7.50 children 3-11

The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village features light displays, carousel rides, train rides, lots of entertainment and other festive activities. Bring in gently used items for the thrift store and get $2 off admission on Thursday nights.

Location: 30 Strada Di Villaggio, Monte Lago Village at Lake Las Vegas, Henderson, NV 89011
Date: Now through February 15
Hours: M-F 3-9pm, Sat/Sun/Holidays noon-9pm
Cost: General Admission-$15 adults, $12 for children 12 and under. Call 702.564.1600 for $5 off coupon

If you haven’t been to Lake Las Vegas, you should make it a point to visit.  The floating ice rink at the The Village (which has some great restaurants and shopping) is very cool. . .and they offer ice skating lessons as well!

Location: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
Date: Now through January 1
Hours: Sundown - 10pm

I’ve heard this is really something to behold.  The Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel’s Chocolate Factory has 500,000 lights (can you imagine? I have a hard time adding a couple string of lights to the house!) and also features Santa Claus, and live entertainment.