Strip Tips: Cosmo turning pool into ice rink

The Vegas weather has finally dipped into the 50s, which means it’s time to break out the earmuffs, woolly mittens and ice skates.

On Nov. 30, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will transform the Boulevard Pool into a winter wonderland. The pool will provide a frozen surface to would-be ice skaters. Fun winter touches will be found throughout the pool level, including fire pits, Adirondack chairs and a full bar. Look for treats including s’mores and one-of-a-kind specialty drinks. Mondays will be “Date Skate” Mondays.

Clips from holiday movies will be played on The Cosmopolitan’s digital marquee. Wednesdays will be Industry Skate on the Strip while Throwback Thursdays provide plenty of opportunities for guests to dress up in their disco finest.

The ice rink opens Nov. 30 and closes Jan. 20. Hours are from 3 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The rink is closed New Year’s Eve, but holiday hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily Dec. 24 through Jan. 4.

Admission for all-day skating is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for all others. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5. The ice rink is open to children 2 and older but they must be accompanied by an adult. Visit cosmopolitanlasvegas.com for more information.

Decoration drive

The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort are getting into the holiday spirit with their second annual holiday lights and decorations drive.

Through Dec. 7, Miracle Mile will pair up with Golden Rainbow to help decorate for the holidays to benefit locals living with HIV and AIDS. Donors can drop off seasonal lighting and decorations to the mall’s customer service desk operated by Tickets and Tours. Those who give will receive a mall coupon book valued at $2,000.

The donated items will benefit families enrolled in Golden Rainbow’s Affordable Housing Program. The program provides living arrangements for people with HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada, giving them the chance to concentrate on their health and medical care.

Also, all change tossed into the mall’s fountains during December will be donated to Golden Rainbow. The Miracle Mile Shops are open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Winter in Venice

For the second year in a row, The Venetian and Palazzo are hosting Winter in Venice, 50 days of holiday festivities inspired by Italy.

From Sunday to Jan. 6, book a 30-minute skating session from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the ice rink in front of The Venetian (admission, which includes skate rental, is $14.95 or $9.95 for locals), or check out the parade that winds through The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace nightly at 6 and 8 p.m. Entertainers also will stroll through the winter wonderland area.

For more information, visit venetian.com or palazzo.com.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at
spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.
Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.