H nce in a while, if we’re lucky, we get half a day of snow in Las Vegas. It’s hardly the stuff of “White Christmas” or picturesque Hallmark wintertime scenes. Still, Southern Nevada has a way of celebrating the holidays that is all its own.
We asked some prominent Las Vegans to share their favorite traditions. From “It’s Vegas” to a desert Christmas, here’s how they celebrate: Kenny Epstein ‘Anything you want’ The longtime owner and CEO of downtown’s El Cortez says he loves all holidays because Las Vegas is a “holiday place — that’s what Las Vegas is all about.” Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or spring break, Kenny Epstein says, “we’re involved.
” “It’s just like any other place,” the 83-year-old says. “It might be different than any other place, but the traditions are the same.” He says his favorite part of the holidays is hosting Christmas dinner at his house, adding that he cherishes visiting with relatives he and his wife haven’t seen for a while.
“This is Las Vegas,” he adds. “You could do anything you want.” But if your ideal winter scene includes a blanket of snow, he recommends driving up to Lee Canyon or Mount Charleston.
Chef Nicole Brisson misses the snow of upstate New York, but there’s something about a desert Christmas.(Sabin Orr) Nicole Brisson No snow, no problem In 2003, a career opportunity led chef Nicole Brisson to Las Vegas from Rensselaerville in upstate New York. She admits to missing the.