CONTENT PRESENTED BY Station Casinos

Ring in the season with Winter’s Village

Winters village

Creating a festive, immersive holiday experience in the middle of the desert isn’t a simple task, but the folks behind Winter’s Village are up to the challenge. Last year, Station Casinos introduced the winter wonderland-esque concept at Green Valley Ranch. This year they opened a similar experience at Red Rock Resort and Casino. “We saw so much success with GVR’s Winter’s Village, it was a natural evolution to bring it to Red Rock,” said Patrick Wallace, Vice President of Operations at Station Casinos. Visitors of the two Winter’s Village locations can expect all of the mainstays—ice skating, fire pits, hot cocoa—as well as new elements that are sure to delight.

What you’ll find at Red Rock’s Winter’s Village

The new Winter’s Village experience at Red Rock encapsulates all of the most beloved wintertime traditions. In creating the holiday atmosphere, the pool area is revamped and heavily decorated with yuletide decor, all built around a 30-foot Christmas tree and ice rink.

“It’s a 2,500-square foot rink, which is slightly smaller than the one at GVR, but it’s ideal for a few laps. And of course, it’s real ice,” Wallace said. Over the rink is a LED screen for playing holiday movies, Golden Knights games and more. “We also have a nightly DJ playing a mashup of festive music,” Wallace said.

There are 30 fire pits for visitors—perfect for warming up after ice skating and roasting marshmallows—and a full bar serving speciality holiday cocktails. The food menu has been expanded this year to include cold-weather favorites such as grilled cheese and tomato soup and an array of holiday themed sweets and treats.

Upping the entertainment ante, there’s also games, gingerbread houses and a calendar of events throughout the entire season.

If you’re going with the family …

Santa will be on-site every Saturday leading up to Christmas. Your little ones can meet and take photos with him, and share their holiday lists. After a visit with Santa, we recommend a few laps around the ice rink before building a gingerbread house by the fire.

Pro tip: Thursday, December 13 at GVR and Friday, December 14 at Red Rock is Princess Day—a full Disney princess-themed event.

If you’re going with friends …

Catch a Golden Knights game, relax by the fire and skate with your buds. Check out the group game area with classics, such as Jenga Giant and cornhole.

Pro tip: Rent a fire pit to have a homebase for your group while you’re enjoying the activities.

If you’re going on a date …

Monday night is movie night at the rink, featuring holiday favorites such as Elf and Home Alone. Start with festive cocktails (boozy cider and cocoa abound) and end with a s’mores-making session by the fire.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes out for mistletoe.

Giving back

In keeping with the holiday spirit, a portion of the proceeds from Winter’s Villages at GVR and Red Rock goes toward charitable organizations. GVR’s Winter’s Village gives to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to benefit research and treatment for childhood cancers. Red Rock’s Winter’s Village gives to Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, an organization that supports children undergoing cancer treatment and their families.