Henderson, NV December 2025

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A Season of Connection, Celebration, and Heartfelt Traditions

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are in full swing here in Henderson, and the buzz of the season is all around us. There truly is something to warm the heart of everyone this time of year, and we can’t wait to give you a glimpse into all the festive fun for you and your families to take part in.

In this issue, we explore some of the best holiday happenings across the valley—from local events and celebrations to ways to unwind and recharge. We stop by Scalp Bar to discover how to melt away holiday stress (or gift someone special a little relaxation), and share some local authors who released books for words worth gifting.

There’s something undeniably special about this season. It’s that little spark that makes everything feel possible, like the world softens just a bit and joy becomes contagious. I’m a complete sucker for nostalgia; I soak it all in every year. From recreating family traditions and baking cookies to listening to holiday music until it’s on repeat in my dreams, I love it all. But one of my favorite traditions is the simplest one.

Every Christmas Eve, my husband and I spend the night at my in-laws’ house, in his childhood room. After dinner is done and the house quiets down, we sit together, wrap the last few gifts, and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s become our peaceful little pause before the big day. If you haven’t seen it, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s a story about perspective, gratitude, and the beauty of the path you’re already on. One of its most memorable lines has always stayed with me: “No man is a failure who has friends.”

That line feels especially meaningful during this season. The holidays are about connection—about the people who fill our lives, whether they’re family by blood or by choice. I hope your season is surrounded by laughter, love, and the kind of company that warms your heart.

Wishing you all the joy, peace, and magic that this season brings,

CRISSIE J. BOWN, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Crissie Bown | crissie.bown@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Turk, Vivian Greggory, Eve Bushman, Paige Candee, Andres Molina, Jennifer Florendo

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Micheal Yenor, Cashman Photo

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

STAY. PLAY. PARTY ALL NIGHT!

• Celebrate with friends at the hottest party in town

• Enjoy exclusive promotions

• Stay just steps away in modern comfort

• No resort fee and free parking

This New Year’s Eve, join the celebration at The Pass Casino and keep the fun going with an overnight stay at Atwell Suites Henderson. Make it a night to remember and a morning to enjoy.

F r o m C a n v a s

t o C o m f o r t . . .

D e s i g n i n g t h e

P e r f e c t P l a c e s i n

V e g a s H o m e s .

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have a Voice” Gala was held at the Palms Casino Resort. 2: Guests gathered to raise funds for free, purposeful programs serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 3: Dr. Mark Nunes received the Impact Champion Award for his compassion and leadership in pediatric care. 4: The gala raised more than $200,000 for GiGi’s Playhouse. 5: Attendees bid generously during a spirited live auction and celebrated the charity’s mission. 6: Cirque-style performers and a nine-piece band dazzled guests throughout the evening. 7: Community leaders and families united to amplify voices and create lasting opportunities for all.

8: 2025 Rise Up

supported the Tyler Robinson Foundation co-founded by Imagine Dragons. 9: The Tyler Robinson Foundation provides critical financial aid to families of children with cancer. 10: Imagine Dragons energized the crowd with a powerful, emotional live performance. 11: Dozens of children danced joyfully alongside Imagine Dragons’ frontman Dan Reynolds. 12: The event raised hope and support for pediatric cancer families. 13: Ken Jeong and Joel McHale hosted, adding humor and heart to the evening. 14: The gala exceeded $2 million in donations to support the cause.

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Ribbon Cutting Marked Opening of Diazo’s Expanded Anthem Village Office

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce celebrated Diazo’s relocation to its new Anthem Village office. The firm moved into a recently remodeled 3,000-square-foot building at 2534 Anthem Village Drive, just two buildings from its previous location. The expanded space includes a conference room, larger planning room, and additional offices, providing room for future growth. Diazo, known for its philosophy of “Financial Independence by Design,” marked the occasion as a new chapter.

Family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the life of Sergeant Justin Lamar Williams, whose service and spirit deeply impacted Las Vegas. The evening featured music, tributes, and stories honoring his commitment to law enforcement and mentorship. Country singer Sam Riddle performed a special tribute in his honor, underscoring the community’s unity in remembering an officer whose compassion and courage continue to inspire the valley.

Photography by Chezaray Photography

M Resort Announces Second Tower and Emeril’s Meril Restaurant

M Resort Spa Casino announced the forthcoming addition of a second hotel tower, set to expand local hospitality and nearly double total room capacity in Henderson. Residents will see tangible neighborhood impacts, with more meeting space, new jobs, and enhanced amenities designed for community and business events. The project also brings Emeril Lagasse’s Meril restaurant, expected to introduce a fresh dining experience and new social opportunities to locals when doors open.

Investcor announced plans for Valara, a luxury senior

community in Henderson. The development

will combine independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a single campus, featuring 244 residences across two wings connected by a central hub. Amenities will include dining venues, fitness centers, recreational programming, and pet services. The project, designed to promote wellness and social engagement for seniors, is under city review and is slated to break ground in 2026, marking a notable addition to Henderson’s senior housing landscape.

Photography by Investcor

LVMPD’s Operation Holiday Cheer to Support Local Children in Need

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will host Operation Holiday Cheer, its annual toy drive supporting St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Community members are invited on December 6th and 7th to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Centennial Walmart and Sam’s Club, meet officers, and help bring holiday cheer. Now in its eighth year, the event relies on local generosity to provide gifts for abused, neglected, homeless, and exploited youth, ensuring a brighter holiday season.

Viva St. Jude Event Raises Over $1 Million for Childhood Cancer

The 3rd annual Viva St. Jude raised more than $1 million to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission to cure childhood cancer. The weekend included a sold-out golf tournament at The Arroyo Golf Club and a poker tournament at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa with prizes including a WSOP Main Event seat. The Taste of Viva St. Jude featured fashion, dining, patient stories, a live auction, and a concert with rock legends, spotlighting ongoing research and treatment progress.

‘TIS THE SEASON MAGICAL FOREST

It doesn’t matter where you live, holiday cheer can be found throughout all of Southern Nevada.

Since the holiday season is all about giving, it should come as no surprise that one of Las Vegas’ most beloved holiday attractions allows guests make merry memories while supporting those in need. Running select evenings through December 31, the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village invites guests to stroll through its colorfully lit forest, play mini golf, ride its Forest Express Passenger Train, visit with Santa and enjoy a variety of other jolly activities while their admission fee goes to help more than 3,000 Southern Nevadans with disabilities. magicalforest.org

Festive attractions sure to get Southern Nevadans in the holiday spirit

ARTICLE BY HEATHER TURK

NEVADA BALLET’S

“THE NUTCRACKER”

Following a 12-year run with its previous version of “The Nutcracker,” Nevada Ballet Theatre will dance back into The Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas select dates December 13 through 28 to perform “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.” Not only will the new show feature the legendary ballet choreographer’s renowned choreography, but it will also be accompanied by set pieces and costumes that reflect the Art Deco spirit of the 1930s. Audiences can

follow young Marie Stahlbaum and her Nutcracker Price as they journey through The Land of Sweets, led by revered characters like The Sugarplum Fairy and divertissements like Hot Chocolate. State-ofthe-art technology will further illuminate Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, creating an all-new holiday spectacle that is both innovative and timeless. nevadaballet.org/performances/ george-balanchines-the-nutcracker

“State-of-the-art technology will further illuminate Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, creating an all-new holiday spectacle that is both innovative and timeless.”

TIVOLI VILLAGE GREEN VALLEY RANCH

Tivoli Village is getting into the holiday spirit with complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides available Thursday through Saturday, December 4 through 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors to the Summerlin retail center can also purchase some unique presents for those on their holiday gift-giving list at LV Craft Shows’ Nutcracker Night Market. Happening December 4, 11, and 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the free event not only features a variety of vendors selling original crafts but also live entertainment and festive lights. tivolivillagelv.com

Those thirsting for some holiday spirits of the liquid kind will want to head on to Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson for its fifth Winter at the Terrace event. Open through December 27, the pop-up lounge transforms the property’s Backyard Terrace into an inviting winter wonderland where guests can cozy up next to a fire pit or inside an igloo and savor some festive food and beverages, like a drink from the hot chocolate cart. greenvalleyranch.com

ENCHANT CHRISTMAS

One of the area’s most popular holiday attractions is located in Summerlin—Enchant Christmas. Illuminating the Las Vegas Ballpark for its fourth season select evenings through December 28, the world’s largest Christmas

light maze returns with an all-new theme this year: Night of the Nutcrackers. Guests can enjoy more than 10 acres of holiday magic, including an ice-skating trail and festive entertainment. enchantchristmas.com/las-vegas

GLITTERING LIGHTS

Another Southern Nevada favorite is returning this holiday season with some extra holiday magic. Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show, Glittering Lights, illuminates the Las Vegas Motor Speedway through January 4, 2026, with 6 million LED lights along its newly expanded 3-mile course. Now in its 25th year, the attraction can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s car or, during select nights, on an open-air Santa Tram complete with festive décor, fun games and photos with Santa. glitteringlights.vegas

DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN HOLIDAY PARADE

More holiday merriment can be found just steps away from Enchant Christmas at Downtown Summerlin’s Holiday Parade. Taking place every Friday and Saturday through December 20 at 6:00 p.m., the free event runs along Park Centre Drive and features lively holiday music,

snow, dancers, nearly 100 local youth performers and an appearance from Santa. Downtown Summerlin also has its own outdoor skating rink—The Rock Rink—open through January 2026 that visitors can enjoy for a nominal fee. summerlin.com

’Tis the Season to Shine

Start

Breathing Health Into Life Empower

Rinse. Relax. Repeat.

Amid the holiday rush, stress often shows up where calm begins: the scalp. Taking time for a restorative treatment brings clarity, relaxation, and renewal from the inside out. Scalp care is quickly becoming an essential part of modern wellness. A healthy scalp supports strong, vibrant hair while also relieving tension and promoting mental clarity. Precise massage techniques boost circulation and send soothing

ARTICLE BY VIVIAN GREGGORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCALP BAR

signals to the brain, helping ease stress and promote deep relaxation. These treatments can help reduce tightness, headaches, and fatigue, common side effects of a busy season, while leaving hair noticeably softer and more radiant.

Locally, SCALP BAR ( ScalpBar.com ) offers an elevated approach to scalp wellness and relaxation. Each visit is designed as a restorative escape, combining expert technique with soothing rituals that release tension and revive the senses. Guests unwind in private suites featuring the signature water halo and steam therapy, while every experience begins with a detailed scalp analysis tailored to address dryness, buildup, imbalance, or hair loss.

The treatment menu at SCALP BAR is designed to meet a range of scalp needs with precision and care. The Basic Head Spa features a double cleanse and relaxing massage, setting the

foundation for optimal scalp health. For those experiencing dryness, the Dry Scalp Recovery treatment uses a nourishing pre-shampoo to deeply hydrate and restore comfort. Dandruff Relief includes gentle physical exfoliation to purify and reduce flaking, while the Oily Scalp Balance service incorporates a clarifying scrub to refresh and regulate oil production. The Antihair Loss Treatment combines Nutrafol products with red-light therapy to stimulate circulation and encourage fuller growth, delivering a truly restorative experience for both scalp and mind.

The Deluxe 90-minute Head Spa, SCALP BAR’s most popular service, combines deep cleansing,

nano-steam therapy, an under-eye refresh, and an extended scalp massage for the ultimate reset during the busy season. For an even more indulgent experience, the Signature Service is a two-hour treatment featuring one full hour of in-room scalp care under the calming water halo, where the scalp scrub and steam are performed, followed by professional styling and a full blowout finish. This exclusive ritual showcases Kérastase products, creating a level of luxury and care unmatched anywhere else. Add-ons such as Fusio-Dose hair treatments, professional blowouts, and scalp scrubs allow guests to further personalize their visit for total rejuvenation.

Beyond its treatments, SCALP BAR offers thoughtful holiday gifting options. Gift cards, redeemable for any service, remain a favorite among those seeking a flexible yet meaningful present, from quick refreshes to indulgent rituals. Curated at-home care bundles featuring Kérastase and Nutrafol products extend the spa experience, encouraging continued relaxation and scalp wellness between visits. Guests can also enjoy exclusive promotions and seasonal deals on retail products year-round, making it easy to maintain their results at home. In a season often defined by hurry and obligation, SCALP BAR offers a gentle reminder that true self-care begins with calm and balance.

Harvester’s Blackberry Smash

During winter, many turn more toward brown spirits – let’s turn to Nevada’s Frey Ranch

Warming Brown Spirits

Did you know that as the weather cools, many people trade icy vodka and gin cocktails for “warming” spirits such as whiskey—including single malt scotch, blended whiskey, bourbon, and rye? Of course, you will still enjoy these whiskeys on the rock, rocks or in a cocktail – adding cold to them, but only slightly diminishing warm notes like spice, vanilla, dried fruits, caramel, and heat.

Nevada-based distillery Frey Ranch makes a FourGrain Straight Bourbon that is their most popular expression in Las Vegas, and you can find Frey Ranch at Khoury’s, Total Wine, Lee’s Liquor and more. And when you visit these liquor stores look for the stores’ personal barrel picks that say the store’s name right on the label, those bottles don’t last long on the shelves. Frey Ranch distillery crafts award-winning whiskeys from high-quality grains 100 percent grown on their farm and distillery in Northern Nevada, just east

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ¼ oz. of Frey Ranch Bourbon

• Fresh lime wedges squeezed

• 8 fresh blackberries

• Large mint leaves

• ½ oz. simple syrup

• 1 oz. club soda

of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of only a few true “estate distilleries” in the U.S. The Frey family also has a long legacy of farming in this region that dates back to 1854.

Colby Frey, Frey Ranch CEO, co-founder, and Whiskey Farmer, started the distillery in 2006 with his wife, co-founder and Chief Storyteller Ashley. Colby truly does it all as he grows, malts, distills, and ages 100 percent of his whiskey grains on the more than 2,500acre Frey Ranch farm. Experimenting with the corn, wheat, barley, and rye that Colby cultivates has become a hallmark of the brand.

Now, as you start to crave those brown spirits, naturally due to the change in season or because I’ve put this thought in your head, let’s move onto what cocktails you might like to try before you settle in by your fireplace at home. For these recipes I reached back out to Frey Ranch.

DIRECTIONS

Muddle lime, blackberries, and mint together. Stir in Frey Ranch Bourbon and simple syrup. Top with club soda, garnish with mint leaves, blackberries, and serve over crushed ice.

“As the weather cools, many opt for warming spirits.”

ARTICLE BY EVE BUSHMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FREY RANCH DISTILLERY

Cranberry Bourbon Punch

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• Zest 1 large orange

• 4 oz. or ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice

• 3-4 dashes orange bitters

• 1 blood orange or regular orange, sliced

• Candied rosemary

DIRECTIONS

To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple syrup, and cranberries to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. If your syrup thickens too quickly, just add additional water to thin. Let it cool. If desired, strain out the cranberries.

In a punch bowl, combine the cranberry syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and orange bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and candied rosemary, if desired.

ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE

A Season for Stories

WRAPPED IN WORDS—LOCAL GIFTS TO GIVE OR KEEP

In the Midnight Room

By Laura McBride

Four women’s intertwined stories span decades of Las Vegas history, from casino beginnings to unexpected fortunes and friendships. Moving, fast-paced, and resonant. Available wherever books are sold.

Desert Dust

By Paul W. Papa and R. J. “Gill” Gillilan

Set near the end of WWII, this gripping story unravels the true tale behind a famous Wyoming palomino stallion photo that became an American icon amid legal battles. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and orderable at any bookstore.

The

Legend of Yakmandu

By Faith Steinberg

This luminous, illustrated fantasy whisks readers to the mystical Himalayas, where courage, love, and wisdom triumph. A stunning gift for young dreamers and art lovers alike. Available on Amazon or thelegendofyakmandu.com.

The Adventures of Sheba and Moofasa: On the Road Again

By Rachel Arter

Two lovable dogs set off on a playful road trip full of heart, humor, and imagination, showing kids that adventure can be found close to home. Available on Amazon and local bookstores.

Huntington Press

The House Always Wins

By Brian Rouff

A laugh-out-loud Las Vegas tale of love, luck, and ghosts, where a young couple finds both romance and mischief in their new desert home. Available on Amazon and HuntingtonPress.com.

BREAKFAST HOLIDAY

The holidays are filled with family gatherings. Enjoy this easy, make-ahead recipe to simplify your holiday breakfast; it is sure to impress your guests.

CROISSANT LEMON BERRY DELIGHT

Casserole Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants (from the bakery) sliced into cubes

• 3 cups mixed berries

• 1 package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup  sugar

• 5 eggs at room temperature

• 2 cups half and half at room temperature

• ¾ tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¾ tablespoon lemon juice

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast the cubed croissants on a baking dish for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, half and half, lemon juice and vanilla and mix until smooth. Place the toasted croissants into a greased 9 x 13 pan and layer with 1 ½ cups berries. Pour custard mix on top and then add the remaining berries on top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Set aside and make glaze by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

DECEMBER 5TH

Library Tree Lane Gala 2025

Paseo Verde Library | 6:00 PM

Celebrate the holiday season by supporting the annual Library Tree Lane Gala fundraiser. Friends of Henderson Libraries will fill the Paseo Verde Library with beautifully decorated trees, food and wine, gift baskets, and the company of friends. For tickets and sponsorships, visit hdplfriends. org/librarytreelane.html.

DECEMBER 11TH

Cocktails & True TalesOral History Happy Hour

Composers Room Show Lounge | 5:30 PM

NPF’s Cocktails & True Tales series continues with a winter holiday–themed walk down memory lane. The Composers Room Show Lounge will host as the panel of guest speakers share memories of celebrating the holidays amid the glitter of Vegas’s yesteryear. To purchase tickets and to learn more, visit nevadapreservation.org.

DECEMBER 12TH – 14TH

Living Nativity

Green Valley Baptist Church | 5:30 PM

Celebrate 20 years of sharing the story of Jesus’ birth through The Living Nativity. Experience the wonder of that holy night brought to life with live actors, live animals, and the message of hope that continues to inspire today. Free and open to the public, learn more at mygvbc.com/events

DECEMBER 16TH

Lucky Launch Knight presented by America First Center Credit Union

Lee’s Family Forum | 7:00 PM

Get ready for the annual Lucky Launch Knight at the Henderson Silver Knights vs San Diego Gulls game. Bring a new stuffed animal to the game and be ready to launch it onto the ice when the Silver Knights score their first goal. All toys will be gathered and donated to local charities helping kids in need. leesfamilyforum.com

DECEMBER 18TH

Visit The Village

The Village at Lake Las Vegas | 10:00 AM

Every third Thursday of the month, Lake Las Vegas hosts Visit The Village—an evening filled with vendors, food, music, and fun. In December, Pariz Salon at Lake Las Vegas will invite guests to bring in their existing curling irons or styling tools to receive free tutorials on how to style their own hair along with personalized product recommendations. tvllvatthevillage.com/events

DECEMBER 25TH

Visit the Candy Cane House

366 South Milan Street | 6:00 PM

Joey Cardona and Victor Cardenas, transform their home every holiday season. The local landmark boasts more than 60,000 lights, 80 Christmas trees, and a room full of nutcrackers. Everyone is invited and admission is free, but the couple encourages donating hygiene items, food, or cash to support HopeLink of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit that provides homelessness prevention services. link2hope.org Want to be featured?