Christmas In The Style Of The Emperors: Holiday Magic At Caesars Palace And The Forum Shops

Las Vegas in December is more than just casinos and neon lights. It is a place where ancient grandeur comes to life wrapped in holiday cheer. If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate the 2025 season, Caesars Palace offers an atmosphere worthy of Julius Caesar himself.

As you approach the main entrance, you are greeted by majestic architecture that seems even more solemn in winter under the clear Nevada sky. This is not just a hotel; it is an entire district where every stone evokes the Roman Empire.

The statue of Augustus Caesar stands as a silent sentinel, welcoming guests with a gesture of peace and leadership. It serves as a reminder of the hotel’s long-standing reputation for providing a regal experience since its opening in the 1960s.

Fun fact: Caesars Palace cost $24 million to build in 1966, a record for Vegas at the time. Today, the hotel has nearly 4,000 rooms.

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Architectural Icons in Holiday Dress

Walking through the hotel grounds feels like a tour of an open-air museum. The Trevi Fountain replica at the entrance of The Forum Shops is one of the most photographed spots in the city. While the original in Rome collects about 3,000 euros in coins daily, this version collects thousands of admiring glances from tourists every holiday season.

Inside, the classical theme continues with massive statues that take on a festive spirit. It is not uncommon to see these marble figures adorned with holiday garlands or positioned near elegant Christmas displays, blending ancient aesthetics with modern celebration.

The lighting plays a crucial role in the holiday atmosphere. Near the Park West Gallery, interior fountains are bathed in a deep, atmospheric blue light that reflects off the water, creating a tranquil escape from the high-energy casino floor.

Strolling Under the “Christmas Sky”

One of the main highlights of The Forum Shops is the famous sky-painted ceiling. This architectural marvel uses advanced lighting to shift the “time of day” from a soft dawn to a deep twilight, ensuring that the holiday shopping environment is always perfect regardless of the hour outside.

As you walk down the central shopping alleys, the cobblestone-style paths and Roman facades make you feel as though you have been transported to an ancient city. During the 2025 season, these streets are lined with the latest winter fashions and festive decor.

The Great Hall and its rotunda serve as a gathering point for visitors. Here, you can find various kiosks and cafes where travelers pause for a coffee or a quick bite while taking in the massive scale of the Corinthian columns and vaulted ceilings.

The transition between levels is marked by grand signage that guides you toward the mall’s most famous attractions. These areas are often decorated with hanging wreaths and banners, keeping the holiday spirit alive in every corner of the property.

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Holiday Centerpieces and Entertainment

In the heart of the mall stands a giant Christmas tree, a true centerpiece for the 2025 holiday season. Draped in warm white lights and oversized gold ornaments, it serves as the ultimate backdrop for family photos.

The “Fountain of the Gods” offers another stunning visual, featuring statues of Neptune and Pegasus. During the winter months, the fountain is framed by holiday wreaths, making the mythological figures appear as though they are part of a grand winter festival.

For those seeking excitement, the “Fall of Atlantis” show is a must-see. This free attraction uses 9-foot-tall animatronic statues to tell the legend of the sunken city through fire, water, and dramatic sound effects—a perfect break for shoppers.

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Holiday Shopping and Gastronomy

Gastronomy at The Forum Shops is as legendary as the shopping. Carmine’s is a standout favorite, known for its massive family-style portions that are meant to be shared. A single pasta dish, priced typically between $35 and $45, can easily feed a small family.

Luxury shopping is redefined here with brands like Fendi, which features a storefront designed to look like a Roman temple. The intricate stonework and gold accents make browsing the latest handbags feel like a high-art experience.

Modern fashion icons like Armani Exchange offer a sleeker, contemporary contrast to the ancient surroundings. These stores are popular destinations for finding the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit.

Beauty lovers will find their paradise at Sephora, which is especially busy during the holidays as visitors hunt for exclusive beauty gift sets and winter skincare essentials.

Tory Burch brings a unique flair to the season with a creative window display featuring a tree made entirely of branded ribbons. It’s a testament to the high-end creativity found throughout the mall.

The mall also features provocative luxury brands like Agent Provocateur, situated near cozy spots like Café Lola, which is famous for its pink floral decor and “Instagrammable” lattes.

Off The Beaten Path: 5 Secret Routes at Caesars Palace

If you’ve already seen the main Christmas tree and the Atlantis show, it’s time to discover the less popular, but no less fascinating corners of the empire:

• Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis – Most tourists only see the pools from their room windows, but a walk through this complex is a separate kind of pleasure. There are seven Roman-style pools here. Be sure to find the Temple Pool, where you can take majestic photos against the backdrop of the classical rotundas without the crowds that usually line the Trevi Fountain.
• Vanderpump Cocktail Garden – Instead of the noisy food courts, visit this “secret garden.” This is an intimate space filled with fresh flowers, trees, and soft lighting. It’s the perfect place to hide from the noise of the casino and enjoy a signature cocktail in silence.
• The Way to The Colosseum – Theater Even if you don’t have tickets to an Adele or Sting concert, walk through the gallery leading to the theater entrance. Its architecture is inspired by the real Roman Colosseum. Here you can calmly examine the details of the interior and the posters of the legendary shows that created the history of modern Las Vegas.

• Roman Wedding Chapels (Classico Wedding Chapel) – This is one of the most “Instagrammable” locations, but rarely visited by ordinary tourists. The chapel is made in a very gentle classical style with antique columns. If there is no ceremony taking place there, you can look inside to see the most peaceful and elegant part of the hotel.
• Evening walk to Hell’s Kitchen – Go outside the main building to the square in front of the hotel. Although everyone knows Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, few people pay attention to the details of the landscape around it. The evening illumination of the huge tridents and the lights of the Strip panorama from this point offer an incredible view of the Caesars Palace hotel from a side that rarely appears in standard guidebooks.

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How to Save: Caesars Palace Special Offers

Room rates start from $95/night, but you can save even more with these exclusive deals:

• Season of Savings Sale: Get up to 20% OFF your getaway through January 5, 2026.
• Suite Escape: Enjoy limited-time savings on select suites when you book by December 31, 2025.
• Caesars Rewards: New members get an additional 15% OFF just for signing up.
• Booking Promo Codes:
  • LVAPS: Save an extra 10% when you book 30+ days in advance.
  • STAYLVN: Save an additional 10% when you stay 3 nights or more.
  • LOCALS: Exclusive 15% discount for Las Vegas locals.
• Perks: Enjoy Free Express Checkout, FREE 48-hour cancellation, and exclusive email offers.

Groupon Tips: Your Key to a Budget Vegas

The Groupon service is an essential tool to cut your entertainment costs by up to 30%:

• Code EXPLORE: Use this code on Groupon to find deals on tours, tastings, and dining.
• Dining Deals: Look for vouchers for restaurants within The Forum Shops to save on meals at spots like Carmine’s or the Cheesecake Factory.
• Wellness: You can often find discounted access to the legendary Qua Baths & Spa or local attractions through the platform.

A holiday visit to Caesars Palace is a blend of luxury and accessibility. Book early, use promo codes, and enjoy an imperial vacation!