Vegas is wooing out-of-town shoppers with free tickets to shows like Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

Here’s how to roll three of my favorite things — Las Vegas, shopping and free — all into one sentence:  Do your holiday shopping in Las Vegas this year and get free show tickets.  No kidding.  Non-Nevada residents who shop from 11/29 through 12/13/2009 and spend $500 or more at participating retail shopping areas such as the brand-new Crystals at CityCenter, the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and even the stores at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet mall can qualify for two complimentary tickets to shows like Phantom at the Venetian, Peepshow at PH, Donny & Marie Osmond and more.  Find all the details at VisitLasVegas.com.

Speaking of CityCenter, the sure-to-be-spectacular new Aria and Vdara resorts are both taking reservations and you can get special rates when you use the promo codes plus these links:

Aria: ARIA “Winter Special” Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter – Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 – Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10).

Vdara: Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10).

Also, take advantage of more great rates this winter by booking a room at MGM Grand with this cool offer –

MGM Grand Las Vegas “Holiday Spree” — Rates from $75 per night. *Promo includes: $35 Dining credit, $25 Spa services credit, and 15% off retail purchases. (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Nov 4, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: MKT320 (Exp 1/31/10).

Related posts:

1. Bright Shiny Objects: Vdara Hotel, Crystals and Mandarin Oriental mark opening of CityCenter Las Vegas Like a Broadway debut from the city it’s trying to...
2. Party like “The Bachelor” at ARIA Las Vegas. Or not. We just posted some info on our sister site, BestLasVegasValues.com,...
3. Aria Las Vegas on Sale — “72-Hour Offer” on rooms, suites Updated promo code available!  Click here to get the latest...

Stunning glassware from Wynn LVNV makes a great holiday gift for someone on your list.

I can’t think of any reasons not to go to Las Vegas this December but I sure can think of a lot of reasons why I should go.  You should go, too.

1.  Christmas decorations at all the casinos.  Just like everything else in Vegas, the lights are brighter, the trees are taller, the decor more over-the-top.

2.  The Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The designers seem to outdo themselves year-after-year with animated characters, fields of red and white poinsettias, sparkling trees and more.  I can’t wait to see this year’s display and then check out the holiday goodies at Jean-Philippe Patisserie.

3.  Holiday shopping made easy in just a couple of blocks.  The Forum Shops at Caesars, Miracle Mile stores at Planet Hollywood, the Fashion Show Mall and my fav store for beautiful glassware and gifts that will win raves – Wynn LVNV at the hotel’s Esplanade.  (Pictured above.)

4.  A spa day at any one of the world-class resort facilities and a chance to gear down from all the holiday stress — most of which I bring on myself.  I could really use a luxurious massage and facial right around mid-December.  Aaaaaah.

5.  The crowds will be down in December so I can easily get reservations at any of the hottest restaurants including Wolfgang Puck’s Cut at The Palazzo, Alex at Wynn, Bouchon Bistro at The Venetian and “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio’s craftsteak at MGM Grand.

6.  Since there don’t seem to be as many Christmas parties in my circle this year, a trip to Las Vegas will give me an excuse for a night out (or two or three) to wear all my fun, sparkly once-every-year holiday outfits.

7.  A holiday dessert extravaganza.  What better reason than the holidays to try — for research purposes, of course — all the seasonal dessert specialities at my favorite sweets shops?  There’s Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace, Sugar & Ice at Wynn (hope they have peppermint or egg nog ice cream!) and the aforementioned Jean-Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.

8.  Encore at Wynn Las Vegas grand opening on December 21.  Be the first on your block to see it!

9.  HOT, HOT, HOT, hotel deals.  Look here.

10.  The Mirage Volcano reopens in December with a soundtrack from Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart, and Indian musical sensation, Zakir Hussain.

11.  Coming from the colder climes?  Good news, you can still play golf in Las Vegas.

12.  The 12th Annual Holiday Festival at the downtown Fremont Street Experience with a special musical show and a 50-foot tree.

13.  Ooh and aah at the more than 500,000 Christmas lights at this year’s annual Ethel M Chocolate Factory’s Winter Wonderland at the Botanical Cactus Gardens.  Shining every night from 5 – 10 pm.

14.  The dueling piano show at Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas will most likely give me the chance to sing Christmas carols…loudly, badly and with a martini in hand.

15.  Who needs an excuse to go to Vegas?  Just go.

Related posts:

1. Hotel Deals that Make Me Want to Live in Las Vegas this December P.B. and I have always been big fans of heading...
2. Las Vegas Strip Heats Up with Re-Opening of Mirage Volcano in December UPDATE:  The Mirage Volcano opened December 8th to thunderous applause. ...
3. Nighttime is the right time to see the Bellagio’s divine garden display No matter how busy we are during our trips to...