Happy New Year! 2024 went out with a bang, literally, with fireworks across the Las Vegas Strip, as well as Downtown at the Plaza, ringing in 2025 like only Vegas does. As we begin a new year, several restaurants are also making their debuts in Vegas.
First up is the second location of Dominque Ansel, which opened inside of Paris Hotel and Casino in December. Here you can get pastries, crepes, breakfast sandwiches and of course cronuts, since Dominique Ansel is the cronut creator. This venue replaced the pizza and crepe place across from the former buffet.
Another place that opened in December is Pinky’s by Vanderpump. This opened at the Flamingo and is the third Vanderpump location on the Las Vegas Strip. The other two Vanderpumps are located at Paris and Caesars Palace.
Over between the Cosmopolitan and the Shops at Crystals, Country Music Star Jason Aldean has opened his first Vegas location of Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar. This country music themed bar offers southern comfort cuisine, as well as live music on two different stages. Guests can dine indoors or on the rooftop patio area, which offers beautiful views of the Strip.
Swingers Las Vegas opened just in time for Formula 1. This is a mini golf venue located inside of Mandalay Bay and is the third location of Swingers… there is one in New York and the original in the UK. Of course they went bigger with the Vegas location.
In addition to mini golf, there is also an old school style arcade called Carnival, where you’ll find classic games like Skee Ball and Whac-A-Mole. While this may seem like a family friendly attraction, it is just for the big kids, 21 and up.
The long-awaited Havana 1957 opened inside of the Flamingo December 26th. This nearly two-year project has replaced the former Flamingo Diner that has remained closed for years. Havana 1957 will serve up Cuban Cuisine and will also feature live music.
Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo opened in December. This is the second location of Gordon Ramsey Burger, with the original one on the Strip located over at Planet Hollywood. This is replacing the Bird Bar and Margaritaville Casino.
The construction continues for Bottled Blonde. This four-story restaurant, bar and entertainment venue is being built next to Ole Red in the Grand Bazar Shops in front of Horseshoe. This was scheduled to open in late 2024, but it’s looking more like early 2025.
Also coming to the Strip is Miracle Eats, which is the new food hall that will be located inside of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. This will be home to Tacotarian, Lobster Me, Fat Tuesday, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Fat Sal’s and Carnegie Pizza. With the recent closure of the very popular Ocean One Bar & Grill, these additional dining options could not have come at a better time.
Now moving from the new hot spots to the cool weather; the weather in January is typically chilly for Vegas. Average daily temperatures range from upper 40’s to low 60’s and even dip into the 30’s to 40’s overnight.
And heating back up again, let’s get into all of the hot events and entertainment happening here on the Ninth Island of Las Vegas. And by the way, if you’re wondering where the term “Ninth Island” comes from, Vegas is unofficially Hawaii’s 9th Island, due to having the largest population of former Hawaii Residents, along with 1 in 10 Hawaii Residents visiting annually.
Like Hawaii visitors, 1 in 10 Vegas visitors are traveling here to attend a convention. January is a big month for conventions and there is such a variety of conventions happening throughout the month. Whether you’re traveling here for a convention or will just be in town, be prepared for some restaurants, bars and attractions to be closed for private events. Also, the Monorail is extra busy with people heading to and from the Convention Center.
Here is what you can expect for concerts in January:
- Anyma, 1st ever EDM at Sphere (1/1, 1/10-11)
- 50 Cent, Planet Hollywood (1/3-1/4)
- Janet Jackson, Resorts World Las Vegas (1/3-1/4)
- Yacht Rock Experience, featuring Docksiders, Venetian (1/3-4, 1/10-11, 1/17-18, 1/31-2/1)
- Lionel Richie, Wynn (1/15, 1/18-1/19)
- Eagles, Sphere (1/17-18, 1/24-25)
- Collective Soul, Venetian (1/17-18)
- John Fogerty, Wynn (1/22, 1/24-25)
- Santana, House of Blues (1/22-23, 1/25-26)
- The Killers, Caesars Palace (1/22, 1/24-25)
- Shania Twain, Bakkt Theater (1/22, 1/24-25, 1/29, 1/31-2/1)
- Styx, Venetian (1/24-25, 1/29, 1/31-2/1)
- Pitbull, Fontainebleau (1/24-25)
- Mariah Carey, Dolby Live (1/31-2/1)
- Tears For Fears, Fontainebleau (1/31)
Here’s what you can expect for comedy in the month of January in addition to all of the local comedians who perform here on a regular basis:
- Nate Bargatze, Wynn (1/8, 1/10-11, 1/29, 1/31-2/1)
- Stars of Comedy, Harrah’s (1/12-13, 1/17-20)
- Jeff Arcuri, The Cosmopolitan (1/17)
- Chelsea Handler, The Cosmopolitan (1/18)
- Sebastian Maniscalco, Wynn (1/24-25 two shows each night)
- Morgan Jay, Venetian (1/25)
- Katt Williams, MGM Grand (1/25)
Last, but not least, here’s what’s going on in terms of sports:
- Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena vs Flyers 1/2, vs Sabres 1/4, vs Islanders 1/9, vs Rangers 1/11, vs Wild 1/12, vs Blues 1/23, vs Panthers 1/26, vs Stars 1/28 and vs Blue Jackets 1/30
- Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium vs Chargers 1/5
- UFC, APEX 1/11
- Inter Miami CF vs Club America, Allegiant Stadium 1/18
Of course, all of the regular Vegas shows are happening throughout the month. We recently had the opportunity to check out two Vegas shows. We attended Disco Show at the Linq Hotel and Casino and Cirque Du Soliel’s Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay.
One of the newest shows on the Strip, Disco Show, is the fourth Vegas show from Spiegelworld, who are known for Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace, Atomic Saloon at Grand Canal Shoppes and the former Opium at The Cosmopolitan. From the moment one enters the venue, you are transformed into New York’s Disco Era. There are no seats, just a dance floor and the performers roller skate and dance all around the venue, as well as on the dance floor with the crowd. It is a lot of fun if you enjoy disco, dancing and a unique experience.
While Michael Jackson One from Cirque Du Soleil has been around in Vegas for over a decade, the show has recently added some exciting new additions to revamp the show. While the talent and music remains, guests can expect advanced technological elements like drones, new costumes and new acts. Even if you have seen the show in the past like us, it feels like a completely new show.
Whatever the event, be sure to look into the policies on both the show as well as the venue that you plan on attending, as some venues and artists have restrictions with what can be brought into the event. And of course, events are added and cancelled weekly in Vegas, so for the latest updates follow Ninth Island Connection across all social media platforms and subscribe to our Ninth Island Connection YouTube Channel.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM.
