During December, many Las Vegas shows go "dark" to allow cast members to take extended holiday vacations. If you're going to Las Vegas between now and New Year's and have your heart set on seeing a particular show, make sure to check that there will be performances during your dates. For December, the dark days for the major productions are: Bally's "Jubilee!" 1, 3, 8, 10, 31; Bellagio "O" 8-23; Caesars Palace Bette Midler 11-29; Excalibur Louie Anderson, 1-31; Flamingo "Donny & Marie" 23-27; Nathan Burton 4-12; Golden Nugget "Defending the Caveman" 5-12; Harmon Theater "Amazing Jonathan" 16-25, 31; Harrah's Rita Rudner 10-19; Las Vegas Hilton Barry Manilow 1-16, 21-28; Luxor Carrot Top 2-9, 16-26; MGM Grand "Crazy Horse Paris" 9-23; Mirage "Love" 2-17; New York-New York "Zumanity" 1-16; Paris Anthony Cools 16-25, 31; Planet Hollywood "Stomp Out Loud" 31; Rio Penn & Teller 4-5, 11-19, 31; Riviera "Barbra & Frank" 22-25; "Crazy Girls" 23-31; Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist 8-22; Stratosphere "American Superstars" 7-10, 14-25, 28-31; TI "Mystere" 24-25; Tropicana Comedy Stop 18-25; Folies Bergere 5-7, 12-25; Venetian "The Real Deal" 22-25, 29-31; Wynn "Le Reve" 9-23.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: A few casinos are known for making a big deal out of the holiday season. It's hard to say which will keep the tradition going with the economic climate as it is, but look for displays at Sam's Town (a decked-out atrium and Santa), Bellagio (conservatory), and Hard Rock and Palms (cocktail waitresses in Santa outfits), along with the non-casino Fremont Street Experience, Fashion Show Mall, Ethel M Cactus Garden, the drive-through display of lights at Sunset Park ($13 per car), and the holiday display at the Springs Preserve ($8 adults, $6 ages 5-17).

Q. When this month does the NFR come to town?

A. The National Finals Rodeo is in progress right now and will run until Dec. 14. Immediately following will be the period of deep room-rate discounts for the pre-holidays, lasting till Dec. 24.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.