During December, many Las Vegas shows go "dark" to allow cast members to take 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 there will be performances during your dates.

The dark days for the major productions in December are: Bally's "Jubilee!," 31; Bellagio "O," 6-22; Caesars Palace Bette Midler, no shows in December except 30, 31; Excalibur Louie Anderson, 25-31; Flamingo Donny & Marie, 20-28, 31; George Wallace, 22-31; Vinnie Favorito, 24, 25; X Burlesque, 31; Golden Nugget Gordie Brown, 8-12, 24, 25; Harrah's Rita Rudner, no shows in December except 23, 24, 26, 28, 30; "Legends in Concert," 27, 31; Mac King, 24-25, 27-28; Imperial Palace "Diva's Las Vegas," 11-25; "Human Nature," 4-25, 31; Luxor Carrot Top, 22-26; Mandalay Bay "The Lion King," 7-20; MGM Grand "Crazy Horse Paris," 8-22, 28; Mirage "Love," 1-16; Terry Fator, 22; Monte Carlo Lance Burton, 15-19, 22-25, 31; New York-New York "Zumanity," 1-14; Palazzo "Jersey Boys," 21, 31; Paris Anthony Cools, 16-25, 28, 30-31; Planet Hollywood "Peepshow," 24, 31; Rio Penn & Teller, 10-23, 31; Venetian "Phantom of the Opera," 24, 31; Wynn "Le Reve," 10-16.

HOLIDAZE: A few casinos are known for making a big deal out of Santa season. Look for displays at Sam's Town (atrium and Mr. Claus), Bellagio (conservatory), Silverton (Bass Pro Shops) and Hard Rock and Palms (cocktail waitresses in Santa outfits), along with the Fremont Street Experience, Fashion Show Mall, Ethel M Cactus Garden, the drive-through display at Sunset Park ($13-$15 per car) and Town Square shopping district.

A. It's not too late, but lock one in as soon as possible. Calls to 93 casinos in November found vacancies at 78 of them. One-night stays (on Dec. 31) ranged from $40 at Lucky Club to $599 at Bellagio. Two-night packages ran from $181 at Golden Gate to $916 at Wynn. Three-night packages were available for $300 at California and $540 at Rio.