Las Vegas Parking Fees - Another Nickel and Dime Tactic?

Free parking and free cocktails are the classic Las Vegas comps. Unfortunately, many Las Vegas Resort and Casinos have started charging to park.

Free Parking in Las Vegas – Which Casinos Still Offer It? 🚗🎰

Las Vegas has long been known for free parking, free cocktails, and complimentary casino comps. However, in recent years, many of the biggest Las Vegas casinos and resorts have started charging for parking, making it harder for visitors to avoid extra fees.

If you're planning a trip to Sin City, this guide will help you find which Las Vegas Strip hotels still offer free parking, where to park for cheap, and how to get free parking through casino comps.

Over the last year properties along the Strip started rolling parking fees for valet and  self-parking services.

🚗 Las Vegas Parking Fees – When Did Casinos Start Charging?

In June 2016, MGM Resorts was the first major Las Vegas casino group to implement paid parking fees at 10 properties, including:

✔️ Aria
✔️ Bellagio
✔️ Delano
✔️ Mandalay Bay
✔️ MGM Grand
✔️ The Mirage
✔️ New York-New York
✔️ Excalibur
✔️ Luxor
✔️ Monte Carlo (now Park MGM)

By 2017, Caesars Entertainment followed suit, introducing paid parking at 8 more casinos, including:

✔️ Caesars Palace
✔️ Flamingo
✔️ Harrah’s
✔️ The Linq
✔️ Bally’s
✔️ The Cromwell
✔️ Paris Las Vegas
✔️ Planet Hollywood

This rapid shift toward paid parking changed the Vegas experience for many visitors, making it more expensive to visit the Strip.

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🏆 Which Las Vegas Strip Casinos Still Offer Free Parking? (2024 Update)

As of 2024, a few Las Vegas casinos still offer free parking, making them prime choices for visitors looking to save money and avoid parking fees.

🎰 Casinos That Offer Free Parking on the Strip:

✔️ Treasure Island (TI) – Free self-parking for all visitors.
✔️ Tropicana – No self-parking fees.
✔️ Wynn & Encore – First 24 hours free, paid after that.
✔️ Venetian & Palazzo – Always free self-parking!
✔️ Circus Circus – Free self-parking for hotel guests & visitors.
✔️ Stratosphere (The STRAT) – Free parking for all guests.

💰 Casinos That Offer Free Parking with Validation or Loyalty Programs:

✔️ Resorts World – Free for casino loyalty members or with validation.
✔️ Cosmopolitan – Free for hotel guests & Identity Rewards members.
✔️ Mirage (Now a Hard Rock Property) – Free for some MGM Rewards members.

📢 Pro Tip: If you're not staying at a hotel, choose one of the above casinos for free parking and then walk or take the Las Vegas Monorail/Uber to your final destination.

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💰 How to Get Free Parking at MGM & Caesars Casinos

Even though MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment charge for parking, you can still get free parking through casino rewards programs.

1️⃣ MGM Resorts – Free Parking with MGM Rewards

🎟️ Who Gets Free Parking?

• Gold, Platinum & NOIR tier members in MGM Rewards (formerly M life Rewards).
• Hotel guests staying at an MGM property get free self-parking.

📍 MGM Properties with Paid Parking (Unless You Qualify for Free Parking):
❌ Aria
❌ Bellagio
❌ MGM Grand
❌ Mandalay Bay
❌ Mirage
❌ New York-New York
❌ Excalibur
❌ Luxor
❌ Park MGM

💡 How to Get Free Parking at MGM Resorts:

• Sign up for MGM Rewards (it’s free).
• Earn points by playing slots, table games, or dining at MGM restaurants.
• If you reach Gold, Platinum, or NOIR status, parking is free!

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2️⃣ Caesars Entertainment – Free Parking with Caesars Rewards

🎟️ Who Gets Free Parking?

• Platinum, Diamond & Seven Stars members in Caesars Rewards.
• Hotel guests staying at a Caesars resort get free self-parking.

📍 Caesars Properties That Charge for Parking:
❌ Caesars Palace
❌ Flamingo
❌ Harrah’s
❌ The Linq
❌ Bally’s
❌ The Cromwell
❌ Paris Las Vegas
❌ Planet Hollywood

💡 How to Get Free Parking at Caesars Casinos:

• Sign up for Caesars Rewards and earn points through casino play, dining, and hotel stays.
• Reach Platinum tier or higher for complimentary self-parking.

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🚗 Best Budget Parking Options on the Las Vegas Strip

If you can’t find free parking, the following locations offer cheaper parking rates compared to major casino garages.

✔️ Fashion Show Mall – Free parking just north of Treasure Island.
✔️ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood – Free parking with validation.
✔️ The LINQ Promenade – Free parking for some Caesars Rewards members.
✔️ STRAT (Stratosphere) – Free parking, just north of the Strip.
✔️ Resorts World – Free parking for certain guests or with casino validation.

📢 Pro Tip: Use a parking app like SpotHero to find discounted parking near the Strip!

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🔥 Will Free Parking Ever Return to the Las Vegas Strip?

Las Vegas casinos originally introduced free parking to attract visitors, but as more resorts introduced fees, it became the industry norm. However, with rising complaints about resort fees, parking fees, and hidden charges, some experts predict that casinos may start offering free parking again to lure back visitors.

💭 My Prediction:

• As competition increases, some Vegas casinos may bring back free parking to attract more tourists.
• Loyalty programs (MGM Rewards & Caesars Rewards) will continue to be the best way to get free parking.
• Expect more free parking at off-Strip casinos like Downtown Las Vegas & The STRAT.

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📌 Final Thoughts – How to Get Free Parking in Las Vegas

🚗 Want to avoid Las Vegas parking fees? Follow these tips:

✔️ Park at casinos that still offer free parking (Treasure Island, Tropicana, Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, etc.).
✔️ Join casino loyalty programs (MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards) for free parking perks.
✔️ Use mall or hotel parking garages for free or cheaper rates.
✔️ Take advantage of validation at select restaurants & shops.
✔️ Skip the Strip parking hassle & use the Monorail, Uber, or taxis instead.

📢 What do you think about paid parking on the Strip? Should Las Vegas bring back free parking? Let us know in the comments!

Get Free Casino Comps

Krampusnacht and The Christmas Legend of Krampus

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The Legend of Krampus – What Happens if You’re on Santa’s Naughty List? 🎄👹

While Santa Claus rewards good children with presents, the terrifying Krampus punishes the naughty ones. This ancient Germanic folklore has become a global holiday tradition, bringing a dark twist to Christmas celebrations.

If you've ever wondered who Krampus is, where the legend comes from, and what happens if you're on his naughty list, keep reading to discover the spine-chilling origins of Krampusnacht, the Alpine Christmas demon, and his role in holiday folklore.

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👹 Who is Krampus? The Christmas Demon of Folklore

Krampus, whose name comes from the Old High German word "krampen" (meaning "claw"), is a half-goat, half-demon figure that appears during the Christmas season to punish misbehaving children.

📖 Norse Mythology Origins
Krampus is believed to be the son of Hel, the goddess of the underworld in Norse mythology. He is linked to pagan winter traditions that pre-date Christianity, symbolizing the dark side of Christmas.

🎭 The Yin-Yang of Christmas: Krampus vs. St. Nicholas

• Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) brings sweets and gifts to good children.
• Krampus, on the other hand, beats, kidnaps, or terrifies naughty children.

This dark companion of Santa has been a part of Alpine folklore for centuries, blending pagan rituals with Christian holiday traditions.

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🎅 When Does Krampus Come? The Terrifying Krampusnacht (Krampus Night)

According to Germanic folklore, Krampus arrives on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night).

🎃 What Happens on Krampusnacht?

• Krampus roams the streets, carrying bells and chains to terrify onlookers.
• He visits homes, leaving bundles of sticks for bad children.
• In some legends, he swats misbehaving kids or kidnaps them in a sack.

📅 The Next Day: St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)

• Children wake up to either a reward or punishment.
• Good kids receive candy and presents in their shoes.
• Naughty kids find coal, sticks, or even a warning from Krampus.

🎭 Krampus Parades & Festivals
Today, Krampus celebrations take place across Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and the Alpine regions. People dress as Krampus and participate in wild, theatrical parades, keeping the scary Christmas tradition alive.

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🩸 Krampus' Punishments – What Happens if You’re on the Naughty List?

According to Krampus legend, misbehaving children may experience the following:

❌ Light Punishment:

• A bundle of sticks (called ruten) left by the fireplace as a warning.
• A lump of coal in their stocking instead of presents.

❌ Moderate Punishment:

• A gentle swat with birch branches as a reminder to behave next year.

❌ Severe Punishment:

• Abduction! Krampus throws naughty children into a sack and carries them to the underworld.
• Some stories claim he drowns, eats, or enslaves the worst offenders.

📢 Pro Tip: If you see Krampus approaching on December 5th, you better have been good this year!

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🔥 How Krampus Changed Over Time – From Horror to Holiday Tradition

Krampus was banned by the Catholic Church for many years because his appearance resembled the devil. However, he never disappeared completely, and in modern times, his legend has softened:

✔️ Krampus became a holiday character similar to "Elf on the Shelf" – instead of punishing kids, he reminds them to behave.
✔️ The lump of coal tradition replaced physical punishment as a way to warn children.
✔️ Krampus parades and Christmas markets now celebrate him as a fun, spooky part of the holiday season.

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🎭 Krampus in Pop Culture & Horror Movies

Krampus has gained popularity in modern media, appearing in movies, books, and TV shows:

🎬 Krampus (2015) – Horror Movie:

• This Christmas horror film follows a family haunted by Krampus after they lose the holiday spirit.
• The movie showcases Krampus’ terrifying presence, complete with his demonic minions and dark magic.

📺 Krampus in TV Shows & Cartoons:

• American Dad! – Krampus appears as a misunderstood anti-hero.
• The Venture Bros. – Features a comedic version of Krampus.
• Supernatural (Season 3, Ep. 8) – Krampus-like figures kill bad people at Christmas.

💀 Krampus-Themed Haunted Houses & Horror Attractions:

• Many haunted Christmas experiences now feature Krampus as a winter horror villain.
• Halloween Horror Nights and Scary Christmas events often include Krampus-themed mazes.

📢 Fun Fact: In some cultures, people send Krampus-themed Christmas cards called "Krampuskarten" to remind friends and family to stay off the naughty list.

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🎄 Naughty or Nice? Krampus vs. Santa Claus – The Ultimate Showdown

Trait	Santa Claus 🎅	Krampus 👹
Reward or Punish?	Rewards good kids 🎁	Punishes naughty kids 😱
Appearance	Jolly, round, red suit 🎅	Horned, furry, demonic face 😈
Personality	Kind & generous ❤️	Terrifying & vengeful 🔥
Symbolism	Christmas joy & generosity 🎄	Holiday fear & discipline 🩸
Arrival Date	December 6th (St. Nicholas Day)	December 5th (Krampusnacht)
Presents or Punishments?	Toys, candy, gifts 🎁	Coal, sticks, & possibly abduction 😨

🚨 Moral of the Story: Be good all year, or Krampus might come for you!

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📌 Final Thoughts – Is Krampus Just a Myth or a Warning?

The legend of Krampus reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about presents—it’s about behavior, tradition, and balance. Whether you believe in Krampus or not, his story has stood the test of time, evolving from a terrifying Christmas demon to a beloved holiday folklore icon.

🎭 Will you be celebrating Krampusnacht this year? Or are you hoping to stay on Santa’s nice list? Let us know in the comments! 👇🎅👹

The “first” Thanksgiving

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The True History of Thanksgiving & How It Became a National Holiday 🦃🍂

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved American holidays, centered around family, gratitude, and a bountiful feast. But how did the “First Thanksgiving” come to be, and how has it evolved into the modern holiday we celebrate today?

This guide explores the origins of Thanksgiving, its historical significance, traditional foods, and even how Black Friday became a part of the holiday season.

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🍁 The First Thanksgiving – Myth vs. Reality

The idea of the “First Thanksgiving” as we know it today originates from a letter written by Edward Winslow, a leader of the Plymouth Colony.

📜 The Original 1621 Harvest Festival:

• The three-day feast was a celebration of survival after a harsh first year in the New World.
• The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag people, who had helped them learn to farm and hunt.
• It was not a religious Thanksgiving, but rather a harvest festival to give thanks for a successful growing season.

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🥘 What Was on the Menu at the First Thanksgiving?

Unlike today’s Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, the original feast looked quite different.

🍗 Likely Foods at the 1621 Thanksgiving Feast:
✔️ Wild Game: Venison (deer), duck, goose, and possibly wild turkey.
🐟 Seafood: Mussels, lobster, clams, and fish were abundant.
🌽 Native American Crops: Corn, squash, beans, and root vegetables.
🥧 Early Pies & Fruits: Meat pies, pumpkin, cranberries (without sugar), and apples.

🚨 Fun Fact: Mashed potatoes were not served because potatoes had not yet been introduced to New England!

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🦃 How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

Despite the popularized 1621 feast, Thanksgiving was not an official holiday for over two centuries.

🏛️ Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation – Thanksgiving Becomes a Holiday (1863)

• President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
• He set the date as the last Thursday of November to unify the nation during the Civil War.

📅 Franklin D. Roosevelt & the Date Change (1941)

• In 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November.
• This was done to extend the holiday shopping season at the request of retailers, giving rise to Black Friday traditions.

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🛍️ The Evolution of Black Friday – How It Became a Shopping Tradition

Black Friday has been associated with Thanksgiving since the 1930s, but it truly exploded in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

🛒 The Origins of Black Friday:

• Retailers coined the term "Black Friday" to describe the day after Thanksgiving when businesses would move "into the black" (profit) from holiday shopping sales.
• Today, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, with retailers offering doorbuster sales, online discounts, and early holiday deals.
• Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) emerged in the 2000s, focusing on online shopping deals.

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🥂 Modern Thanksgiving Traditions in the U.S.

Today, Thanksgiving is about more than just history—it’s a time for family, gratitude, and American traditions.

🏡 Popular Thanksgiving Traditions:

🦃 Thanksgiving Feast: A huge meal with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
🏈 Thanksgiving Football Games: Watching or playing football is a classic Thanksgiving pastime.
🎈 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The annual New York City parade, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and Santa Claus, started in 1924.
🙏 Giving Thanks: Families go around the table sharing what they are thankful for.

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📌 Final Thoughts – The Legacy of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has evolved from a 1621 harvest festival to a national holiday that celebrates family, gratitude, and generosity. While food and traditions may have changed, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains the same—a time to reflect on our blessings and come together with loved ones.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🍂🦃💛

 

Phoenix Zoolights - 25th Annual Holiday Event

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo returns on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016.

Phoenix Zoolights features millions of lights, the annual holiday event is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Zoolights creatively displays Christmas Lights shaped as monkeys, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros and more. New displays are added each year to keep the experience fresh for visitors. Viewers of all ages will find the vast array of light displays completely engaging. Bring your family and stroll the zoo while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. Make this a family holiday tradition.

Candy Lane features candy cane light displays and a "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" 4D Experience.




Zoolights 2016 is open from 05:30 PM to 10:30 PM nightly, from November 23rd to January 8th; Including Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Members only nights are on November 21st and 22nd.

Non-peak Nights
$10.95 for members
$12.95 general admission

Peak Nights
$17.95 for members
$19.95 general admission

For a neat way to increase the fun, try Wild Eyes Animal 3D Glasses which create floating animal images on any point of light.

The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest non-profit, privately owned zoo in the United States. The zoo was founded by Robert Maytag (a member of the Maytag family) and sits on 125 acres of land.  Zoolights is the zoo’s largest fundraiser of the year and the proceeds go to help care for the 1400 animals that live there.