The Venetian(R) Macao proudly launched Winter in Venice Wednesday, the biggest holiday carnival in Macao and a first in Asia. From now until January 13, 2013, The Venetian Macao will be transformed into a majestic winter wonderland, with eight weeks of celebrations and festivities throughout the integrated resort. Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, Winter in Venice will be Macao’s most entertaining seasonal event, and features one of the world’s largest architectural 3D video mapping projects ever created, the spectacular 3D light and sound show, “The Magic of the Seasons.” A crowd of enthralled onlookers gathered to enjoy the show's debut Wednesday evening from the resort's snow-covered approach.
“Winter in Venice was first introduced at The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas last Christmas to enormous applause. This year, thanks to the support of the Macao Government Tourist Office, we are delighted to introduce Winter in Venice to the region and to offer a grand celebration of the winter season for people who visit Macao,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. “We are inviting everyone, from families and couples to business travellers, locals and Macao first-time visitors, to join us for the holiday fun. Winter in Venice will be the ultimate destination and an iconic event creating an unforgettable holiday experience for all.”
A major highlight of Winter in Venice is the spectacular 3D light and sound show “The Magic of the Seasons,” which will be hosted nightly at The Venetian Macao lagoon, every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 10 pm, with free admission. The dazzling holiday light show, which is made possible by innovative digital video mapping technology, spans over 43,000 square feet (4,000 square metres) and takes spectators on a journey themed on the four seasons. Images are projected onto The Venetian Macao’s fa?ade, creating a stunning visual experience. Night-time gondola rides in the outdoor lagoon during weekends are a great option for viewing the stunning visuals.
The Venetian’s front exterior has been decorated in winter themes reminiscent of the city of Venice. One of Macao’s biggest outdoor Christmas trees towers elegantly over the lagoon area. Surrounded by festooned holiday lights and seasonal d?cor, guests can try skating outdoors at the first and only synthetic ice-skating rink on the Cotai Strip?, alongside specially-costumed Streetmosphere performers — the Snow Queen, Nutcracker soldiers, contortionists and magicians who will meet and greet visitors, providing occasions for memorable photos.
Photo Opportunities with Giant Snow Globe & Music Box
Guests can also get complimentary entry for a family of four into the Giant Snow Globe located at Shoppes Grand Canal’s St. Mark’s Square. Visitors can also venture across the street to experience the Giant Christmas Music Box, featuring a sleigh and twirling ballerina, located on the third floor of Shoppes Cotai Central. Santa Claus will appear at designated periods around the Giant Music Box, for visitors to capture memorable moments with him. Guests can also take photos at five smaller snow globes throughout Shoppes Cotai showcasing the 12 Days of Christmas. At Shoppes at Four Seasons, two giant Christmas ornaments also serve as the perfect backdrop for holiday photo opportunities.
Swan Lake on Ice Debuts at the Venetian Theatre
Throughout the eight-week celebration, guests can enjoy the finest holiday touches. The world-class ice dance sensation, Swan Lake on Ice, is one of the highlights of the Winter in Venice extravaganza. The show is being staged at the Venetian Theatre and is performed by the Moscow-based Imperial Ice Stars and its cast of professional Olympic, World, European and National Championship ice skaters. Having won the Manchester Evening News “Best Special Entertainment Award” in 2007, the breathtaking production is performed to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and well-loved score, against lavish backdrops and scenery created by one of the Australasia’s leading scenic designers, Eamon D’Arcy. Other spectacular performances at the Venetian Theatre during this festive season include Motown legends The Commodores. The CotaiArena? is also hosting numerous live music concerts featuring sought-after singers and superstar groups like 2 PM and Hacken Lee.
Winter in Venice Photo Competition
Macao residents are invited to participate in a special photo competition by capturing festive moments from the various attractions of Winter in Venice. Entries of original photos must be submitted to participating local photo shops between November 26 and December 7, 2012 to qualify, with each contestant allowed to submit a maximum of 15 photos. Winning photos will be announced on December 19 and will be displayed at the Winter in Venice Photo Exhibition.
Seasonal Food and Beverages — Winter MarketPlace
Special Christmas menus will be available at restaurants Portofino and Bambu at The Venetian Macao on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, for guests to enjoy cozy, festive meals with family and friends. Festive food and beverages will also be available at designated booths in the lagoon area.
The Venetian Macao Package
The best way to experience Winter in Venice is by staying overnight at The Venetian Macao, taking advantage of additional experiences available to guests. The Titanic Package at The Venetian Macao starts from HK$1,798* and includes two complimentary tickets to Titanic The Exhibition, a choice of two Cotai Water Jet Cotai class one-way tickets from Macao to Hong Kong, or a gondola ride for two at Shoppes Grand Canal. Book The Titanic Package between November 21, 2012 and January 13, 2013, also come with a pair of complimentary Winter in Venice ice skating tickets. Bookings can be made online at www.venetianmacao.com or via local travel agents.
Guests staying overnight can expect festive holiday touches including Christmas candy canes upon arrival and a sincere “Welcome to Winter in Venice” greeting. Strolling carolers and gondoliers singing holiday classics will set the mood as festive music plays throughout the resort, with joyful winter d?cor inside and out.
The one-of-a-kind festive celebration runs from November 21, 2012 to January 13, 2013. For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com/winterinvenice.
* All rates are in MOP/HKD and subject to 5% government tax and 10% service charge
Photo caption: The Venetian? Macao presents one of the world’s biggest outdoor 3D light and sound shows “The Magic of the Seasons” at the exterior fa?ade spans over 43,000 square feet by using innovative digital video mapping technology.