There’s something special about the holidays in Las Vegas that locals know all too well. The city already shines year-round, but once the season hits, the lights feel brighter, the energy picks up, and every corner seems to offer something extra.
It’s no surprise that you may even find a few familiar faces spending their holidays here with us as well.
We were out on Fremont Street taking in the ambiance of the lights and sounds when we got word that power couple Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union made a stop at Circa Las Vegas and enjoyed dinner at one of Las Vegas’ standout restaurants, Barry’s Downtown Prime. Hoping to catch even a glimpse of them, we made our way there as well. We spotted the couple as they were welcomed by longtime friend Chef Barry Dakake, who we hear helped cap off the night with a kitchen tour. Nothing but the best for those two, of course.
We sat at the bar to grab a drink or two when we spotted another notable face. With Las Vegas continuing to be a hub for all things sports and entertainment, it was no surprise that WWE legend Rey Mysterio was also in for dinner with friends and family, celebrating his birthday. Absent from the table was his son Dominik, something that didn’t go unnoticed. After a few laughs with Chef Barry, Rey headed to the casino, where he caught up with Circa Owner/CEO Derek Stevens and LVCVA President/CEO Steve Hill. A pretty iconic downtown moment, if you ask us.
Two days later, drama ensued as we got word that Dominik Mysterio was seen on the property meeting up with Circa Executive Richard Wilk. He was with a friend and made sure his presence was known. Before the meal even arrived, Dominik walked himself back into the kitchen, snapped photos with the staff, and even jumped in to help cook his own steak. Definitely something he would do, especially in Vegas. Maybe we should see if that would work if we tried that.
The WNBA has already made its mark in Las Vegas with the Aces dominating since their inception, and it still poses the question of whether the NBA will ever move here as well. But 1v1 basketball star Matthew “MK” Kiatipis is already making waves. Known as the self-proclaimed king of one-on-one basketball, he’s traveling the world helping grow the sport and turn it into a global phenomenon. With nearly two million Instagram followers backing him, he may be onto something. While staying at Circa for the holidays, he reportedly couldn’t stop talking about the fried rice at 8 East.
The holiday season is one of the best times to be in Las Vegas, especially for those of us who call it home. Whether it’s dining downtown, running into familiar faces, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the city has a way of making everyone feel welcome, even the biggest stars. Around here, it’s just another reminder that there’s no place quite like Vegas.
