Oh, the bright lights of Vegas! It's no wonder so many Canadians flock down every year.

According to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries of the U.S. Department of Commerce, approximately 1.4 million Canadians visited Las Vegas in 2006. This number is sure to increase during this holiday season, especially given the boost in worth of the Canadian dollar in 2007.

So, if you're considering hanging out on the Las Vegas Strip for your upcoming holiday, here are the top shows and new attractions to look forward to for the 2008 season.

Criss Angel Teams Up with Cirque du Soleil. Criss Angel, the popular TV magician or "mindfreak" will be performing in a new show alongside Cirque du Soleil. The show will have the flair and artistry of all Cirque du Soleil shows with the mystical and magical style of Criss Angel. Shows will begin during the summer of 2008 at the Luxor Resort and Casino.

Au Revoir Celine and Bonjour Miss Midler. Beginning late February 2008, Bette Midler will become Caesars Palace's new resident songstress and entertainer. She will be taking over Celine Dion's place in Caesar's Colosseum, and has signed for 2 years.

Bring Your Skates to the Vegas. At Lake Las Vegas Resorts until February 16^th, 2008, you'll be able to bring your skates and work on your tan at the same time. With a 12,000 pound freezer unit to keep the ice rink cool, you'll be able to experience the best of the winter holidays while in Vegas. The ice rink is located on the shores of MonteLago Village, a reminiscent Tuscan styled village at Lake Las Vegas.

The Donald Makes His Mark on Vegas. The $500 million Trump International Hotel & Towers complex will open in 2008. It will be one of the few properties on the Las Vegas Strip without a casino, but makes up for that with a luxurious private spa, fitness centre, and a world-class gourmet restaurant fit for kings and queens (or, Donald Trump).

Eat Like the Sopranos. Chef Steve Martorano has brought his home style Italian cooking to Café Martorano at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. As caterer to the cast of "The Sopranos," there is no mistake that Chef Martorano's celebrity and renown is sought after in Vegas alongside his first Café Martorano Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Just announced in early December 2007, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will now be represented in Canada by VoX International, Inc., a Canadian travel industry advertising agency.

What this means is a bigger focus on gearing packages and events to Canadians, great rates and deals for travelling last minute or during holidays, and increased marketing and advertising strategies to the public. That's great news for everyone!

So keep your eyes open and watch out for the latest Las Vegas trips and deals - and be sure to check out the newest Las Vegas has to offer in 2008.

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