Announced in July 2017, the Front Yard at Ellis Island has finally opened. The two-story, indoor-outdoor beer garden and restaurant fills the entire “front yard” of the casino; it’s temperature-­controlled, with big picture windows overlooking the Strip from the upper level (retractable shades block the sun and heat when necessary). It also features a bar with video poker and another just for drinking, numerous TV screens, including one that’s 18 feet wide and a display of constantly changing exterior colors. It has its own kitchen for sports bar food and the beer will be served direct from Ellis Island’s microbrewery.

Conservatory Christmas: The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden’s holiday display is in place. It features a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, along with oversized horses, polar bears and toy soldiers, along with a stately queen. The display will run through Jan. 4 and is free to view.

Karaoke on the Strip: When it opens in February in a long-vacant space next to Sushi­Samba in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, KAMU Ultra Karaoke will be the first high-­end karaoke club on the Strip. The lounge and restaurant will be open to all ages from noon to 8 p.m. daily, then to adults-only from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Celebrity chef Chris Oh will oversee the menu.

Showroom closing: Downtown will be less one performance venue when the D closes its second­-floor showroom on Jan. 6. The space will be used to expand the sportsbook, with the enhanced book opening in time for the NCAA basketball tournament in March.

Question: Is Beyonce planning an extended run on the Strip?

Answer: Rumors flew recently that a Beyonce residency that would make her the highest-paid performer on the Strip would be announced before the new year. So far there’s been no confirmation and a Beyonce spokesperson denied the reports, but denials have a way of becoming realities in these situations.

For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons, and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.