In response to:
After 13/14 years of being single, I find the same thing. Special times and holidays can be a challenge.
When I travel to Vegas with my USA buddies... they usually gamble.. and I *Do* stuff...
I meet them for breakfast, then I go off and do whatever ever I have planned.. I leap on the buses, monorails,taxis and go off exploring.. I go for lunch on my own, exhibitions, shows etc. Sightseeing. (indoor sky diving haha).. helicopter flights (I do those every year- coz im sad like that haha)
And if they are gambling in the evening, I do the the same thing.. I go to bars on my own, sample the cocktails

go watch a band.. Up the Paris tower.. or (as I usually do at night) spend most of the evening watching the water shows at the Bellagio, cramming frozen margaritas down my neck.
I talk to anyone and everyone.. so I never feel lonely, I've met and stayed in touch with some lovely people that way.