Las Vegas is a city best known for its casinos, night life, shopping, dining, entertainment and fun- and you can’t get more fun than the Christmas holidays! While there’s plenty to do year-round in Las Vegas, they really up the ante for the holidays in December. Whether you want to see (more!) lights (the bigger the better – and you’ll see all the casinos getting in on that seasonal competition!), take in a stage show, meet Santa, go ice-skating or shop till you drop, Sin City has you covered. Let’s go explore…
Before we dive in to the festive madness that is Las Vegas at Christmas, here are some useful tips:
Good To Know Before You Go To Las Vegas This Christmas
Although Las Vegas will be busy over the holidays, mornings are typically less crowded if you want to hit the casino.
Winter in Las Vegas typically sees highs of 60°F, and lows of 27°F, so dress in layers so you’re well covered for all eventualities as you explore.
Most attractions, shops, casinos, bars, restaurants, and buffets will stay open on Christmas Day. Note that prices might be doubled! We recommend eating in a hotel cafe if you’re on a budget.
Where To Go And What To See In Las Vegas This December
Bellagio Conservatory & Bellagio Fountain
The Bellagio Conservatory at the Bellagio should be your first holiday stop, a massive display in the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens packed with your favorite characters and wintry themed decor. In past years there were polar bears, penguins and a ten-foot long train made almost entirely of carnations and roses, and a miniature gingerbread cottage and bakeshop with elves. In 2023, the theme is Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker – and we’ll let your imagination take you where it may with that one- be sure to go see what the super talented Horticulture and Engineering teams have created for us this year!
Topping it all off is the renowned 42-foot-tall, fresh-cut white fir tree from California’s Mt. Shasta, annually decorated with 10,000 twinkling lights and 8,700 sparkling ornaments.
The Bellagio Fountains have naturally been programmed to play the festive greats to delight visitors of all ages.
Open 24/7 through January 7.
Free entrance.
Where: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas.
Enchant At Las Vegas Ballpark
If you thought Las Vegas couldn’t possibly plug in any more lights, you haven’t visited Enchant! Friends and family will love taking on the challenge of the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze adventure (all 90,000 square feet of it!) and the holiday-themed scavenger hunt around stunning light sculptures.
There’s also an ice skating trail, Christmas village packed with artisan vendors selling locally-made treats, a children’s play area, and photo ops with Santa Claus.
Open through December 31.
Tickets: Adults from $34, Under 17s from $25.
Where: 1650 South Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas.
Wynn’s Winter Wonderland
Gulliver’s Travels is open to guests big and small at Wynn’s this year- six beautifully crafted miniature wintery villages to explore and photograph in the Atrium at Wynn Las Vegas.
Open 24/7, throughout December.
Where: The Atrium at Wynn Las Vegas.
The Ice Rink At The Cosmopolitan
What could be more awe-inspiring than a 4,200-square-foot rooftop ice rink? Add a few warm cocktails, holiday movies and fire pits for s’more roasting to the mix and you’ve got festive heaven! And if that’s not enough, there are light “snow” showers every 30 minutes!
Located high above the Strip (Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower), The Ice Rink is right where the Boulevard Pool usually sits out of the festive season.
Open through January 2, Monday – Friday, 4pm – 11pm; Saturday – Sunday, noon to 11pm. December 24 and 25 open noon – midnight.
Entry to people-watch around the rink is free. All day skating access is $30 per person.
Where: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.
Rock Rink At Downtown Summerlin
The signature 8,000 square-foot ice rink promises not just space to glide and twirl on, but plenty of joyful holiday music and an impressive 40-foot holiday tree besides! All ages welcome.
A holiday train runs through January 15 circling the ice-skating rink and tree. ($5 per adult and child).
Open through January 15, Mondays – Thursdays 4pm – 9pm; Fridays 4pm – 10pm; Saturdays 10 am – 10pm; and Sundays 11 am – 8pm. (10am – 10pm daily during school holidays).
Skate rentals start at $15.00.
Where: 1825 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas.
The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
Moving along Park Center Drive from Foot Locker to CREAM, the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade is a free Las Vegas holiday tradition you should be sure not to miss out on, guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy festive music as floats pass you by, with decor and characters inspired by the best holiday movies- snow princesses and princes, toy soldiers, nutcrackers, drummers, dancers, and of course, Santa!
Every Friday and Saturday through December 16, kicking off at 6pm.
Free.
Where: Park Center Drive.
Glittering Lights At The Las Vegas Motor Speedway
You’ll ideally need a car to enjoy this famous holiday light display, a 2.5-mile drive-through light show with over 600 displays and more than 5 million lights that draws over 350,000 visitors each year! If you don’t want to drive- grab a seat on the Santa Tram.
While there, don’t miss the Avenue of Trees, which showcases 55+ charities with custom dedicated signs and trees.
Open through January 7. Sunday – Thursday 4.45pm – 9pm, Friday, Saturday and Holidays: 4.45pm – 10pm.
Ticket: $39 per vehicle.
Where: 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas.
Immersive Nutcracker
Taken off the stage so you can actually walk through it, this is a new take on the famous Christmas ballet. Expect beautiful projected visuals and the iconic music you know and love in this 30-minute holiday spectacular, ideal for all ages.
Open through December 30, daily 11am – 8.30pm.
Tickets from $30.
Where: Top floor inside The Shops at Crystals, 3720 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas.
Aria’s Winter Wonderland Display
Mixing Hansel and Gretel with the holidays in the center of the ARIA lobby, is a winter wonderland made almost entirely of edible treats! It takes over 200 hours (and a LOT of sugar!) for the Aria pastry team to complete, and features a different theme each year. If you get hungry while photographing their masterpiece, head over to The Aria Patisserie nearby to buy some tasty treats and warm drinks.
Open Monday – Thursday 12pm – 8pm, Friday through Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
Free entry.
Where: 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas.
The Cactus Trees At The Ethel M Chocolate Factory
While most Christmas trees are made using Douglas Firs, Las Vegas has cactus, and the three-acre cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolate Factory is packed with 300 types of them – all done up for the festive season in over half a million twinkling lights, as animated reindeer and other holiday characters join you in trying to avoid the prickles! Also on-site is the chance to see chocolate houses and sculptures, and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate artisans working their chocolatey magic. Don’t forget to have your photo taken with Santa before he flies off to the North Pole!
Open through December 31, 5pm – 10pm (Factory & Chocolate Shoppe open daily from 8:30am – 10pm).Ticket: $2 per person, all of which is donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank.
Where: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson.
The Holiday Experience At The Park
The Holiday Experience at The Park promises promenading carolers belting out the classics for a magical festive vibe. Walk with them to Toshiba Plaza for vendors selling holiday treats like mulled wine, German sausages and waffles, with pop-up live entertainment to carry through the Christmas spirit.
Open every Friday – Sunday in December, and a few select dates in between, 4pm – 8pm.
Free.
Where: 3782 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.
The Flamingo And Linq Promenade
Two Vegas Strip hotels team up for festive fun. Immerse yourself in lights, music, holiday decor and smiles all around!
The Flamingo’s festivities usually consist of bright pink decorations and a giant snow globe at the Wildlife Habitat. Cozy fire pits are available to warm up around as you sip grownup drinks from the Flamingo Bar or pop-up bar, whose festive=themed cocktails are a must-try!
The LINQ Promenade’s 30-foot Christmas tree is just a teaser to the storefronts tempting you with holiday treats like Candy Cane Cheesecake at Favorite Bistro, hot cocoa at Ghirardelli, and a great discount on tickets for Virtual Reality Adventures. And don’t miss out on a ride on the Las Vegas High Roller, lit up for Christmas and soaring 55 stories over the city.
Open through January 2.
Free entrance.
Where: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.
Mystic Falls Park At Sam’s Town Hotel And Gambling Hall
Mystic Falls Park is a year-round indoor attraction with a waterfall, live trees, and nightly laser shows under the 10-story high skylight. But at Christmas, the wow-factor gets ramped up a notch or two, with a different theme every year!
Expect an 18-foot Christmas tree in a forest of snow-covered trees, 26,000 twinkling lights, and special holiday decorations that transform the park into a truly awe-inspiring winter wonderland. Don’t miss the chance to peek inside Santa’s workshop where the elves are busy making Christmas treats! Every day there will also be a nine-minute holiday laser light show every hour between 2pm and 10pm.
Open through January 1, daily 24/7.
Entrance is free.
Where: Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas.
Magical Forest At Opportunity Village
Over 150,000 people visit Magical Forest every year to enjoy a full-on winter festival with attractions, food and millions of sparkling lights – with carousels, trains, and holiday joy. For some thirty years, Opportunity Village has been creating the Magical Forest to raise funds for programs and services for 3,000+ people with disabilities.
Open through December 21, Sunday – Thursday 5:30pm – 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Tickets from $24 per person (includes unlimited rides and attractions for the evening).
Where: 6300 West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146 at the corner of S. Torrey Pines.
Rockin’ Christmas At M Resort
Presented by World of Illumination, Rockin’ Christmas is an audio-visual experience that you’ll be hard-pressed to beat anywhere! This is the world’s largest animated drive-through, a mile-long display of millions of colorful lights and hundreds of moving musical displays. Don’t forget to take along some hot chocolate for you and the gang!
Open through December 31, every Tuesday – Sunday 6pm – 10 pm.
Tickets: $40 per vehicle.
Where: 12300 Las Vegas Blvd S. Henderson.
Scuba Santa At The Silverton Casino Hotel Aquarium
Ever seen Santa Claus dressed up in scuba gear? Put it on your list and head over to Silverton! Santa will be swimming around the hotel’s 117,000-gallon aquarium among their 4,000 sharks, stingrays and tropical fish, with a microphone so he can talk to the kids outside and pose for photos. You might also enjoy Mermaid Tales – Holiday story time with the Silverton Mermaids.
Open through December 24, 12pm – 12.30pm, 12.45pm – 1.15pm, 2pm – 2.30pm, 2.45pm – 3.15pm
Free entrance.
Where: 3333 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas.
Santa In The Shipwreck At Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium
See Santa in his scuba gear swimming around the shark-infested shipwreck. Kids can nibble on something sweet and leave Santa their lists before he dries off, says farewell to the sharks, and flies back to the North Pole. Special appearances by Santa Jaws happen every hour for photos and interaction with kids and families.
Open through December 24, Weekends, 10am – 4pm.
Tickets: Adults $29 (timed entry) and $39 (anytime tickets), Children (5 – 12): $24 (timed entry) and $31 (anytime). Under 4s are free.
Where: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.
Santa’s Wonderland At The Bass Pro Shops
Santa’s Wonderland Event at the Bass Pro Shops is packed with fun and gifts for the kids. While there, get a free 4×6 photo with Santa as well as a free craft!
Call ahead to make sure the photo line is open: 702-730-5200.
Open through December 24.
Free entrance.
Where: Bass Pro Shops (Next to Silverton Hotel Casino), 8200 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas.
Head To A Holiday Themed Vegas Show
Let the Nevada Ballet Theater take you to the Nutcracker’s magical fairyland, or let All Motown, Terry Fator, and Frankly Frank get your bells jingling with ho-ho-hos with their fun-packed holiday shows. And don’t miss the seasonal version of the Tournament of Kings joust!
Here’s a list of other family-friendly shows in Las Vegas that will bring you some fun with a touch of that festive feeling (and yes, they are open on Christmas Day!):
- Michael Jackson ONE Show
- Jabbawockeez
- The Beatles LOVE
- Blue Man Group
- V – The Ultimate Variety Show
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil
- All Shook Up – Tribute to the King Show
- Illuminate
- America’s Got Talent Live
- Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
And Last But Not Least…Check Out The Festive Store Fronts!
Las Vegas is renowned for its malls and esplanades, and their displays at Christmas are unbeatable and a must for your holiday list. Las Vegas boasts more than 1000 shops to delight you with their displays and to entice you in to get shopping and check off everything on your gift list.
Our favorite shopping destinations are The Fashion Show Las Vegas, with its nearly 250 stores and restaurants, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Boulevard Mall or Le Blvd. at Paris Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and the high-end Via Bellagio.
All will be open Christmas Day except Fashion Show Las Vegas, Town Square Shopping Center, and Boulevard Mall.
What Else Can I Do During The Holidays?
If you need even MORE holiday spirit, head across to Los Angeles for Christmas events. There is tons going on! There are also some great traditional European markets to shop at in Oregon and Colorado – the Silverton German Christmas Market in Oregon, and the Christkindl Market in Denver.
But while you’re in Las Vegas, why not try the SkyJump for the ultimate year-round (weather-permitting) Las Vegas bungee jumping thrill? Then, to calm your nerves, pop along to one of Nevada’s free natural hot springs and soothe away the past year’s stresses and rejuvenate ahead of the New Year.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Traxplorio!
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the most up-to-date information, we always recommend you do your own research before you travel to a particular area or visit a specific destination, and check conditions with relevant official authorities. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your adventure!
