There’s never a bad time to go to Vegas and that includes the most wonderful time of the year!
Here are the Best Christmas Activities in Vegas!
Rarely is there a bad time to visit Las Vegas. But a trip to the desert during the holiday season might just be the most wonderful time of the year. Just because it’s a desert and snow rarely falls on the ground, doesn’t mean you can’t get into the holiday spirit!
From cactus-lit adventures to ice-skating as you overlook the Strip, here are some of the best Christmas and holiday activities in Las Vegas.
Here are the 19 Best Christmas Activities in Vegas for your Christmas vacation this holiday season.
Las Vegas Christmas and Holiday Activities and Events
1. See the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (November – January )
The Strip isn’t the only place to find millions of twinkling, bright lights in Las Vegas.
Take a jaunt down to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a cruise through Las Vegas’ Glittering Lights. The drive-through experience, which lasts approximately 40 minutes, includes 2.5 miles of holiday-themed exhibits, refreshments, and the Santa Tram (additional ticket needed).
The cost of entry is per vehicle, so grab some friends and family, load up the truck bed (don’t worry, it’s allowed) and get ready to get into the holiday spirit.
Times: Sunday through Thursday from 4:45 pm to 9:00 pm and Friday, Saturday, and holidays from 4:45 pm to 10:00 pm. Times for January may differ.
2. Head to the LINQ Promenade (December – January )
Holiday magic is back at the LINQ Promenade! Enjoy the glow of the 30-foot Christmas tree centrally located near the dancing fountains as you wander through this temporary winter wonderland.
The LINQ Promenade is home to open-air dining, VR experiences, zip lining, concerts, live music, bars, and of course, the High Roller – the largest observation wheel in North America. Be sure to stick around for the High Roller’s Christmas light show, synchronized to holiday music during the festive season.
3. Be sure to see the Bellagio Fountains (November – January)
No trip to Vegas is complete without feeling the mist from the Bellagio Fountains.
And while the attraction’s song list typically features artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, the Bellagio switches things up during the holiday season.
Grab your hot cocoa and get ready to watch the bursts of water rhythmically shoot into the sky as holiday classics like O Holy Night and Santa Baby fill the air.
The fountains run daily, every 30 minutes, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and every 15 minutes from 7:00 pm to midnight. Times change for weekends and holidays, with shows running every 30 minutes from noon to 6:30 pm and every 15 minutes from 7:00 pm to midnight.
4. Don’t miss the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (November – January)
Who doesn’t love Christmas lights and the smell of fresh flowers?
If you’re looking for both, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are right up your alley.
The exhibit’s main attraction is the 42-foot fir tree crowned with a Swarovski crystal tree topper. But this season’s “Holiday Time” exhibit is a collection of whimsical scenes including decked-out trees with shades of red and green, snow-capped mountains, a cozy Swiss chalet, and Santa’s sleigh filled with gifts. Thousands of flowers construct large poinsettias and a life-size Christmas postcard – a great place for a photo op.
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are open 24 hours a day and free to the public.
5. Go ice skating at the Cosmopolitan (Mid November – January)
Named one of USA Today’s ten best ice skating rinks in North America, The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan is family-friendly, and can’t miss.
More than just a winter wonderland, the rink features food, warm cocktails, fire pits, and s’mores, not to mention the beautiful view of The Strip as you glide across the ice.
Warm yourself around the fire and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as well.
6. Visit Lee Canyon for a winter wonderland
When you think of Las Vegas, you likely don’t picture yourself zigzagging down the slopes of a snow-covered mountainside.
But, if you fancy getting outside of Las Vegas for the day, you can head to Lee Canyon, which is just an hour outside of the downtown area. While sledding is not allowed at the ski resort itself (have no fear, there are plenty of hills and fields to play in) snowboarding and skiing are available throughout the entire ski season, which ends around mid-March.
7. Say hi to Santa at the Springs Preserve Holiday Express (December)
All aboard! Ready to take the train to Santa’s village? We’ve got you covered.
The Springs Preserve is full of holiday activities that include cookie decorating, storytelling, a nutcracker display, and snow. Actual snow! And don’t worry, you’ll get some personal time with Santa, too.
The train runs every half hour from 11 am to 6 pm. Reservations are required and can be made in advance.
8. Visit Wynn’s Winter Wonderland (November, December)
The Wynn Resort is ushering in the holiday season with a Gulliver’s Travels-inspired exhibit in the casino’s atrium. With intricately decorated villages in hues of white and gold, this exhibit runs through November and December, is free to the public, and is open 24 hours a day.
9. Should we replace the Christmas tree? (November through January 2, 2022)
Vegas is known for doing things a little differently.
So if you want to trade in the traditional Balsam Fir for the Saguaro Cactus, then Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden is the place to go. Not only will you enjoy half a million lights draped over three acres of cacti, but you can also enjoy a holiday chocolate tasting.
Santa will also be on hand for photo ops (through Jan 1). Doors open at 5 pm nightly and close at 10 pm. Reservations are required.
10. The perfect gift awaits
Tis’ the season to be giving!
If you’re still finishing up your Christmas shopping, be sure to head to Fashion Show Mall (located on the Strip). With more than 250 stores to choose from, musical shows, and Santa himself, this is the place where fashion meets festive.
11. See a Las Vegas Christmas show
For decades the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur has wowed audiences with live jousting battles and Cornish hen dinners.
But during the holidays, the show turns festive, and guests are delighted by the “Twas the Knight” production. Several Vegas shows have Christmas versions of their traditional productions. Check out “This is Christmas” featuring Santa and Scourge himself.
Comedian and ventriloquist Terry Fator, performs his holiday show ” A Very Terry Christmas” at the New York-New York.
Don’t forget to see a holiday classic, The Nutcracker, which runs through December 26.
12. Visit the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens for lights, snow, and poinsettias (December – January)
Each year, snow-covered trees, beautiful poinsettias, and twinkling lights make their way into the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens. This free attraction is available 24 hours a day and runs through the first week of January.
13. Watch Scuba Santa at Mandalay Bay (December)
Sure, you can find Santa at all kinds of stops in Vegas, but the least likely place you’d think to find him is swimming amongst sharks and sea turtles at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef and Aquarium.
Yes, you heard that right, jolly old Saint Nick himself dons his scuba gear and dives in, to interact with the exhibit’s most beautiful creatures – sharks. Diving Santa will appear at miscellaneous times through the holiday season. Don’t forget to bring a camera!
14. Cowboy Christmas – NFR Gift Show
Enjoy one of the largest Cowboy gift shows along with other exciting Rodeo events at the Las Vegas convention center.
Cowboy Christmas will run from December 1-10, feature over 350+ vendors, and is free to enter.
15. Enjoy a light display at the Venetian (December)
In front of the Venetian, you’ll find one of Vegas’ tallest, and brightest Christmas trees. At 65 feet tall, this tree is easily visible from the Strip itself, with 50,000 programmable lights.
It is located just outside the Grand Canal Shoppes, which are also festively decorated for the holiday season.
16. Get ready to eat
Las Vegas has several award-winning restaurants, and it may be a little difficult to get to all of them during your visit. Have no fear, a food tour is here!
Specifically, during the holidays, chefs whip seasonal dishes guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Related: Best celebrity restaurants in Las Vegas
17. Enchant Las Vegas – Resorts World
Enjoy one of the largest light mazes right on the Vegas Strip.
Experience lighted sculptures, ice skating, food, and other games from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1.
Locations include both Resort World and Las Vegas Ballpark.
18. Walk through a magical forest at Opportunity Village (Nov. 25 – Dec.31)
The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, winter villages, train rides a merry-go-round, and other exciting rides. Great food is the cherry on top of all the holiday cheer.
All proceeds go towards programs and services for over 3,000 people with disabilities at Opportunity Village.
19. Fly high to see it all
Ready to treat yourself? Merry Christmas to you! Schedule a night flight via helicopter over the Strip and take in all of the holiday sights from hundreds of feet above. Day and night flights are available.
Holidays in Vegas – Overall Thoughts
Spending the holidays in the middle of the desert can provide some of the most unique experiences for travelers and locals alike. We look forward to seeing you this year and hope this list of experiences inspires you to explore all that Vegas has to offer during the holiday season!
Tom Hamilton - Author
Hi, I am Tom, and I love Las Vegas. You may see me lounging at the pool, catching a late-night show, or trying my luck at craps while out in Las Vegas.
I hope my tips and information can help people plan an enjoyable vacation and do so while saving money.
