Last updated on February 17th, 2026
Looking for fun and festive things to do during Christmas in Las Vegas?
I’ve got your complete guide to everything happening during the holidays in Vegas right here!
We have family in Las Vegas and visit every year during the holiday season. Las Vegas is packed with tons of amazing experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
Did you know there’s an ice skating rink right on the Vegas Strip? Or that you can visit a winter wonderland filled with millions of lights? Even share your Christmas wish list with Underwater Santa at the Silverton Aquarium? Not to mention celebrating the New Year on the Strip!
Though many people think of Vegas as a hot weather destination, Christmas in Las Vegas is filled with festive winter activities and lot of fun things to do for adults and families alike.
Top 5 Picks: Things to Do During the Holidays in Las Vegas
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best family-friendly things to do during Christmastime in Las Vegas, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Walk through the holiday display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Their beautiful installations never disappoint, but during the holiday season it is absolutely stunning!
► Take a spin around The Ice Rink and enjoy their firepits and more at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.
► Visit Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden decked out with over one million lights at Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden. (It is only $3 and all proceeds benefit charity!)
► Check out the always free and fabulous holiday laser light show at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
► Take a super kid-friendly train ride aboard the North Pole Express.
Keep reading for more details on these top five holiday activities in Las Vegas, plus lots more ideas to help you plan your trip!
Christmas in Las Vegas – Things to Do on The Strip
From ice skating to light shows, here are the best things to do during the holiday season on the Las Vegas Strip.
The LINQ Promenade
If you are going to be on the Vegas Strip during the holidays, be sure to wander through The LINQ Promenade. During the holidays, this open-air dining and shopping district transforms into a modern winter wonderland with festive décor, a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, and a sparkling holiday light show on the High Roller, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels.
Soaring 55 stories over the Strip, the Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel illuminates the sky with dazzling holiday-colored lights, featuring more than 2,000 LED lights synchronized to popular holiday music during the nightly “Lights at The LINQ” show.
- 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- caesars.com/linq
The Bellagio Resort & Casino
The Bellagio gives you two great reasons to visit during Christmas in Las Vegas.
First, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will celebrate all things merry and bright with thousands of plants and flowers with its glamorous winter holiday installation. We’ve visited the Conservatory almost every year, and it is always breathtaking. The holiday display at the Bellagio is free and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This year, the holiday installation will run from November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026. Happy to say this is earlier than previous years! We visited the Bellagio over Thanksgiving last year and the Conservatory was closed as they were installing the holiday display – which did not open until early December. So kicking off the Las Vegas Christmas season on November 15 is an awesome change!
Also at the Bellagio Las Vegas, the Fountains at The Bellagio will have holiday-themed performances throughout the season, choreographed to classic holiday songs like “Sleigh Ride” and “Carol of the Bells” for a special Las Vegas Christmas experience.
The water show featuring holiday music will appear through early January 2026. Fountain performances begin at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. on Saturday and holidays, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
- 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- bellagio.com
The Ice Rink at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
There’s a reason The Ice Rank at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas was named one of USA Today‘s 10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America.
During Christmas in Vegas, The Cosmopolitan transforms its Boulevard Pool into The Ice Rink, a roof-top ice skating rink overlooking the Strip. The rink is more than 4,200 square feet of real ice! You can also roast s’mores at fire pits, try adult renditions of seasonal cocktails, and take in the view of vibrant city lights.
Admission to The Ice Rink is complimentary, though skate rentals will cost $30.
This is a really cool experience, and even if you don’t want to skate I recommend you pop up to take a look and enjoy the ambiance. We had a wonderful experience sitting outside by the fire pits (it was chilly even during the daytime!) and enjoying the holiday ambiance.
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Hotel will be open from the end of November through mid-January 2026 – exact dates to be confirmed and updated soon!
Throughout the season there will be some great special events at The Ice Rink, as well, including photos with Santa, Date Skate Movies, Coca-Cola Holiday Village, and a New Years Eve Fireworks Viewing Party.
- 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Visiting the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas any time of year, but during the holiday season it is extra special. The area literally sparkles with twinkling lights and festive ornaments.
In addition to the spectacular seasonal décor, the Flamingo Holiday Festival offers a menu of holiday drinks and sweet treats at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. Don’t forget to snap a pic with the giant snow globe!
- 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas
Shark Reef Aquarium
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay offers a special holiday event called “Santa in the Shipwreck” during the Christmas season.
You can see Santa Claus and Santa Jaws (a shark-themed character) in the shipwreck exhibit. Santa will plunge into the Shipwreck waters alongside the marine life. Catch a glimpse of Diving Santa at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on weekends in December.
- 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- mandalaybay.com/shark-reef-aquarium
ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA Resort & Casino is sweetening up the holiday season with its festive lobby display, handcrafted by a team of ARIA pastry chefs and made of chocolate, sugar and fondant pastry art creations. The display is free to visit and open 24 hours.
On display this holiday season is a life-size gingerbread man, a donut tower, sugar-filled candy canes, an overflowing cup of hot cocoa, ice cream cones, snowflakes and more, all made entirely of chocolate, sugar and fondant.
- 3730 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- aria.com
The Venetian Resort
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas celebrates the “Season of Sparkle” with a festive lineup of holiday season happenings. Get into the holiday spirit with the Streetmosphere Holiday Spectacular at Grand Canal Shoppes, where performers will sing traditional carols (in Italian, of course) and the Clock Tower in St. Mark’s Square will be illuminated with a holiday-themed digital show.
- 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- venetianlasvegas.com
Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens
Be sure to check out the Palazzo this Christmas in Las Vegas! The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens feature a 20-foot snow-covered trees, holiday lights, and thousands of poinsettias. Admission is free, and the area is open to the public 24 hours a day.
The “Love” sign pictured above from last year has currently been replaced with a Wizard of Oz display, but holiday decorations in the area will still be up for Christmas 2025!
- 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- venetianlasvegas.com/the-palazzo
Winter Wonderland at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The newest resort on the Vegas Strip transforms their Oasis Pool into the Oasis Ice Rink this holiday season, with movie nights, ice skating, fire pits, and much more! Fontainebleau will hold two holiday-themed events: Deck the Doors (holiday wreath-making) and Holiday Sweets (learn to craft sweet treats).
The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Fontaine, is hosting a Santa Brunch on select dates in December, and the resort will feature plenty of festive decor and special holiday cocktails throughout the season.
Fontainebleau is truly a beautiful, upscale resort, and we really loved visiting it (did not stay overnight, just spent some time there during the day). My one biggest complaint that I’ve heard echoed over and over is that it is pretty far removed from the main part of the Vegas Strip.
- 2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
- fontainebleaulasvegas.com
Wynn Las Vegas
Of all the resorts on the Vegas Strip, Wynn Las Vegas at Christmas really takes the cake for most opulent decor!
Wynn Las Vegas is ringing in the season and celebrating the holidays with festive offerings throughout the resort. The resort decks the halls with dozens of Christmas trees and festive wreaths, while offering holiday-inspired cocktails and other beverages throughout the resort.
- 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
- wynnlasvegas.com
The Forum Shops
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are dressed up for the holidays in Las Vegas with show-stopping décor throughout the center. Anchored by the iconic 40-foot-feature tree shimmering in 42,000 gold and white LED lights and ornaments, the stunning decorations also include four, 8-foot-tall Roman Centurion toy soldiers, Instagram-worthy holiday sets and photo backdrops.
The Forum Shops is also home to the Fall of Atlantis Show and Aquarium. Be sure to check it out while you’re there (near the Cheesecake Factory) for one of the best free kid-friendly things to do in Las Vegas.
- 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
- caesars.com/caesars-palace/shopping
‘Twas the Knight at Excalibur Hotel & Casino
The Tournament of Kings Arena at Excalibur Hotel & Casino transforms into a magical and medieval winter wonderland with “Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight.”
Excalibur’s 900-seat arena Tournament of Kings arena magically transforms into a medieval winter wonderland with décor, music, costumes, holiday cheer, and “snow.”
The family-friendly “‘Twas the Knight” show runs from November 27 through December 25 (2025 dates to be confirmed). Shows are scheduled Wednesday through Monday nights at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
- 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
- excalibur.com/twas-the-knight
► Planning a family getaway to Las Vegas? Check out these Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas.
Christmas in Las Vegas – Things to Do off The Strip
Silverton Casino Hotel
Silverton Casino Hotel transforms its Shady Grove Lounge into the BAD ELF Pop-Up Bar for the holiday season.
Inspired by Elf on a Shelf, the pop-up bar experience features a holiday cocktail menu and fabulous photo backdrops. As the story goes, a gang of spirited elves has chosen to add holiday flair to Shady Grove Lounge to make it look a bit more like the North Pole. There are lights, wrapped presents, oversized ornaments, and dozens of elves suspended from the ceiling. Not exactly family-friendly (in fact only those 21 and over can enter) but definitely a fun and unique Las Vegas Christmas event.
BAD ELF Pop-Up Bar at the Silverton Casino Hotel will be open from November through January 1, 2026.
A much more kid-friendly holiday attraction at the Silverton takes place at its aquarium.
On Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 through December 23, you can enjoy holiday story time with the Silverton Mermaids, or tell Underwater Santa and his helpers what you want for Christmas! Plus, kids love to watch the fish and rays. It is not a huge aquarium by any means (more like a giant tank in my opinion), but the Silverton certainly makes the most of it.
- 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas
- silvertoncasino.com
Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory
Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory dazzles locals and visitors with its annual three-acres of cacti covered in more than one million holiday lights.
Every evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., November 6 through January 3, 2026, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden will be decked out with 500,000 lights, animated figures, and other holiday decor.
Admission is only $3, and all proceeds will be donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank. This is one of the cheapest Las Vegas Christmas activities around, and the whole family can enjoy it together!
- 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson
- ethelm.com
Sam’s Town
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall once again lights up its festive winter display at Mystic Falls Park, a time-honored tradition that does back to 1994. The seasonal décor in the indoor atrium makes the season merry and bright with its winter wonderland display. It features festive décor and a holiday laser light show set to classics like “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Frosty the Snowman.” The laser light show runs every hour between 4 and 10 p.m.
You can also drop off a letter for Santa in Santa’s Mailbox, located at the gazebo inside Mystic Falls Park.
Mystic Falls is totally free to enter and is open 24 hours a day. The holiday display runs nightly from November 27 through January 1, 2026.
- 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas
- samstownlv.com
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Las Vegas Speedway hosts Glittering Lights – A Drive-Thru Lights Show November 7 through January 4, 2026. The dazzling array of festive lights and sounds feature more than five million LED lights that intertwine a 2.5-mile course around the track. So big, it takes around 40 minutes to drive through the light show!
If you prefer – instead of driving through the course on your own, you can ride on the Santa Tram, an outdoor open-air tram. You can also meet Santa, play games, have hot cocoa & kettle corn, and more.
Named one of the “Best places to see Christmas lights in the U.S.” by CNN Travel, Glittering Lights is one of the most popular Las Vegas Christmas activities.
- 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas
- glitteringlightslasvegas.com
Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Don’t miss Enchant, an immersive outdoor holiday experience at Las Vegas Ballpark. Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark is extremely family-friendly and one of the best places to see Christmas Lights in Las Vegas.
The attraction features a light maze, snow slide, ice skating trail, artisan Christmas market, and play area for kids. Enchant also features an opportunity to get pictures with Santa Claus and of course, plenty of food and drinks available to purchase.
Visit Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark, November 21 through December 28, 2025.
- 1650 S Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas
- enchantchristmas.com/las-vegas
Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience will kick off the holidays during its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Las Vegas. A majestic, 50-foot tree will be wrapped in garland, decked with beautiful ornaments, and shine brightly below the 12.5 million energy-efficient LED lights of the Viva Vision canopy.
The celebration continues with the lighting of the 20-foot Grand Menorah and will remain on display throughout the eight-day Festival of Lights.
- Fremont Street, Las Vegas
- vegasexperience.com
Red Rock Casino Resort
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa is celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with Merry Crimson, a festive indoor and outdoor poolside lounge and terrace with an extravagant display of over-the-top holiday décor, including a candy cane swing and fireplace. And don’t miss the nearly five-foot-tall by nine feet long gingerbread replica of the resort in the middle of the casino floor.
- 11011 Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas
- redrockresort.com
Town Square Las Vegas
Town Square Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season and Santa’s arrival with “Snow in the Square” set to classic holiday tunes. The magical snow flurries take place every evening through December 24.
- 6605 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas
- tslv.com
AREA15
AREA15, an immersive entertainment, event, and art complex that opened in 2020, is a must-see unique experience during Christmas in Vegas. If you are visiting Las Vegas with teens any time of year, AREA15 absolutely must be on your list of things to do.
AREA15 this holiday season offers an immersive viewing experience of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Through December 25, guests can experience a 3D projection-mapped screening of the cult holiday classic surrounded by Halloween Town.
In addition to this unique experience, guests can also take snapshots by AREA15’s majestic, 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
- 3215 South Rancho Drive, Las Vegas
- area15.com
Christmas Shows in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, and that’s no different during the holiday season. To see the full list, you can visit Vegas.com to check current ticket prices.
Final Thoughts: How to Spend Christmas in Las Vegas
Despite its reputation as Sin City, even Las Vegas can be magical during the holiday season. There are endless options to see festive decorations and lights, hear Christmas music, take part in special events, and overall have a great time in Vegas at Christmas time. It is the best place to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit.
► For more help planning, check out some of my other articles about Las Vegas below!
- Fun & Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Mandalay Bay Las Vegas Pool: An Honest Review
- Top Things to Do in Las Vegas with Teenagers
- 12 Las Vegas Museums You’ve Got to Check Out
- Resorts World Las Vegas
- Sadelle’s Las Vegas at The Bellagio
- Titanic Museum Las Vegas
Save This Christmas in Vegas Article for Later!
Planning on visiting Las Vegas during the holiday season? Pin the image below for future reference.
We have celebrated New Year in Dubai many times but not in Las Vegas. We know there is already lots of happenings in Las Vegas round the year. Guess, we have to change the venue for Christmas celebration after reading your post.