Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 02:43 pm
Looking for fun and festive things to do during Christmas in Las Vegas?
You’re in luck. We have family in Las Vegas and visit every year during the holiday season. Las Vegas is packed with tons of amazing experiences.
Did you know there’s an ice skating rink right on the Vegas Strip? Or that you can visit a winter wonderland? Even share your Christmas wish list with Underwater Santa at the Silverton Aquarium? Not to mention celebrating the New Year on the Strip!
The Christmas season is one of our favorite times of year to visit Las Vegas. 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.
From ice skating to light shows, read on for some spectacular things to do during Christmas in Vegas 2024.
Top 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 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 $2 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
Here is a rundown of 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.
The show runs every hour on the half hour from 5:30pm until 11:30pm through December 28, 2023.
Flamingo Las Vegas
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!
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.
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 December 2 through January 7, 2024.
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 2024. Fountain performances begin at 3pm Monday through Friday, 12pm on Saturday and holidays, and 11am on Sunday.
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.
This is a really cool experience, and even if you don’t want to skate (or don’t want to pay the north of 30 bucks for skate rentals) I recommend you pop up to take a look and enjoy the ambiance. The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Hotel will be open from mid-November through January 2024.
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 Streetmoshpere 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.
Wynn Las Vegas
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 tea/coffee beverages at venues throughout the resort.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Before jumping on his sleigh, Santa will plunge into the Shipwreck waters to bid everyone farewell alongside his underwater friends. Catch a glimpse of Diving Santa at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino December 16-24.
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 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.
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 4 through January 1, 2024.
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.
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 2 and 10 pm.
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 display runs from November 22 through January 1, 2024.
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 5pm to 10pm, November 3 through December 31, 2023, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden will be decked out with 500,000 lights, animated figures, and other holiday decor.
Admission is only $2, and all proceeds will be donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Las Vegas Speedway hosts Glittering Lights – A Drive-Thru Lights Show November 9 through January 7, 2024. The dazzling array of festive lights and sounds feature more than three 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.
Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Don’t miss Enchant, an immersive outdoor holiday experience at Las Vegas Ballpark. The attraction features a light maze, village, ice skating trail, artisan Christmas market and play area for kids. Enchant also features an opportunity to get pictures with Santa Claus.
This year, Enchant will have an all-new immersive light maze called Santa’s Magic Timepiece, and it promises to be a full sensory adventure!
Visit Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark, November 24 through December 31, 2023. There is also an Enchant event happening at Resorts World 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.
North Pole Express
If you have a kid who loves trains, then this event is for you!
Take a ride on the North Pole Express 2023 where your family can experience the magic of the holidays onboard a train and in Santa’s Railyard. Each event is a 90-minute experience with a train ride in a vintage, restored rail car. Afternoon and evening rides are available.
The event takes place at the Nevada Southern Railway in Boulder City and runs on select dates November 24 through December 20. All proceeds benefit the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
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.
Rockin’ Christmas at M Resort Spa Casino
Last year M Resort had the Snow Carnival. This year the southeast corner of the M Resort is being transformed for World of Illumination Presents – Rockin’ Christmas.
Drive through a mile of life-sized musical notes, retro Santas and more in the world’s largest animated drive-through light show. The whole experience is set to music.
The experience runs November 17 through December 31, Tuesday through Sunday. However it is also open Monday, December 18 and Monday, December 25, Christmas Day!
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Support people with disabilities and have a fun holiday experience when you visit the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.
More than three million lights illuminate hundreds of decorated trees. Your whole family can enjoy great food and have fun riding the Forest Express passenger train or carousel. And of course, you can visit Santa Clause while you’re there!
The Magical Forest will be open on select dates November 24 through December 10, and every day (except Christmas Day) December 14 through 31, 2023.
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.
AREA15
AREA15, the new immersive entertainment, event and art complex, is a must-see unique holiday experience during Christmas in Vegas. If you’re just as obsessed with Christmas as Jack Skellington, you must visit AREA15 this holiday season for 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. Each adult ticket includes a specialty cocktail inspired by a memorable scene from the movie.
In addition to this unique experience, guests can also take snapshots by AREA15’s majestic, 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
► Planning a family getaway to Las Vegas? Check out these Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas.
Christmas Shows in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, and that’s no different during the holiday season.
Here is a brief rundown of some family-friendly Vegas Christmas shows.
‘Twas the Knight at Excalibur Hotel & Casino
The Tournament of Kings Arena at Excalibur Hotel & Casino transforms into a magical and medieval winter wonderland, as “Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight” returns for the 2023 holiday season.
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 22 through December 25, 2023. Shows are scheduled Wednesday through Monday nights at 6 and 8:30 pm.
Terry Fator at NewYork-New York Hotel & Casino
Catch a special holiday version of Terry Fator: Who’s the Dummy Now. Terry Fator is a singer, ventriloquist and and celebrity impressionist. I have not seen his Christmas show but have been to his regular show a few times and he is amazingly talented! This is a show the whole family will love.
The Immersive Nutcracker at The Shops at Crystals
Las Vegas Christmas 2023 brings a brand new attraction – the Immersive Nutcracker.
The creators of Immersive Van Gogh have brought their entertainment expertise to the holiday season by pulling audiences directly into the stunning visuals and sweeping music of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. The 500,000-square-foot space, located on the upper level of The Shops at Crystals, includes a stunning 30-minute Christmas spectacle, magical photo-ops, and a life-sized nutcracker.
This is one experience I can’t wait to see!
More Christmas Shows
There are lots more Las Vegas Christmas events and live performances happening in December. 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.
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Chetan Jadhav says
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.