We’ve rounded up the 21 best things to do in Las Vegas for Christmas time. There’s something here for all ages and tastes, and many places are open on Christmas Day!
1. Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan
- What to Expect: A transformed Boulevard Pool into a holiday ice rink with snow flurries.
- Location: The Cosmopolitan
- Dates & Times: Nov 28, 2024 – Jan 10, 2025
- Activities: Ice skating, s’mores roasting, seasonal cocktails, and holiday food.
- Prices: Free entry, rental fees for skates $30/day, $20 locals & military Mon-Thurs
Is there anything that gets you in the holiday spirit faster than a wintery ice skating adventure? Ice skating at The Cosmopolitan has become a holiday tradition for us. We love the cascading snow flurries that twinkle in the lights of Vegas, and the atmosphere is always festive and welcoming for ice skaters of all levels. The rink can get crowded on the weekends, so keep that in mind.
While there, don’t forget to stop by the Chalet, where you can warm up by the fire and enjoy wintery treats in a ski lodge atmosphere. This venue is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from noon until midnight.
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- What to Expect: Stunning holiday exhibit that includes thousands of flowers, plants, trees, and elaborate holiday-themed decorations.
- Location: Inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino
- Dates: Nov 16, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
- Prices: Free admission
The Bellagio Conservatory is a must-see when in Vegas for the holiday season. The Bellagio is famous for changing the theme of the Conservatory every season, but we think that their holiday display is hands-down the most majestic. This year’s theme is the Nutcracker, and it doesn’t disappoint. The holiday theme is up until January 7, 2024, and it’s completely free to enjoy.
A stroll through the holiday-themed Bellagio Conservatory is a great activity for all ages. It isn’t something that you’ll spend all day doing, but plan on at least half an hour, plus extra time if you want to stop by Peppermint Express at the front of the Conservatory and enjoy treats and see the Chocolate Fountain at the Bellagio Patisserie.
3. Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- What to Expect: Drive-thru Christmas light display with over five million lights.
- Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- Dates & Times: Nov 8, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025 from 5pm – 9pm (Sun-Thurs) & 5 pm – 10 pm (Fri-Sat)
- Additional Info: Features games, a mini train, and Santa Claus appearances
- Coupon: 25% Off Below
Pass | Prices | Tickets |
Carload | $39 | |
2 Family vehicles | $129 | |
Santa Tram | $25/person | |
Fast Pass | $64/car |
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers a Christmas light display that’s unlike any we’ve seen anywhere else. People from all over Nevada have made a trip to Las Vegas just to see these lights, an annual tradition. This is a drive-through event, so you can’t get out of your vehicle and walk around. Plan on spending about 40 minutes enjoying the lights once you enter the venue.
Keep an eye out for living nativity and treat yourself to a ride on the Santa Tram, where the jolly guy in red does the driving for you.
4. Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
- What to Expect: A light maze, ice skating trail, kid zone, and European-style Christmas market.
- Location: Las Vegas Ballpark
- Dates: Nov 22, 2024 – Dec 29, 2024
- Highlights: Christmas Maze, Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances, arts and crafts, food, and drinks
- Prices: starting at $35 Adults and $25 Kids > Buy Tickets
Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark offers a fully immersive holiday experience that will truly enchant visitors of all ages. This venue is great for families, but it’s also one of our favorites for a holiday date night. Wander through the maze of lights, save Christmas by finding the missing pieces to Santa’s magic timepiece, hold hands with someone special as you skate along an icy trail, and more.
This is definitely an activity that you should plan on spending a couple of hours at. It’s also not a bad idea to be flexible about time. It’s not uncommon to have a reserved time for picking up ice skates and having to wait a substantial amount of time, even with the reservation.
5. Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden
- What to Expect: A cactus garden with over a million holiday lights.
- Location: Ethel M Chocolates, Henderson
- Dates: Nov 1 – Jan 4, 2024
- Highlights: Illuminated cacti, chocolate factory visit.
- Price: $3/person to local charities
A cactus garden decorated with over a million-holiday lights is a perfect addition to your Christmas itinerary. This is a low-cost event. The last time we were there, it only cost $2 per person, and the entrance fees were donated to a local charity.
There’s chocolate to sample and hot chocolate to sip. If there’s a downside, it’s that the wait can be incredibly long to get in during peak times. There are no reservations, so you just have to be prepared to stand in line. The delicious hot chocolate, low entrance fee, and the chance to mingle with others who are in a festive spirit make the wait more than tolerable.
6. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
- What to Expect: Light displays, rides, slides, and mini-golf.
- Location: Opportunity Village
- Dates: Nov 29, 2024 – Dec 1, 2024, Dec 5-8, Dec 12-15, Dec 17-31
- Cause: Proceeds support local adults with intellectual disabilities
- Price: $22 (ages 4 and up) > Buy Tickets
We love that Opportunity Village donates the proceeds from their Magical Forest to support local charities. This is a fun way to contribute to the Las Vegas community while making new holiday memories.
There’s plenty to do here, including enjoying the fantastic lights and all the creativity that has gone into decorating the trees. There are also fun activities for all ages to enjoy, like rides, treats, and a chance to visit with Santa.
We’ve also been pleased that while there’s always a decent amount of people visiting the Magical Forest, it has never felt overcrowded and we’ve never had to wait an excessively long time to get in. The Magical Forest is open on Christmas Eve but not on Christmas Day.
7. Bellagio Fountains Holiday Show
- What to Expect: A spectacular holiday-themed water show, featuring the famous Bellagio Fountains choreographed to classic holiday tunes and seasonal music.
- Location: Bellagio Hotel and Casino
- Dates: The holiday show typically runs from late November through early January
- Price: Free
The Bellagio Fountain show is one of the top free attractions in Las Vegas. During the holiday season, the fountains take on a festive vibe with a beautifully choreographed show to all of your favorite holiday music, both classic and new.
The Bellagio Fountain show is easy to see. You don’t need tickets, and you can enjoy it from many different points in the city, whether it’s right in front of the fountains or while enjoying dinner at a restaurant with fountain views.
8. Miracle on Spring Mountain
- What to Expect: Christmas-themed pop-up bar with holiday cocktails and decorations.
- Location: Sand Dollar blues bar, with a downtown spin-off, Sippin’ Santa.
- Dates: Nov 18 – Dec 31, 2024 from 3pm – 4am.
- Specialty: Christmas-themed cocktails like Christmaspolitan and SanTaRex
- Official Site
A Las Vegas pop-up bar with a nostalgic vibe and holiday-themed cocktails? Count us in! This place is full of kitsch, and we love it. The themed cocktails are served in fun glasses, like the SanTaRex, which is served in cute dinos wearing Santa hats. The pizza is also spot on.
Miracle on Spring Mountain is open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with live music for both occasions.
9. Candy Rush at M Resort
- What to Expect: Outdoor holiday drive-thru experience with LED lights.
- Location: M Resort
- Dates: Nov 15 – Dec 29, 2024 from 6pm to 10pm daily except Monday
- Activity: Drive through a mile-long route of colorful lights
- Price: $39.99-$49.99/car (depends on the date of visit)
- Official Site
Combine a love for the holidays with a love of music, and you have the Rockin’ Christmas at M Resort. The drive-thru light experience is about a mile long and offers a bit of an Elvis holiday vibe. You’ll tune in to your radio and hear holiday music that’s perfectly synced with the animated light show.
Tickets are priced per vehicle, so this is a lot of fun (and more economical) if you gather a car or truckload full of friends or family. The entire experience lasts under 15 minutes, making it more of a quick thing to do rather than a venue you’ll spend several hours at.
Some visitors claim the price is too high for how short the experience is, but that’s up to you to decide. Either way, it’s really neat and different compared to other light shows in Vegas.
10. Nightmare Before Christmas Immersive Viewing
- What to Expect: Immersive film viewing
- Location: Area 15
- Dates: Nov 27, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025
- Prices: $20 – $40 > Buy Tickets
Guests can watch the beloved Tim Burton film with choreographed light and sound elements inside a 360-degree, projection-mapped Portal.
11. Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight
- What to Expect: Medieval dinner show with a holiday theme.
- Location: Excalibur Hotel
- Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 25, 2024 daily except Tuesdays at 6 pm and 8:30 pm
- Highlights: Jousting, festive menu, and holiday costumes
- Prices: $93 – $99 > Buy Tickets
Tournament of Kings is arguably the most popular dinner show in Las Vegas, and their holiday-themed show has become a tradition for many. This is a festive activity that’s different from all the others, and it is family-friendly. Although, we’d recommend rethinking if you have small children or children who are sensitive to noise because it can get quite loud.
A medieval feast is included with the price of your ticket, and it’s one you eat completely with your hands! No utensils are provided, which lends to the themed experience. Honestly, the food gets many “meh” reviews, but we go for the experience and not a 5-star meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure you register and let them know at least 24 hours in advance.
12. Aria Resort’s Festive North Star Display
- What to Expect: Spectacular holiday decorations, including a North Star
- Location: Aria Resort & Casino
- Dates: Nov 23, 2024 – Jan 9, 2025
If you’re walking along the Las Vegas Strip, make sure to stop in at Aria and take in the free Festive North Star display. The North Star is 28 feet tall and features a 30 ft tail. Adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and crystals, it’s a magical sight to see. A tour around the Aria lobby is in order, where you’ll also see edible decor crafted by the Aria Patisserie.
Stop and enjoy a cocktail at the Aria Lobby Bar, and enjoy the magical ambiance.
13. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- What to Expect: A festive setup for holiday shopping and Santa visits.
- Location: Bass Pro Shops, Las Vegas.
- Dates: Nov 5 – Dec 24th, 2024
- Highlights: Free photo with Santa and various holiday activities for kids.
- Official Website
Families with little ones won’t want to miss out on the chance to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shops in Las Vegas. The holly, jolly guy is there all the way up until Christmas Eve, so there’s time to get in those last-minute requests.
Plus, you get a free 4×6 photo, which we think is a great perk! Just reserve your day and time online and let Santa take care of the rest.
14. Summerlin Rock Rink
- What to Expect: An outdoor ice skating rink with holiday decorations.
- Location: Downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas
- Dates: Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 20, 2025
- Highlights: Ice skating, holiday music, and light shows.
- Prices: $18/person for 75 min skate time. Skate rentals are included, but no discount if you have your own skates > Buy Tickets
Grab your skates (or rent them there) and head to the 8,000 sq ft ice rink in Downtown Summerlin. Our favorite is to go in the evening when the giant Christmas tree overlooking the rink is lit up with twinkling lights.
There are drinks and nibbles to sustain you, and it’s fun for all ages. Hours vary depending on the day, so make sure to check the hours before you go.
15. Summerlin Holiday Parade
- What to Expect: A festive parade featuring floats, music, and performances, perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
- Location: Downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas
- Dates: Every Fri and Sat from Nov 22, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024 at 6pm
- Highlights: Themed floats, live entertainment, and a magical holiday atmosphere.
- Official Website
This is Las Vegas, so of course, this isn’t your average holiday parade. This family-friendly event is completely free and features appearances by all of your favorite holiday characters, including Santa as the star of the show. The parade begins at 6 pm and lasts about an hour.
16. Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town
- What to Expect: A unique indoor winter wonderland experience with light shows, decorations, and seasonal music.
- Location: Mystic Falls Park, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
- Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 22, 2024
- Highlights: Light show, animated characters, and a glimpse of Santa Claus.
- Official Website
Situated in the middle of the Sam’s Town casino is Mystic Falls Park, which comes to life with a festive flair for the holidays. We suggest lingering for a while and enjoying a cocktail to take in the ambiance.
There’s a laser light show that happens daily from 4pm – 10pm.
17. Christmas Shopping
- What to Expect: An array of shopping options ranging from luxury boutiques to unique holiday markets.
- Location: Various locations across Las Vegas including malls, outlets, and pop-up markets.
- Dates: Throughout the holiday season, typically starting in November.
Las Vegas offers no shortage of retail therapy opportunities under normal circumstances, but it’s a true shopper’s delight during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for an elegant gift from a high-end retailer, or something special and unique from an artisan boutique, Las Vegas offers it all.
Practically every hotel on the Strip offers wonderful shopping opportunities inside, but there are other shopping venues around the city, including Fashion Show Mall, the Grand Canal Shoppes, Miracle Mile Shops, and both the North and South outlet malls.
When going out on a holiday shopping spree, don’t forget to venture to Downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the most unique gifts.
18. The Nutcracker Ballet
- Theme: “The Nutcracker” with magical floral scenes.
- Location: Smith Center
- Dates: Dec 14 – Dec 27, 2024
- Experience: Iconic moments from the ballet recreated with horticultural artistry
- Prices: $41.35 – $218 > Official Website
The Nevada Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker at the Smith Center, and we are completely enchanted with the performance. In our opinion, this show is beautifully choreographed, and the dancers are incredible.
There are some loud noises from cannons blasting, which might startle little ones or those with sensory sensitivities. Other than that, this version of the Nutcracker is pure perfection.
19. Christmas Buffets
- What to Expect: A lavish buffet spread with traditional Christmas dishes and gourmet specialties.
- Location: Various hotels in Las Vegas.
- Dates: Typically on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Highlights: Festive dishes, desserts, and a celebratory atmosphere.
The buffet scene in Las Vegas is strong on a normal day, but they really go overboard to impress for Christmas dinner. Of course, you’ll want to check ahead to make sure your buffet of choice is participating, but most offer a special menu both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In addition to the usual buffet favorites, there is also an elevated selection of dishes that are appropriate for a festive holiday meal. Think along the lines of lobster, prime beef cuts, and special desserts to complete the experience.
Plan on spending a bit more for a Christmas buffet than you might on a normal day. From our shopping around, the average price for Christmas Day buffets on the Las Vegas Strip seems to be about $90 per person.
20. North Pole at Fashion Show Mall
- What to Expect: Interactive photo experience and holiday events.
- Location: Fashion Show Mall
- Dates: Nov 26 – Dec 29
- Highlights: Photo ops with Fashion Santa and Classic Santa
- Official Website
This is a fun little reprieve while out finishing up your holiday shopping. This interactive little town offers all sorts of photo-worthy opportunities, with a very retro feel.
Once you venture through the town and finally make your way to the North Pole, don’t forget to stop and visit Santa for a picture. He’ll also take a pic with your pet, too!
21. Nightmare Before X Más
- What to Expect: Tim Burton-inspired pop-up and Christmas fiesta.
- Location: Más Por Favor Taqueria y Tequila, Chinatown.
- Dates: Oct 31, 2024 – Dec 26, 2024
- Experience: “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed cocktails and menu items
- Official Website
So, we couldn’t finish this list without mentioning this Nightmare Before Xmas pop-up, featuring decor and food inspired by the Tim Burton classic. This is a super fun, holiday-themed experience with a twist.
Children are welcome to attend on Saturdays and Sundays, but the rest of the time, this is more of an adult-themed venue with lots of boozy treats to enjoy. This place gets packed, so make sure to secure your reservations online.
FAQs
Are there any free Christmas events in Las Vegas?
Yes, some events like the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and Ice Skating at Cosmopolitan are free to visit.
What are unique Christmas experiences in Las Vegas?
Unique Christmas experiences in Las Vegas include Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden’s Chocolate & Wine Pairing and the Nightmare Before X Más pop-up.
Can families with children enjoy these events?
Absolutely! Many events like the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village and Enchant Christmas are family-friendly.