You know the holidays have arrived once the twinkling lights have returned with renewed cheer at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, The Cosmopolitan has transformed once again into a glistening ice rink, and the casinos are displaying towering trees dressed in shiny ornaments. And thanks to the cooler weather, you have another excuse to gather in stylish bars and retreat to cozy coffee shops. Although Sin City won’t be expecting a blanket of snow, we’ve got you covered when it comes to discovering some of the best things to do and see at Christmas.
1. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Can you really say you’ve made the most of the holidays in Las Vegas if you haven’t visited the enchanting Christmas display at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens? On November 16, 2024, Bellagio’s Conservatory Harvest display is replaced by a winter wonderland. Previous holiday displays have featured 140,000 poinsettias, a gingerbread cottage, 14-feet Nutcracker soldiers, and treats prepared by the Bellagio pastry team. The attraction is free and open 24 hours.
As well as wandering through the Bellagio’s magical conservatory, taking a stroll through the city’s other parks and gardens is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours during the holidays.
🎄Location: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
2. Go ice skating at The Cosmopolitan
The fire pits, holiday-themed cocktails, and snow showers are calling from The Cosmopolitan. From December on, the Boulevard Pool returns to its frozen glory above The Las Vegas Strip. Get your skates on and practice your spins with some friends and family. Afterwards, you can warm up with a handcrafted cocktail at The Chalet.
Don’t miss the special events such as Date Skate (Monday and Tuesday nights), a Night with the Golden Knights, or their famous new year’s eve party.
🎄Location: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Boulevard Tower, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Level 4, Las Vegas
3. Eat at Winter at the Terrace, Green Valley Ranch
The winter-themed pop-up lounge is expected to return from the end of November 2024. Reserving an igloo seems like a completely normal thing to do, right? Immerse yourself in the wonder that is “Winter at the Terrace”, where you can look forward to a hot chocolate cart, shareable holiday themed cocktails, an impressive selection of champagnes, and photo ops. While walk-ins are welcome, they recommend you book an igloo or fire pit in advance.
🎄Location: Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV
4. Get some chocolate, and some…cacti?
The Ethel M Chocolates Factory in Henderson is a 3-acre garden populated by a prickly 300 species of plants. From early November every year, the cacti and succulent-rich garden is transformed by over a million lights and Christmas decorations for the holiday season. Probably one of the most amazing things to do as family at Christmas in Las Vegas, visiting the garden also gives you the chance to meet Santa, and taste Ethel M’s famous hot chocolate.
🎄Location: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV
5. Enjoy a Christmas light show from your car
If you haven’t already driven through the holiday lights display at Motor Speedway, it’s time to hop in your car. Five million lights and about a thousand display features are decorating a four-mile course of Las Vegas road from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The show is open 6 PM to 10 PM, no matter the weather, and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM, plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV. You can enjoy this experience every Thursday through Sunday.
Tickets to these colorful shows are priced per vehicle.
6. Feel the magic of a Christmas Candlelight concert
This December, Las Vegas is being treated to a series of holly, jolly Candlelight concerts guided by a string quartet. From traditional carols like “O Holy Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” to the spellbinding compositions in The Nutcracker, these candlelit concerts journey through iconic holidays songs to bring the magic of the festive season to the city.
🎄Location: the INDUSTRIAL event space, 2330 South Industrial Road, Las Vegas
7. See Santa and more…
One of the highlights for a lot of families during the holidays is seeing the faces on their little ones light up when they see old St. Nick in the flesh. From Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town and The Santa Chalet in the Macy’s Promenade to Galleria at Sunset Mall, and at more locations across the city, Santa is making himself available for photos.
And for things to do that are offbeat compared to other Christmas traditions, the grown-ups can discover the tropical-themed pop-up “Sippin’ Santa On Main”. You can also enjoy a night out without Santa’s supervision with “Bad Elf” at the Silverton Casino Hotel (open between November 21, 2024 and December 29, 2024).
8. Spread joy at The Magical Forest
Celebrating its 32nd season, the Magical Forest is an outdoor event at Opportunity Village. The theme park will be brought to life by sparkling lights, carnival games, a gingerbread house, and delicious food. For visitors over 21, a beer garden is also open every night. What’s more, by attending this event visitors are helping to raise funds for programs and services supporting over 3,000 people with disabilities.
The Magical Forest opens on November 29, 2024, but not every day – check the website for exact dates.
🎄Location: Opportunity Village – Oakley Campus, 6300 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas
9. Sip cocktails at Miracle on Spring Mountain
Miracle on Spring Mountain is a pop-up cocktail bar. All anybody wants for Christmas is some cheer and good company – both can be found at this immersive experience in Las Vegas. Naughty and nice shots, great pizza, chef takeovers, and professional cocktails are part of the holiday fun at Miracle. Everyone typically arrives in festive ensembles. No reservations required, so it’s all on a first-come, first-serve basis.
🎄Location: 3355 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas
10. Go Christmas shopping
Going shopping during the holidays is a given, BUT that doesn’t mean it has to be a frantic search for gifts in standard department stores. Container Park isn’t your conventional shopping mall: the Downtown Christmas Expo showcases the best products as part of the National Finals Rodeo, and other hidden gems like dreamy bookshops and vintage stores.
🎄Location: 707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
11. Visit Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
Enchant Christmas (opening on November 22, 2024) has nearly everything mentioned on this list rolled into one holiday extravaganza! At Las Vegas Ballpark, families and friends can come together for an unforgettable experience. Attractions include the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze, a village of storefronts, an ice skating trail, and Santa’s Landing. You can also attend their special events such as Paws n’ Claus and Ugly Christmas Sweater night.
🎄Location: 1650 S Pavilion Center Dr, Las Vegas
12. See the The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, The Nutcracker is the quintessential Christmassy thing to see worldwide. In Reynolds Hall at The Smith Theater, fans of the spellbinding act can appreciate the complex choreography, moving music, and magic contained within the fairy tale ballet. Ticket prices start at $120, and you can enjoy this show between December 14, 2024 and December 27, 2024.
🎄Location: 361 Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas
13. Winter Parq at the Linq Promenade
If you’re looking for free things to do for Christmas in Las Vegas, then make your way over to the Linq Promenade. Walk along while eating and shopping, enjoy holiday performances, carolers, and a scheduled snowfall every evening. Best of all, the tree that’s set up and lit annually every year is one of the prettiest. Reminder that while perusing the promenade is free, tickets to the Ice Rink and the High Roller cost money.
🎄Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas