The holiday season is in full swing in Vegas, baby!
While Las Vegas is affectionately known as Sin City, it also celebrates holiday cheer like no other city! The flashing lights of Vegas and the added sparkle of this time of year make Las Vegas a fabulous place to spend December. We’ve compiled a list of 25 magical activities to do this month in Vegas.
1. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
The Magic Forest is one of our favorite ways to give back this holiday season. This winter wonderland has millions of sparkling lights, thrilling rides, delicious food, and endless holiday cheer. And best of all, they are doing incredible work and providing joy to the Las Vegas community. Every dollar spent at the Magical Forest goes straight into programs for 3,000 people with disabilities at Opportunity Village.
Location: 6300 West Oakey Blvd., at S. Torrey Pines.
2. Candlelight
When attending an intimate musical experience, there’s a special magic, particularly by flickering candlelight. The Candlelight concerts in Las Vegas are an excellent way to get away from all the bustle of our everyday. There you’ll sit back while enjoying music from some of the county’s finest musicians. On December 17, get into the holiday spirit with Candlelight’s Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More at The Industrial.
Location: 2330 INDUSTRIAL ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89102
3. Ice Skating At The Cosmopolitan
Ice Skating is a quintessential winter tradition, and here in Vegas, it’s no exception. The Cosmopolitan has a fabulous ice rink perfect for a day full of winter fun. The Cosmopolitan likes to do things in a big Vegas fashion, so expect snow showers every 30 minutes! There will also be cozy fire pits and delicious treats to enjoy the best time of the year. Entry into the area is free; however, admission for ice skating costs $20 per person.
Location: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
4. The Holiday Experience At The Park
This magical winter experience brings you all the holiday magic you could want, right to The Strip. From Friday to Sunday this December (and select days), you’ll experience the charm of carolers strolling through The Park between 4 pm to 8 pm. Then, at Toshiba Plaza, you and your friends can enjoy the best holiday treats such as cozy mulled wine, delicious German sausages, and even waffles on a stick- YUM! Except the unexpected in this Vegas Holiday Extravaganza!
Location: 3782 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas
5. Vegas Glittering Light Tunnel
Glittering Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience right here in Vegas.
This annual holiday tradition is a breathtaking light festival. Visitors can ride through the Las Vegas Motor Speedway cloaked with no less than 5 million sparkling LED lights! If that somehow doesn’t put you straight in the holiday spirit, then the festive holiday music from Glittering Lights’ Ho Ho Radio will surely do it. This winter wonderland will also have incredible and intricate displays like The Tunnel of Love, Fairytale Land, and Santa Goes Racing. And of course, snacks will be had, because what are the holidays without hot cocoa and freshly-popped kettle corn?
Location: 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas
6. The LINQ Promenade
If you ever wanted to experience the charm of small towns during Christmas in a big city, then you’ll have to check out The LINQ Promenade. This public area will be transformed entirely come December. It turns into a winter wonderland with so much to enjoy. Your eyes will be overwhelmed by all the festive decorations, the cheerful carolers, and the general Christmas ambiance. There is a nightly show with excellent singers and dancers, so do be sure to stick around for that. The best part is that these performances are entirely free!
The High Roller Ferris wheel ride will also be decorated to fit the holiday cheer!
Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
7. Santa Pictures in Town Square
Get ready for your close-up! Taking pictures with Santa is a must, and in Town Center, you have until December 23 to get your own. We recommend you register online. There’s a $20 fee that will be credited toward your photos. Santa will be there with Paws N Claws on Wednesdays only.
Location: 6605 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
8. Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parades feature delightful floats inspired by iconic classic holiday movies. They also feature festive dancers and your favorite characters to greet you all. There is even a bit of snow! The parade is FREE and open to the public. They will be held every Friday and Saturday night until December 19 at 6 pm.
Location: Summerlin South, NV 89135
9. A Big Vegas Concert
Vegas is all about show business! So why not catch a fantastic show with family and friends during this special time of year. Here are a few amazing artists performing in Vegas this December:
Journey | Dec 1 – 18
Santana | Dec 1 – 12
Carrie Underwood | Dec 1 – 11
Shania Twain | Dec 2 – 12
Backstreet Boys | Dec 16 – 23
Usher | Dec 28 – 31
Katy Perry | Dec 29 – 31
Kiss | Dec 29th – 31
Blue Oyster Cult | December 31
10. Aria’s Winter Wonderland Display
One of our favorite parts of the holidays has to be all the delicious treats! If you’re anything like us, you have to check out Aria’s Winter Wonderland Display made out of edible goodies! The display took over 200 hours to build and features a giant centerpiece of a snow globe filled with a snowman. There’s also a gingerbread man made entirely of dark chocolate! After getting swept up by this magical candy world, you can head over to the Aria Patisserie nearby to satisfy your sweet tooth with an array of tasty treats and warm cocoa. The display is open from 12 pm to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 12 pm to 10 pm Friday through Sunday.
Location: 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
11. City of Henderson WinterFest
Henderson sure knows how to celebrate the holidays! The iconic WinterFest is back for another at the Water Street Plaza. The fun lasts from December 2 into January 1. They have prepared a variety of family-friendly activities, such as the official tree-lighting ceremony and the Winterfest Live! They have a concert series every Saturday this month. You can also snap a picture with Santa before or after enjoying the delicious food and treats. The live entertainment and a spectacular evening light parade make this event one of the best this holiday season.
Location: Water Street Plaza, 240 S Water St, Henderson
12. 1923 Prohibition Bar
Suppose you need a break from all that the holiday season entails. In that case, we recommend this speakeasy in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. 1923 Prohibition will transport you to the roaring 20s with their impeccable Prohibition-themed design. You’ll find all the glamourous music and style inside this elegant and delightful spot.
Location: 3930 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste 200B, Las Vegas
13. Holiday-Themed Shows
Take Vegas’s amazing shows and add a dash of holiday fun to get This is Christmas at the Venetian and The Nutcracker ballet at the Smith Center!
14. Bellagio Conservatory
The Bellagio Conservatory is the best way to mark the passing of the seasons here in Vegas- Since the weather never seems to change! The Bellagio Conservatory gets decked out to the nines with beautiful seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The famous Coca-Cola polar bears are back! You’ll also find a gigantic 42-foot-tall fir tree in all its glory, the perfect spot for some holiday pictures.
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
15.
Enchant Christmas At The Vegas Ballpark
Enter a glittering holiday lights adventure where you’ll move through a stunning light maze while you search for Santa’s missing reindeer. Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark is filled with holiday fun. Activities include an ice skating rink, an adorable Christmas village filled with artisan vendors, a children’s play area, and Santa Claus himself.
Location: 1650 S Pavilion Center Dr, Las Vegas
16. Sporting Event
Suppose you love the thrill of an exciting sporting event. In that case, there are typically several great games to attend in Las Vegas this month. The Vegas Golden Knights Game also has several games scheduled for this month, giving hockey fans something to get excited about. The Las Vegas Raiders will also have two home games against the Washington Football Team on December 5 and the Denver Broncos on December 26.
17. Stand Up
If 2021 has taught us anything is how vital a good laugh is! These hilarious comedians perform in Sin City this month and can help end the year on a lighter note.
Jon Lovitz | Dec 1st – 29th
Jeff Dunham | Dec 3, 9
Martin Lawrence | December 4
Carrot Top | Dec 7 – 30
Jim Gaffigan | December 8
Ray Romano, David Spade | Dec 17, 18
Rob Schneider | Dec 30, 31
Doug Stanhope | December 31
18. The Great Santa Run
Did you ever want to see a sea of Santas racing to the finish line? On December 4, Opportunity Village will host a holiday-themed race with as many Santas as you can count. The party atmosphere will continue with live entertainment, festive music, and an after-party at the end of the race. The fun-filled Christmas event starts at 8 am until at least 1:30 pm. You can either walk or run a 5K or a mile race. All that’s required is holiday cheer!
Location: Opportunity Village Oakey Campus – 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas
19. Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition
This exhibition is definitely in a Barbie world!
If you want to have fun while learning about an iconic cultural figure, check out Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibit. You’ll learn about how Barbie has reflected our culture over the decades. There are insightful interviews and a look at vintage dolls and their careers, the fashion trends from each era, and how far she has come.
Location: 3720 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
20. Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
Howdy, cowboy! The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas is an event unlike any other! The Wrangler NFR will occur at the Thomas & Mack Center from December 2 – 11. This marks the 36th year for the Wrangler NFR to be held in Sin City.
Location: 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas
21. Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin
This picturesque ice skating rink near the Pavilion at The Lawn is the perfect way to skate under the stars this December. Not only that, but you’ll get the chance to snap festive holiday pictures if you pose in front of the gigantic 40-foot tree overlooking the rink. The joyful holiday music and warm drinks from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s truck offering. The Rock Rink will be open until January 17, 2022! Skate Rental cost $16, and the Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Location: 1980 Festival Plaza Dr., Las Vegas
22. Santa Chalet Downtown Summerlin
You and the kids can personally drop off your letters to Santa in his red mailbox. He’ll be at his Chalet on Festival Plaza Drive near Macy’s. The letters will be accepted until December 22, and the photo packages start at $39.99. Santa also offers photos with pets on Tuesdays until December 21 between 7 and 9 pm.
23. Jupiter Express Holiday Train
Don’t forget to ride the festive Downtown Summerlin holiday train that runs through January 20, circling a 40-foot holiday tree. Rides are $4.00 per adult and child.
Location: 1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas
24. The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium & Gardens at Christmas
The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens are transformed into a magical winter fantasy every year. The display is decked out with 20- feet tall snow-covered trees, swirling holiday lights, giant pine cones, thousands of fresh poinsettias. The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens is a must-see during the holiday season. The display is open to the public 24 hours a day and lasts through the first week of the new year.
Location: 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
25. Fireworks
Let’s welcome in the new year with a bang! This year’s Las Vegas Strip fireworks display includes eight casino rooftops and is choreographed to some of the best hits as the fireworks light up our Vegas sky! The fireworks show is set to last 10 minutes and will have over 80,000 fireworks explosions! The eight casino rooftops are:
ARIA Resort & Casino
Caesars Palace
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Resorts World Las Vegas
Treasure Island
The Venetian
The STRAT Hotel Casino and SkyPod
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