Las Vegas is a town made for celebrations. Throughout the year, visitors travel to Sin City for a variety of reasons like weddings, birthdays, milestones, or holidays. For some, visiting Las Vegas is a Christmas tradition and the city never disappoints. The holiday spirit can be felt from Downtown to the Strip and all throughout the Las Vegas Valley. From shopping to exceptional holiday meals, visiting Vegas for Christmas is unlike anywhere else.
One of the best parts about spending time in Sin City for the holiday season is the great attractions and shows that are available. Some of these showcases have become a staple to Las Vegas and residents welcome the winter months to enjoy the spectacle of Christmas in the desert. Here are just a few of the attractions that make spending time in Las Vegas for Christmas a unique experience. And if you’re looking to do a little gambling while you’re in town, read our in-depth review of Las Vegas!
Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan
You know the holidays are coming when the Boulevard Pool on top of the Cosmopolitan Hotel transforms into The Ice Rink. Each holiday season, 4,200 square-feet of real ice becomes the centerpiece of the magical winter wonderland high above the Las Vegas Strip.
The Ice Rink was named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Ice-Skating Rinks in North America. After skating across the rink, visitors can enjoy roasting s’mores by the fire pits to really get into the Christmas spirit. Seasonal beverages and food options are also available.
Location:
The Boulevard Tower
3708 S Las Vegas Blvd Level 4
Las Vegas, NV 89109
A Very Terry Christmas 2
Since winning Season 2 of America’s Got Talent, Terry Fator’s been a favorite at The Mirage. His holiday special A Very Terry Christmas was such a hit that it’s returning in 2019.
This year’s updated show features an all-star cast alongside Terry’s most lovable characters like Winston (the Impersonating Turtle), Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airdale, and others, while adding new characters, new comedy, and new songs to celebrate the holidays.
Timings:
Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30
(select Friday and Saturday shows)
Begins at 7:30PM
(special 9:00PM performance on Monday, Dec. 16)
Location:
Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Holiday Magic/Snow Tubing at The Linq Promenade
The LINQ Promenade transforms into a winter wonderland during its annual Holiday Magic. The magic includes festive decorations and a holiday show featuring seasonal songs. There are carolers who sing the Christmas carols on the streets and it’s all accompanied by LED-costumed dancers, stunt acrobatics, street “elves” and a new interactive tree light display.
Snow falls every half hour, making a great backdrop for the 30-foot tubing hill where adventurists can go tubing. With snow covering the ground, it will feel like you’re in the North Pole to celebrate the Christmas season!
Timings:
Thursday-Sunday
6:00PM-9:00PM
Location:
3545 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tournament of Kings Holiday Dinner Show
The long-running Tournament of Kings show at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino turns into a holiday wonderland. Renamed “Twas the Knight” for the Christmas season, the show involves mythical Merlin and the fate of King Arthur. Knights will ride, charge, and joust their way to victory, while you cheer on from the stadium.
A three-course meal with a holiday twist will be served, including a festive dessert and eggnog. The show is reimagined with seasonal décor, holiday-inspired costumes, a holiday poem, and more.
Timings:
Monday and Friday
5:30PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday
5:30PM, 8:00PM
Located:
Excalibur Hotel and Casino
3850 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Opportunity Village Magical Forest
For nearly 30 years, the Magical Forest has welcomed families from across the globe to celebrate the holiday season. If you’re heading to Las Vegas with the kids, the Magical Forest will be sure to excite them. The forest is decorated with the best Christmas lights in Las Vegas with a fun train ride around the park. Enjoy more beautiful decorations, delicious foods like funnel cakes, and live performances.
The price of every ticket and other expenditures inside the Magical Forest will go toward programs and services for adults with disabilities through Opportunity Village. You can make a positive impact on someone’s life while enjoying a cup of warm cocoa and a festive holiday experience.
The Magical Forest is fun for all ages!
Timings:
Sunday-Thursday
5:30PM-9:30PM
Friday and Saturday
5:30PM-10:00PM
Location:
6300 W Oakey Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden
Each November, the largest cactus garden in Nevada transforms into a festive wonderland. The Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M is home to more than 300 species of cactus and other drought-resistant plants. It is the largest cactus garden light display in the world. Four acres just outside of Las Vegas are filled with the garden. During the winter months, the succulents get dressed up in over a million twinkling lights.
Visitors can come by until 10PM for free tours of the magical, spiky grounds. Make the moment extra special with a cup of delicious hot chocolate while enjoying the stroll around.
Timings:
8:00AM-8:00PM
Location:
2 Cactus Garden Dr
Henderson, NV 89014
Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory
The iconic fountains at the Bellagio are live year-round but, during the holiday season, the fountains dance to Christmas music. During this time of year, many shows and events are organized there as well.
2019 Fountains of Bellagio Holiday Music:
- Hallelujah Chorus | Artist: Mormon Tabernacle Choir Cast
- Carol of The Bells | Artist: Los Angeles Master Chorale
- Holy Night | Artist: Placido Domingo
- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas | Artist: Johnny Mathis
- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year | Artist: Johnny Mathis
- We Need a Little Christmas | Artist: Johnny Mathis
- Sleigh Ride | Artist: Johnny Mathis
- Santa Baby | Artist: Madonna
While you’re at the Bellagio Casino, stop by the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden to see the epic Christmas display that’s inside. Each year, the crew puts extra special attention into putting up the decorations for Christmas. With their ingenuity and talent, you’ll never know quite what to expect, but rest assured, they’ll have plenty of twinkling Christmas lights, bells, and the centerpiece itself is a Christmas tree standing over 40-feet tall.
Timings:
Monday-Friday
3:00PM-12:00AM
Saturday
12:00PM-12:00AM
Sunday
11:00AM-12:00AM
Location:
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Get in the holiday spirit at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Glittering Lights display. This Christmas tradition lets you drive through a dazzling display of lights covering the 2.5-mile course of the speedway. More than 3 million LED lights create over 500 animated displays for you to enjoy with an included cup of hot cocoa in hand.
The Speedway’s Glittering Lights has been a national favorite for almost two decades and named to several “Best Of” lists, including CNN Travel, Huffington Post, USA Today, and many more. This is a can’t-miss holiday tradition that will put a smile on your face and create warm holiday memories.
Location:
7000 Las Vegas Blvd N,
Las Vegas, NV 89115
Holiday Experience at The Park
The Holiday Experience at The Park is beaming with twinkling lights, strolling carolers, and the rich smell of hot cocoa again this year. This fun-for-all-ages experience will have vendors offering holiday treats, live entertainment, and even Saint Nick will stop by on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Throughout the park, you’ll see festive lights, a 30-foot tree, 10-foot snowman, and even a 9-foot Santa chair perfect for catching that special holiday photo. The Holiday Experience at The Park will run through December 31st.
Hours:
5:00PM-9:00PM
Location:
The Park, located between New York-New York and Park MGM
3780 South Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland
Mystic Falls indoor park at Sam’s Town is considered one of the best attractions in Las Vegas. As part of Sam’s Town’s holiday tradition for more than 20 years, the Christmas-themed attraction begins with decorative snowflakes leading guests through the property into Mystic Falls Park.
Garland streams, wreath-wrapped lampposts, and snow-covered trees fill the atrium. Additional decorations offer guests a glimpse inside Santa’s workshop where elves make the toys to load up in Santa’s sleigh.
Speaking of Santa, the big guy himself will also stop by the Mystic Falls Park gazebo. He’ll be there to pose for pictures on Friday, November 23rd through Sunday, December 23rd. 4PM to 8:30PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8:30PM. A special laser light show accompanied by classic holiday songs will also be featured every hour between 5PM and 10PM.
Timings:
Open 24hrs
Location:
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
5111 Boulder Hwy,
Las Vegas, NV 89122
