‘Tis the season in Las Vegas! There are many reasons to visit Las Vegas throughout the year, but the city’s beautiful transformation into a winter wonderland is one that can’t be missed. So get your family ready for a magical holiday full of twinkling lights, holiday displays, jolly shows, and exciting Christmas-themed experiences this holiday season.

Las Vegas offers just about everything for every mood. Guests of all ages have been visiting for years to enjoy the city’s magic. This guide will cover the top Christmas things to do in Vegas, including holiday events, experiences, and shows you can’t miss this holiday season, i.e. the best time to visit Las Vegas.

Holiday Experiences

There’s no shortage of Christmas fun in Las Vegas. Visit the top holiday experiences this holiday season.


 

#1. The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

Experience a winter wonderland high above the Las Vegas Strip. The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan consists of 4,200-square-foot of real ice, glittering lights, and breathtaking views. Along the Ice Rink, you will also have access to the Overlook Chill, where you can experience an occasional snow shower and classic comfort foods with a sophisticated twist. While you are there, check out the Chalet, which includes reserved seating and a cozy communal fire pit to roast s’mores. This holiday experience is available now until December 25 on select nights.

Ski rentals start at $30

Fire Pit Reservations: (702) 698-6797


 

#2. Enchant Christmas at Resorts World Las Vegas

Visit the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze and Village. Located at Resorts World Las Vegas on the Strip, Enchant Christmas invites you to their winter wonderland. Enjoy ice skating, live entertainment, interactive games, holiday shopping, delicious holiday treats, and meeting Santa Claus! Don’t forget to stroll through the Christmas Light Maze with larger-than-life displays, an impressive 100-foot tall Christmas tree, and other fun surprises! This holiday event is available from now to January 1.

Tickets start at $44 for adults and $23 for children.


 

#3. Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark

Because one Enchant Christmas location in Las Vegas wasn’t enough, celebrate Christmas at the Enchant Christmas Las Vegas Ballpark location. Walk alongside your family through the lightened tunnels and find the illuminated Christmas tree. With many holiday-themed experiences like exploring The Maze to find Santa’s reindeer, ice skating under the stars, and meeting Santa Claus, you will be filled with plenty of holiday cheer. This event is available from now to January 1.

Tickets start at $34 for adults and $20 for children.


 

#4. The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle

Have you ever wanted to become a part of your favorite holiday story? With the Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, you will be able to step into the timeless holiday tale, the Nutcracker. This unforgettable holiday experience puts you in the middle of the classic story with a modern twist with beautiful projections, enchanting special effects, and even a life-sized Nutcracker.

Tickets start at $35.


 

#5. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Warm your heart this Christmas at the Magical Forest. The all-ages winter wonderland features exciting attractions like the Avalanche Slide and the Forest Express Passenger Train, various food trucks, gift shops, and of course, Santa visits! Every dollar spent goes towards programs and services for people with disabilities at Opportunity Village. This event is available on select nights from now to December 31.

Tickets start at $22 when purchased online and $25 onsite.


 

#6. The Rock Rink

Another outdoor ice skating rink that you can’t miss this festive season is The Rock Rink. From now to January 16, grab your family to skate next to a glittering 40-foot Christmas tree at Downtown Summerlin’s 8,000-square-foot ice skating rink. Stay warm with Sterling’s Hot Cocoa’s signature beverages and hop on the holiday train for a ride around the ice rink and tree.

Skate rentals start at $16 and holiday train rides are $5 per person.


 

#7. The Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience that we all love is ready to welcome guests for Christmas. Aside from the free live entertainment, the epic Viva Vision Light Show, SlotZilla Zip Line, restaurants, and nightlife, Fremont Street will be bringing back its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 6 and the Grand Menorah lighting on December 18.

Free admission!


 

#8. Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Get ready to have a merry good time at the Legacy Club at Circa Las Vegas this holiday season. So put on your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to win the grand prize and join the party on December 16. During the event, an open bar with festive cocktails and a dessert station with everyone’s favorite holiday treats will also be available.

Tickets start at $100.


 

#9. The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas

The official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has been a Las Vegas tradition since 1986 and will be returning this year with over 350 exhibitors from the nation. Aside from finding unique products like custom jewelry, boots, art, furniture, and other homemade goods, you will find interactive experiences like the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage. This event will be available at the Las Vegas Convention Center from December 1 to December 10.

Free admission!


 

#10. Snow Carnival

Join the holiday magic at the very first Snow Carnival! The family-friendly attraction at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas has been welcoming guests to a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and a snowfall of real snow. Soar down the Mini Matterhorn, their multi-lane snow tubing slides (or mini slides for kids), make snow angels, create your own snowman, or opt to have a snowball fight with the family. The options are endless! This event is available until January 8.

Tickets start at $36.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids.


 

#11. Ribbon of Life Holiday Spectacular

The non-profit Golden Rainbow welcomes the holiday season with its 34th annual Ribbon of Life Holiday Spectacular on December 4. This event includes a red carpet reception and silent auction, followed by a benefit show and an after-party. The event will feature more than 200 performers singing, dancing, and doing aerial acrobatics to holiday classics.

Tickets start at $45.


 

#12. The Nightmare Before Christmas Immersive Viewing Experience

Experience Tim Burton’s holiday classic like never before. At AREA15 you can enter the portal to Halloween Town and view the Nightmare Before Christmas in a 360-degree room with floor-to-ceiling projection mapping. The viewing experience will also include lights, sounds, and a curated cocktail menu to complete your unique experience. This event will be held until December 29.

Tickets start at $40 per adult and $20 per child.


 

#13. Bellagio Fountains

One of Las Vegas’s must-see attractions is The Bellagio Fountains. Find a good spot and watch the water show of more than 1,000 feet of water going as high as 460 feet into the air, dancing to music and light. The show runs daily for 15 to 30 minutes based on the day and time.

Free attraction!


 

Holiday Shows

Las Vegas has a very good reason to be nicknamed The Entertainment Capital of the World. Aside from being known for its casinos and unique food options, the city that never sleeps is also known for its extraordinary entertainment, especially during Christmas.


 

#14. The Nutcracker

The Nevada Ballet Theater is returning with everyone’s favorite holiday tradition. The Nutcracker follows Clara and her Prince through a magical journey to a land of toy soldiers, fairies, and other exotic visitors. The unforgettable show will be located in Reynolds Hall The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, from December 9 to 24.

Tickets start at $35.95.


 

#15. A Very Terry Christmas

Terry Fator is returning with the holiday-themed show, a Very Terry Christmas. The “America’s Got Talent” winner will bring a lively performance from now to December 27 at the Liberty Loft inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino. The show combines comedy, singing, and celebrity impressions that will have you laughing out loud and with holiday cheer.

Tickets start at $34.95.


 

#16. Frankly Frank

Get ready for a jolly Holiday with the Frank Sinatra tribute show in Las Vegas! Starring Gary Anthony, this incredible show transports you back to the glitz, glamour, and classic entertainment era. The Frankly, Frank show is available weekly from Sunday to Thursday at the Alexis Park All Suite Resort.

Tickets start at $43.


 

#17. A Very Barry Christmas

Enjoy a holiday classic with a Barry Manilow twist. The beloved holiday event from the legendary performer Barry Manilow will take place from December 1 to December 10 at the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The limited show will feature classics mixed with his classic hits!

Tickets start at $54.99.


 

#18. Carpenters Legacy

Step on a time machine and transport to 1976 with the Carpenters tribute show! Featuring award-winning Kelly Olsen, who brings Karen Carpenter to life, the Carpenters Legacy will have you singing with joy and feeling sweet nostalgia. The tribute show is available Mondays to Thursdays at the Alexis Park All Suite Resort.

Tickets start at $42.95.


 

#19. The Magic of Christmas Show

Experience the magic of Christmas with world-renowned magicians. This heart-warming show brings an uplifting holiday message and is ideal for all ages. You can catch this show at the Las Vegas Magical Theater.

Tickets start at $55.


 

#20. Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight

Returning to the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the ultimate dinner and show experience, Tournament of Kings, magically transforms into the holiday tradition everyone knows and loves. On select nights from now to December 25, the whole family can enjoy a celebration of Medieval times with holiday music and poems, lights, and a delicious holiday fest consisting of Roasted Seasoned Cornish Game Hen, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Holiday Sugar Cookies, and Dinner Rolls.

Tickets start at $41.87.


 

Holiday Displays

Experience the beautiful holiday transformations of popular Vegas locations. Be in awe of the twinkling lights, fluffy Christmas trees, and festive decorations that make the perfect backdrop for your holiday pictures.


 

#21. Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Visit Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show. Go through millions of glittering lights along a 2.5-mile course and catch beautiful Christmas displays while giving back to the community. A portion of every ticket sold goes to Speedway Children’s Charities. The event will also include a Goodwill donation truck for gently used clothes and household goods donations and a concession area selling food and drinks where earnings will go to the Southern Nevada area Boy Scout troops. This event is available from now to January 8.

Tickets start at $29 per car.


 

#22. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

See the breathtaking holiday transformation of the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Walk through the beautiful display where you can see thousands of bright holiday lights, winter flowers, a shopping village, toy soldiers, playful polar bears, giant snowflakes, and a tall Christmas tree. The winter wonderland display is available from now until January 1.

Free admission!


 

#23. Christmas at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Check out The Venetian Resort’s Christmas offerings this festive season. Snap the perfect holiday picture at the Waterfall Atrium in The Palazzo tower or reserve a table to enjoy their special holiday menus. On-site restaurants, including Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, Mott 32, BRERA osteria, and Buddy V’s Ristorante, are serving special dishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Free admission to the Waterfall Atrium in The Palazzo tower!


 

#24. Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland

The whole family will be delighted by Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland. Located at Sam’s Town, this holiday event brings a nightly snowfall, an exciting holiday laser show, and beautiful holiday decor. In addition, kids will have the opportunity to meet Santa and let him know what presents they would like! The holiday show is available through New Year’s Day (4 pm-10 pm), and Santa will be meeting families until December 23.

Free admission!


 

#25. Holiday Cactus Garden Lights

Bring your holiday spirit to the 29th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights. This must-see Las Vegas tradition brings guests to Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden, which is filled with more than a million Christmas lights and decorations. In addition, families can enjoy the famous hot chocolate from Ethel M Chocolate Factory, holiday treats, and a picture with Santa! The Cactus Garden is open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm until January 1.

$1 entrance fee per person. (Donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank)


 

There is nothing like Christmas in Las Vegas. The jolly Christmas shows, beautiful holiday displays, and magical Christmas events make Vegas a must-see destination this season. We hope this guide helps you plan a magical Christmas vacation with your loved ones. We offer Las Vegas vacation packages to bring you to the middle of all the Vegas holiday magic.