15 Best Things to Do for Christmas in Las Vegas

Spending Christmas in Las Vegas is a novel experience that can`t be found anywhere else. The Vegas Strip is already a glittering wonderland of shows, shops, and stimulating sights. Yet, when the holidays arrive, the city takes on an enchanting aura that`s undeniable.

If celebrating the holidays here is new to you, it`s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the Christmas activities in Las Vegas. As such, I`m outlining the top things to do in Las Vegas in December, ranging from complimentary seasonal light displays and kids` meetings with Santa to prime Christmas productions and attractions.

Keep reading to learn more about the 15 top activities to enjoy for Christmas in Vegas and check my guide to the climatic conditions in Las Vegas, so you know what gear to pack for your trip.

1. Visit Santa, a must-do Las Vegas Christmas activity for kids

Firstly, if you’re traveling with young children, seeing Santa is nearly mandatory. Las Vegas’ Santa Claus attractions are loads of fun and you’d be surprised by how imaginative some of these Santas are!

For instance, the Silverton Hotel welcomes an Underwater Santa every weekend in December, and visits are complimentary. In the meantime, at Mandalay Bay’s Aquarium, you can find Santa in the Shipwreck along with his little helper, Santa Jaws.

If that style is not for you, you can visit the display of Santa`s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops next to the Silverton Casino. Other portrayals of Santa can be found at Town Square and the Magical Forest, two other locations that I’ll cover later.

Additionally, I have an article fully discussing the best hotels in Las Vegas for kids allowing you to find a great family-friendly resort for your stay.

2. Go ice skating, a fun thing to do for Christmas in Las Vegas

Another option for having Christmas fun in Las Vegas involves going ice skating. Several places in the city provide skates and ice rinks, like The Cosmopolitan, where you can glide.

During mid-November at the hotel, the famous Boulevard Pool is replaced by an ice rink, giving visitors appealing perspectives of the holiday-themed Vegas Strip. There are also fire pits for roasting marshmallows as well as adult beverages. If you want to stay overnight, The Cosmopolitan is a great choice as it`s among the best Las Vegas hotels with balcony rooms.

While the Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan is quite popular, the Christmas Town event at Cowabunga Bay Waterpark could also be checked out. The festivities include sledding hills, light displays, an ice skating rink, and other holiday activities.

Equivalent Christmas events in Las Vegas incorporate ice skating rinks, like Holiday at The Park, Winter PARQ at LINQ Promenade, and Summerlin’s Rock Rink. I’ll talk more about these places a bit later!

3. Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden, a Las Vegas Christmas activity for couples

One of the most distinct Las Vegas places to visit at Christmas is the Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates. While there might not be snow, there are millions of glittering holiday lights and, of course, hot chocolate.

As you stroll beneath decorative arches of variably hued illumination, take in the colorful exhibit of 300 cactus and desert varieties dressed in bright reds, yellows, greens, blues and whites. Three acres showcase prickly plants and trees adorned with strings of the bulbs in these shades and various lighting displays. Roaming the garden, you’ll spot flashy reindeer, nutcrackers, elves and trees marked by the season.

This Las Vegas Christmas light display occasion is suitable for all age groups, and Father Christmas visits the garden every evening. That said, this could serve as a wonderful couples activity in Las Vegas. You may even include a chocolate tasting experience during your visit for a romantic holiday date.

4. Winter PARQ at LINQ Promenade, the best place to spend Christmas in Las Vegas

If you’re looking for winter activities in Las Vegas suited for the whole family, check out Winter PARQ at LINQ Promenade.

This outdoor event venue brings yuletide magic to the Strip with live performances, carolers, and festive entertainers. It even schedules artificial snowfall each night, generating a wintry wonderland atmosphere in Las Vegas.

Each year during the holiday season, the LINQ holds a tree lighting ceremony in Las Vegas accompanied by live singing and dancing performances. Even if one misses that specific event, the light display featuring thousands of LED bulbs synchronized to music can be seen throughout the winter. Different areas of the property like the High Roller are decorated.

Best of all, the LINQ Promenade is a cost-free place to visit in Las Vegas, and you can see the holiday performances and light shows without charge. However, tickets for the High Roller and ice rink require additional payment.

5. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Another awe-inspiring place to view holiday lights in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The Conservatory transforms its floral designs with each season, although its winter theme is particularly magical.

The greenhouse encompasses over 14,000ft2 and boasts lovely botanical displays of horse-drawn carriages, elves, polar bears, gifts, and snow fairies. Take your time walking through the winter exhibit, pausing to admire the Christmas tree centerpiece. Measuring over 40 feet tall, the majestic tree is adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments!

The red and white decor alongside the green plants and twinkling lights create a lovely visual, so bring your camera. Visiting the Botanical Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas year-round, and the Christmas display remains up until early January.

Another great December event at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Fountains show, with water jets set to Christmas music that glide and shoot gracefully into the air for a fabulous free nightly display.

6. Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Another family activity that I recommend is the drive-through Christmas lights show at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. What’s great about this event is that you can enjoy it with older relatives or friends who aren’t as mobile since you remain in your vehicle for the experience.

The display is accessible daily from mid-November through early January, requiring one vehicle ticket. Alternatively, you can purchase admission for an open-air tram ride through the exhibit.

The Glittering Christmas Lights Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 2.5-mile road decorated with five million LED lights. Simply tune your radio to the proper station, and the colorful lights will dance to the festive music as you drive through. You’ll pass through tunnels, light-up holiday scenes, famous figures like Elvis, and even Hanukkah lights.

The Speedway is just 10 minutes from the main attraction, but it’s a hugely popular destination, so I recommend reserving in advance here.

7. See more Christmas lights in Las Vegas, something you must do in Vegas for Christmas

While the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are greatly popular, there are other Christmas lights in Las Vegas to see. I already mentioned a few places like Cowabunga Bay, the Bellagio resort, and Winter PARQ at The LINQ.

You can also explore ARIA Resort’s Winter Wonderland, featuring ornate holiday décor, sparkling lights, gingerbread houses, and confectionary artworks shaped by ARIA`s pastry chefs standing 15 feet tall incorporating hundreds of pounds of gingerbread, frosting, and other sweets. The centerpiece is a striking 17-foot crystal-embellished Christmas tree surrounded by smaller unique designed twinkle trees located in the lobby. If wanting to stay overnight, ARIA is one of the best Las Vegas hotels with jacuzzi rooms.

Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland at Sam`s Town Hotel is another complimentary attraction that will please all age groups. The setup incorporates Christmas trees, dancing characters, and a laser light show.

Finally, The Enchanting Forest at Opportunity Village is a lovely place to visit away from the Strip. The family-friendly theme park has over three million LED lights covering trees, gingerbread houses, an Enchanted Carousel, and a mini-golf course. Children will adore all the activities, particularly the passenger train they can ride around the park. Additionally, ticket earnings go toward services and programs for people with disabilities.

8. Christmas shows, something fun to do in Las Vegas at Christmastime

Traversing all the stunning yuletide parks and attractions is highly entertaining, but sometimes resting is nice. When needing respite from all the festivities, seeing a Christmas production in Las Vegas could be contemplated.

Attending a performance is one of the best activities to partake in while in Las Vegas since the city hosts world-renowned acts like singers, dancers, magicians, and aerialists. During the winter holidays, you can witness celebrity shows and traditional Christmas performances such as The Nutcracker ballet and Mannheim Steamroller`s famous yearly tour dedicated to the Christmas season.

Some other famous shows in Las Vegas to immerse you in the holiday spirit include A Christmas Carol and A Christmas Story. And, of course, you’ll find presentations unique to Las Vegas, like the Tournament of Kings Holiday Dinner Show.

9. Deck the halls in Downtown Summerlin, a place to celebrate Christmas near Vegas

Near the Strip, you’ll find downtown Summerlin, Nevada, which hosts its own unique holiday celebrations.

First, the Rock Rink, one of the most beloved Christmas activities near Las Vegas, features a genuine 8,000 square foot ice rink. All ages are invited to hire some skates and take to the ice while enjoying the holiday music and lighting. The rink is open in November and December, and the Downtown Summerlin`s Holiday Parade on Friday and Saturday nights during the season can also be experienced. A newer attraction in Summerlin is Enchant Christmas Village, which will be discussed later.

Summerlin also hosts one of the premier all-inclusive resorts in Las Vegas, Red Rock Casino. Not only is this a scenic locale to lodge, but it organizes the annual Merry Crimson event for those over 21. The pop-up attraction features an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace where guests can roast marshmallows and enjoy a “Merry Crimson cocktail” to conclude their night.

10. Christmas at The Venetian, a beautiful place to spend Christmas in Las Vegas, NV

Referring to beautiful resorts, The Venetian is among the best hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, and it hosts one of the top Christmas displays in Vegas.

Christmas at The Venetian is the perfect opportunity to have an unforgettable holiday or start a new Christmas tradition in Vegas. Initially, the resort’s chefs have a specially-designed seasonal menu full of holiday dishes, desserts, and cocktails. So, if you’re unsure where to have Christmas dinner in Las Vegas, reserve a table at The Venetian.

Also, be sure to check out the Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo Tower, which possesses a striking holiday display. Visitors can even catch a Christmas show at Palazzo Theater or finish their holiday shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes.

Perhaps what makes this hotel the top choice for Christmas in Las Vegas is the towering Venetian Christmas Tree. Standing 65 feet tall, it illuminates the entire outdoor plaza.

11. Holiday shopping, a popular thing to do in Vegas on Christmas Eve

As much as we try to prepare for the holiday in advance, numerous of us end up doing last-minute gift shopping. Well, you certainly won’t be alone as you conduct your Christmas shopping in Las Vegas!

You can gain great savings in Las Vegas during Christmas, plus the stores will be adorned in cheerful holiday decor. Popular places on the Strip include the Miracle Mile Shops, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, and the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. There is also Fashion Show Mall,Town Square Las Vegas, and the Premium Outlets (one of the best outlets in Las Vegas). Our you can even check some of the best flea markets in Las Vegas.

Just outside Las Vegas, you can shop at The District at Green Valley Ranch, a huge retail and dining complex. Again, don`t miss downtown Summerlin, where you`ll find an open-air shopping center and a Christmas market.

Exploring the shops is one of the most enjoyable actions to do in Las Vegas during daylight hours and, later, you can enjoy the nighttime festivities along the Strip.

12. Celebrate Christmas at Town Square, a great Las Vegas Christmas activity for families

Town Square is a lively shopping center, but it becomes even more exciting during the Christmas season in Las Vegas. Between mid-November and December 23rd, visitors can see the nightly Snowfall Spectacles held there.

This family-friendly event brings ethereal snow flurries to Town Square. The show is accompanied by Christmas music and holiday lights, developing a novel winter atmosphere in Las Vegas.

Town Square is where the annual holiday parade culminating event takes place with Santa`s arrival and a Las Vegas Christmas tree lighting ceremony. So, if you’re looking for activities in Las Vegas suitable for children, be sure to add this attraction to your list!

13. Holiday Experience at The Park, another place to visit for Christmas in Vegas

Another festive location to visit in Las Vegas during December is The Holiday Experience at The Park, which allows free admission. Be sure to check it out if your travels take you there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening that month.

There is something here to engage everyone, from carolers and live acts to pop-up bars and eateries. Enjoy a sweet treat while marveling at the seasonal lighting displays or take the young ones to meet Santa Claus in person.

The Park also boasts an ice skating rink and a magnificent 80-foot Silver Fir tree. While not everything offered is without cost, if you’re seeking Christmas-related activities in Las Vegas for the whole family, be sure to check out what The Park has to offer!

14. Enchant Christmas Village, a lovely Las Vegas Christmas attraction for kids

One of the newest Christmas activities in Las Vegas is Enchant Christmas Village at Las Vegas Ballpark. This magical light maze is sure to enchant visitors of all ages, so it’s a must-see during the holiday season.

Situated merely 25 minutes from the Strip, Enchant Christmas Village is a place that will make you feel as though you’re stepping into another realm. The maze highlights countless twinkling lights and attractive artistic installations.

The attraction also incorporates an ice skating trail, a traditional Christmas marketplace, and nightly visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Without a doubt, it’s the most magical place to be for Christmas in Vegas!

15. Visit Wynn Winter Wonderland, an elegant way to celebrate Christmas in Vegas

Whether you’re spending Christmas in Vegas as a couple or with kids, be sure to stop by Wynn’s Winter Wonderland. Every year, the hotel displays beautiful miniature Christmas homes and scenes in its Holiday Atrium Village.

The mini-village draws inspiration from the novel Gulliver’s Travels and appears lovely paired with the resort’s intricate decor. It’s a sophisticated winter wonderland in Las Vegas that you can enjoy indoors, too!

You can also attend distinctive activities like seasonal brunches, gatherings, and kid-friendly workshops led by the hotel’s confectioners. Not only does Wynn house one of the top spas in Las Vegas, but it hosts a delectable Christmas feast in Las Vegas!

FAQs – Christmas in Las Vegas

Those outline the 15 top yuletide undertakings in Las Vegas, but preceding you go, I’d fancy to share some assistful tips. Beneath are answers to some general questions about visiting Vegas for Christmas season, so keep perusing.