21 Magical Things to do for Christmas in Las Vegas 2024

21 Magical Christmas events in Las Vegas, Nevada

Christmas in Las Vegas: Are you looking for Christmas activities in Las Vegas? There are so many things to do in Las Vegas in December you are sure to get in the holiday spirit dreaming about a Las Vegas Christmas.

A Christmas tree, farm stand, sleigh and hanging ornaments.
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There are numerous Christmas events in Las Vegas on this list. I wanted to include all of the Las Vegas places to visit at Christmas so you can plan your trip.

You should know that almost all restaurants and casinos are open on Christmas Day so there is no need to panic. Below I have included tips and tricks for visiting Vegas at Christmas time.

Christmas Eve in Vegas is actually a really popular time to visit. And there is always something to do on Christmas Day in Las Vegas. Check out my post on Restaurants open on Christmas Day in Vegas.

Thank you for supporting this website written by an American. This post may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission on these links at no extra cost to you.

How to Celebrate Christmas at Las Vegas – Christmas Activities

Enchant Christmas Events in Las Vegas Ballpark

Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark is a mesmerizing holiday experience that transforms the ballpark into an enchanting winter wonderland.

As a recent visitor (its been going since 2021), I was captivated by the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze, a sprawling, custom-designed wonder that left me in awe. The maze is a visual feast, brimming with millions of twinkling lights, creating a labyrinth of shimmering beauty.

As you meander through the maze, each turn unveils intricate light sculptures and larger-than-life installations, igniting a sense of childlike wonder. The centerpiece, a dazzling ice-skating trail, weaves through the heart of the maze, offering a unique gliding experience under the starry sky.

Beyond the maze, Enchant offers a curated Christmas Market, where local artisans display their crafts, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, with the scent of seasonal treats and the sound of holiday music filling the air.

Meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus is a delight for children, adding to the festive cheer. The event also features a variety of food and drink options, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.

Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark is more than just a holiday event; it’s a magical journey that captures the essence of the season, making it an unforgettable part of the Las Vegas Christmas experience.

View the Lights and Decorations at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Imagine stepping into a winter fairy tale – that’s the Bellagio Conservatory during Christmas. Last year, I was mesmerized by their holiday display, a true spectacle of color and light.

Christmas in las vegas - A Christmas tree, farm stand, sleigh and hanging ornaments.
Photo Courtesy of Bellagio christmas at las vegas christmas day in las vegas christmas day las vegas

A towering 42-foot Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, took center stage, surrounded by a charming miniature railway.

But what truly captured my heart was the family of polar bears, each meticulously crafted from white carnations. The transition from the vibrant indoor display to the iconic outdoor fountain show, set to your favorite Christmas tunes, is seamless.

The combination of these stunning visuals and festive music encapsulates the holiday spirit perfectly.

Visit Santa, A Must-Do Las Vegas Christmas Activity For Kids

No Christmas is complete without Santa, and Vegas does it with a twist! Last December, I took my friend’s daughter to see the Underwater Santa at Silverton Hotel – a truly unique experience.

Wiki Commons christmas eve in las vegas christmas in las vegas

Santa, amidst colorful fish in an aquarium, was a sight to behold. For those seeking a more traditional experience, Town Square and the Magical Forest also host delightful Santa visits. Each location brings its own charm, making every Santa encounter in Vegas a special one.

Fountains of Bellagio – the Perfect Christmas in Vegas Activity

There’s something magical about the Bellagio Fountains during Christmas. On my last visit, the combination of the dancing waters, synchronized to holiday classics, created a romantic and mesmerizing atmosphere.

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The show, featuring water jets soaring up to 460 feet, is a visual delight. The backdrop of the Bellagio adds to the allure, making it not just a show, but an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Tip: Best enjoyed with a warm beverage in hand as the cool evening air adds to the festive mood.

Winter Wonderland Festive Lobby Display At Aria Resort – Truly a Las Vegas Christmas

Aria Resort transforms into a sugary paradise during the holidays. Their lobby becomes a winter wonderland with incredible pastry creations.

The custom Sugar Palace at Aria Patisserie.
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Last year, I was awed by the colorful ornamentation and life-sized Santa Claus sculptures. For those with a sweet tooth, the Aria Patisserie offers delightful Christmas-themed treats.

The entire lobby, aglow with festive cheer, is an ideal spot for holiday photographs.

Go Ice Skating, A Fun Thing to Do for Christmas In Las Vegas

Transforming a pool into an ice rink, The Cosmopolitan offers one of the most unique ice-skating experiences.

Skating high above the Strip, with views of the holiday-themed cityscape, is surreal. They even have fire pits for making s’mores and serving adult beverages. It’s not just skating; it’s an entire holiday party on ice.

The Cosmopolitan’s Ice Rink stands out for its ambiance and festive spirit.

Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden – Las Vegas Christmas

A visit to Ethel M Chocolates’ Holiday Cactus Garden is a tradition for me. Imagine a desert transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with millions of lights illuminating cacti.

Ethel M Cactus garden Vegas at Christmas

Walking through this luminous garden, with colorful lights changing hues, feels like wandering through a festive dream. It’s a blend of Nevada’s desert landscape and Christmas charm.

The highlight? Hot chocolate and Santa visits, making it perfect for a family outing or a romantic stroll.

This is truly a unique and memorable holiday activity that you can do in Las Vegas.

Holiday Magic at The LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade turns into a winter fairyland, and last year’s transformation was breathtaking. The entire area twinkled with festive lights, creating a cozy, enchanting atmosphere. The centerpiece, a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, was a spectacle in itself. What I love most about The LINQ is the variety – from carolers to the High Roller observation wheel adorned with holiday lights. The wheel’s light show, synced to holiday music, is a must-see. It’s a delightful mix of shopping, entertainment, and festive spirit – all in one place.

Holiday Lights at The LINQ Las Vegas

This Christmas season, the LINQ Promenade will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

The entire city will be decked out for the holidays, including a holiday light show on the enormous High Roller observation wheel. The wheel will be illuminated with Christmas-colored lights matched to holiday music during the nightly show.

During the nightly “Lights at the LINQ” performance, the High Roller Observation Wheel will be illuminated with dazzling holiday-colored lights, with more than 2,000 LED lights timed to popular holiday music.

From 5:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., the show airs every hour on the half-hour through Dec. 28. Lights at The LINQ will resume regular nightly programming after the holiday season.

Throughout the open-air district, there will be socially distant events as well as unique retailers. There is also complimentary parking and discounted tickets for the High Roller Observation Wheel and the FLY LINQ Zipline.

The Nutcracker – Las Vegas Christmas shows

Experiencing ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Smith Center is a cherished tradition. The performance, with its blend of enchanting music and graceful ballet, transports you to a world of holiday magic. Watching Clara’s journey alongside the Nutcracker and Mouse King, amidst a backdrop of stunning sets and costumes, is a reminder of the timeless charm of Christmas. It’s a classic tale that never fails to fill the heart with joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AA1rrAN0JQ&ab_channel=NVBallet

Festival of Lanterns at Cowabunga Bay

Cowabunga Bay’s Festival of Lanterns is like walking into a storybook. The handcrafted Chinese lanterns, lighting up the nights, create an ethereal experience.

My visit there felt like a journey through a glowing wonderland, with lanterns shaped like peacocks, pandas, and underwater scenes. It’s not just a display; it’s an artistic adventure that ignites the imagination.


 Holiday Lights | Festival of Lanterns at Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas image

Cowabunga Bay is great to visit for Christmas in Vegas but also one of the Best Waterparks in Las Vegas.

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Driving through the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a holiday adventure. The 2.5-mile track, adorned with millions of LED lights, creates a festive tunnel that’s a joy to explore. T

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

he lights dance to Christmas tunes, making it a dynamic, immersive experience. It’s a delightful activity for all ages, combining the thrill of the Speedway with the magic of Christmas.

Winter Wonderland at Fashion Show Las Vegas

Fashion Show Las Vegas transforms into ‘Winter Wonderland’, and it’s a spectacle of elegance and joy. Last year, the white trees, ice sculptures, and falling snow created a dreamy setting – the perfect Christmas events in Las Vegas.

The centerpiece, a life-size snow globe with a ballerina, was a unique touch. This experience isn’t just about shopping; it’s about immersing yourself in a luxurious holiday fantasy.

Holidays at Resorts World Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World is well situated on the northern end of the Strip, close to all the action. A magnificent hotel with a wide range of different cuisines to choose from, including traditional Cantonese cuisine at Genting Palace and American pub fare at Dawg House Saloon & Sportsbook.

There are also numerous Asian street food establishments to choose from. With such a convenient location, you may spend the day exploring the city and returning to your room to relax or simply enjoy the bright lights of The Strip from your suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide a gorgeous backdrop.

The newest Vegas resort on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, is the perfect place to spend the holidays. Enjoy holiday dining meals that are one-of-a-kind.

Take a stroll inside the store and admire the seasonal décor installations, which will make for great photo opportunities.  The snow globe also features entertaining animations that bring the exhibit to life, such as falling snow on a mountainside cabin decorated out in Christmas lights.

Families are invited to take pictures with Santa and meet him while eating delicious treats including chocolate Christmas ornaments, Santa macarons, gingerbread cookies, and more.

Christmas at the Venetian Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland

When it comes to magnificent resorts, The Venetian is one of the best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and home to one of the best Christmas decorations in the city.

Christmas at The Venetian is an incredible holiday experience and a great opportunity to establish a new Christmas tradition in Vegas.

To start, the resort’s chefs have created a unique holiday menu featuring seasonal cuisine, desserts, and beverages. Reserve a table at The Venetian if you’re not sure where to go for Christmas dinner in Las Vegas.

Also, don’t miss the Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo Tower, which features a spectacular holiday display. You can also see a Christmas performance at the Palazzo Theater or end your holiday shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes.

The Venetian Christmas Tree is perhaps what makes this the top hotel in Las Vegas for Christmas. It’s one of the tallest in Vegas, standing 65 feet tall and lighting up the entire outdoor plaza.

The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan

The Ice Rink returns to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Boulevard Pool for the fifth year in a row, transforming it into a winter wonderland high above Las Vegas Boulevard.

The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool is transformed into a skating rink during the season, making it an especially memorable experience. Every 30 minutes, a real snow shower will fall on the Ice Rink. Adults and children alike will love this winter spectacular, which includes everything you could desire for the perfect Christmas getaway.

Guests will enjoy skating on over 4,200 square feet of genuine ice, toasting s’mores over the fire pits, and warm beverages on Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower, which is located high above the Strip.

Wynn’s Winter Wonderland

If you’re spending Christmas in Vegas with your family or as a couple, don’t miss Wynn’s Winter Wonderland. In its Holiday Atrium Village, the hotel displays beautiful miniature Christmas homes and scenes every year.

The mini-village is based on the novel Gulliver’s Travels and complements the resort’s intricate decor beautifully. In Las Vegas, you can enjoy a sophisticated winter wonderland from the comfort of your own home!

Special events, such as holiday brunches, parties, and kid-friendly workshops with the hotel’s pastry chefs, are also available. Wynn not only has one of the best spas in Vegas, but it also hosts a delectable Christmas dinner!

Holiday Experience at The Park

The Holiday Experience at The Park is another Christmas destination in Las Vegas. It’s free to enter, so if you’re in the area in December, don’t miss this out!

From carolers and live performances to pop-up bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone here. Take the kids to see Santa Claus or have a sweet treat while admiring the holiday lighting displays. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening of the month, the event takes place.

There’s also an ice rink and an 80-foot Silver Fir tree in the park. While not everything here is free, The Park is a great place to visit if you’re searching for family-friendly Christmas activities in Las Vegas.

Enchant Christmas Village

Enchant is slated to arrive at the Las Vegas Ballpark this holiday season, bringing with it the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze adventure.

This enchanting light maze will delight visitors of all ages, making it a must-see during the Christmas season.

An Ice-Skating Trail, a locally curated Christmas Market, a chance to meet Santa, and a world of Christmas wonder await you as you enter the custom-designed, 90,000 square foot light maze are all part of the Enchant adventure. As snow falls gently all around you, you will be transported to a living storybook of larger-than-life, beautiful light creations and delectable treats.

There’s also an ice skating rink, a typical Christmas market, and nightly visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the site. It is, without a doubt, the most creative place in Vegas for Christmas!

Enchant Christmas Village is a site that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another universe, yet it’s only 25 minutes from the Strip. Millions of dazzling lights and magnificent art projects may be found throughout the maze.

Tournament of Kings Holiday Show

The audience is captivated by the medieval-themed tournament, which is based on King Arthur’s tale of valor and treachery.

This famous dinner show in Las Vegas is sure to spark your appetite for adventure while providing a night of fun and excitement. After all, you’re in Vegas, so eat, drink, and get rowdy.

Throughout the play, you’ll find yourself rooting on your jousting knight and booing the other guys as you take in the dancing maidens, expert tumblers, wily magicians, pyrotechnics, and the performers’ exceptional athletic abilities and horsemanship.

In a 900-seat theater-in-the-round arena inside the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the classic jousting spectacle Tournament of Kings dinner show is performed.

Witness as real horses battle it out in a thrilling jousting match. The jousting dinner show’s distinctive attraction is enhanced by feats of skill, special effects, and fireworks.

A delicious three-course meal is given during the performance in the spirit and tradition of the medieval period, which means you eat with your fingers and pound your fists on the table while rallying your monarch in a jousting competition.

Here are some more magical things to do for Christmas in Vegas (Christmas events in Las Vegas):

  1. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village: A festive, enchanting setup with millions of sparkling lights, entertainment, and attractions. It’s a holiday experience supporting a good cause, as proceeds benefit the programs of Opportunity Village.
  2. The Ice Rink at Green Valley Ranch: This is a less crowded alternative to the more popular ice rinks. Set against a picturesque backdrop, it offers a charming and intimate skating experience, often accompanied by holiday movie screenings at Green Valley Ranch.
  3. Downtown Container Park Winter Wonderland: This outdoor shopping and entertainment venue transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, and a unique shopping experience.
  4. Mystic Falls Park Light Show at Sam’s Town: Enjoy their seasonal light show in this indoor park, which features animatronic animals, laser light displays, and holiday music.
  5. The Neon Museum’s Holiday Lights: Explore the history of Las Vegas through neon lights with a holiday twist. The museum decorates its vintage signs and offers guided tours highlighting the stories behind these iconic pieces.
  6. Holiday Havoc at The Cosmopolitan: This event features live music from popular bands and artists, making it a great choice for those looking to combine holiday cheer with a concert experience.
  7. Las Vegas Christmas Town at Cowabunga Bay: Apart from the Festival of Lanterns, this venue also hosts a Christmas Town event with holiday attractions, including a 40-foot Christmas tree, a snowball fight area, and festive rides.
  8. Springs Preserve Holiday Express: A family-friendly activity where you can board a train to a magical village, featuring holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and story time with Mrs. Claus.
  9. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: While not specifically a Christmas activity, this gallery often features seasonal exhibitions that can be a sophisticated addition to holiday plans.
  10. ‘A Very Vegas Christmas’ Show: A unique show blending traditional holiday themes with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, featuring local performers.

Nicole LaBarge

Nicole is a travel expert who has been traveling to the American Southwest since 1992. There is so much to see and do in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and California. I spend part of the year in Phoenix and travel around the area visiting all the best places and going on the best hikes. Check out my detailed destination guides, the best hiking in each state guides, and the travel gear you need for your next trip.

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