If you plan to spend Christmas and maybe New Year's eve in Las Vegas, you are in for some great fun. Let's face it, Las Vegas is known for doing everything big. Christmas is no exception. The holiday season is actually a great time to visit Las Vegas and this year most resorts are promoting socially-distanced Christmas family fun.
The Vegas strip will be full of holiday spirit as the casinos try to out-do each other with decorations, lights and mega-Christmas trees. If you like shows, check out the list of our recommended Las Vegas Christmas shows. Due to capacity limits, these shows sell out fast, so if plan to see one, get your tickets as early as possible.
Christmas day 2024 in Las Vegas is actually going to be very crowded on the Vegas strip.
Everything will be open. Well, almost everything. Shops, casinos, bars, restaurants, buffets, attractions. You name it, it will be open on Christmas day.
On Christmas day, all open buffets will have special pricing which comes out to almost double their regular price. It might make sense to eat at a hotel cafe. They usually have the best prices on that day and are open 24/7.
If money is not an issue here is a list of highly recommended restaurants you might consider calling ahead of time to make a reservation.
This is one day you have to make dinner reservations. If you are going to any restaurant on Christmas day either book ahead of time or be prepared to wait in line for a very long time.
With that said, if Las Vegas is beckoning you this coming holiday season, here are a few things you might want to put on your to-do list. You'll also find lots of resources and some money saving tips on this site while planning your Christmas in Las Vegas.
Note: This year, Christmas day falls on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. With Christmas falling on a Wednesday, that means most people will start their Vegas Christmas festivities on the weekend before and continue through Christmas day. Expect the Vegas strip to be very crowded on Christmas day. Dress warm and have a great time. Happy Holidays.
Get into the spirit at Las Vegas' most iconic attraction, the Bellagio Fountains. Is there a more romantic way to spend Christmas day than watching and taking in the seasonal sounds of the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio? The free fountain water show feature special performances of classic holiday tunes throughout the season.
Dates: December 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Performances start at 3 p.m. Monday – Friday; noon on Saturdays and holidays; and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Free
While you are there, step inside the Bellagio to see the Atrium which is completely done up for Christmas.
This holiday season, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio will take guests on a journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet classic “The Nutcracker,” with its enchanting holiday display. The exhibit will replicate iconic scenes from the classic ballet, following protagonist Clara’s journey through her holiday dreamland.
With awe-inspiring floral displays and festive décor, the Conservatory will tell the story of the courageous Nutcracker Prince and his adventure with Clara as the two embark on a magical adventure in the Land of Sweets. Each bed will showcase different enchanting moments from the show, transporting visitors to a true winter wonderland where they can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
The "The Nutcracker" holiday display is available for guests to enjoy for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week from December 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024. Free
Known for its beloved Christmas spectacular at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Radio City Rockettes’ will be featured daily on the Sphere's fully programmable exosphere. This will mark the first time the Sphere has featured dancing wrapped 360 degrees around the venue.
The Radio City Rockettes’ famed kicking line will be visible this holiday season.Free
ARIA Resort & Casino brings joy and smiles to those visiting the resort during the holidays, as "The North Star" display welcomes guests with a brilliant winter wonderland, starry scenery and breathtaking imagery. On display is a towering 28-foot North Star that stands in the center of the ARIA lobby, surrounded by larger-than-life crystal shards, flocked trees and a starry night of celestial starbursts above.
The North Star is on display 24 hours at ARIA Resort & Casino main lobby, now through January 9, 2023.Free
If the idea of over half a million twinkling Christmas lights draped over three acres of cactus sounds exciting, then you must a visit the Chocolate Wonderland at Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson, NV. This is one of the coolest holiday things you can do in Las Vegas. The huge Ethel M's cactus garden out front features a spectacular display of more than half a million holiday lights, chocolate houses and sculptures, and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate creations. Have your photo taken with Santa!
The display will be open: - Dates: November 3rd until December 31st, 2023
Admission: Free
Lights: On Nightly, - from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Factory & Chocolate Shoppe: Open daily 8:30am to 10pm (closed Christmas Day) - Face masks are required in the Store
2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
By Bus, take: Routes 212
More Info: www.ethelm.com
This Christmas the High Roller Observation Wheel will illuminate with dazzling holiday-colored lights, featuring more than 2,000 LED lights synchronized to popular holiday music during the nightly “Lights at The LINQ” show.
Showtime: The show runs every hour on the half hour from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. through Dec. 30. After the holiday season, Lights at The LINQ will continue with regular nightly programming. Free
Location: across the street from Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
WinterFest is back for another triumphant year at the Water Street District / Water Street Plaza. Celebrate "the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with a variety of family-friendly activities. Among the list of activities will be the official tree-lighting ceremony on November 30, and a spectacular evening light parade on December 1 at 6:30pm. WinterFest is open to all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Location: Water Street Plaza (tree lighting) and along Water Street (parade)
When: When: November 30 at 5:00 p.m. (tree lighting) and December 1 at 6:30pm (parade) Free
Experience the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze adventure as Enchant is set to arrive at the Las Vegas Ballpark this holiday season. The Enchant adventure includes an Ice Skating Trail, a locally curated Christmas Market, an opportunity to meet Santa and a world of Christmas wonder awaits as you enter the custom-designed, 90,000 square foot light maze. You will be transported to a living storybook of larger-than-life, stunning light sculptures and decadent delights as snow falls gently all around you.
The Annual Enchant Christmas Tradition Continues in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Ballpark, November 24, 2023 - December 31, 2023.
1650 South Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135
General Admission tickets start at $34 for adults and $25 for kids 3 through 17 yrs.
This holiday season, The Cosmopolitan transforms the Boulevard Pool into The Ice Rink. Located high above the Strip, (Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower) with unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip, guests will enjoy skating on 4,200-square-foot of real ice, roasting s'mores by the fire pits, and warm cocktails. The Ice Rink also features light snow showers which occurs every 30 minutes.
When: Dec. 2 through Monday, Dec. 25, 2023
Dec. 2, 2023 – Dec. 15, 2023
Monday – Friday | 4PM – 11PM
Saturday and Sunday | Noon – 11PM
Dec. 16, 2023 – Jan. 2, 2024 - Daily | Noon – 11 p.m.
Dec. 24 & 25, 2023 - Daily | Noon – Midnight
Snow Showers: Light snow showers happen from every 30 minutes during select times throughout the season.
Admission: Admission to the dazzling winter wonderland atmosphere surrounding The Ice Rink is FREE. All day skating access is $30. Monday through Thursday. Nevada residents, military and first responders with a valid ID is $20.
The Mystic Falls indoor park at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall goes through a transformation at Christmas time. Marking the kick off of the holiday season this free time-honored tradition goes back to 1994, with decorations beginning in Sam's Town's porte-cochere and decorative snowflakes leading guests through the property to Mystic Falls Park. This holiday season, families can experience the indoor atrium’s new theme, featuring animated teddy bears that have come to life and can be seen playing, dancing and decorating the park.
An 18-foot tree decorated in red and gold, garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts and snow-covered trees fill the atrium, and decor offers guests a glimpse inside Santa's workshop, from elves making toys to loading up Santa's sleigh with goodies for children.
Mystic Falls Park’s winter wonderland display, features a festive décor with more than 26,000 points of light and a nine-minute holiday laser light show.
Mystic Falls is FREE and open 24 hours a day. Free
Date: Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, January 1, 2024.
Santa will be available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, except for 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
At the Silverton Casino Hotel Aquarium visitors can see Santa Claus dressed up in scuba gear and submerged in the Silverton's 117,000-gallon aquarium. Santa Claus will be swimming among the 4,000 sharks, stingrays and tropical fish this holiday season.
Location: Silverton Casino Hotel
Days: Saturdays & Sundays | November 25 – December 24, 2023 Free
Underwater Santa - Share your Christmas wish list with Santa and his helpers.
Times: 12:00pm — 1:00pm | 2:00pm — 3:00pm
(Santa will not be in the Aquarium on Christmas Eve.)
Mermaid Tales - Holiday story time with the Silverton Mermaids.
Times: 11:45am — 12:00pm | 1:00pm — 1:15pm | 1:45pm — 2:00pm | 3:00pm — 3:15pm
The aquarium is free to the public. Bring the kids and take lots of pictures of the Underwater Santa and his elves. Santa is equipped with a microphone that allows him to listen to and speak with children.
Bring the whole family to enjoy Santa's Wonderland Event at the Bass Pro Shops. Running now til Christmas Eve!, this is an event the kids will love as they enjoy tons of activities going on throughout the wonderland. While you are there, get your FREE 4X6 photo with Santa as well as a FREE craft!. It is recommended that you call ahead to make sure the photo line is open. 702-730-5200
Date: November 4 - December 24, 2023 Free
Location: Bass Pro Shops (Next to Silverton Hotel Casino)
8200 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89139
Go on a journey through the magic of winter wonderlands this holiday season at Wynn Las Vegas. Inspired by the novel, Gulliver's Travels, discover a dazzling new neighborhood at Wynn, as six intricately crafted whimsical miniature wintery villages take up residence in the Autrium adjacent to the Main Registration at Wynn Las Vegas.
Time: Throughout December
Location: The Atrium at Wynn Las Vegas. Open 24 hours Free
Enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino. Every year The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens are transformed into an elaborate winter fantasy display. Decked out with snow-covered trees measuring up to 20-feet tall, 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 last through the first week of the new year. Free
Come and visit Santa Claus and Santa Jaws in the shipwreck exhibit at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium.Every weekend in December Santa will be parking his sleigh at Shark Reef Aquarium. Children 12 and under are invited to enjoy a sweet treat, share their Christmas wish lists and take a photo with Saint.
2023 Dates: December 16 – 24
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $29 (timed entry) and $39 (anytime tickets) | Children ages 5 – 12: $24 (timed entry) and $31 (anytime) Children 4 and under: FREE
Special appearances by Santa Jaws will take place every hour for photos and interactions with kids and families.
Before jumping on his sleigh and heading back to the North Pole at 4 p.m., Santa will put on his SCUBA gear and plunge into the shark-infested shipwreck waters to bid everyone farewell alongside his underwater friends. So come by and celebrate the holidays with your favorite undersea creatures (and some magical ones too!).
When: - Dates: November 17 - December 31, 2023.
Closed Mondays. *Except Monday, December 18 and Monday, December 25, Christmas Day
Time:Tuesday - Sunday: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: Starting at $39 per vehicle.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a drive-thru light show held annually and lighting up the speedway from November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024. Featuring more than two million animated and sparkling displays along a 2.5-mile drive-through course. Enjoy many custom twinkling light displays, never-before-seen lights and some of your old favorites like the NASCAR scene and the Avenue of Trees which showcases more than 55 charities with custom dedicated signs and trees.
When: - Dates: November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024. The park opens at dusk.
Time: Sunday – Thursday: 4:45pm – 9:00pm
Friday, Saturday & Holidays: 4:45pm – 10:00pm
Cost: Monday - Thursdays $39 per car; Friday – Sunday, Holidays and December: $39 per vehicle.
The fun is back at the Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin. Don't miss the signature 8,000 square foot real-ice skating rink located near the Pavilion at The Lawn. Skate set to the backdrop of joyful holiday music and an impressive 40-foot holiday tree overlooking the rink. All ages are welcome.
Ride the festive holiday train that runs through January 15 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $5.00 per adult and child.
Dates: November 10, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Location: The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin | All ages welcome.
By Bus, take: Routes SX or 206
Considered a Las Vegas holiday tradition, the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade holiday spectacle is scheduled take place Friday and Saturday in Downtown Summerlin, featuring festive floats inspired by your favorite holiday movies, snowflake princesses and princes, dancers, toy soldiers, nutcrackers, drummers, dancers, snow and of course the big guy himself, Santa!. Enjoy lots of characters through the streets of Downtown Summerlin and festive music to put the entire family into the holiday spirit.
HOLIDAY KICK-OFF (Nov. 17): Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. | Parade starts at 6 p.m.
November 17, 2023 - December 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Free
Parade will take place on Park Centre Drive.
All shows are free and open to the general public.
Holiday Parade at Downtown Summerlin By Bus, take: Routes SX or 206
Christmas is a time for giving. What better way to give this time of year than a visit to the Magical Forest which is celebrating another year of providing holiday joy to the Las Vegas community. Join the more than 150,000 people that visit the Forest every year. Feast your eyes at the more than three million lights on hundreds of decorated trees. Ride the Forest Express passenger train, take a spin on the Carousel or visit Santa. There is fun for the whole family and plenty of special events and offers throughout the Forest season.
Dates: November 24-26, Nov. 30- Dec.3, Dec. 7-10, Dec.14-31 (Closed Dec. 25), 2023
Hours of operation: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Closed : Christmas Day
Location: 6300 West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146 at the corner of S. Torrey Pines.
Las Vegas has some of the world's best malls and esplanades. One of the great things about Las Vegas shops and malls are their annual holiday displays. Each store puts together beautifully designed windows to celebrate the season (as well as entice you into their store).
Celebrate the season - the shopping season, that is. Not just one, but many glorious venues await with more than 1000 shops to fill every item on your holiday checklist.
Put on your walking shoes and take a trip to the Fashion Show Las Vegas with it's nearly 250 stores and restaurants (closed Christmas day), the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Boulevard Mall or Le Blvd. at Paris and the high-end Via Bellagio.
All will be open Christmas Eve and day except Fashion Show Las Vegas, Town Square Shopping Center, and Boulevard Mall which will be closed Christmas day.
King Arthur cordially invites all to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season while being part of a spectacular production that mixes classic medieval jousts with holiday-inspired music. Guests of all ages will take part in the festivities as the 900-seat arena Tournament of Kings arena magically transforms into a medieval winter wonderland with décor, music, costumes, cheer and "snow."
Kings, queens, knights and maidens of all ages are invited to take part in the festivities and indulge in a three-course holiday feast which, true to the time of Merlin, will be eaten sans utensils, while watching the legend of Prince Christopher's journey toward knighthood unfold.
Dates: November 22 – December 25, 2023
Schedule: Wednesday – Monday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Dark on Tuesday | Additional dark days include Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Children three years of age and younger are complimentary while sitting on an adult’s lap.
Location: Inside Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Hallelujah Chorus | Artist: Mormon Tabernacle Choir Cast. Length 3:53 |
Carol Of The Bells | Artist: Los Angeles Master Chorale. Length 1:29 |
O Holy Night | Artist: Placido Domingo. Length 3:57 |
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas | Artist: Johnny Mathis. Length 2:18 |
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year | Artist: Johnny Mathis. Length 2:45 |
We Need a Little Christmas | Artist: Johnny Mathis. Length: 1:54 |
Sleigh Ride | Artist: Johnny Mathis. Length: 2:57 |
Santa Baby | Artist: Madonna. Length: 3:57 |