From fabulous light displays, ice skating, festive cocktails, mind-blowing entertainment, and so much more, Las Vegas Christmas activities are the perfect place to find or spread some holiday cheer!
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Top Las Vegas Christmas Activities and Events
Skate on the Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau, the largest real ice rink on the Strip
The holiday village on ice includes communal firepit rentals, merry photo moments, cozy holiday cabanas, seasonal lite bites and cocktails, and holiday movie showings, rink-side. The Oasis Ice Rink is open seven days a week November 24 to January 4 from 5 – 11 p.m. Skating fee, including skate rental, is available for purchase onsite for $30 (Monday through Thursday) and $35 (Friday through Sunday). Other holiday additions include property-wide seasonal décor, interactive Signature Series classes, including holiday wreath making, and exclusive holiday headliners. Purchase tickets.Enjoy the glittering lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Revel in the gorgeous and incredible displays during this annual drive-thru attraction that is fun for the whole family. This joyful charity event is a Christmas season favorite in Las Vegas, featuring a 2.5 mile course adorned with 6 million twinkling lights in various festive displays. You can choose to drive your family and friends through the dazzling light show or relax on the Santa Tram, enjoying the spectacular sights. Don’t miss out on the hot cocoa and delicious kettle corn sold by local Boy Scout troops to keep you warm and your tummy full during your visit. The light show runs daily from 5 – 9 p.m. from November 7 to January 4. The cost per car/truck is $39. Buy tickets.Experience the beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Each season, the talented horticulture and engineering teams at Bellagio transform the 14,000 square foot Botanical Gardens into a showcase of awe-inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors. The Bellagio holiday display runs from November 15 to January 3 and is completely free to enjoy.Enjoy holidays decorations throughout The Shops at Crystals
Capture memories with the display’s centerpiece, a 55-foot holiday tree adorned with over 100,000 LED lights and 5,000 Swarovski ornaments. Guests can also enjoy mannequin figures dressed in holiday-inspired ball gowns, floating Christmas trees, a live cranberry pond and oversized holiday wreaths.Magical memories await at Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Enjoy this picture-perfect experience complete with the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. This year, the theme of the experience is Night of the Nutcracker, where guests can wander the maze as they look for each of the eight missing Nutcrackers who guard the realm of Christmas magic. Attendees can also enjoy larger-than-life light sculptures, and glide down an ice-skating trail. New this year is an all-new 20-foot-tall, over-100-foot-long Snow Slide, with a slope made of real ice. Enchant runs from November 21 to December 28. Tickets start at $29. Buy tickets.Experience GlowFest this holiday season
GlowFest is a vibrant world of art, light, culture, taste, and narrative that takes guests on a captivating, multi-sensory journey that follows the story of a baby dragon lost in the darkness of the universe. To enhance the experience, a rotating selection of popular Las Vegas food vendors, chef pop-ups, and food trucks are available. Throughout the season, GlowFest offers holiday programming for all ages, including visits with Santa, live Christmas carolers, and New Year’s cosplay performances. Located at 2600 Paradise Road, near the Sahara Las Vegas Monorail Station, GlowFest opens December 20 and runs until February 22. Buy tickets.Enjoy the Cactus Garden and sweet treats at Ethel M Chocolates
The Ethel M Chocolates Factory has Nevada’s largest cactus garden featuring more than 300 species of cacti and succulents. The Cactus Garden is especially magical during the holiday season when it is decorated in in over one million sparkling lights and holiday décor. Bring the whole family and enjoy the garden’s beauty, visits from Santa, entertainment, tasty treats and famous hot chocolate. The Cactus Garden light display is open from 5 – 10 p.m. from November 7 to January 3. New this year is a “Movie Nights in the Cactus Garden” event where you can view a variety of family-friendly holiday movies throughout the season. Admission is $5 per person and includes entry to the garden. Movies include: The Nightmare Before Christmas; The Santa Clause 1 & 2; and Happy Feet.Dance along to lively holiday music with Downtown Summerlin’s Holiday Parade
This free parade features holiday music, snow, dancers, and Santa, showcasing nearly 100 local youth performers. It runs along Park Centre Drive every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. from November 21 to December 20. Guests can also visit the Santa Chalet, located in the Macy’s Promenade which is open daily from November 14 to December 24. Photo packages start at $39.99 on select days, and new this season are family photo packages. Reservations are required.Visit Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
This free classic holiday attraction returns with elaborate decor, more than 26,000 lights and a nine-minute laser light show. You can enjoy the lights hourly November 27 to January 1 hourly from 4 – 10 p.m.Sip on festive cocktails at some famous holiday pop-ups—a can’t-miss part of the Las Vegas Christmas Activities scene.
The Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas welcomes Sippin’ Santa back to The Sand Dollar. Take a load off this holiday season and sip on something cold, light, and refreshing! Grab your Santa Hat and boardshorts and enjoy this festive tiki Christmas cocktail pop-up. Bad Elf Holiday Pop-Up at the Silverton Casino gets visitors into the holiday spirit with twinkling string lights, shiny-wrapped presents, oversized ornaments, and a few cheeky elves. Enjoy themed cocktails while you relax by the fire and take some photos with the incredible Christmas wonder as the perfect backdrop. Bad Elf Holiday Pop-up is open Thursday through Sunday at 5 p.m. from November 20 to December 28.Take in the wintry décor at the LINQ Promenade & Fremont Street Experience
Enjoy an assortment of holiday displays at the LINQ’s lively outdoor shopping thoroughfare and pose for pics with the magnificent, sparkling, 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. As you meander through, indulge in the twinkling lights and festive décor, and tackle your holiday shopping as you browse! Festive celebrations take place at the Fremont Street Experience throughout the holiday season, including the lighting and display of its massive Christmas tree and menorah. Stop by for a selfie while exploring everything under the dazzling Viva Vision canopy. Plus, there’s nightly free performances, so grab the crew and prepare for an evening of cheer and fun!Book a holiday themed class at Wynn through their Connoisseur Series
Learn how to make inspirational holidays cocktails, dreamy holiday desserts and more! Classes include: Holiday Cocktail Entertaining (December 5); Dreamy Holiday Desserts (December 11); Holiday Decorating Made Easy (December 12); Gingerbread House Decorating (December 19); and Holiday Treat Trimming (December 20). Visit the Wynn website for more details and to make reservations.Visit the famous Las Vegas Boneyard (Neon Museum)
The Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs, and offers visitors self-guided and guided tours. The Museum is located on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of Bonanza Road, and is open 365 days a year, including on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.Share the joy of the holiday season with those in need by donating to local and global charities using The Giving Machine, a popular vending machine
Donors can purchase essential items for people in need with 100% of donations going directly to the designated non-profits. There are two vending machines running this year: one at The District at Green Valley Ranch, and one in Downtown Summerlin. The vending machines are available from November 12 to January 1.Support individuals with disabilities by visiting the Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest
Admission to the Magical Forest includes unlimited rides, mini golf, and access to the Magical Forest holiday lights walking path, as well as trips on the Forest Express train. Visitors can also meet Santa in his cabin and enjoy their favorite holiday foods at The Holiday Shoppe and the retail kiosk. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is open: November 28 – 30; December 4 – 7; December 11 – 24 & December 26 – 31 from 5:30 – 9 p.m.Partake in a Vegas during the holidays medieval holiday feast
The popular Vegas during the holidays tradition “Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight” returns to the Excalibur Hotel & Casino for another winter wonderland themed celebration. Performances run from November 26 to December 25. Buy tickets.Celebrate the joy of the season with Barry Manilow’s seasonal production “A Very Barry Christmas”
This merry tradition at blends Manilow’s chart-topping hits with classic holiday favorites, dazzling visuals, and his trademark showmanship. With sing-along moments, plenty of cheer, and a sprinkle of Las Vegas glitz, “A Very Barry Christmas” is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and fellow “Fanilows.” This holiday show from Barry Manilow runs December 4 – 6 and December 11 – 13 at the Westgate’s International Theater.Enjoy the beloved, classic tale of The Nutcracker
Enjoy the stunning sets, special effects and beautiful choreography danced by the Nevada Ballet Theatre as they perform The Nutcracker at The Smith Center. This must-see holiday show is an immersive experience with its larger-than-life displays and captivating performance. The falling fluffy flakes from the “sky” is the cherry on top of this quintessential experience presented at the arts complex’s glamorous Reynolds Hall. Shows run December 13 – 28. Buy tickets.Escape the city and enjoy the snow-capped mountains and picturesque landscape
At Mount Charleston, located 45 minutes from the Strip, you can hit the slopes, sip on hot cocoa fireside, see the tree-lighting ceremonies, or simply relax in a cozy cabin. Lee Canyon, located 50 minutes from the Strip, also bustles with activity as skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers seek out the thrilling excitement of hitting the slopes. The area also offers snowshoeing, so you can take in the tranquil beauty of the snowy landscape and breathe in the fresh, crisp air.Transport yourself to a winter wonderland where everything is made of ice at Minus5° Ice Experience
At Minus5° Ice Experience, once you choose your package, you’re kitted out with gloves and a warm parka or Faux Fur Coat. Then you’re transported into a winter wonderland of interactive ice architecture while sipping the coolest beverages from glasses made entirely of ice. An exciting LED light show and upbeat music plays while you take in the pristine surroundings. Minus5 Ice Experience has three locations on the Las Vegas Strip – LINQ Promenade, Mandalay Bay and Venetian Resort.Raft with Santa
Raft down the Colorado River with Santa and his helpers with Lake Mead Mohave Adventures. The 12-mile adventure begins at 10 a.m. near Hoover Dam and tours the beauty of the Black Canyon over a three hour period. The tour also includes a gift for each passenger, ground transport from one of Santa’s elves from Lake Mead RV Village, a boxed lunch and water and complimentary cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas music at Willow Beach Marina at the end of the trip. Rafting with Santa runs from December 17 – 21 and December 24.Experience some of the best entertainment in the world
So many amazing performers are closing out 2025 and ringing in 2026 on the Strip. Don’t miss your chance to see TOTO at Fontainebleau December 30; Morgan Jay at The Venetian December 30 & 31; Bruno Mars at Park MGM December 30 & 31; and Jennifer Lopez December 30 – January 3 at Caesars Palace. The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is turning up the energy this New Year’s Eve with a legendary celebration that delivers world-class entertainment, exciting countdown moments, and unbeatable value—highlighted by free performances from Las Vegas icon Frankie Moreno at the famed Cabaret Theater. You can groove to the music at one of the many popular nightclubs on the Strip, many of which are hosting NYE parties to celebrate the holidays, or you can enjoy a star-studded list of headliners at Fremont Street’s big New Year’s Bash. CeeLo Green, Robin Thicke, Sammy Johnson, Common Kings, Pertinence and Chingy are all scheduled to perform throughout the night. Tickets for the New Year’s Bash are available for purchase online starting at $60.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy winter wonderland on the Strip, dazzling drive-through light displays, or a festive twist on world-class entertainment, Las Vegas truly transforms into an amazing holiday destination. Don’t let the planning stress you out—use this ultimate guide to discover the best Las Vegas Christmas activities and events this year. Be sure to check out the official Las Vegas website for additional things to do during the holiday season or the City of Las Vegas for holiday events. Start planning your unforgettable holiday getaway today, and be sure to check our latest deals on hotels and shows to make your trip sparkle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Las Vegas Christmas Activities
Q: Are Las Vegas Christmas activities expensive?
A: Not necessarily. While many spectacular activities like the ice rinks and special shows have an admission price, some of the city’s best holiday events are completely free. For example, the annual Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden lights and the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory displays are free to visit and open to the public daily.
Q: Where is the best place to go ice skating in Las Vegas during the holidays?
A: The most iconic spot is the Fontainebleau’s Oasis Ice Rink, the largest real ice rink on the Strip. This location offers a unique experience, allowing you to skate on a rink high above the Strip while enjoying fire pits, seasonal food, and a view of the dazzling skyline.
Q: When do the Christmas and holiday events typically begin in Las Vegas?
A: Most major holiday light displays and seasonal Las Vegas Christmas activities begin right after Thanksgiving, typically in mid-to-late November. Some attractions, like the Ethel M lights, may even begin in early November. Events usually run through the first week of January.
Q: Is it cold in Las Vegas during the Christmas season?
A: Temperatures in Las Vegas during December and January are generally mild compared to other parts of the country. Expect daytime high temperatures to be in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10-18°C). Evenings, especially when attending outdoor Las Vegas Christmas activities like ice skating or light shows, can drop into the 30s and 40s (4-9°C), so you should definitely plan to bring a jacket!
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance for holiday events?
A: For unique or exclusive events, especially special holiday performances of shows like Cirque du Soleil, booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended. For public attractions like light shows or general admission to ice rinks, you can usually purchase tickets upon arrival, but buying online beforehand can often save you time and sometimes money.