Things to do in Las Vegas Between Christmas and New Years
If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas between Christmas and New Years, you’re in luck! There’s plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re looking for festive holiday activities or ways to burn off some energy after all that holiday feasting. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
What is Vegas like at Christmas?
Christmas in Las Vegas is a truly unique experience. The hotels and casinos are all uniquely decorated with lavish displays and the restaurants offer special holiday menus. Also, being the entertainment capital of the world there are plenty of holiday-themed shows and events to enjoy.
If you are looking for a place to let loose and have some fun, Vegas is the place to be during the holidays.
Check Out Some Of The Las Vegas Christmas Activities
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to visit during Christmas. The hotel and casino go all out to celebrate the holidays, with a huge tree in the center of the lobby and decorations throughout the property.
Be sure to visit the conservatory which is especially festive, with a breathtaking holiday-themed display that changes every year. Each year the magnificent holiday theme is constructed out of over ten thousand plants and fragrant flowers.
Having been there several times I can confirm that it is worth visiting the Bellagio just to see the Conservatory display.
Winter PARQ at the LINQ Promenade
When you come to the LINQ Promenade during Christmas, you’re in for a real treat. The Winter PARQ is decked out with all sorts of holiday decorations, from festive lights to a huge Christmas tree. And if you’re looking for some winter fun, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, like ice skating and sledding.
But the best part of the Winter PARQ is definitely the food. You’ll find everything from holiday-themed treats to traditional Christmas dishes. So whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden
The Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden is a beautiful place to visit during the Christmas season. The garden is full of different types of cacti, all decorated for the holidays. The cacti are adorned with lights, garlands, and bows, making them a sight to behold.
The garden also has a Santa Claus statue and a reindeer statue that add to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the garden and take in the beauty of the holiday decorations.
Glittering Lights Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Glittering Lights Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 2.5-mile track located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is known for its spectacular Christmas lights display. Every year, over two million people visit the speedway to see the glittering lights.
The display features over three million LED lights, making it one of the largest displays in the world. The lights are synchronized to holiday music, making it a truly magical experience. Visitors can drive through the display in their own vehicles or take a ride on an open-air tram.
There is also a Winter Wonderland village with carnival rides, Santa’s workshop, and a marketplace. The village is included with admission to the light show.
Blitzen’s Antler Attic
Blitzen’s Antler Attic is a holiday popup experience in Tivoli Village featuring ornament painting. The event is held every year from mid-November through December, and features a wide variety of Christmas-themed activities.
One of the most popular attractions at Blitzen’s Antler Attic is the ornament painting station. Here, guests can paint their own glass ornaments to take home with them. There are also several other holiday-themed craft stations, as well as a visit from Santa himself.
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is a special place during the Christmas season. The forest is decorated with lights and festive decorations, and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure that every visitor has a memorable experience.
The Forest is open to the public for a nominal fee, and all of the proceeds go to supporting Opportunity Village, a local organization that provides services and support to people with intellectual disabilities.
Visitors can stroll through the enchanted forest, take in the sights and sounds of Christmas, and even visit with Santa Claus himself. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is truly a magical place during the holiday season.
Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland
The Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town hotel and casino is one of the most popular Christmas attractions in town. Every year, the park transforms into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take a leisurely ride on the Santa Express Train.
There are also plenty of photo opportunities with Santa and his elves. The Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland is open from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, so be sure to check it out at Sams Town!
Go Ice Skating or Sledding
The ice rink at the Cosmopolitan
The holidays are a special time of year in Las Vegas. The city sparkles with lights and there is a festive atmosphere in the air. One of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season in Vegas is to go ice skating at The Cosmopolitan.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites you to experience Ice skating at the boulevard pool. This is a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas experience where you can take in the stunning views of the Strip while ice skating surrounded by festive lights and music. Be sure to check out The chalet as it is a great place to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or take a break from skating.
Enchanted Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
The Enchanted Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark is the perfect place to enjoy some festive ice skating fun this holiday season. The setting is simply magical. The Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with over two million lights, 100 trees, and a 50-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree. It’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit!
Snow Tubing at the Winter PARQ at the LINQ Promenade
If you’re looking for a winter thrill while in Las Vegas, look no further than the Winter PARQ at the LINQ Promenade. Yes you can go tubing in the middle of the desert! This outdoor winter wonderland offers snow tubing and much more.
Every winter the parking lot behind the High Roller is transformed into a 30 foot snow hill specifically for tubing. Tickets are priced at $5 per ride or $20 for an all day pass. Add carolers and artificially created snowfall over the promenade and you have a perfect holiday experience for all ages.
Sledding at Mt Charleston
Most people don’t realize that only 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip located at 8,600 feet in the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area is the Lee Canyon Ski and Snow Resort where snow is common in the winter. In addition to skiing, you can also enjoy sledding and tubing at the Foxtail Picnic Area of the resort.
Enjoy sledding and tubing in style with available parking, heated restrooms and concessions available. Sleds and gloves are available and when you are done sledding just enjoy the mountain scenery with some hot cocoa.
The Foxtail Picnic Area is open Thursday through Sundays from 9am to 4pm. There is an access fee of $25 per car ($5 for additional every person over 4). Be sure to get there early as the parking spots do fill up fast.
Do Some Last minute Christmas Shopping
Outlet shopping at Christmas in Las Vegas
If you have any last minute Christmas shopping you still need to do or if you want to pick up some great bargains, be sure to check out of the two Las Vegas Premium Outlets.
Located just North of the Strip close to Fremont Street, the outdoor Las Vegas North Premium Outlets has over 180 premium and designer stores to find some amazing deals.
The second outlet mall in Las Vegas is the Premium Outlets South, which is located just south of the Strip. This mall has over 150 stores and is only five miles from the strip, making it a great place to find deals on designer brands.
So if you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping while you’re in Las Vegas, be sure to check out one of these two outlet malls!
Shopping on the Strip
You can’t turn a corner when staying on the Las Vegas Strip without running into some sort of shopping. It seems like every casino has it’s own shopping district. If you have that hard to shop for person on your list, Vegas can be your savior.
You can find some truly one of a kind gifts while you are here. Who wouldn’t love a poker chip set from their favorite casino or their very own slot machine. Yes you can buy a slot machine! That next unforgettable gift is only a short walk away.
Appreciate the Surrounding Nature
Lets face it, everyone has had those moments where you have had enough Christmas cheer. If you need to get away from the strip, the mountains surrounding Las Vegas are absolutely beautiful in the winter. The mountains are usually covered in snow while the valley below stays in the 60s during the day.
Explore Red Rock National Conservation Area
Just a short 20 mile drive you will find the Red Rock National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is an amazing place to hike near Las Vegas. The area is full of red sandstone formations and beautiful desert scenery.
There is a 13 mile loop you can drive around if you just want to take in the scenery as well as many different hiking trails to choose from, so there is something for everyone. Whether you want an easy hike or a more challenging one, you can find it here.
Tours of Red Rock Canyon are also available from the strip if you don’t have your own transportation.
Take a day trip to Zion
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and would like to visit a National Park, Zion National Park is only a short 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. Located in southwestern Utah, Zion is a stunning landscape of red cliffs and canyons.
The park spans over 148,000 acres and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Zion National Park is known for its hiking trails, which wind through the massive sandstone cliffs and red, cream and pink slot canyons that soar above the trails.
For a truly unforgettable experience take a guided day trip to Zion from Las Vegas and just sit back and enjoy. I can tell you from experience that Zion in the winter will blow you away!
Take a day trip to The Grand Canyon
Like Zion, The Grand Canyon is a short 4 hour drive from Las Vegas. Seeing The Grand Canyon is always stunning but seeing the canyon blanketed in snow is truly breathtaking.
Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Visitors can admire the canyon from its many lookout points, hike its trails, or raft its waters.
While it may be crowded with tourists during peak season, the holidays are the perfect time to visit. Fully guided round trip day trips to the Grand Canyon are also available from Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you are looking for things to do in Las Vegas between Christmas and New Years, there are plenty of options. From shows and concerts, Christmas activities, shopping or just enjoying the Southwest in the winter, you will not be bored.
So pack your bags and head to Las Vegas for a holiday you will never forget!
