How to Celebrate the Holidays in Las Vegas

When you think about the holidays, your mind might jump to snow-capped mountains, ski resorts, and nights by the fire. But there is a holiday vacation that you might want to consider: Las Vegas! Sin City turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays and is full of activities for adults and children alike. While in the city, you can find holiday deals, fun decorations, and plenty to see and do. 

Let’s explore everything you should know about enjoying a Las Vegas winter vacation and share some of the most popular holiday activities to add to your itinerary.

Things to Consider When Spending the Holidays in Las Vegas

The holidays in Las Vegas are a unique adventure that you have to experience to believe. On one hand, you have the year round party that Vegas is known for. On the other, you have some amazing activities for the whole family. As any visitor knows, Sin City has a little bit of everything. With that in mind, here are a few things to know before you make the trip:

• Plan ahead and book your flights and hotel rooms early. Las Vegas is a popular holiday destination thanks to its nice weather and endless list of things to do. 
• If you want to see a show on the Strip this holiday season, consider buying your tickets before you get here. You may be able to save money by booking ahead and you’ll guarantee your spot at the seasonal shows. 
• Expect the Strip to be busy on Christmas Day. No one is staying home to cook a turkey here!
• Nearly everything in Las Vegas is open on Christmas Day. From shops and casinos to bars and restaurants, you can find what you’re looking for, even on a holiday. 
• Casino buffets are known to raise their prices on Christmas Day. To enjoy a beautiful meal without the increase, choose a restaurant in the casino or hotel instead. 
• If you do go out to dinner at a restaurant, make sure you have reservations ahead of time. 
• Even though Vegas is known for its sunny weather, pack something warm because the nights get chilly. The average temperatures in December in Las Vegas are 60 degrees during the day and 27 degrees in the evening. Skies should be clear, though, so you don’t have to pack for snow or rain. 

Spending the holidays in Las Vegas is an amazing experience, as long as you plan ahead, anticipate the weather, and have a list of things to do to keep everyone happy. Speaking of things to do…

Source: USA Today

Holiday Activities for Adults and Families

Whether you’re spending the holidays in Las Vegas with your sweetheart or the whole family, there’s plenty to do for people of all ages. This holiday season, these are the attractions and activities you don’t want to miss:

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

If there’s one thing Vegas does well, it’s extravagance. Throughout the holiday season, nearly all the hotels and casinos compete to see who can have the most festive set up. Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is known for their beautiful displays throughout the year and they pull out all the stops for the holiday season.

The 14,000-square foot botanical garden is decorated with more than 28,000 fresh poinsettias, thousands of twinkling lights, and holiday characters to get you in the spirit of the season. From polar bears to winter royalty to a 42-foot Christmas tree, if you’re spending the holidays in Las Vegas, you don’t want to miss this display.

Fountains of Bellagio

While you’re at the Bellagio enjoying the beautiful botanical garden, don’t forget to take a step outside and enjoy a holiday-themed water show at the iconic Fountains of Bellagio. The free fountain show features special holiday performances and breathtaking water displays. Check out their holiday showtimes here.

Holiday at The Park

Park MGM is one of the newest attractions on the Strip and for the holidays this year, it will be completely transformed for the season. Guests can expect an 80-foot Christmas tree, strolling carolers, Santa, an ice skating rink, and more. If you’re there during a Vegas Golden Knights game this winter, even better.

Source: The Cosmopolitan

The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

It wouldn’t be a winter wonderland without some classic ice skating and in Las Vegas, you can skate right on the Strip! Every year, The Cosmopolitan transforms their Boulevard Pool into an amazing ice rink. Here, you can skate, roast s’mores, and indulge in seasonal food and beverage choices. The rink opens on November 20th.

Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience has become a go-to for Las Vegas visitors and while the light show is always spectacular, it’s even better during the holidays. Between the two sound stages, the world’s largest video screen, and the plethora of bars and restaurants right downtown, you’re sure to enjoy your holiday.

A Very Terry Christmas

Terry Fator, the ventriloquist and winner of America’s Got Talent, is doing a special holiday version of his popular show. It’s done in the style of those great family TV specials in the past and will have the whole family laughing. 

The Nutcracker

Witness this iconic holiday performance at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. It’s even been called “the most visually beautiful production ever staged in Reynolds Hall” by the Las Vegas Sun! The show will run from December 13 – December 24 and tickets start at $31.

There’s something so magical about spending the holidays in Las Vegas. There’s always something going on and between the beautiful lights of the city, the array of holiday lights, and the festive cheer all around, you might be adding Las Vegas to your holiday itinerary every year.