Viva Las Christmas - How Las Vegas puts the sparkle in your festive season
Las Vegas might not be the most obvious place to celebrate the holidays but, as is usually the case with Sin City, it's full of surprises.
In fact, if you really think about it, Christmas and Las Vegas have a lot in common. Sparkling lights, good food, more than a little touch of over indulgence, and the ability to make your wallet fold faster than a losing poker hand.
A lot more people visit Sin City in December than you probably think. 2023 and 2024 stats show around 3.4 million visitors over the holiday season with average hotel occupancy at around 81%. That’s pretty decent, especially for the second coldest month of the year. So just what is it that makes Las Vegas Christmas friendly?
Let’s try, if you can, to put aside the fact that it's a city most famed for excessiveness and general debauchery. Alongside that X-rated underbelly, there’s actually a lot of fun, wholesome, joyful things to see and do in Las Vegas that make it the perfect mix of nice and naughty for a festive getaway.
Christmas shopping, ice-skating, shows, parades, fireworks, displays and attractions, and we haven’t even got to the restaurants, bars and casinos yet. Let’s face it: nowhere dazzles better than Las Vegas. So, if you’re thinking of hitting Sin City for the holidays, here’s our insider's guide on how to celebrate Christmas Vegas-style.
“Christmas is a time for family, or avoiding family. Whichever lane you’re in this year, Las Vegas rolls out the red carpet and pours you a stiff one. If you want cozy, it’s got shows that feel like a warm hug and restaurants that’ll make you forget Uncle Frank’s opinions. If you want escape, Vegas does that better than anyone. You can carol, gamble, feast, or disappear into a velvet booth with a martini and your own thoughts.”
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Christmas Displays & Attractions
The Las Vegas Strip sparkles like a Christmas tree all year round but, somehow, the holidays make it shine even brighter. Whether you're on-Strip or off-Strip, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had with displays and attractions throughout the city. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest.
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Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Okay, so this is an obvious one to start off with, but it deserves its top billing. The seasonal displays at the Bellagio are iconic and, of course, completely free, which is a big boost to the bankroll. Genuinely though, this year's Christmas display is nothing short of sensational.
I don’t say that lightly, either. I’m probably the least impressed person you’ll ever come across when it comes to plants, flowers and anything horticultural-ish. I usually just have to look at a plant for it to wilt away instantaneosly. In fact, I usually make a point of not visiting the Bellagio conservatory when I pass (skirting dangerously close to Santa’s naughty list here). BUT, and it's a big but, this year’s display named ‘All Aboard for Holiday Bells and Whistles’ even put a smile on my face.
Think large floral sculptures with a gingerbread house, storybook, baubles and a rocking horse all centred around a huge floral train carriage that you can walk through. The display features 20,000 poinsettias (the red Christmassy plants), 110,000 energy-efficient light bulbs and is on show 24/7 until 3 January 2026. Go see it. There’s even a miniature railway.
Enchant
If you’re more about lights than plants, then you’re going to love Enchant. Located at the Las Vegas Ballpark in the Downtown Summerlin area, this walk-through Christmas spectacular is one for all the family.
Featuring the world's largest Christmas light maze (yes, apparently that's a thing), an ice-staking trail, 20ft tall snow slide, a Christmas market, festive food and drink, and family-friendly entertainment. Santa will be there too, so you can ask him for that big jackpot win in person.
Tickets aren’t cheap, starting from $35pp, but for a memorable Christmas adventure, this is tough to beat. It’s running until 28 December and parking is available on site for this cashless event, but pre-booking is essential. Each year, Enchant offers a new theme. For 2025 it’s ‘Night of the Nutcrackers’ - pretty fitting for a night in Las Vegas I would say!
Glittering Lights
You’ve had walk-through festivities, now it is time to drive-thru at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, just 10 minutes north of Downtown Las Vegas. This budget-friendly Christmas attraction charges per car, not per person, so you can load up the car with as many family, friends and pets as you want!
Glittering Lights is a 3 mile drive-thru holiday display with 6,000,000 LED lights, 750 light displays, holiday music via an in-car playlist and festive food and drink. Displays include holiday scenes, festive motifs, tunnels of lights, and a special holiday movie-themed segment.
If you don’t have a car, worry not, you can ride the open-air Santa Tram instead for $25pp including Santa meet-up and photo opp.
Slight warning for this event: it can get really busy, especially on weekends, so wait times can be long. There are no restrooms on route, so go at the start! Other than that it’s a wonderful Christmas event, perfect for little ones or even older ones who want to soak up the season without any of the walking!
Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau’s stunning third-floor Oasis pool desk has been converted into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Visitors can expect a real ice staking rink, sparkling lights, festive decor and fire pits, giving a cosy open-air snowy village effect. Perfect for selfies!
Christmas movies are shown on the big screen at 5:15pm and 8:15pm each evening, and you can rent a cabana or fire-pit to watch them in style. Other special events are scheduled including live DJ’s, watch parties, carol singing and photos with Santa on select nights.
The good news is that the Oasis Ice Rink is free to visit. So if you’re not into skating, then you can just enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Maybe treat yourself to some festive drinks and snacks. If you want to hit the ice, then it's $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends for unlimited access. Have your own skates? Then feel free to bring them along, but you’ll still pay the skating fee anyway.
Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights
If I were to ask you what Las Vegas has a lot of, you might say neon, you might say slot machines, you might even say Celebrity Chef restaurants. But in reality, the thing that Las Vegas has more of than anything else (probably), is Cacti. It is a desert after all.
So while New England struts with its evergreen forests and the Pacific Northwest brags about its Douglas fir, Las Vegas has every right to big up its Cacti. Especially at Christmas.
The Ethel M Cactus Garden Lights turns a 3 acre botanical cactus garden into a holiday spectacular. An annual tradition since the 1990’s, this festive showcase uses over 1 million lights to transform cacti and other desert plants into a festive feast for the eyes. Add some animated reindeer and a visit from Santa, and you’re all set for a quirky Christmas adventure.
Located in Henderson, just a few minutes drive from the Las Vegas Strip, the attraction is generously hosted by famous artisan‑style chocolatiers Ethel M Chocolates. Be sure to visit the chocolate shop on your visit. What I love about this attraction is that while other displays try to recreate that traditional Christmas look and feel, this one is unapologetically Las Vegas!
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
Nothing says ‘jolly’ as loud as a parade, so if you’re looking for a free Christmas activity to feel festive, go see the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade. Taking place in the main shopping/entertainment district at Park Centre Drive in Summerlin, the event is family friendly and genuinely quite cute.
It features floats, dancers, snow effects and holiday music, and the parade is accompanied by other festive activities close by such as an ice skating rink, Santa chalet and Christmas food and drink options. Plus, of course lots of Christmas shopping opportunities.
The parade runs every Friday and Saturday at 6pm until 20 December, with a special performance on 22 December. Generally, it has more of a locals feel to it, rather than tourists, but everyone is welcome. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, wrap up warm, and feel free to bring along folding chairs or blankets to sit on.
Christmas Shows
Vegas is a show-town, meaning you can choose from any number of shows any day of the week. However, when it comes to Christmas, you want something just that little bit more sparkly. Sin City doesn’t disappoint, serving up a couple of Christmas crackers for 2025.
Leona Lewis ‘A Starry Night’
This Christmas residency drips with class and sophistication, taking place at the intimate Voltaire Lounge at the Venetian. Designed to capture the spirit of the season, Leona Lewis will bring her big voice and some classic hits to the stage in the winter wonderland themed venue.
You’ll hear Leona’s Christmas hit ‘One More Sleep’ alongside classics like ‘Bleeding Love’ in a show that’s sure to leave you feeling caught up in the Christmas magic.
Backstreet Boys @ The Sphere
Whether you’re into the retro boyband scene or not (I am, by the way), a live show at the Las Vegas Sphere is a must-see experience. I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Sphere three times so far for different experiences and each time is more spectacular than the last.
Following an already successful but short residency, Backstreet’s back, alright! (Sorry I couldn’t resist). The Backstreet Boys make an official return for just seven dates in December and January bringing their ‘Into the Millennium’ show to the Las Vegas Strip.
Fans can expect classic boyband choreography, tight harmonies, and probably tight shirts too as the boys belt out classics such as ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’, ‘I Want it That Way’ and ‘As Long As You Love Me’. Tickets are tough to find, but you can find some resales and premium packages still up for grabs.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
For a traditional, more refined festive occasion, let Nevada Ballet Theatre Company entertain you with the classic Christmas ballet - The Nutcracker. Taking place at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Symphony Park in Downtown Las Vegas, this timeless show will bring to life the full-length version by the Father of American Ballet himself.
Join the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince on their epic tale with breath taking choreography, spectacular costume design and of course, an exquisite score from Tchaikovsky. One for the Christmas culture vultures!
Wizard of Oz @ The Sphere
Before you question why I’ve added a non-Christmas movie into a Las Vegas Christmas guide, ask yourself one question - when do you usually watch the Wizard of Oz?
This iconic movie has been shown in the Holidays and around Thanksgiving for decades and is widely regarded as a holiday season classic. Call it Christmas adjacent if you like, but I bet when you think of the Wizard of Oz you think of families gathering together, home comforts and festivities. It’s Christmas culture if not Christmas itself.
Anyway, you can grab a special screening of the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere throughout December. Expect wind, snow, flying monkeys, dropping apples and lots of other 4D surprises along the way! I’ve been there myself and I loved it, I even caught (and kept) an apple!
Christmas Shopping
Las Vegas offers a whole host of Christmas shopping opportunities, whatever your budget. From exclusive boutiques you have to queue on a red carpet for, to bargains galore at premium outlets, you can pretty much find Christmas presents for anyone in Sin City.
Here’s a quick look at some on Strip and off Strip Christmas shopping hot spots in Las Vegas.
Fashion Show Mall (FSLV)
Located at the north end of the Strip in between Treasure Island (TI) and Resorts World and opposite Wynn, the Fashion Show Mall is the largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination on the Las Vegas Strip.
Featuring 2 million square feet of over 250 retailers and more than 30 restaurants, there’s not much you can’t buy at the FSLV! You’ll find specialist stores for clothing, footwear, electronics, homeware, health & beauty, sports & fitness, toys, watches & jewellery as well as big name department stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue too. All Christmas shopping budgets are catered for here!
“Christmas shopping. Somebody’s gotta do it. Some folks even enjoy the chaos. And in Las Vegas, the gift hunt isn’t a chore, it’s a full scale production. Neon lights, mile long malls, luxury temptations, bargain traps, and enough places to swipe a card to make Santa nervous.”
The Forum Shops at Caesars
Right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Forum Shops offer a modern luxury retail experience in extravagant surroundings. You’ll find just over 150 speciality shops and restaurants, many of which come with a premium price tag.
Luxury brands include Tiffany & Co, Rolex, Ralph Lauren, GUCCI, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton. For those of us more financially-challenged, shall we say, there are a mix of other well-known brands such as Zara, LUSH, Sephora and Victoria’s Secret.
Due to the Caesars Palace location, Forum Shops offer Christmas shopping with a twist of Ancient Rome. It’s certainly a unique place to buy your nan’s bubble bath!
Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
Set amidst the replica St. Mark’s Square at the Venetian resort, the Grand Canal Shoppes has around 160 stores to choose from. The surroundings are pretty spectacular, painted blue sky, cobbled streets, quaint little shop fronts and replica Juliet balconies, not to mention the singing gondoliers!
Despite this, the retail choice here is refreshingly varied, with both high-end brands such as Burberry, Jimmy Choo, COACH and Michael Kors as well as more accessible retailers like Banana Republic, LIDS and Shoe Palace. I still wouldn’t expect any Christmas bargains though.
The Shops at Wynn and Encore
For premium shopping with a capital P, go here. Put it this way, you have to really like someone to buy them a Christmas present from here!
The Wynn Esplanade, Encore Esplanade, and Wynn Plaza Shops each carry a range of luxury brands including Fendi, Gucci, Cartier, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. This is an upmarket shopping experience with the price tags to match.
Even walking between each shop is an experience with immaculate polished floors, lush carpets and pristine window displays - you’ll feel like a VIP. Let’s face it you probably already are if you can afford to shop here!
Miracle Mile Shops
For those a little more money conscious like me, the Miracle Mile Shops offer a nice purse-friendly Christmas shopping option on the Strip.
The mile-long indoor shopping mall is located at Planet Hollywood and features affordable fashion and beauty retailers such as H&M, Foot Locker, Bath & Body Works, Sephora, LUSH and Pandora.
It’s also a great place to grab some happy hour food and drink offers, perfect for a mid-Christmas shop pit stop.
Premium Outlets
There are two Premium Shopping Outlets just off the Las Vegas Strip one to the north and one in the south. Now, this is where you can pick up some Christmas bargains!
The North Premium Outlet is slightly bigger than its southern counterpart with 175 units. This is made up of predominantly clothing and footwear, with a small number of homeware and specialty stores. Luxury brands include Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Burberry, and Versace while mainstream stores include Converse, Diesel, Nike, and the Disney Store.
I’ve picked up a few cool Christmas presents from the North outlets this year already - a nerdy book from Retro City Games, some sneakers from Converse and a jacket from the Disney Store - so I can definitely recommend it!
The South Premium Outlet has 140 units with the usual mix of premium and non-premium stores. You can expect BOSS, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade New York, GUESS and DKNY along with the likes of Nike, Adidas, Levi’s and Croc.
Christmas Food & Drink
Christmas is a time for over-indulgence, for making your regular coffee into an Irish coffee, and for storing up a few extra calories to get you through the winter. That’s what I think, anyway, and I’m sticking to it.
Here in Las Vegas, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink options all year round, so how do we make Christmas dining and drinking that little bit special? Here’s some ideas..
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar
A bar so full of Christmas spirit, you’ll want to drink it. The Holly Jolly Bar is a pop-up bar only available during the holidays. This year it’s located at The Mint Tavern at the north end of the Strip not far from Sahara and The Strat casino resorts.
Only available from 13 November to 28 December, the Holly Jolly Bar is perfect for seasonal shenanigans with over-the-top Christmas decor and floor to ceiling tinsel. Enjoy a Christmas cocktail served in a gingerbread man or Santa’s boot, dance to the holiday music and take as many selfies as you want against the festive backdrops.
The Holly Jolly Holiday Bar experience costs $24 per person for a 90 minute visit and includes a welcome cocktail. 21+ only.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Our second Mariah mention in the article, well what do you expect? It’s Christmas!
The Mariah Carey Holiday Bar pop up takes place at On The Record at Park MGM. Only available between 28 November and 23 December, the bar promises to be a tinsel-filled tribute to the Queen of Christmas.
Guests pay an entrance fee for a 90 minute experience starting from $19.90 on week nights and $27.25 on weekends which includes a welcome cocktail. Once inside, you’ll be able to soak up wall-to-wall Mariah-inspired holiday décor, interactive photo ops and exclusive holiday merchandise. And if that’s still not enough Mariah for you, ‘All I Want For Christmas’ plays every 30 minutes!
Not only that, but instead of writing to Santa, you can write a letter to Mariah and if you fancy yourself as a bit of a wannabe diva, you can hire a private karaoke room too.
Todo Navidad Tiki Bar
Every Christmas the Todo Bien Tiki Bar transforms into the Todo Navidad bar - giving Las Vegas locals and tourists a holiday bar with a difference.
Located to the south of the Las Vegas Strip not far from Mandalay Bay, visitors can enjoy a festive menu, seasonal hand-crafted cocktails, extravagant holiday decor and Christmas events until 31 December 2025. Every Wednesday in December, if you bring along a Christmas toy donation, you’ll get a free Gingerbread shot.
Frozen Baileys @ The LINQ
Okay, so technically this isn’t only available at Christmas, but hear me out. Firstly, Baileys is quintessentially a Christmas drink, (although I drink it all year round) and secondly, the Frozen Baileys at the LINQ is just too damn good to leave out.
If you’ve never had it before, it's a Vegas must-try. The creamy Baileys, mixed with the ice cold slush is just a heavenly combination, perfect for cosy Christmas nights.
Western Wonderland at the Four Seasons
This Christmas, the Four Seasons hotel Las Vegas have come up with what they’re calling a ‘brand new holiday tradition’ called Western Wonderland.
Tying in Christmas celebrations with western–inspired events such as the National Finals Rodeo and country music residencies, the month-long celebration wants us to embrace the holiday season the ‘western way’. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but in practice, it involves a new drinks menu and a series of dining events.
Relax and enjoy a High Desert Gingerbread Latte, a Mojave Morning Nog or a Red Rock Winter Margarita. Alternatively, dig in to the Western Whimsy Afternoon Tea at Veranda or Christmas Day Brunch Buffet with Santa!
New Year's Eve in Vegas
If you’re fed up with feeling festive and sick of seasonal sparkle, then worry not, New Year is just around the corner!
It is estimated that over 300,000 people bring in the New Year on the Las Vegas Strip alone. Of course, the fireworks display is what brings most people in, but this year Sin City is hosting some big name artists on New Years Eve too. We’ve already seen that both Backstreet Boys and Leona Lewis are performing on New Years Eve, let’s take a quick look at who else is.
Kings of Leon - Venetian
The formidable Kings of Leon are seeing in the new year at the Venetian Theatre. Performing their biggest hits including ‘Sex on Fire’ and ‘Use Somebody’, performances take place on 30 and 31 December at 9pm. Tickets are limited but are available from $498.
Bruno Mars - Park MGM
Grammy Award winning superstar Bruno Mars takes to the stage on 30 and 31 December as part of his long-standing Las Vegas residency. Marvel at his voice, choreography and musical talent as he entertains crowds with huge hits such as ‘24K’ and ‘Uptown Funk’. Tickets available from $590.
Jennifer Lopez - The Colosseum, Caesars Palace
International artist Jennifer Lopez brings her All I Have show to this iconic Caesars Palace venue. With shows on 30 and 31 December, fans will see J. Lo perform hits such as ‘Jenny From The Block’ and ‘Let’s Get Loud’ showcasing her explosive dance moves and Latin American flair.
Las Vegas Christmas Overview
From headline acts to sparkly cacti, Las Vegas has a lot going on this Christmas. Whether it’s a walk-through, drive-thru or a stand still event, ice-skating, Christmas shopping, eating, drinking or going to see a parade or show, there’s pretty much something for everyone.
Don’t forget that as well as all of this added festive frolicking, Las Vegas continues to run all of its usual shows and activities too. Things like the High Roller Wheel, zip lines, rides, Cirque du Soleil shows, magic shows and, of course, the casinos, are entertaining visitors just as much as ever.
If you’re visiting Las Vegas this Christmas, soak it all up, take in the magic and enjoy every minute. And if you accidentally end up on Santa’s naughty list, never mind, there’s always next year!
Meet The Author
Experience
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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