Las Vegas Packs December with Holiday Residencies, NFR Crowds, and Huge Headliners

^{Mariah Carey, seen here performing on her 2024 holiday tour, returns to Las Vegas for a special set of performances this December as part of the city’s packed seasonal entertainment lineup. (Photo: Paul R. Giunta / Associated Press)}

LAS VEGAS — December is the most wonderful time of the year in Las Vegas as the National Finals Rodeo brings nearly 200,000 visitors and casinos across the city roll out their biggest holiday displays.  Throughout the month, the Strip is a mix of cowboys, Christmas travelers, and end-of-year vacationers soaking in all the rodeo energy and holiday spirit.

Casinos are already decked out for the holidays, but there is only one Christmas-themed limited engagement this month. A few more short runs will arrive as we head into the new year. 

NFR Takes Over Entertainment in Early December

The National Finals Rodeo is the largest annual rodeo event in the country, drawing competitors and nearly 200,000 fans for 10 days of events at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The influx of rodeo fans has helped live music has become a major part of the experience outside of the arena, which is why so many limited engagements and country acts pop up at casinos during NFR week. December includes many special multi-night engagements scheduled specifically for the National Finals Rodeo from Dec. 4 to 13 that could become larger residencies. 

This year, Tim McGraw returns to Las Vegas to replace Dolly Parton’s sold-out performances at Caesars Palace. Her shows have been rescheduled for Sept. 2026 due to health concerns. 

There will be country music performers of all sizes at just about every casino for NFR. The best resource for travelers looking for free and paid shows is the NFR website, which is updated regularly. 

Holiday Shows and December Residencies

If you’re not a fan of the rodeo, there’s still loads of entertainment to enjoy before the year wraps up. 

Mariah Carey is no stranger to Las Vegas with multiple residencies, and the queen of Christmas music herself is returning to the city just for the holiday. She’ll be performing her set of shows titled Christmastime in Las Vegas at Dolby Theater, along with a special holiday bar pop-up inside the On The Record lounge inside Park MGM.

If holiday pop-ups aren’t enough, December also delivers a solid slate of performers across the Strip. Notable dates include:

• Mariah Carey at Park MGM: Dec. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13
• Tim McGraw at Caesars Palace: Dec. 4, 6, 12, 13
• Barry Manilow at the Westgate: Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
• Brad Paisley at Wynn: Dec. 4, 5 
• Zac Brown Band at the Sphere: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13
• Wynonna Judd at the Venetian: Dec. 5, 6
• Leona Lewis at the Venetian: Dec 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31
• Gary Allan at Wynn: Dec 6, 7
• Riley Green at Resorts World: Dec. 12, 13
• Backstreet Boys at the Sphere: Dec. 26, 27, 28, 30, 31
• Bruno Mars at Park MGM: Dec 30, 31
• Kings of Leon at the Venetian: Dec 30, 31
• Jennifer Lopez at Caesars Palace: Dec 30, 31

Residencies Get Big Extensions for 2025 and Beyond

A handful of residency extensions were announced heading into the holidays. These are among the most popular shows of 2025 that will continue well into the new year.

At the Sphere, The Eagles added four final shows on March 20, 21, 27, and 28. The run is now the longest residency at the Sphere with 56 total shows, and these dates are being billed as their last of 2026. No Doubt's shows sold out quickly, and the band added a second batch of performances on June 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 13.

The momentum even stretches past the Sphere over to Park MGM and Caesars Palace. New Kids on the Block extended their Park MGM residency with 16 more shows throughout next year. The new dates run Feb. 14 to 28, June 19 to July 4, and Oct. 2 to 17. The staggered schedule of dates should satisfy both visitors who like to plan for the future and spontaneous vistors alike.

Kelly Clarkson canceled some Studio Sessions residency dates at Caesars Palace earlier this year but added new performances for next year. The added dates are Aug. 7, 8, 14, and 15. These dates add to her previously scheduled shows throughout the end of July 2026.