Unique Christmas Experiences in Las Vegas
During the winter months, the glittering lights of the Vegas Strip mirror the dreamscape of festive traditions and a modern-day holiday wonderland, creating unique Christmas experiences in Las Vegas.
There’s a blend of desert warmth with holiday cheer, and the mild winters make Las Vegas a perfect destination for the colder months. When a majority of the country is dusted in snow and covered in ice, Las Vegas celebrates with daytime temperatures around 56°F and nighttime lows around 35°F.
Christmas markets overtake casinos and resorts. One of the largest Christmas markets — Cowboy Christmas — overtakes the Las Vegas Convention Center for ten days during December. Other markets pop up across the city at major resorts.
Along with shopping, attractions also add another layer of fun and festivities to the types of Christmas experiences in Las Vegas.
Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
Enchant Christmas is a staple when it comes to Christmas experiences in Las Vegas. Enchant is a huge light maze with a 100-foot Christmas tree, an ice rink, Santa photo stations and other fun activities. Enchant will be taking place at the Las Vegas Ballpark on Nov. 22 until the end of December.
This is a perfect activity for the entire family or for a date night with your significant other and friends. There’s a Tipsy Tree Lounge for adults and there is also a village with artisan vendors where you can find stocking stuffers and gifts. The European-style Christmas market village is adorable and enjoyable to prowl through.
The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan
The ice rink at The Cosmopolitan is a beautiful addition to the casino during the holiday months. The ice rink at the Cosmo blends Christmas tradition with the glamour of a Vegas resort. There are light “snow” showers, s’mores roasting, and seasonal food and drinks.
The ice rink is 4,200 square feet above the Las Vegas Strip, so you get stunning views at the same time. The Boulevard Pool will transport into the ice rink on Nov. 28. The admission for locals is $20, $30 for non-locals and an additional $15 for skate-aid and reindeer rental.
To further add to the allure of this activity, USA Today voted this ice rink as one of the best in North America. The ice rink will hold “Mondays Date Skate” and “Throwback Thursdays.” And the rink will also be showing holiday movies throughout the season.
During opening weekend, the rink will be one from Noon to 11 pm. During “school days” happening on Dec. 2 to Dec. 20 and then Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, the rink will be open Monday to Friday 4 PM to 11 PM. On weekends, the rink will be open from 12 PM to 11 PM/
During Winter Break, which is Dec. 16 – Jan. 3, the rink will be open Monday to Friday from noon to 11 PM. During weekends, the rink will be open on noon until 11 PM.
During Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the rink will be open from 12 PM until 6 PM.
Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden
The 31st Annual Holiday Cactus Garden will take place at Ethel M Chocolates located at 2 Cactus Garden Drive Henderson, NV 89014. This Christmas experience in Las Vegas starts on Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 4, 2025. Hours of operations change depending on the day you would like to attend. Click here for the Cactus Garden’s hours.
The entrance fee is $3 and 100% of the proceeds go to the Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank.
The Holiday Cactus Garden is a three-acre botanical cactus garden with over a million Christmas lights. There’s creamy and delicious hot chocolate, fresh treats from the Ethel M Chocolate factory, a tour of the factory, and photos with Santa.
There are also special events like karaoke nights, silent disco nights and movie nights. This is a must-visit and an unforgettable Christmas experience in Las Vegas.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Glittering Lights is another amazing light show that takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Glittering Lights is a 2.5-mile drive-thru course with over five million LED lights. There are also over 600 animated light displays, a Santa Tram, a nativity scene and hot cocoa.
This lovely attraction takes place from Nov. 8 until Jan. 5. From Sunday – Thursday, the attraction is open from 5 PM to 9 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, Glittering Lights is open from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Glittering Lights give you a dose of Christmas spirit in a Las Vegas way. It’s fun for the kids, who are mesmerized by the LED lights that sparkle throughout the speedway. You will be charged per vehicle, and it’s about $40 per car. There are also charity elements involved, so when you purchase a delicious apple cider, hot cocoa or kettle corn bag then you’ll help out the Boy Scout troops.
For more information about this year’s Glittering Lights, click here.
Making Your Las Vegas Christmas Unforgettable
Las Vegas creates a beautiful and magical Christmas experience.
With a blend of traditional holiday tidings mixed with Las Vegas flair, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time during the Christmas season. Our mild weather and one-of-a-kind Christmas-themed attractions are just a few reasons to visit the desert during the colder months.
The holiday shows — like “Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas,” “Carpenters Legacy: A re-creation of the Carpenters’ Live Performances & a Christmas Portrait,” Terry Factor’s “A Very Terry Christmas” — are spectacular and magical. There’s also an immersive Nutcracker candlelit concert at The Industrial during a few dates in December.
So if you love a white Christmas, well we’re still in the desert after all. But, that doesn’t mean Christmas in Las Vegas is arid. Celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas is unique, loads of fun and memorable. Happy holidays, everyone.