An Enchanted Holiday Experience Awaits in Las Vegas with Ice Skating, Festive Cocktails and Spectacular Decorations Certain to Make the Season Magical

LAS VEGAS – In Las Vegas, the holiday season shines brighter and the festive cheer rings louder. This year, the destination will glow throughout the holidays with breathtaking decoration displays, merry cocktails and one-of-a-kind festive experiences throughout the iconic Las Vegas Strip and beyond. Here’s how to enjoy the best of Vegas this holiday season:

Holiday Decorations and Activities

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Holiday Display at Bellagio Las Vegasinvites guests to immerse themselves in the nostalgic magic of the season with this year’s holiday display, ‘Twas. Inspired by the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. ‘Twas unfolds through a series of sentimental scenes celebrating the spirit of generosity, tradition and family bonds, bringing visitors back to cherished holiday memories. Imagined by designer Ed Libby and brought to life by Bellagio’s Horticulture team, the Conservatory display combines breathtaking floral arrangements and festive décor to bring the enchanting story to life, transporting guests into a beloved holiday dream. Adding to the experience, the Peppermint Express returns, serving delicious treats baked by Bellagio’s talented pastry chefs. The ‘Twas display runs now through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace has been transformed with holiday decor through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Guests can enjoy custom installations, including the 35-foot Christmas tree in the Festival Court, designed by Trogolo. The Fortuna Terrace, at the main entrance from the casino, will feature LED-lit garlands spanning the columns, each adorned with an 8-foot Roman shield accent. The Goddess Fortuna will wear a red and gold holiday sash, finished with a custom clasp and holiday motif, complemented by gold roping, tassels, and a golden laurel wreath.

The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will bring 4,200 square feet of real ice to the resort’s rooftop Boulevard Pool. The rink will be open from Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 12, and the attraction will feature open-air fire pits, charming décor, a menu of seasonal bites and beverages and special events.

The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas will host live entertainment daily throughout the holiday season. From Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 14, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas at the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage will bring live talk show-style entertainment to rodeo fans. Free to the public, Cowboy Christmas is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall. The Cowboy Christmas Village presented by Clint Orms will include photo walls, a custom 12-foot Christmas tree with a tiny train and village, daily appearances by Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and more.

The annual Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates features millions of sparkling holiday lights across three acres of desert landscaping. Running now through Saturday, Jan. 4, the experience is complete with sweet treats, hot chocolate and visits from Santa.

From Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 29, guests can Road Trip to the North Pole at Fashion Show Las Vegas with the return of its popular complimentary holiday photo experience. Inspired by Santa’s route through the desert, the eye-catching pop-up will feature desert motifs, pops of color and iconic Las Vegas symbols. Guests can take Photos with Santa through Tuesday, Dec. 24 in the Great Hall. Adding to the fun, guests can enjoy Pet Nights, where families can capture the perfect holiday photo with their furry family members and Santa. On  Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m., Neiman Marcus will host a fashionable sip and shop event welcoming guests to explore this season’s top gifts as shoppers prepare to tackle their holiday lists. Open to the public, guests will enjoy light bites and Champagne at the store as they mingle with the famed Fashion Santa.

Fergusons Downtown will host their annual tree lighting, featuring a more than 20-foot festive pine on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. The yard will be completely transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with caroling and visits from Santa. Seasonal cocktails and hot chocolate will be available inside of F The Bar all season long. The bar will also host a tenant-taught holiday cocktail workshop series where guests will learn everything from beautiful gift wrapping to holiday baking.

The spirit of the season is sweeping through Fontainebleau Las Vegas as the luxury resort and casino unveils its first-ever, resort-wide ‘Winter Wonderland Presented by Fontainebleau Rewards’ transformation. The Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau, the largest real ice rink on the Strip, will open on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and run through Sunday, Jan. 5. Oasis Ice Rink is comprised of two rinks spanning nearly 8,000-square-feet, allowing for both public skating and private group holiday events. In addition, the resort will tout property-wide seasonal décor, must-experience holiday pop-ups, elevated Santa brunches, interactive signature series classes, exclusive holiday headliners inside BleauLive Theater and more.

Lake Mead Mohave Adventures announces the return of the festive “Rafting with Santa” experience aboard Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures. The 12-mile journey along the mighty Colorado River makes for an extraordinary way for families to enjoy the excitement of the holiday season in a raft piloted by jolly old St. Nick and his helpers. Rafting tours with Santa include gifts for each passenger, boxed lunch and bottled water for a picnic stop, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and Christmas music.

Enchant Christmas will again light up Las Vegas Ballpark with larger-than-life light displays, beginning Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Dec. 29. The experience features the world’s largest Christmas light maze and village, a visit from Santa, seasonal food and beverages, an artisan marketplace, entertainment and more.

The drive-thru light experience, Glittering Lights, returns to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway  through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, with more than 5 million LED lights and over 600 animated, sparkling displays. A portion of each ticket sold benefits Speedway Children’s Charities, which offers funds to more than 50 local charities each year.

Celebrate this holiday season with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. Guests can take photos with Santa from Friday, Nov. 29 through Tuesday, Dec. 24, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 21.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will welcome the return of the annual Santa in the Shipwreck. With each paid admission, children 12 and under receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus. Jolly St. Nick will also have a little help this year from a rather large and toothy holiday helper – Santa Jaws. Throughout the day, Santa Jaws will happily “swim” by to join the kiddies for a photo. Santa will put on a SCUBA suit and plunge into the shipwreck exhibit to wave farewell alongside his underwater friends before returning to his elves and reindeer. Guests can take their photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December leading up to Christmas, as well as on Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Museum of Illusions Las Vegas will transform into a winter wonderland for the month of December. Guests can visit with Santa on select dates and take fun out-of-the-box pictures, where Santa is hanging off a building or in a walk-in kaleidoscope with festive images of snow.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall will celebrate the return of its Mystic Falls Park winter wonderland display, featuring festive décor, more than 26,000 points of light and a nine-minute holiday laser light show. Visitors can experience this holiday spectacle daily at sundown from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

The District at Green Valley Ranch will host its annual tree lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Following the lighting, The District will welcome the return of The Giving Machine. These unique vending machines allow customers to select items to give to those in need, ranging in price from $5 to $250. The offerings include essentials such as take-home meals for children, holiday meals for families, school supplies and various medical services. From Sunday, Nov. 24 to Monday, Dec. 23, guests will have photo opportunities with Santa with a sensory-friendly hour on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. Furry family members can also join in the holiday spirit at pet parties with Santa on Dec. 2, 9 and 16.

The Shops at Crystals, the premier luxury shopping center located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, has transformed into a holiday oasis featuring its breathtaking 55-foot Christmas tree and seasonal art installations throughout the luxury center. The ‘Crystals Tree’ features more than 100,000 LED lights and over 5,000 Swarovski Crystal ornaments, making it an ideal spot to snap festive holiday photos. Throughout the luxury center, guests can also admire mannequin forms dressed in holiday-inspired ball gown designs, hanging Christmas trees, a floating cranberry pond, oversized holiday wreaths and much more. In addition, several boutiques will showcase their own holiday decor to celebrate the season.

Tivoli Village will offer a magical blend of festive programming and unique experiences to celebrate the holiday season. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, Tivoli Village will host its annual Tree Lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday festivities. In December, guests can enjoy special events like the Nutcracker Night Market from 4-8 p.m. every Thursday, featuring local artisans and festive treats; and enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides each Thursday to Saturday from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 21.

Topgolf Las Vegas will debut its newest festive activation, the Jingle Bell Lounge, this holiday season. Running from Sunday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 29, the Jingle Bell Lounge will transform Topgolf’s bar into an experience filled with festive decor that players of all ages can enjoy for free. In addition to themed decorations, players will be able to enjoy specialty cocktails in novelty holiday mugs.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino presents its exclusive Christmas Suite, a 1,500-square-foot holiday oasis filled with festive charm and cheer all year long. For those who can’t get enough of the season, this enchanting suite invites guests to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland near the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

Holiday Food & Beverage Offerings

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca at Green Valley Ranch invites guests to celebrate Christmas in true Italian style with festive specials from 4 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. Adding to the holiday cheer, Bottiglia will also host a Grinchmas Kids Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 featuring live Christmas music, a Grinch mascot and a photographer printing photos for families. The experience includes a pizza-making activity with Executive Chef Alessandro and a table in the lounge with fun coloring activities.

Easy’s Cocktail Lounge, the sultry speakeasy hidden within the highly lauded Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA Resort & Casino, invites guests to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season inside its winter wonderland, “Miracle on Easy St.” From Sunday, Dec. 15 to Tuesday, Dec. 31, guests can revel in festive décor, cozy vibes and a lineup of limited-time seasonal cocktails.

Eight Lounge, the luxe cigar and cocktail lounge located at Resorts World Las Vegas, embraces the holiday spirit with eight new seasonal libations ideal for enjoying with a smooth cigar, available through the end of the year. Whether you’re toasting to cherished memories or simply enjoying the weather, this hearty selection of holiday cocktails is sweet, spiced, and everything nice, including options such as the Crimson and Spice, Cucumber Mint Breeze and Holiday Margarita, among others.

Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar will morph into a frosted holiday haven this holiday season. “A Christmas Parlor” at Flanker Kitchen will debut on Monday, Nov. 25, and as guests arrive, they’ll be immersed in the vintage charm of a festive wonderland. Adorned in nostalgic holiday décor, including an abundance of Christmas trees and twinkling lights, guests will enjoy a special menu of dishes and libations designed to celebrate beloved traditions of season’s past with a twist.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host a bevy of holiday festivities in December. Sleigh all day at the elevated Santa Brunch at La Fontaine this holiday season. Reservations are available on Saturday, Dec. 14, Sunday, Dec. 15, Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and guests of all ages are invited to indulge in a delightful sweet and savory three-course prix fixe brunch menu while enjoying whimsical activities like cookie decorating, writing letters to Santa, and capturing festive moments with Mr. Claus himself. Tickets are priced at $125 for adults and $49 for children, with holiday cocktails available for additional purchase. Navidad Azul takes Azul’s signature ambiance and enhances it with holiday spirit as it transforms into an over-the-top, gaudy Christmas bar from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. Step into a whimsical wonderland in the resort’s beloved cocktail hideaway, featuring stunning décor, exclusive seasonal cocktails and lively seasonal entertainment. Guests are encouraged to don their favorite ugly sweater and indulge all season long at Navidad Azul.

The holidays at Proper Eats Food Hall will celebrate the winter season with delicious specialty cocktails available from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Proper Eats will be decked out in festive decorations during December, where guests can cozy up and indulge in festive cocktails including a Peppermint Espresso Martini, Mistletoe Mojito and a December-ita.

Rouge Room at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa will once again transform into a lavish holiday oasis with holiday-inspired decorations and cocktails. From Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, the luxurious lounge will be adorned floor to ceiling both inside and out with holiday decor, transporting guests to one of two wintry wonderlands. The indoor “Candy Cane Lane,” an evergreen forest brimming with verdant Christmas trees decked with shimmering lights, where oversized candy canes guide the way and sprigs of mistletoe add an air of holiday romance; and the outdoor “Ski Lodge,” a warm and welcoming alpine refuge from winter winds, adorned with garlands and roaring patio heaters to keep away the chill. While enjoying the festive decor, guests can treat themselves to one of the eight new limited-time holiday cocktails.

The Front Yard at Ellis Island Casino will evolve into a festive wonderland on Friday, Nov. 29 with a 12-foot tree, enchanting decor throughout the interior, holiday cocktails, and the signature Ellis Family Nog.

The Sand Dollar Lounge will celebrate the return of “Miracle on Spring Mountain” at its original location and “Sippin’ Santa on Main” at its sister lounge at Plaza Hotel & Casino. Running through Tuesday, Dec. 31, the fully immersive holiday experiences are complete with themed cocktails and nearly $100,000 in over-the-top holiday decorations.

The Shady Grove Lounge at Silverton Casino Lodge will transform into the BAD ELF pop-up bar from Sunday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 29. The decked-out space offers photo opportunities, holiday cocktails and a BAD ELF Experience package complete with drinks, souvenir glasses and the BAD ELF puzzle hunt game.

Velveteen Rabbit will transform into a yuletide retreat, offering a Vegas twist on holiday cocktails. The space will be decorated, music will be flowing, and a couple of surprises may visit from the North Pole.

Wynn Las Vegas will present a roster of Christmas dining specials for guests this holiday season. Guests celebrating Christmas at Wynn Las Vegas can experience a variety of à la carte and prix-fixe menus throughout the resort on Christmas Day only, including options at Allegro, Casa Playa, Delilah, Jardin, Safta 1964, Sinatra, SW Steakhouse, Tableau and Terrace Point Café. Guests celebrating Hanukkah at Wynn can savor a uniquely elevated dining offering at Safta 1964 between Wednesday, Dec. 25 through Tuesday, Dec. 31 with a special Latke Board.

Holiday Entertainment

The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center will host the third annual “Jackpot 2024 Music Festival” on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28, featuring live performances from artists such as A Hundred Drums, Eater, Gorrila T, Rezz and more.

The popular Las Vegas Strip holiday tradition, Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight, will return for another year of festive celebration at Excalibur Hotel & Casino from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 25.

With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is a show-stopping event for the whole family. On Friday, Dec. 20, fans will be thrilled and delighted as Hough and his cast of phenomenal dancers bring favorite holiday tunes to life at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas through dance, from the nostalgic classics to modern pop hits with all of the incredible choreography, exciting stage production and dance mastery that audiences have come to expect.

The youngest female EGOT-winner in history, Jennifer Hudson, will ring in the upcoming release of her first-ever holiday album with a truly rare present for her fans — The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience for two nights starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 at BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Multi-platinum rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra will kick off a monumental winter tour with a highly anticipated stop in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. This year marks a triple celebration: 20 years of their beloved rock opera “THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE,” reaching their 20 millionth concertgoer and surpassing a phenomenal $20 million donated to charity.

Guests are in for a magical celebration this holiday season at the Pearl Concert Theater atPalms Casino Resort starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. The world’s best-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman returns with her “A Christmas Symphony” tour. Every year, she shares her critically acclaimed holiday show with audiences in countries around the world and this year will be no exception.

Janet Jackson will launch the New Year’s week festivities and her all-new Las Vegas residency show, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS with two shows at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas on Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31. For those looking to spend the New Year’s holiday with a music icon, these shows will be a can’t-miss.

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker will play at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on select dates from Friday, Dec. 14 to Friday, Dec. 27. The production of the classic Christmas tale features larger-than-life sets, choreography by former NBT Artistic Director James Canfield and “snowflakes” falling from the sky.

Terry Fator will debut his all-new holiday show at The STRAT Hotel Casino Tower beginning on Friday, Nov. 29 and running through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Terry and his cast will celebrate the Christmas season with comedy, singing, celebrity impersonations and ventriloquism, featuring classic Christmas songs and Terry’s most lovable characters.

Lindsey Stirling, viral premier electronic violinist, dancer and aerialist, is tuning up her bow for the holidays. The multi-platinum-selling musician-composer is ready to embark on her North American Snow Waltz Tour 2024. The tour will make a Las Vegas stop at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for two nights at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7 to spread holiday cheer through music.

Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon will bring their wildly successful, internationally acclaimed “The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show” to The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegason Sunday, Dec. 15.

Experience the magic of the holidays like never before as Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning legend Barry Manilow brings his beloved holiday show, A Very Barry Christmas, back to the legendary International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The two special weekends of performances are set for Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 12 to Saturday, Dec. 14, promising a festive celebration filled with heartwarming holiday tunes, unforgettable moments and Manilow’s signature style.

David Blaine returns to the Encore Theater stage at the Wynn Las Vegas with three spectacular performances to finish out 2024 starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31. Blaine will fill the holiday season with enchantment at the intimate Encore Theater, allowing audiences to see up close the talents of the world-famous illusionist, stunt artist, and mentalist.

GETTING AROUND THE DESTINATION

Offering seven stops along the Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail operates from 7 a.m. each day until midnight on Monday, 2 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday – Sunday, ensuring guests can conveniently access all of the destination’s wonderful holiday offerings. Individual rides and multi-day passes can be purchased at a discounted rate here.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with positioning Southern Nevada as the undisputed global destination for leisure and business travel and operates the 4.6 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With 151,000 hotel rooms and nearly 15 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Vegas Loop at Las Vegas Convention Center, designed, and operated by The Boring Company, and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor.

For more information, go to www.lvcva.com, www.visitlasvegas.com, or www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.