We’ve compiled a list of 10 jolly and bright happenings throughout the territory for some chillout time, be it date time, family time or festive friend time. So deck those holiday vibes into gear and get a little out there to enjoy the spirit of the season from the Strip to beyond the neon.
Glow on the Go: Drive-thru Millions of Christmas Lights
No holiday visit to Las Vegas would be complete without visiting Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a dazzling 2.5-mile immersive drive-through course of over 5 million lights. Don’t want to drive? Park your car and cozy up on a ride on the outdoor open-air Santa Tram! Perfect for groups of all sizes and ages, you can also meet Santa, play games, have hot cocoa & kettle corn, and more. Use code LVT2024 for $5 off when booking.
Holiday Brews News
Sip your way through Nevada with tastes from exclusive and holiday-inspired beers that can be found throughout the state. Hosted by Nevada Craft Brewers Association, Brew Festivus Beer Fest features 30 plus vendors and unlimited sampling starting at noon at Cornerstone Park in Henderson.
Santa, I Know Him!
Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures has a unique holiday adventure for the fam bam. Go rollin’ down the river with the big man in a red suit for a day filled with festive fun. Tours December 12-15 and December 18-22 starting at $110. Book here.
Sleuth Your Way Through a Very Merry Murder
One of Las Vegas’ longest-running hit dinner shows, Marriage Can Be Murder, brings fresh blood to the dinner table at The Venue inside the Orleans Casino… ok maybe not real blood, but being an interactive murder mystery show that relies on audience participation to figure out whodunnit, no two shows are ever alike. Add to that seasonal themes such as the special holiday show, A Very Merry Murder from November 28 – January 2, and you have a show that your group will want to come back to again and again. In addition to group rates or renting out the entire show, you can also book a private show that includes customizable elements to your industry… aka, the secretary or Joe from accounting did it (or maybe they were in on it together!). Don’t miss out on your chance to play detective and have an experience that’s to-die-for! Save $10 with code LVT.
Hometown Holiday Parades
Las Vegas is known for its big city vibes, but when you get a little out there, you find plenty of small town vibes. We’ve rounded up a list of some of Las Vegas Territory’s best hometown holiday traditions below.
MESQUITE
Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
HENDERSON
Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
BOULDER CITY – Santa’s Electric Light Parade Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Live like a local – Make a night of it and see the parade at Boulder City and then, stop by 1525 Fifth St. in Boulder City, 2016 winners of Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC!
LAKE MEAD MARINA
Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
LAUGHLIN
Christmas on the Colorado
& Christmas Market
Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Ice Ice Baby
‘Tis the season to be freezing with a little ice, ice baby! Even in the desert you can find plenty of ice skating opportunities, if you know where to look. First up, the newcomer on the block is Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau. Touted as the largest and most luxurious ice rink on the Strip, the attraction features two rinks spanning nearly 8,000 sq. ft. of real ice. Guests can also enjoy rink-side movies showing holiday classics on select nights, and a holiday village featuring communal firepits, merry photo moments, cabanas, and seasonal lite bites and cocktails. Not to miss, the inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony with Thomas Rhett at Oasis Ice Rink, 6 p.m., December 5.
Returning for the 2024 holiday season is The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan, 4,200 sq. ft. rooftop ice rink with unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. Snow showers revelers on the rink every 30 minutes, while others can watch the festivities from afar while snacking on s’mores and other light bites fireside at one of their cozy firepits. Not to miss, chill out time at Spiegelworld’s pop up Ski Lodge Waffle Hut at The Ice Rink. Enjoy sweet or savory waffles with a curated sweater weather cocktail menu. Guests welcome 5-11p.m. through January 12.
Large groups of 12-75 looking for a unique venue to book need look no further than The Chalet, a reimagined mountaintop escape featuring festive decor, comfortable seating, and a toasty oversized firepit at the center. Plus, a Coca-Cola® Holiday Village offers a series of holiday activations.
Places to Sip & Sleigh the Night Away
Adult Sips
Best Dam Winter Wine Walk is a festive way to explore quaint and historic Boulder City. Get into holiday mode while sampling a variety of wines and shopping your way through its vibrant downtown. If you really want to go BIG in Boulder City, the chamber of commerce has come up with some magical costumes ideas.
Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus – Bring the jolly holiday vibes in red and white!
Snowman – A classic look with a frosty twist. Add a top hat and scarf for charm!
Ice Queen or King – Go regal with shimmering blues and frosty elegance.
Reindeer – Antlers, red noses, and a dash of holiday spirit!
Wrapped Gift – Be the life of the party as a walking, talking present!
Candy Cane – Stripes never looked so sweet. Red and white all the way!
Ugly Holiday Sweater – The gaudier, the better! Add some lights for extra flair.
Christmas Tree – Deck yourself out in ornaments and tinsel!
Jack Frost – Bring a little chill with icy whites and blues.
The event takes place December 14, 3:30-7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25, sold here.
Family-friendly Sips
Camel Safari Las Vegas is offering a WILD Christmas experience, Cocoa and Camels, on Dec. 20 and 21. Located one hour from Las Vegas in Bunkerville, Nevada, this event offers a photo opportunity with Santa and a camel, ticket to ride on the safari tram to view the animals that call Camel Safari home, petting zoo, make your own ornament and cozy campfire to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa! Availability is limited per day, so book tickets now!
Noteworthy News
Valley of Fire State Park is closed from December 2 to December 15, 2024.
During this time, both entrances to the park will remain closed to all vehicle and pedestrian access, including day-use, camping, wedding events, group outings, and special use permits. The closure is due to construction projects and needed maintenance. Park officials said they are dedicating time to give Nevada’s oldest State Park the care it desperately needs and deserves. Here are great alternatives: Ice Age Fossils or Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort.
From dazzling light displays that turn the streets into merry magical corridors, to heartwarming parades that evoke the true spirit of the season, Southern Nevada embraces the holidays with a unique flair, making a must-experience destination for the holidays. Check out more adventure from our travel experts. Plan Your Trip