While the colder weather of winter may have you wanting to bundle up and stay indoors, we’ve compiled a list of seven winter events in the Las Vegas Territory that will make you want to ditch the covers and warmth of home to get some outdoor exploration in.
Usher in The Year of the Rabbit with Chinese New Year in the Desert
Thurs., Jan. 26 – Sat., Jan. 28
The Lunar New Year is the most important Chinese holiday, and nobody celebrates it like Las Vegas. Chinese New Year in the Desert is the largest local Chinese New Year festivity taking place in multiple locations throughout the city. There’ll be a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Venetian, special dinner events throughout, all topped off by a FREE Las Vegas Spring Festival (a.k.a. Lunar New Year Parade) at Fremont East Entertainment District. If you want to be by the announcers or enjoy their limited bleacher seating, head over to the corner of 8th & Fremont before the parade starts at 11 p.m. on January 28th. There’s also a cool after party at the nearby Downtown Container Park. Get the full schedule and details now!
Let your spirit soar during the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival
Fri., Jan. 27 – Sun., Jan. 29
There’s something magical about watching the visually dramatic sunrise ascension of dozens of hot air balloons as they take flight and soar through the skies. You can enjoy this magic and more during the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival. The event features hot air balloon launches each morning, and a night glow live each night (6-7 p.m.), weather permitting. In-between there’s plenty of culinary events and live entertainment to enjoy. The event takes place over three days, so if you find yourself in need of lodging, check out Holiday Inn Express Suites.
Take an Off-Road Hike at Valley of Fire State Park
Sat., Jan. 28
Valley of Fire State Park is hosting an advanced off-trail hike to the four corners of the Beehives monument. Aptly named because of their hive-like formation, the Beehives are actually the result of geological cross-bedding and a site to behold. This is an off-trail hike with difficult, rough terrain varying from deep, soft sand to steep solid rock where hands may be required, and sometimes scrambling up or down boulder sized rocks. Check out all events and if you are an advanced hiker, this one is for you. Registration required.
Get in the groove with Tuesday Tracks at Mt. Charleston
Tuesdays in January and February
Fresh as the powder after a new snowfall, Lee Canyon has just launched a new event featuring music tracks from local DJ’s to cap off your day putting fresh tracks in the snow. When you’re done hitting the slopes, join in on the fun at The Bristlecone Bar as local DJ’s shred their best hits. Hot Toddy anyone? More info.
Check out the best Dam Short Film Festival
Thurs., Feb. 16 – Tues., Feb. 21
Short film festivals offer unique opportunities to check out up and coming producers. Oftentimes, producers may not have the big budgets of movie studios, but they can get out a shorter film, run it through the short film circuit, and eventually gain attention needed to make bigger films. If you’re one of those people who likes to “know them before they were cool,” or you just want to take in a few good independent films, check out all events at the Dam Short Film Festival. There’ll be 153 short films from around the world with more than 31 programs to choose from, plus mixers, parties and presentations.
Get Yachty in Laughlin
Wed., Feb. 15 – Sun., Feb. 19
Sure you can spend the day enjoying one of Laughlin’s many outdoor adventures including hiking, river activities, the Laughlin Labyrinths, or ATVing through Christmas Tree Pass; but at night, it’s time to get yachty! Monsters of Rock, Yachtzilla take the stage at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort nightly, bringing their big stadium energy to the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock. If you’re a fan of dueling piano bars, this show is for you as every night is a sing-a-long. Get your tickets now!
Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Desert at The Pioneer Saloon
Mon., Jan. 6 – Tues., Feb. 21
Clark County’s oldest bar is bringing the tastes and sounds of New Orleans to the desert, literally. For seven weeks of the Carnaval season they’ll be featuring authentic Cajun/Creole specials every week – culminating in a Mardi Gras party on Sat., Feb. 18th with fresh boiled crawfish flown in overnight from New Orleans! Other festivities that night include live music from Pat O’Brien, Hurricanes, King Cakes, and Mardi Gras beads galore. Get all the info. While the party happens at night, spend the day pre-gaming with some action-packed fun at Adrenaline Mountain.
There’s more to explore in the Territory with hundreds of events each day. Check out more Things to Do from our travel experts in Las Vegas Territory. Enjoy museums, adventure, tours and more.
