Fun Fact: Southernern Nevada is well known for the year-round glow of the bright lights on the Las Vegas Strip. The close proximity of several brightly lit hotel casinos and attractions are so bright it can actually be seen from space, making it reputedly the brightest spot on Earth… bringing merry vibes, and making that bright spot even more luminous during the holiday season.
Whether you seek the twinkle of festive lights, the charm of holiday shows, or the excitement of lively parades, this desert oasis has something special in store for everyone.
Dashing Through the Glow
No holiday visit to Las Vegas would be complete without visiting Glittering Lights at the 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.
New to the Santa scene this year is Rockin’ Christmas at M Resort. Drive through a mile of life-sized musical notes, retro Santas and more in the world’s largest animated drive-through light show!
No car? no problem. Level up the festivities by booking a party bus with Discreet Transportation. They’ll dash you and your group from one end of the city to the other to enjoy both these attractions. Or deck your ‘gram and let Photo Tours Vegas be your gram-worthy holiday hotspots.
Merry Marches: Community Spirit on Display
Lights, decorations, and cheer have transformed Southern Nevada into a winter wonderland. Las Vegas is a unique holiday destination because you not only can get the excitement of all the activities on The Strip, local attractions also offer the enchantment of a small-town home-away-from-home holiday vibes. So check out one of these parades for a merry hometown feel.
HENDERSON
Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
LAKE MEAD MARINA
Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
BOULDER CITY – Santa’s Electric Light Parade Dec. 2 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!
MESQUITE
LAUGHLIN
Snowflakes & Spotlights - Special Holiday Shows
Mama’s Wranglers, Henderson’s country jewel at the Firelight Barn perform their holiday spectacular Redneck Reindeer beginning Thanksgiving weekend and running through the end of the year.
Places to Sip & Sleigh the Night Away
Now – Dec. 31 The Sand Dollar Downtown at Plaza Hotel & Casino transforms into “Sippin’ Santa on Main”, a festive tiki cocktail pop-up. Think “What does Santa do in his off-time?” From floor-to-ceiling and all the F&B in between, expect merry island vibes where board shorts and Santa hats collide.
Family-friendly Sips
Camel Safari Las Vegas is offering a WILD Christmas experience, Sip Cocoa with Camels and Santa, on Dec. 22 and 23. Just a few a few minutes from Mesquite, 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 chocolate! There are only 150 slots available per day, so book your tickets now!
Dash Away, Dash Away
Get merry and decked out holiday running gear! Mesquite Athletics And Leisure Services is hosting its annual Jingle Bell Dash 5K & Fun Run on Dec. 2. Also, don’t miss out on The Las Vegas Great Santa Run happening in Downtown Las Vegas on Dec. 2.
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.