Christmas in Vegas is here again, though it might not feel like it in Las Vegas’ un-winter-like 55 degree weather. There are plenty of ways to spend the “cold” weeks leading up to a very merry Las Vegas Christmas. Gear up for the Christmas season with these Las Vegas holiday events to get in the spirit ASAP.
Looking for the best Christmas events in Las Vegas? Consult a map of the Las Vegas Strip to walk in a desert winter wonderland among Las Vegas hotels and seasonal events.
Things To Do on Christmas Eve in Las Vegas
Spending the holiday in Las Vegas is a different kind of Yuletide magic. Many of the resorts and public hotspots put on special events that guarantee a magical time for kids and the families, as well as couples and friends that want a winter wonderland in the desert for the holiday season. Spread some cheer at these Christmas Eve events in Las Vegas.
Tuck Into the “Deck the Halls” Dessert at The STRAT
Top of the World restaurant is bringing a sweet treat for the Christmas season. White chocolate mousse, a mango compote and vanilla sponge cake create a decadent dessert with a tropical twist. Make a reservation to dine on a full-on Christmas feast.
Experience the Magic of The Nutcracker at The Shops at Crystals
Brought to the Las Vegas Strip by the same creative minds behind The Immersive Van Gogh experience, this virtual winter wonderland is accompanied by famous holiday music and an ever-changing masterpiece of Christmas trees, nutcrackers, winter scenes, and classic cold weather visuals. Tickets are available on December 24 and 25 and through the end of 2022.
Swim with Santa Jaws at Mandalay Bay Resort
Take the kiddos to a daytime day-before activity at Mandalay Bay Resort and enjoy an underwater show. The Shark Reef Aquarium has showings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for photos with a scuba Santa and his little aquatic helpers.
The Shops at Crystals is a one-stop shop for Christmas shopping in Las Vegas, along with a Swarovski Christmas tree viewing that is making its first debut in years. Fun for the whole family, this is a prime Christmas Eve choice. This Las Vegas Strip shopping depot is located between Park MGM Las Vegas and Marriott Grand Chateau.
Things To Do on Christmas Day in Las Vegas
Looking for some Christmas events in Las Vegas for this spirited Sunday? The following restaurants and libationary spots are open on the day, so grab those mittens and come out to spend Christmas day among the people of Las Vegas.
Celebrate an Italian Christmas at the Grand Canal Shoppes in The Venetian Resort
Sometimes, Christmas wonder means skipping the dishes. Many of the restaurants inside the Grand Canal Shoppes are open on the 25th for special meal offerings that will have you saying “Santa baby” with every mouthful.
Buddy V’s Ristorante
One of the best Italian restaurants on the Strip is having a feast for its Las Vegas Christmas event. Lamb chops, lobster and loads of wine keep your spirits bright.
BRERA Osteria
Nosh on beautiful, light coastal fare with dishes including a pear and endive salad with gorgonzola dolce, toasted hazelnuts and a persimmon vinaigrette, or choose the hearty Prime Rib featuring a black pepper crust, smashed potatoes, and horseradish cream.
Cañonita
Fun cocktails and a la carte delights will be served on Christmas. Try the Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum, a festive libation made with Bacardi, Kahlua, housemade horchata, cinnamon, and peppermint candy.
Delmonico Steakhouse
The holiday season is celebrated through winter classics at Delmonico, featuring roasted chestnut soup; two types of seared duck breast, crispy confit leg, braised kale, glazed parsnips and a succulent coffee reduction; prime rib and a black forest cake with cherries as a crowning glory.
Check out more steakhouses on the Strip for succulent year-round dinners with all the fixings.
Christmas Day Meals at Station Casinos
For a hometown holiday meal, the restaurants at the six Station Casinos hotels are open and ready to serve.
The Brass Fork and Lucky Penny restaurants are cooking up heirloom beet salad, made with anjou pear, candied walnuts and whipped goat cheese; red snapper with bacon and fingerling potato hash, mushrooms, asparagus and apple cider beurre blanc; finished by eggnog tres leches cake, crafted with sponge cake and brandy-toasted ginger snap.
Visitors to The Charcoal Room have a wealth of choices. Appetizer choices include beets and endive salad with beets, nicoise, olives, goat cheese, and pistachio; or a simple winter green salad with mesclun, oranges, candied pecans, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette. The main entree includes short rib with polenta, spinach and red wine and a cranberry pudding cake, topped with cranberries, white chocolate and butter sauce rounds out the meal.
Other restaurants include:
Hank’s Fine Steaks at Green Valley Ranch Resort
An appetizer of Nigerian prawns, made with jumbo lump crab meat, oyster mushrooms and thermidor sauce start the meal. You can then choose between Côte de Boeuf made from a 42-ounce Linz Heritage Angus Double Bone Ribeye, Lyonnaise style smashed potatoes, crispy Brussel sprouts, and sauce bordelaise; or a Loup de Mer with charred arrowhead cabbage, baby leeks, celeriac puree, and macadamia pistou.
The Broiler at Boulder Station Hotel
Start with butternut squash soup with cinnamon cream, maple, and pecans. Then, go for the Spice Ribeye, served with chestnut puree, baby heirloom carrots, and a red wine reduction. Only available on Sunday December 25, the Peppermint Crunch Sundae is made with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, Peppermint Schnapps Anglaise, and candy cane dust.
Can’t-Miss Las Vegas Christmas Events
We know that the spirit of Christmas Day is hard to wait for. While the family waits for the early morning wake-up calls from the kids to open presents, indulge in these Las Vegas holiday events to speed the time forward.
Check out a Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Get in the holiday spirit with bespoke Christmas drinks. The best Las Vegas Strip bars are serving up some artisan Christmas time cocktails to celebrate the season.
Western Wonderland at Topgolf: The Birdie Bar put together the holiday display we didn’t know we needed. Cool drink specials and photo ops await at this rootin-tootin reindeer infested party. Find Topgolf near MGM Grand Hotel.
Miracle on Spring Mountain: This annual delight is found at the Sand Dollar Lounge at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Read about more pop-up holiday bars in Las Vegas to visit them all in one night. If Santa Claus can do it, so can you.
Visit an Ice Skating Rink on the Strip
In addition to permanent locations, there are a surprising amount of pop-up ice skating rinks around Christmas in Las Vegas.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ice rink: A rooftop experience that offers unparalleled views of the Strip.
Ice Rink at Enchant at Resorts World Las Vegas: Skate among the glittering lights of this ice skating maze.
Rock Rink Summerlin: Glide along the ice to classic holiday tunes and an outdoor rink under the stars.
For more ice rink information, including running dates and times check out our piece on ice skating in Las Vegas.
See Some Holiday Lights Around Town
Las Vegas has an abundance of holiday lights brought to life in amazing, must-see displays. Catch the Christmas lights at these locations:
The Santa Tram at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway takes visitors around a breathtaking display of Christmas decor.
Walk Through the Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolate Factory
One of the most delicious places in Las Vegas is transforming into a magical forest of lights.
Snow Carnival Holiday Forest at M Resort
Enjoy the thrill of falling snow from the refuge of an indoor park. Rides and Christmas lights are the main draws here.
Famous Fountains Lights Show at Bellagio Las Vegas
It wouldn’t be a Las Vegas Christmas if the Bellagio Fountains weren’t involved. The 2022 holiday season brings “Gingerbread Dreams, A Holiday Confection” to the legendary ends of this Catch a holiday light extravaganza along one of the Strip’s luxury resorts.
Schedule your tour of the twinkling lights around town by checking out the details of the holiday lights in Las Vegas.
Enjoy the Mega Christmas Trees at The LINQ Las Vegas
Mid-November saw a lighting ceremony at The LINQ Promenade, and the dazzling holiday colored lights are available for awe-gazing through the year’s end. After, head over to Flamingo Holiday Festival at Flamingo Las Vegas. Wander through the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat to enjoy flashes of pink among the glittering lights.
Enjoy more twinkling lights from the Las Vegas High Roller at The LINQ, or read more about the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat and other free things to do in Las Vegas.
Witness the Sparkling Holiday Light Show of Enchant at Resorts World Las Vegas
Whether the afternoon calls for wandering through a Christmas light maze or sipping hot chocolate, Enchant is here to deliver. This locally curated Christmas market solves holiday shopping problems with vendors selling ornaments, trinkets, food and adorable Christmas drinks. The ice skating trail weaving through gorgeous light trees is the perfect pairing to the maze.
Get a Glass of Veuve Cliquot at Resort World’s Rooftop Igloos
The igloos might not be real, but the glasses of Veuve are ice cold. Rooftop views of the Strip — and the Enchant Christmas tree — are sweetened with cocktails and culinary creations around cozy fire pits. Find the festivities on the Rose Rooftop, and save us a spot around the giant chess set.
Snap a Picture with Santa Claus
Take the little ones to get their picture with Old Saint Nick at Fashion Show Las Vegas. Catch him just before the Las Vegas Christmas holiday season comes to a close, before December 24.
Alternatively, visit Santa at the Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town. From December 9 to December 23 the jolly man himself will be available to grant Christmas wishes at select times.
Say “Season’s Greetings” with a Show
Notable Christmas-themed shows in Las Vegas are back and as boisterous as ever. Catch “A Very Terry Christmas” at New York-New York that runs through the holiday weekend. A combination of popular holiday music classics like “Winter Wonderland” and “Blue Christmas” are on deck for the performances, along with an eclectic mix of original songs to keep the party going.
Read more about shows and Las Vegas Christmas fun — including the medieval winter wonderland at Tournament of Kings — in a Christmas shows in Las Vegas roundup.
Christmas in Las Vegas off the Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard isn’t the only place where the Christmas magic comes to life. Head around town for these Christmas events that capture the most magical time of year.
PS: After the Christmas tree comes down, it’s time to ring in 2023. Check out the NYE events in Vegas.
Opportunity Village Magical Forest
Hop aboard the Magical Forest Express Passenger Train to see the beautiful setup at Opportunity Village. All proceeds are donated to the people that benefit from the village’s services. Food trucks, mini golf, a giant slide and a carousel make this an all ages activity avalanche that’s sure to please.
Traditional Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark
On the other side of town, Mischievous Elf at the Las Vegas Ballpark is another winter wonderland full of shopping and holiday goodies.
Summerlin Christmas Parade
This twice-weekly parade begins at 6 p.m. on the dot until December 17. Witness a show full of dancing, holiday music, floats, and lights.
Giving Back This Holiday Season
While walking among the Christmas trees and lit-up splendor is a winter wonderland of its own rite, consider helping those in need. Organizations like HELP of Southern Nevada and United Way of Southern Nevada are putting on drives to give clothes, supplies and other necessities.
On behalf of us at OTS, we thank you for your continued support. It is a joy and honor to bring locals and lovers of Las Vegas the latest and best information about the city we love. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you on the Strip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Las Vegas
Should I visit Las Vegas at Christmas?
There are several things to do on Christmas Day in Las Vegas. The Bellagio fountains are always delivering light shows to accompany water displays, year-round, and the holiday display at the Bellagio Conservatory is one of the free. The Christmas lights displays come back for the last months and last well into the next year as well.
Does Vegas do anything for Christmas?
Christmas in Las Vegas is actually a magical time. Kids can meet Santa at Fashion Show Las Vegas and the annual Enchant festivities are happening at Resorts World. For the adults, bars in Las Vegas are featuring special Christmas pop-up themes with holiday cocktails. Check out an ice rink or enjoy a winter wonderland well into the new year.
Does Vegas shut down for Christmas?
Sin City is up and running on Christmas. Anyone spending the holiday in Las Vegas can enjoy events like Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Magical Forest at Ethel M Chocolate Factory. For free things to do, head over to the Flamingo Holiday Festival to enjoy the birds among the baubles.
Is Vegas crowded around Christmas?
Visiting Las Vegas for the holiday season means extra crowds for the Sin City Christmas events. After December 25, the New Year’s Eve Las Vegas events begin and the city is buzzing until January 1.
