6 Best Things to Do in Winter in Las Vegas
Make the Most of Your Winter in Las Vegas
The best things to do in winter in Las Vegas are a captivating blend of glittering lights, New Year’s street parties, and crisp desert nights. Winter in Sin City is as dazzling and opulent as ever, with the city’s iconic glamor shining even brighter during this festive season.
Booking a winter hotel in Las Vegas allows you to enjoy the unique charm of this extravagant city during its most magical time of year. Whether you’re exploring the city’s renowned attractions or venturing into the beautiful natural landscapes, winter in Las Vegas promises an adventure filled with wonder and excitement.
1. Vacation shopping
The ultimate shopping wonderland
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Luxury
With its abundant malls and outlet centers, Las Vegas is a prime destination for vacation shopping. During Christmas, many of the venues transform into magical Christmas villages, complete with fake snow and thousands of twinkling lights.
Regardless of the weather, you can enjoy shopping in indoor malls like the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. Relive childhood memories at the Toy Shack or explore the diverse offerings at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. For those with a taste for luxury, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian and the Wynn Esplanade offer an array of fine jewelry, fashion, and cosmetics stores, ensuring a lavish shopping experience.
Vacation shopping
2. Christmas trimmings
A city filled with opulent holiday splendor
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Las Vegas embraces the Christmas season with its characteristic flair and opulence, transforming the city into a dazzling winter wonderland adorned with a myriad of Christmas trimmings. Marvel at the elaborate holiday decorations at the Bellagio, where the conservatory showcases intricate, themed displays, or be awestruck by the towering Christmas trees adorned with thousands of lights in front of Caesar’s Palace.
Wander through streets lined with faux mistletoe and artificial snow, encountering cheerful barmaids donning Santa hats. Even the slot machines get into the festive spirit, chiming out familiar vacation tunes. Remarkably, the city is less crowded during this period, so this is a wonderful time to enjoy its attractions without the usual hustle and bustle.
Christmas trimmings
3. Seasonal menus
Festive desserts and luxurious meals
Good for: Food, Luxury
Las Vegas is renowned for its year-round sensual indulgence, but the seasonal menus during Christmas and New Year period takes this to the next level. During this festive season, many of the city’s famous buffets feature delightful extras such as Christmas pudding and vacation-themed desserts, adding a unique twist to their already impressive spreads.
High-end restaurants enhance their prix fixe menus with luxurious additions like oysters and champagne, creating an atmosphere of opulence and celebration. To make the most of these culinary delights, be sure to inquire about seasonal specials when reserving your table.
Seasonal menus
4. Vacation shows
Witnessing the timeless Nutcracker ballet
Good for: Photo, Nightlife
Many hotels and casinos in Las Vegas put on special vacation shows and performances for the Christmas season. For those looking to enjoy these seasonal spectacles without breaking the bank, Tix4Vegas provides reduced-price tickets for various concerts and events.
Delight in the enchanting melodies of Christmas favorites performed by the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras, or immerse yourself in the timeless magic of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s annual Nutcracker Ballet. This cherished Christmas tradition, now over 40 years old, transports audiences on a whimsical journey through a world of waltzing flowers and graceful fairies, making it a quintessential part of the vacation experience in Las Vegas.
Vacation shows
5. Desert excursions
Winter’s the ideal time to admire nature’s unique beauty
Good for: Photo, Adventure
A winter vacation in Las Vegas is the ideal time for desert excursions and to enjoy the eye-popping landscape of rugged rock formations under a crystal-clear sky. Put on your hiking boots and venture into the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon, where you can climb its impressive rock formations.
At the Springs Preserve, the educational hike through the gardens and desert trails can be topped off with a carriage ride, a visit to Santa, or a stroll among the festive lights. Don’t miss the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, where the cactus garden is beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations.
Desert excursions
6. New Year’s festivities
Ringing in the New Year in style
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Luxury
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy New Year’s festivities in style, book a room early as Las Vegas hotels fill up quickly. For the big night, consider the classic parties at the Venetian, Wynn, or The Cosmopolitan.
Sometimes, the Las Vegas Strip is closed to traffic to let the festivities spill out onto the streets. There’s always a party downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. It starts early with musical acts on the various stages and ends with a fireworks show.
New Year's festivities
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