Las Vegas during the Christmas season is a wonderland of festivities both on and off the Strip. Whether you’re looking for ice skating, holiday markets, light displays, or seasonal shows, there are countless unique activities to explore beyond the typical Strip attractions. Here’s a guide to some of the top off-Strip holiday happenings this year.
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** 2025/2026 Update **
Fontainebleau Oasis Ice Rink
The Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau is a winter paradise, set to open just in time for Thanksgiving. Known as the largest and most luxurious rink on the Strip, it features two rinks spanning nearly 8,000 square feet. Here, you can enjoy public skating, private holiday events, and an immersive holiday village with Veuve Clicquot activations, firepits, festive cabanas, holiday cocktails, and even rink-side movie screenings. Admission starts at $25 but is free for Rewards Members. The ice rink will be open nightly, beginning November 24 from 5-11 PM and adjusted seasonal hours will begin December 20th. See website for more information.
Tivoli Village Nutcracker Market
Every Thursday in December, Tivoli Village transforms into a charming Nutcracker-themed market from 4 PM to 8 PM. Shop unique crafts from LV Craft Shows, take in the twinkling holiday lights, and don’t miss the complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides for a nostalgic holiday experience. This is located at The Piazza, 400 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas.
District at Green Valley Ranch Holiday Market
Kick off the holiday season at Green Valley’s market on November 22 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy snowfall, live holiday music, meet-and-greets with the Ice Queen and King, and sweet treats. Santa will also be there to help light the tree, and for extra fun, bring your pets on select days for festive photos with Santa. It’s always fun to stroll the District at Green Valley with the many shops and great places to eat, but during Christmas it’s decorated so beautifully that I really like to stroll around during the holidays. Check website for dates for Santa photos. Location is 2240 Village Walk Dr. Henderson, NV.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Speedway
Drive through a spectacular display of over 5 million lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This 2.5-mile experience includes a Santa Tram, free photos with Santa, and plenty of holiday magic. Reservations are encouraged. The lights are lit November 7, 2025 and will stay lit until January 4, 2026. The address is 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N Las Vegas.
Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Enchant Christmas brings the magic of the season with an ice-skating trail, holiday maze, snow slide, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stroll through dazzling lights, indulge in seasonal food and drinks, and make holiday memories. We really enjoyed Enchant and even did the “treasure hunt” both years. This year the fun starts November 21 and continues through December 28 This event is located at the Las Vegas Ballpark, 1650 S. Pavilion Center Dr., Las Vegas.
Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden
Visit Ethel M’s famous Holiday Cactus Garden, illuminated with thousands of colorful lights from November 6 through January 3. Admission is only $3, and no reservations are required, making it a great, family-friendly activity. Santa will be there daily from 5 pm to 1 hour before closing through Nov. 23rd. Santa will not be there after Nov. 23rd. See website for hours. For me there is something special about cactus with Christmas lights. Of course, I love the desert and am a little biased. Ethel M’s is located at 2 Cactus Garden Dr., Henderson, NV
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Explore the 2.5-acre Magical Forest, filled with decorated trees, rides, an 8-hole mini-golf course, carnival games, and plenty of holiday treats. Enjoy a beer garden (21+), live entertainment, and shopping opportunities at The Holiday Shoppe. Dates: Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-24, Dec. 26-31. Hours are 5:30- 9 PM Sunday-Thursday and 5:50-9:30 Friday and Saturday. Location: 6300 West Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas.
Santa’s Wonderland & Scuba Santa at Silverton
Visit Bass Pro Shop for Santa’s Wonderland, where you can snap holiday photos with Santa and see Christmas decor inspired by the great outdoors. Even the animals join in on the holiday spirit! While you’re here be sure to check out the aquarium at the Silverton. You never know, Santa may put on his scuba suit and swim with the fish! Santa arrives November 28 and will be there until December 24, 2025. Bass Pro Shop and the Silverton are located at 8200 Dean Martin Dr., Las Vegas. Scuba with Santa in the aquarium will be on Saturdays and Sunday at 12:00pm -1:00pm |and 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
Shark Reef Aquarium: Santa in the Shipwreck
Come and visit Santa Claus and Santa Jaws in the shipwreck exhibit at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium.Every weekend in December Santa will be parking his sleigh at Shark Reef Aquarium. Santa will be there December 6-7, 13-14, & 20-21. Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM.
Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town
Experience snowfall in Vegas at Mystic Falls Park®, featuring festive decor, a laser light shows, and hourly holiday shows starting at sundown. The show is always fun to watch but decorated for Christmas with the animals is a little more whimsical especially when Santa is there. Holiday shows begin on November 27th at sundown and run hourly 4 PM to 10 PM through New Year’s Day. This is located at 5111 Boulder Hwy., Las Vegas.
***New for 2025**
GlowFest
Experience a magical journey through interactive lights, entertainment and local flavors. Starting Dec. 20, 2025 through Feb. 22, 2026. You will follow a story of a baby dragon lost in a dark world as he explores the lit areas. With local entertainment and food vendors along the way. Located at 2600 Paradise Road, near the Sahara Las Vegas Monorail Station.
Fremont Street Experience Christmas
Fremont Street kicks off its holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony on December 7 at 5:00 PM, followed by festive events throughout December. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy holiday cheer in downtown Las Vegas. Check out the website for the many activities in December. Fremont Street Experience is fun no matter when you go, but the holidays are always special.
Shan-gri-la Prehistoric Park
Or better known as the Dinosaur House. The display is available for free viewing to the public from outside the main wall from sunrise to 10:00 pm. Personal tours, exhibits & games available during regular hours. Some history on the house: Dinoman Steve Springer is a retired schoolteacher from the Clark County School District with a passion for dinosaurs, education and making people smile. The Dinosaur House is currently home to 62 dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Any time of year is a great time to visit, but seeing the dinos dressed for Christmas makes it a great place to create memories of Christmas. Open Fri. -Sun. The park will be open December 23-24 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Please see website for specials and tours. It is located at 733 Greenway Rd. Henderson, NV.
Christmas House in Boulder City
A local favorite, this award-winning house at 1525 Fifth Street in Boulder City dazzles with incredible Christmas lights. The display opens in December but there is not a set ate yet and runs nightly (weather permitting) from 5 PM to 9 PM. The first time we visited I was totally amazed at how much work goes into this display and how much fun it is. If you have time, I highly recommend checking it out. If you get a chance talk to the owner for a while and learn the story behind these amazing decorations.
Conclusion
Wherever you choose to go, Las Vegas offers a vibrant mix of holiday events, providing something magical for everyone. There are many things to see and do on the Las Vegas Strip too, so don’t miss them. Check out our blog, 10 Things to do on the Las Vegas Strip at Christmas. Depending on how long your visit will be, you may have to narrow down what is most interesting to you. Be sure to check the websites for more information about the events you are interested in.
We hope to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your travels and vacations. We enjoy telling people about our experiences and tips we’ve learned along the way. We hope to inspire you to get out and make your own memories.