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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.

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Essential Tips

1. Prepare to Walk a Lot

Las Vegas might look compact, but distances can be deceiving. You’ll find yourself walking much more than anticipated, so bring comfortable shoes and be ready to explore! Depending on when you visit, you might want to take advantage of some of the indoor walkways to get from casino to casino. A good example is you can walk from Mandalay Bay to Excaliber all indoors. There are many restaurants and shops along the way. Another indoor walkway with shops and restaurants if from the Bellagio to Caesar’s Palace. There are a few more places you can do this, so ask at your hotel if you are wondering about specific casinos and they will help you out.

2. Budget for Transportation

While walking will be part of your trip, don’t underestimate how much you’ll need to rely on transportation. Whether it’s taxis, Ubers, or rideshares, plan for those extra costs in your budget. Renting a car is another option, especially if you plan on exploring off the Strip, but be mindful of parking fees. Unless you are going to do exploring off the strip, it usually is most cost effective to do a combination of walking and taxi or rideshare. If you decide you want to rent a car, you are better getting one at one of the casinos that offer rentals than at the airport. Trust me, the airport car rental is not a lot of fun between having to take a shuttle to where the car rental is and the amount of people who are renting cars it can become a hassle, we learned the hard way.

3. Stock Up on Drinks at CVS or Walgreens

Rather than paying steep prices for drinks at the hotel or casino, grab your beverages from nearby CVS or Walgreens. You’ll save money by stocking up for your room. Even just grabbing a case of water will save you lots of money.

4. Be Cautious of Timeshare Offers

People approaching you on the street or in casinos are often trying to sell timeshares. If you’re not interested, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Same for the people who are offering tickets to shows or attractions. It’s best to get them at the box office or hotel website. Luckily for me, Greg knew what they were doing or I probably would have gotten stuck listening to their sales pitches.

5. Taking Pictures with Performers

If you want to take photos with performers dressed as showgirls or other iconic characters, be aware that even if they don’t charge for the photo, they expect tips. Have a few dollars ready for a quick pic. The pictures are great for your memories and a good laugh, but don’t go overboard or you will wonder where all that extra spending money you had went.

6. Free Drinks in Casinos

Yes, you can enjoy free drinks while gambling in casinos, but don’t overdo it. Free doesn’t mean you should go overboard—know your alcohol limit, and drink responsibly. One of the best tips I got was when you order a drink, order a water also and drink both of them before you get another drink. Not only does it keep you hydrated but it slows down consumption.

7. Cash Out When You Leave

Before leaving any casino, make sure to cash out your winnings or chips. You may not make it back, and it’s better to have your money in hand than to leave it behind. Casino vouchers are not interchangeable between casinos even if it is the same company, so don’t get stuck with a ticket instead of cash.

8. Always Carry Your ID

Not only might you be carded when entering certain casinos or bars, but if you’re lucky enough to win a handpay at a slot machine, you’ll need your ID to claim your winnings, especially your social security card.

9. Explore Multiple Casinos

Each casino in Las Vegas offers something unique, from stunning artwork to themed displays. Make it a point to visit several casinos for a full Vegas experience. If you are here for a few days, try to get to all of them so on your next visit you can plan to stay near the ones you like best.

10. Visit Mid-Week for Better Deals

If you can, plan your trip for the middle of the week. Hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are more manageable compared to weekends.

11. Get a Player’s Card at Each Casino

Sign up for a player’s card at every casino group you visit. For example, a player’s card from Flamingo works at all Caesars Entertainment properties. Even if you don’t return to Vegas, these cards are valid at any casino owned by that corporation nationwide. Player’s cards earn you points that you can use for food and at some stores in the casinos. Using these will usually get you offers for discounted or free rooms depending on how much you play.

12. Must-Do Vegas Attractions

There are some iconic attractions that should be on everyone’s Las Vegas bucket list:

• Bellagio Fountains
• Bellagio Conservatory
• The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
• Flamingo Habitat
• Fremont Street Experience
• The Strip at night
• Top of the STRAT Observation Deck
• Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
• Gondola rides at The Venetian
• Catching a live show

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to navigate Las Vegas like a pro, enjoying the sights, sounds, and excitement “Sin City” has to offer without any unnecessary stress. Las Vegas offers some of the best shows, restaurants and entertainment, so be sure to take it all in. My best advice is to investigate and plan your itinerary before you get to Las Vegas and try to stick to that. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore all the attractions in the casinos and if you enjoy gambling don’t forget to include plenty of time for that!

We love to tell people not only about our experiences but tips that we have learned along the way, to help make their vacations easier and less stressful. We hope to inspire people to find their adventures and make memories. Even if you do a day trip near your home, there are always new things to discover and enjoy. Have fun and enjoy your travels!

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History & Photo Ops

1. Vegas Vic Sign – This sign was erected in 1951 in front of the Pioneer Club which no longer exists. It was different from other signs in the area, with a cowboy that talked and waved. It became the unofficial welcome sign for Las Vegas. It is still located on Fremont Street but is in front of a souvenir shop.

2. Fremont Experience light show- this show is on the roof covering Fremont Street. During the day, they do have some lights going but at night they run different themed light shows. Fremont Street is just a fun place to check out even if you don’t want to gamble. I always have fun here. For schedules go to site.

3. There is live music nightly on the outdoor stages with local bands. They also have the free concert series featuring renowned bands such as Seether and Sublime. Be sure to check out the local bands!

4. Largest Sportsbook at Circa – even if you aren’t interested in sports betting, you should definitely check out this three-story sportsbook. It has a 1000 person viewing capacity. It’s a sight to see! While there make sure to get a picture of Vegas Vicki the neon cowgirl. Since the Circa is limited to people over 21 years old this isn’t somewhere you can bring your children. Having said that, if you’re over 21, the Circa is a pretty cool casino with two floors of gambling and the huge sportsbook. We enjoy going here.

5. Rub Happy Budda’s belly at California Hotel & Casino. It’s supposed to bring you luck! It is located in the hotel registration area. Everyone loves a Budda right, why not check him out.

6. The D hotel and casino has the world’s largest Keno board that even if you don’t want to play you should check it out. It is located on the second floor of the casino floor. Kinda of cool just to see it.

7. Stop in at the Golden Gate Casino and explore all the artifacts from this casino including gaming ledgers from the opening of this casino in 1906. These are located by the registration desk. If you love history, you really should do this. It amazes me to think of people gambling that long ago when travel wasn’t that easy yet.

8.Take a free photo with the Million Dollar display at Binon’s Gambling Hall. Just a fun thing to do and seeing all that money made me want to win big!!

9. If you take a walk through the Golden Nugget casino you will come to 200,000-gallon tank aquarium in the pool area. What makes it so special is all the sharks that are in the tank. Really cool for photos. I so want to swim there someday, would love getting close to the sharks. It’s on my bucket list.

10. See a piece of the real Berlin Wall at Main Street Station casino. The only drawback to this is that the wall is located in the men’s restroom. Women can request to be escorted in to see this attraction. We haven’t done this yet but we’ll have to do it soon.

11. When you want to sit for a little bit, go see the new Carousel Bar in front of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. The Plaza has done a lot of renovations, so be sure to check it out. We’ve only been here once, but we enjoyed ourselves and the Carousel is bigger than I thought it would be. Worth checking out.

Tours/Adventure

12. Take a ride on the largest slot machine Slotzilla zipline right on Fremont Street. This is a 12 story zipline that looks like a slot machine. The zipline is 7 stories and runs 2 city blocks with prices starting at $49. You can also ride superhero style with a starting price of $69. This is 11 stories and 5 blocks long. I have wanted to do this since the first time we went to Fremont Street, I just haven’t worked up the nerve yet but I will and then I’ll let you know if it’s worth it.

13. The Mob Museum is one of the places that just scream Las Vegas being that it was pretty much founded by the mob. If you like history at all, I think this is a great choice for you. This is located at 300 Stewart Ave. and open 9 AM- 9 PM daily. General Admission is $34.95 with more options for passes that include interactive displays. There is also an Underground Distillery here with a speakeasy. Check the website for more information.

14. A fun thing to do is to check out Neonopolis. This is where you can go dine, shop and find entertainment. You can eat at one of four restaurants including Dick’s Last Resort. You can shop for toys, watches, sports cards and memorabilia and a few other places. You can throw axes, race cars or enjoy nightlife at one of three lounges. I think it’s a pretty cool area and worth checking out.

15. If for no other reason than its uniqueness, you should go to Container Park which is retail stores and restaurants built in shipping containers. There is also an interactive playground here. It is located at 707 E. Fremont St. We didn’t buy anything here, but it was an interesting place.

Conclusion

As you can see, Fremont Street has many things to entertain you whether you are there to gamble or to learn more about the city and its history. Although some of these won’t take you much time to do, I’m sure you’ll spend time looking at all there is to see in each casino so I would allow at least a day to spend here. If you are interested in gambling or even just relaxing, you might want to stay at least one night here. Circa offers a great pool area, The Golden Nugget has a wonderful spa and the shark tank pool area, The Plaza has new updated rooms and a pickleball court and on and on. I have no doubt you can find a hotel here that would meet your needs. Fremont Street was the original Las Vegas and has so much history, I highly recommend you find some time on your Las Vegas vacation to visit this icon part of the city. And don’t forget your camera!! We always try to give you helpful information to plan your trip and hopefully to inspire you to find your adventure even if it’s not here, but to get out and enjoy this country. If you are interested in more of our adventures, click here for our travel videos. Have fun and plan your adventure!

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