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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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. Please see website for dates, times and other important information before your visit.
Tivoli Village Nutcracker Night 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.
Holiday Market in Green Valley
Kick off the holiday season at Green Valley’s market on November 23 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 Motor 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 8, 2024, and will stay lit until January 5, 2025. 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, Ferris wheel, 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 22 and continues through December 29. This event is located at the Las Vegas Ballpark, 1650 S. Pavilion Center Dr., Las Vegas.
Ethel M Cactus Garden Holiday Lights
Visit Ethel M’s famous Holiday Cactus Garden, illuminated with thousands of colorful lights from November 1 through January 4. Admission is only $3, and no reservations are required, making it a great, family-friendly activity. 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. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-8, Dec. 12-15, Dec. 17-31 Hours are Sun-Thurs 5:30 -9 PM, Fri. & Sat. 5:30 -9:30 PM. Closed Christmas. Location: 6300 West Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas.
Christmas at The M Resort
The Candy Rush holiday experience at The M Resort is a mile-long animated drive-through featuring colorful Christmas characters, confections, and audio-visual surprises. It’s perfect for families looking for an exciting drive-through event. This experience will start November 15 and continue through December 29 (closed Mondays, except December 6,16, & 23). Hours are 6-10 PM. Address: 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
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! Bass Pro Shop and the Silverton are located at 8200 Dean Martin Dr., Las Vegas.
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. Catch Santa at the falls on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 22. This is located at 5111 Boulder Hwy., Las Vegas.
The Nutcracker at the Smith Center
A cherished holiday classic, NBT’s The Nutcracker is a must-see in Las Vegas, filled with beautiful costumes, stunning sets, and a magical journey with Clara and her Prince. The show will run December 14-27, 2024. It is at Reynolds Hall- 361 Symphony Ave., Las Vegas.
Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street kicks off its holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony on December 5 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. Established in 2006, Dinoman Steve strives to educate visitors on prehistoric creatures and events. 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. 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 on December 6, 2024, 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.
