‘Tis the season for bright lights and what better place to celebrate than in Las Vegas, NV? Although there’s no shortage of entertainment in this energetic city, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do this holiday season from themed shows and cute shops to tasty restaurants and unique events. So, whether you’ve lived in your Las Vegas home for years, it’s your first holiday season in your new rental home, or you’re just in town looking for an apartment to rent, you’re sure to find at least one thing to add to your holiday to-do list.
1. Spend a night in Vienna
Well, not literally, but the Las Vegas Sinfonietta’s “A Night in Vienna” will truly transport you this holiday season. Here you’ll “experience the elegance of Strauss’ iconic waltzes and melodies from The Blue Danube to Die Fledermaus, performed by the award-winning Sinfonietta under the direction of Maestro Taras Krysa,” says artistic director and conductor Taras Krysa. “Featuring acclaimed operatic talents with Vegas City Opera, this enchanting concert is the perfect way to ring in the holiday season,” and get in the festive spirit she continues.
2. Attend the opera
Speaking of opera, why not see Opera Las Vegas’ annual “Holiday on Broadway!” this season? “An ensemble of some of the Valley’s top young singers will take audiences on a merry, fast-paced 60-minute journey through some of the best seasonal songs found in Broadway show scores,” describes general director Jim Sohre. If you’re a Broadway show tune lover, this is a must-see!
3. Go ice skating
It isn’t the holidays without ice skating! “For a little winter fun, head to The Cosmopolitan to go ice skating at Boulevard Pool while enjoying breathtaking views of The Strip,” recommends Las Vegas Nightclubs president Andrew Kahn. You can also either pregame or warm up after and “head over to The Vault and treat yourself to a specialty cocktail,” suggests Andrew. Ice skating and a festive cocktail? Talk about a perfect evening!
4. Get your holiday shopping done
Still have a few people on your list? We recommend supporting local small business owners by heading to a Vegas Events and More boutique for all your gift-shopping needs. Their fun and festive atmosphere is “the perfect way to shop small [and] feel great knowing you’re making a difference in your community and supporting families just like yours,” says owner Lynn Dilloo. Also, “every purchase helps artists, crafters, and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams while bringing unique, handcrafted gifts to your loved ones,” adds Lynn.
5. Get jazzy – Christmas style
‘Tis the season for jazz, so mark your calendars for Chris Ruggiero’s one-night-only Christmas show. This PBS-TV star’s show will “feature pop, vintage rock and roll, and a splash of jazz from his critically-acclaimed Christmas album of the same name,” says Joseph Mirrione of Carrara Entertainment Group. You’ll hear the classics along with Chris’ “crafted unique takes on familiar standards that have landed in heavy rotation on SiriusXM and local radio stations coast-to-coast.”
6. Celebrate in Chinatown
Head to Las Vegas Chinatown this holiday season for a uniquely festive experience! “Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and festive spirit with dazzling light displays, delectable Asian-inspired Christmas feasts, and captivating cultural performances,” suggests Chinatown Vegas founder Joe Muscaglione. The holiday season in Chinatown is truly like no other!
7. Enchant Christmas Village
Enchant Christmas Village is a Las Vegas holiday-must for a reason. “As the world’s largest Christmas light maze and village, this spectacular attraction features ice skating under the stars, a Christmas market with local artisans, gourmet holiday treats, and a stunning 100-foot-tall Christmas tree that serves as the centerpiece for countless holiday photos,” describes Christmas Events Near Me founder Mike Michaels. “Enchant [Christmas Village] may be our most magical experience, giving you a chance to walk through a maze, ice skate, and get insta-worthy photos with the dazzling lights,” continues Las Vegas Parents Club founder and editor-in-chief Angela Christine. Make sure to transport yourself to this dazzling winter dreamland this season and enjoy all of the twinkling pathways and holiday cheer.
8. Explore Mt. Charleston
If you’d like to take a break from the city, Gina Mizzoni Photography’s Gina Mizzoni recommends taking a visit to Mount Charleston. Under an hour drive from Las Vegas, “it’s amazing to be able to access such a beautiful winter wonderland,” says Gina. Once you’ve gotten your dose of snow, Gina recommends warming up with a cup of hot chocolate at the Retreat at Charleston Peak. After all, “no holiday season is complete without a visit to Mount Charleston,” she adds.
9. See a festive show at the casino
“This December, The Edge Pavilion, Laughlin, Nevada’s premier live entertainment venue, located at Edgewater Casino Resort, will be the place for unforgettable holiday entertainment,” says Hailey Johnsen. Their first December performance is by the legendary Wayne Newton which is sure to “spread yuletide cheer with…his world-class vocals and festive spirit.” If you can’t make that performance, and happen to love the Beatles, make sure to see Beatles tribute band Abbey Road’s performance of “Christmas With The Beatles.” Whichever you choose to attend, “both shows promise to bring festive fun and make this holiday season one to remember!”
10. EDM at The Sphere
Are you an EDM fan? Well, “nothing captures the futuristic magic of the season like Anyma’s ‘The End of Genesys’ residency at The Sphere,” says The Concierge Club’s founder and CEO Monica Gomez. “Perfect for electronic music lovers and visual arts enthusiasts alike, this experience immerses you in a breathtaking world of trippy melodies, awe-inspiring visuals, and a mesmerizing storyline, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure in Las Vegas,” continues Monica.
11. See a laser light show
Besides The Sphere, another Las Vegas must is attending a light show. “Sam’s Town Casino is transforming Mystic Falls Park into a winter wonderland display, and it’s a blast for all ages,” says Vegas And Chill’s chief content officer Kristopher Kidd. “Mystic Falls Park will also make it snow in the Las Vegas desert every night through the new year,” adds Kristopher.
12. Visit Glittering Lights
It wouldn’t be a Las Vegas holiday article without the mention of Glittering Lights, a time-honored 24-year tradition. “Every year thousands of people make their merry way down to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to drive through more than 2.5 miles of festive holiday displays with a cup of cocoa and popcorn in hand,” says Glittering Lights’ John Bentham. “This beloved seasonal attraction has become a cherished tradition for families, offering a magical escape filled with festive scenes, a live nativity, sparkling tunnels, and larger-than-life lit-up displays,” adds Vegas Kids Zone publisher Kimberley McGee. “From The Neon Forrest to Rockin’ Santa, and even a living nativity on select nights, this holly jolly attraction features more than 5 million lights,” notes John. “Whether you’re visiting the city or it’s your annual holiday outing, the experience is perfect for creating unforgettable memories while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the holiday spirit from the comfort of your car,” says Kimberley.
13. Stuff yourself with sushi
Grab your friends or family and head to Island Sushi & Grill for their unique all-you-can-eat dining experience. What better way to connect with your loved ones this holiday season than by sharing a meal? With several specials and classic items to choose from, there’s sure to be something on the menu for everyone.
14. Go on a holiday light tour
Jill of Starburst Parlor Keto Bakery’s “favorite time of year is when our family, including our dog Danger, piles into our 1964 Ford and cruises around the Historical Vintage Vegas Neighborhoods to see all the lights of holiday decorations.” She recommends “start[ing] the evening at Paradise Palms then head[ing] to Beverly Green, making our way to Scotch 80s before ending in Glen Heather and Mcneil Estates.” We suggest picking up one of her bakery’s treats for the car ride – who wouldn’t enjoy a sweet little treat with their sightseeing?
15. Listen to the orchestra
Year-round the Henderson Symphony Orchestra (HSO) “provides 11 concerts a year in a variety of venues [and] opportunities for the community to immerse themselves in the world of classical music,” describes Vania Beltran. This season make sure to add their Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert to your list! You’ll be sure to enjoy the symphony led by music director Alexandra Arrieche, which is filled with festive tunes and a holiday spirit.
16. Attend a murder mystery dinner and show
Marriage Can Be Murder is a uniquely campy Vegas classic dinner and show to attend this holiday season. “Guests are immersed into the action as they play detective and engage with a cast dressed in clever wears and wit, including a murderer amongst the group,” describes Renee Guglielmetti. “This interactive show unfolds at The Orleans Hotel & Casino at The Venue, which is transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights….and murder,” adds Renee. Make sure to grab your significant other, family, or friends and get tickets ASAP.
17. Sip on a festive cocktail
Stop by Velveteen Rabbit for their special “A Velveteen Christmas” holiday experience this season. This December you’ll find “festive cocktail offerings like mole hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and pisco sours with buttered pecan and cranberry,” says co-owner Christina Dylag. So make sure you “stop in to replenish your yuletide cheer in an immersive Christmas spectacle.”
18. See a seasonal dance spectacular
Our last recommendation is Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT)’s “‘A Cool
Yule’ A Very Vintage Christmas!” In partnership with the city of Las Vegas’ Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department and CWDT’s fourth annual, this show has easily become a seasonal must. So, “gather your family and friends to celebrate the season with a mix of
timeless classics, audience sing-alongs, and the thrilling sounds of popular Christmas songs,” says executive managing director Ashley Gezana. With passionate, relatable, and highly skilled dancers, this performance truly “promises surprises and warm cheer for all.”
