Las Vegas is well known for its thriving nightlife and ostentatious architecture, but during the holiday season, it also has plenty to offer in terms of Christmas light displays and events. Visitors soon find themselves overcome with the festive atmosphere of twinkling displays found throughout the city.
This event features festive ice rinks and decorations, snacks, and activities to delight both young and old alike. Factor in some time to enjoy these fantastic Christmas celebrations while visiting Las Vegas this holiday season.
Check out our Top Christmas Events in Las Vegas for 2023 by clicking here.
Glittering Lights Las Vegas
Glittering Lights Las Vegas is a drive-through light show consisting of over 3 million LED lights that wind around Nevada’s largest park, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which offers a distinct and awe-inspiring display to visitors annually. In addition to the colorful displays and holiday decorations, drivers can enjoy listening to specially curated music through their car stereo as they cruise along the two miles of brilliantly illuminated pathways.
Between the stunning holiday vision and extra Christmas attractions, a trip through Las Vegas’ Glittering Lights will leave anyone feeling cheerful this holiday season.
Best Free Things To Do In Las Vegas
Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Garden
The Ethel M. Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden is an annual holiday extravaganza that features hundreds of thousands of multicolored holiday lights synchronized to seasonal music throughout the cactus gardens, which contain more than 300 species of the state flower – the Nevada cactus. There are marvelous botanical displays, and visitors also get to visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory for a free tour and some delicious samples.
Visitors even have the chance to shop for delectable treats from the newly redesigned store. Taking in this dazzling display of color and light is sure to make your Christmas season especially magical.
Santa In The Shipwreck (Mandalay Bay)
Visiting Santa in the Shipwreck at Mandalay Bay may sound strange, but it is a unique and festive experience in Las Vegas. More from the Mandalay Bay website:
Santa Claus steers his sleigh from the North Pole to Las Vegas to find out who’s been naughty and nice during the annual Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay!
Mandalay Bay website
Dressed in traditional bright red and white, Santa is ready for visitors to snap pictures with glittering Christmas decorations, holiday music, and wonderful Christmas lights to add to the atmosphere. A special guest at these events is “Santa Jaws” Throughout the day, Santa Jaws will happily “swim” by to join the kiddies for a photo.
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan
If you’re looking for something special to do in Las Vegas this Christmas, a visit to the Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience. This ice rink offers a perfect holiday atmosphere on the second floor of The Boulevard by the Fortuna pool bar. Skaters can also reserve rink-side fire pits where they can spend the evening sipping cocktails and staying warm between trips around the rink.
The view from the ice is delightful during the holiday season; with extra garlands draped around hand-painted columns, visitors can make their skating session even more of an adventure with daily happy hour hours and cocktail specials served up in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you’re taking part or just watching the fun, skating at The Cosmopolitan’s Ice Rink will give you a truly magical Christmas experience.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Visiting the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Christmas in Las Vegas is an experience you won’t soon forget. Every year, this world-famous botanical garden pulls out all of the stops for the holidays with a spectacular display featuring millions of blooming flowers, plants, trees, and enchanting light displays.
As you wander through the exhibits showcasing unique seasonal holiday decorations, it’s a sight to behold. The award-winning annual production also includes plenty of beautiful sculptures and holiday characters dotting the gardens, so even if you can’t make it out to see it yourself, a few pictures will give you an idea of how extraordinary this place is during the Christmas season.
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Visiting the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village at Christmas in Las Vegas is a magical experience that should not be missed. From the moment you step through the forest entrance, it’s easy to see why this yearly event has become one of Las Vegas’s most beloved holiday traditions. With over 3 million sparkling lights illuminating the 42 acres, visitors have a chance to marvel at the breathtaking natural wonders presented by native trees and plants from around the world.
The Santa House also provides an opportunity for children of all ages to take free photos with Santa himself! Furthermore, friendly elves invite visitors on winding journeys where they can discover unique holiday attractions to a variety of delectable treats and hand-crafted artisan creations. It’s no wonder, so many locals and tourists flock to this festive attraction every year.
