Your Guide to the Holidays in Vegas

Your Guide to the Holidays in Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip rarely pauses for anything, including rest. The casinos, stores, bars, eateries, and (almost all of its) attractions remain open during Christmas. However, the Strip does commemorate the holidays in a grand manner, with numerous resorts exceeding mere decorations of their gaming areas with massive trees and twinkling lights. Here’s our guide to the most fantastic ways to embrace the season, Vegas style. 

 

Cosmopolitan Ice Rink 

3708 S. Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Admission: $30 including skate rentals

Alongside the Cosmo’s 4,200 square feet of skating area are occasional light snowflakes and festive films. Situated on Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower, the Ice Rink operates from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 noon to 11 p.m. on weekends until January 12. Bookings can be made here. Admission to the rink is complimentary. 

 

Enchant Christmas

Las Vegas Ballpark
1650 S. Pavilion Center Drive
Admission: $25-$41

This pop-up features what is advertised as “the largest Christmas maze in the world.” It features 80K square feet of illuminated sculptures, ice skating, caroling, live performances, and festive shopping. Tickets, accessible here, are complimentary for children on December 4, 10, and 11. 

 

Fontainebleau Ice Rink

2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Admission: $25 plus $35 skate rentals

The rink at Fontainebleau, debuting this year, comprises two rinks that together cover 8,000 square feet, enabling public skating and private events. Festive films are also shown here, and firepits can be rented. Not only is it twice the area of the Cosmopolitan rink, but it’s also twice the cost. And the Cosmo was the first to do it. Bookings can be arranged here. 

 

Glittering Lights

Las Vegas Motor Speedway
7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Admission: Varies 

For 24 years, the 5 million lights in this 2.5-mile drive-thru display have been brightening holiday celebrations. Purchase your tickets  here. 

 

Holiday Cactus Garden Lights

Ethel M Chocolates
2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson
Admission: $3

A favorite among locals, this candy factory has turned its Botanical Cactus Garden into a winter wonderland each year for the last 31. More than a million Christmas lights illuminate its three acres of pathways filled with succulents, and Santa will be available for photos until December 23. The admission charge benefits HELP of Southern Nevada and the Three Square Food Bank. Click here for hours.

 

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

6300 W. Oakey Blvd.
Admission: $27.50

Another local favorite, this yearly event — now in its 32nd season — features rides, mini golf, a holiday lights walking trail, the Forest Express train, and Santa’s cabin. Tickets are on sale here. The funds support Opportunity Village in providing programs and services to more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities. Kids aged 3 and under can enter for free. 

 

Winter Wonderland

Aria
3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Admission: Free

This annual display of holiday decorations features a 15-foot-tall Sugar Palace made of edible ingredients. It stays up until January 5.