Did Santa pack a Las Vegas Christmas vacation for your family this year? This city, known for its lights year round, is a fun family destination in winter. After months of lockdown to fight the spread of coronovirus, businesses are going all out with holiday décor, free outdoor festivities and hotel offers.
Keep in mind that Las Vegas can be colder in winter than visitors expect. So pack wisely. Lay out your holiday finest, choose your most stylish walking shoes, throw in some mittens, and you’ll be all set to take advantage of our guide to the best Las Vegas Christmas holiday activities for families.
Get Hooked Up at The LINQ
The LINQ Promenade is the development housing the famous Ferris wheel, High Roller, that towers 550 feet over The Strip. Its 28 pods are heated to comfortably provide a sky-high view of the lights below. Spend some time wth the High Roller lesson plan to turn this fun event into a STEM educational experience.
While at the Promenade, brave the zip line, ice bar and Museum of Selfies. Some of the fun is free. Plus, at the holidays, a 35-foot holiday tree with lights and ornaments adorns the Fountain Stage. The LINQ is easily accessed via the city’s Monorail stop, Harrah’s/The LINQ. In addition to the LINQ Hotel and Casino, there are shops and Brooklyn Bowl – considered more of a music venue than a bowling alley.
Pause for a meal at restaurants to suit every taste and wallet. Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and the patio at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar are fun for families. Hash House A Go Go is a favorite for its huge breakfasts and exotic menu. Kids at heart should head to any branch of Sprinkles, a cupcake shop that delivers tiny treats after hours through an ATM machine.
In 2016, the LINQ Promenade started its annual transformation to Winter PARQ, with free nightly “snowfalls” accompanying a light show using 2,000 lights syncopated to music, through Dec. 30.
Las Vegas Christmas Public Events and Festivities
Snow also falls on Town Square Park and a 45-foot Christmas tree. During November and December, catch the falling snow and community concerts performed by local school choirs. The free Fremont Street Experience downtown is transformed by a 50-foot- tall tree under the spectacular canopy of lights that plays year round. Be there for the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
If you don’t have a car for your Las Vegas Christmas, call an Uber to see Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Featuring more than 3 million lights along a 2.5-mile course intertwined with the speedway, this paid event is a family favorite for locals. Upgrade to a premium ticket and hop the Santa Tram for an eco-friendly ride, photo op with Santa, hot chocolate and popcorn. It’s open through the first week in January and midweek nights are the best value.
Families with preschoolers really enjoy the indoor Adventuredome amusement park at Circus Circus. The 5-acre theme park also puts on a festive face, and hosts special performances by bands, dancers and carolers. Guests can also enjoy holiday drinks and treats. Note that admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for whichever rides the kids choose to go on.
Top Free Hotel Happenings on The Strip for a Las Vegas Christmas
Stop at the Bellagio Hotel entry to catch the famous fountain of dancing waters, a family highlight any time of year. For the holidays, the Bellagio Conservatory in the hotel complex changes its garden display to floral arrangements featuring seasonal colors and decor. The place for selfies is the holiday tree embellished with twinkling lights and ornaments.
The same hotel group’s horticulture team transforms the Wynn Las Vegas public spaces into Wynn’s Winter Wonderland. The atrium becomes a winter village that recalls the novel Gulliver’s Travels. Best yet, it’s all free. It’s a Las Vegas Christmas experience you don’t want to miss.
Overlooking the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard, The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan sends chills up our spine with its amazing skyline views reflected off more than 4,200 square-feet of real ice. In addition to a transformation of the hotel’s Boulevard pool, visitors will find rental skates, a fire to roast S’mores over, scheduled snow showers, and a few stylish places to enjoy seasonal treats and beverages.
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Plan Your Las Vegas Christmas Visit
There’s plenty to see and do during a Las Vegas Christmas. Don’t be shy about rounding up the kids and painting the town red. Just make sure it matches the color of Santa’s jacket and holiday decor. And of course, if you do want to see top Las Vegas shows, there are kid-friendly options from Blue Man Group to Penn & Teller magic shows. You can look for discount tickets with Best of Las Vegas.
There’s more to see and explore beyond a Las Vegas Christmas adventure. See more holiday light celebrations and fun across the country with our Top Holiday Lights and Christmas displays in America.
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Great article! Wanted for Christmas again. Do you know anything about this place ? It is very interesting to know the opinions. How much advance it is necessary to book a hotel and various entertainment before the holidays?