With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday season in full swing, you may be wondering what there is to do in Las Vegas in December. Fun seekers, look no further. Things To Do in Las Vegas is your one-stop source for all the biggest holiday shows, attractions, and activities going on this month. If you’re planning on spending Christmas in Las Vegas, there are always plenty of things to do both on and off the Strip. Check out some of our top picks for a December to remember.
Las Vegas Holiday Shows
Few experiences compare to the magic of seeing a Las Vegas live show. Especially during the holidays, there are shows for every age and interest all across the valley. Here are some of our favorites.
The Nutcracker at The Smith Center
December 13 – December 24
Tickets from $31
Nevada Ballet Theatre returns to The Smith Center for its eighth-annual production of The Nutcracker, featuring the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by James Canfield. This visually stunning display inside Reynolds Hall will delight the senses of children and adults alike with flowers, fairies, and glittering snow.
“O” by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio
December 17 – December 31
Tickets from $127
Okay, so maybe there’s no snow in this show, but there is water ‒ more than one-million gallons of it, in fact. In this aquatic theatrical masterpiece performed nightly at the Bellagio Hotel, daring acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers come together to create a show that is equal parts thrilling and mesmerizing. And if you love “O”, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas.
Blue Man Group at the Luxor
December 1 – December 31
Tickets from $60
Blue Man Group is a classic show and a must-see if you’re visiting Las Vegas in December. This family-friendly performance boasts three blue (and bald) men who create music, mayhem, and merriment for all ages to enjoy. The interactive element of the production brings you into their strange yet captivating audiovisual wonderland. (Pro tip: experience even more wonder while you’re at the Luxor by visiting the Bodies Exhibit and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.)
Holiday Shopping in Las Vegas
If you’re spending Christmas in Las Vegas and haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, you’re in good hands. With indoor and outdoor shopping malls, outlets, and specialty stores throughout the city, you’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect gifts at the right price.
Fashion Show Mall
Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily
Conveniently located just off of Las Vegas Boulevard near the I-15, Fashion Show Mall is home to more than 250 stores, 25 restaurants, and 8 department stores. The multi-level parking garage offers free self-parking, valet service, and rideshare dropoff, and is also within walking distance of the Palazzo, Treasure Island, and Wynn hotels. Fashion Show will be offering visits and photos with Santa throughout the month of December in addition to Holiday Glow, a celebration of song, dance, and fashion every weekend between November 29 and Christmas Eve.
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
Open 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sun – Thurs
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fri – Sat
The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood offer 1.2 miles of storefronts totaling over 200 shops, including high-end and mid-range brands. It also hosts nearly 40 different restaurants, from coffee shops to fine dining like Koi and Lombardi’s Romagna Mia. You’ll find gorgeous blue skies and clouds painted on the high ceilings, complete with Planet Hollywood’s signature rainstorm show, which operates every half hour on weekends and features thunder, lightning, fog and rain.
Town Square Las Vegas
Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mon – Thurs
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fri – Sat
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sun
Locals and tourists alike love Las Vegas in December for the mild winter weather. Get some fresh air at Town Square Las Vegas, a sprawling outdoor mall with hundreds of stores, a spacious AMC movie theater, escape room, paint-and-sip studio, and arcade. Don’t miss the great food and drinks too at Yard House, Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge, and the newly-opened Master Kim’s Korean BBQ. Santa will also be available for photos December 17 through December 23, and the Snow in the Square event will make sure your dreams of a white Christmas come true (minus the freezing temperatures).
Las Vegas Holiday Activities
Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, make some time during your Christmas in Las Vegas to enjoy these one-of-a-kind holiday activities.
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan
November 20 – January 5
Open daily 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Admission: $25
For those looking for more traditional winter activities, check out the Ice Rink. This skating rink is located on the rooftop of the Cosmopolitan, where every winter the swimming pool is converted into a skating rink.
Okay, so maybe it’s still not quite traditional, but you can still ice skate and enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate by the Ice Rink’s fire pits while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Strip. Light flurries of snow every half hour contribute to the wintery ambiance. Locals, military, and hotel guests can ice skate for just $15, which includes all-day access and skate rentals.
Holiday Arcadia at the Bellagio Conservatory
December 7 – January 4
Open 24 hours, free admittance
This stunning 14,000 square foot conservatory and botanical garden inside the Bellagio rotates exhibits with the changing seasons. Starting December 7, the lavish holiday exhibit will make its debut.
In past years, decorations have included impressive Shasta fir trees, polar bears, reindeer, and a horse-drawn carriage, in addition to hundreds of exotic flowers, trees, and plants. Enjoy this winter wonderland crafted by over 120 horticulturists and stop by the Buffet at Bellagio afterwards for a wholesome holiday meal.
Holiday Experience at the Park
November 29 – December 31
Open 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fri – Sun
Open 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on VGK game nights
The Park is an outdoor dining and entertainment district located near Park MGM and New York New York. During the holiday season, The Park transforms into a “Wonderland of Lights” featuring dazzling displays, themed live entertainment, and photo ops galore. Catch a Golden Knights hockey game or concert at the nearby T-Mobile Arena, grab a bite at Eataly, or try one of the more than 90 beers available at Beerhaus.
Las Vegas Luxury Hotels
No matter what you decide to do for Christmas in Las Vegas, you’ll need a great place to stay. Luckily, hotel rates are at their lowest between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, meaning this is the absolute best time to rent one of the most beautiful rooms in the city.
Nobu Hotel At Caesars Palace
Rooms from $149 per night
Elegance, sophistication, and splendor await at the Nobu Hotel, located on the upper floors of the secluded Nobu Hotel Tower at Caesars Palace. The Nobu Luxury King is infused with contemporary Japanese artwork and warm gold and purple tones throughout these spacious accommodations. Personalized concierge service is available, and you’re just steps away from Omnia Nightclub, the Forum Shops, and the relaxing Qua Baths & Spa.
Wynn Resorts
Rooms from $199 per night
Opulent gold and red accents and a Christmas-tree adorned atrium draws the eye at the Wynn and Encore Resorts. We recommend the Wynn Tower Suite King room, which offers 640 square feet of luxury and stunning panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows.
As part of your room rate, you’ll enjoy a $50 daily breakfast credit which can be used at Tableau, Jardin, Terrace Pointe Cafe, and more. Shop luxury brands like Hermes and Chanel at the Encore Esplanade, experience Cirque du Soleil’s dreamy Le Rêve performance, or play a round of golf at the Wynn Golf Club.
ARIA Resort and Casino
ARIA is home to the JEWEL nightclub, the ARIA Fine Art Collection, and a host of exclusive restaurants, bars, and lounges. For ultimate luxury, book a Corner Suite Strip View—nearly 1,000 square feet of extravagance, including floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re floating in the heart of the city. You’ll have access to a private lounge check-in and an airbath whirlpool tub with its own 20” LCD television. Unwind at the Spa at ARIA, enjoy a cocktail at the chic Alibi Ultra Lounge, or just enjoy the view.
Things to Do in Las Vegas 365 Days a Year
There’s always something exciting to do in Las Vegas, whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, live shows, world-renowned dining, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas or just stopping in for a weekend this December, Things to Do in Las Vegas will always point you in the right direction.
