Christmas in Las Vegas!

Bellagio Gardens:

The Bellagio Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel should always be at the top of every visitor’s list when visiting Las Vegas, however, perhaps more than the rest of the year, the Gardens look incredibly festive during the month of December and into the Chinese New Year. Following Thanksgiving weekend, The Bellagio transforms its garden wonderland into a one of a kind holiday showcase. Open 24 hours a day, this inside oasis is free to the public and located near the front lobby.

Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town:

From Thanksgiving Eve through the first week of January, visit the winter wonderland of Mystic Falls Park, at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall. Discover a Christmas inspired atmosphere with garlands, lights, snow covered trees, poinsettias, ice sculpture and more, not to mention Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Free hourly holiday shows daily 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village:

Opportunity Village is an incredible program that raises money to support services and programs for people with disabilities. One of their biggest fundraising events every year is the Magical Forest, which pops up every December.

Opportunity Village's Magical Forest is an amusement park that appeals to everyone in the family, regardless of their age.

Hundreds of trees are beautifully lit, creating a winter wonderland in the desert! Visitors can roam around, taking in the sights, enjoying holiday music, drinking hot chocolate as well as riding the miniature trains, the Enchanted Carousel, play mini golf and have fun on the Avalanche Slide! The giant Christmas tree completes the holiday aesthetic.

Santa is a frequent visitor to the Magical Forest, so kids can do a meet and greet and get their photo with jolly Old St. Nick.

All the proceeds go toward helping Opportunity Village support their mission. So, you can feel good about spending your holiday dollars at the Magical Forest because you know you're helping others.

Open: Nov 26th, 2021-Jan 2nd, 2022 (Closed: Christmas Day)

Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Gardens:

This 3 acre cactus garden features more than 600,000 lights delighting chocolate lovers from all over the world. Free to guests, on weekends, Santa Claus himself visits as well as performances by local choirs. This is truly a one of a kind event that’s only in Las Vegas. Of course, you will also be in close proximity to some of the best chocolate ever made. Period.

• November 5th – January 2nd
• Holiday Lights: Nightly, 5pm to 10pm
• Santa will be in the garden nightly through Dec. 23

The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan:

Right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, here you can ice skate at The Cosmopolitan’s very own winter oasis. Enjoy roasting smore’s, tasting all sorts of seasonal beverages, while listening to holiday music and taking in some gorgeous Vegas scenery. And every Thursday – Sunday, there is a little light snowfall guaranteed to make your holiday event one to remember. Check the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas website for additional information.

The Ice Rink is open November through January.

• Nov. 16 - Dec. 17 | 4 - 11PM (Mon - Fri) | Noon - 11PM (Sat & Sun)
• Dec. 18, 2021 - Jan. 2, 2022 | Noon - 11PM (daily)
• Dec. 24 & 25 | Noon - Midnight

Holiday Magic 2021 at The LINQ Promenade

The Linq Promenade is the heart of the Las Vegas strip. This huge pedestrian mall has the best shops, restaurants, and experiences Vegas has to offer. There are even rides for kids of all ages, including the largest Ferris wheel in the world - The High Roller. From the top of the High Roller, you can see the entire city.

Like most places in Vegas, the Linq Promenade completely transforms for the holiday season until January 2, 2022. There are decorations everywhere, holiday-themed lights, live performances, a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, Christmas crafts, and the High Roller is lit up in holiday colors. Every day during December, you and your family can wander the promenade and enjoy all the holiday wonder.

You and your kids will be happy to run around the promenade taking in all the sights and sounds.

Cowabunga Bay Festival of Lanterns

Cowabunga Bay is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration festival of lanterns with a winter wonderland of handcrafted chinese lanterns!

Immerse yourself in the beauty and glow of handcrafted Chinese Lanterns that light up the nights, be dazzled by their 20-foot christmas tree and capture memories with Santa!

The Festival of Lanterns features gorgeous handcrafted lanterns displaying the creativity and engineering feats of skilled artists. 25 artisans have sculpted, assembled and illuminated these works of arts on-site at Cowabunga Bay beginning November 5 and running select dates through February 2022.

Santa visits nightly through Christmas Eve, there’s a nightly hypnotizing light, dance show, and Carolers stroll the park singing traditional holiday songs.

• Open Nightly 5:00PM – 9:00PM
• Children 12 and under: $21.95
• Adults: $25.95

Plan Your Las Vegas Christmas Getaway

When traveling to Las Vegas during the holiday season, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Las Vegas is busy every day of the year, but very popular during Christmas and New Year’s when the city pulls out all the stops to make this season unlike anything anyone has seen before. Casinos attempt to outdo the others with decorations, oversized Christmas trees, entertainment, special menus and drinks and more. Keep in mind the following:

• Las Vegas never closes, and this is true on holidays. Everything will be open!

• Make reservations for meals (restaurants are at their busiest during this time), and shows. Keep in mind that buffet prices are usually twice the normal price. If budget is an issue, choose a venue that is off the strip or consider eating lunch out instead of the more pricey dinner.

• Expect the Strip to be crowded, especially since Christmas falls on a Saturday this year. Keep watch on your personal belongings and leave valuables at home.

• Dress warmly. Believe it or not, Las Vegas can get quite cold during the winter months.

Remember, it’s the most magical time of the year, and Las Vegas won’t disappoint. Happy Holidays!