Las Vegas isn’t a vacation only saved for the summertime – Christmas in Vegas can be an amazing winter retreat that’ll have you talking about the memories you make every holiday season! Whether you come with your partner, a group of friends, or your whole family, you’ll find a sleighful of activities to keep you as busy as Santa’s elves during your entire Las Vegas Christmas 2018 trip.
Sin City may not be the first place you think to bring the kids to for Christmas, but there are plenty of festive and fun things to do in Las Vegas in December to keep things merry and bright!
Leave the swimsuits at home because Cowabunga Bay Water Park transforms into a winter wonderland smack-dab in the middle of the desert. With over 2 million twinkling lights, a Polar Express Train ride, and a Mistletoe Ice Rink, Las Vegas Christmas Town feels like the North Pole. You and the family will also enjoy an 100ft snow hill, bounce houses, a 40-foot dancing tree, the opportunity to have a “snowball” fight in Frosty’s Ball Pit, help Rudolph save Christmas by defeating the Abominable Snowman and the Grinch in a paint shootout, and a visit to Santa and his reindeer in his cozy cottage.
Another great option to keep you and your family entertained during your Las Vegas Christmas vacation is the iconic Springs Preserve. You can climb aboard the Springs Preserve Holiday Express and be transported to Santa’s very own wintery village. There, you and your family will create crafts together, decorate cookies, listen to storytelling, and have a one-on-one visit with Santa Claus!
For an entire day of holiday cheer, start your morning off by stopping by the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden for a truly festive treat for the eye. Each holiday season, a staff of 120 extremely talented horticulturists design and construct breathtaking scenery sculpted almost entirely from trees, plants, flowers, and seeds. The 14,000-square-foot floral fairyland is especially exceptional during the winter months with added bridges, gazebos, and water features.
Ask any local what they like to do in Vegas during the holidays, and they’ll tell you that the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is a must-see. The Magical Forest includes a stroll through an enchanted forest lit up with thousands of lights, a Forest Express Passenger Train, a magical carousel, an inflatable avalanche slide, mini-golf, a mini-coaster, and photos with Santa, of course! You’ll also find food, nightly entertainment, and dozens of photo opportunities to share with friends and family back home.
In the afternoon, take a stroll down The LINQ Promenade and you’ll instantly be transported to a winter wonderland with carolers, festive decorations, and your favorite holiday music ringing through the boulevard. Grab some lunch and shop as you observe singers, dancers, and showgirls along with a spectacular light show consisting of more than 2,000 LED lights which are synchronized to the music.
The famous High Roller even gets in on the action as it changes colors and “dances” along with the light show. For those adventurous at heart, fly like Santa and his reindeer 1,080 feet above the Promenade on the Fly LINQ zipline as all the busy shoppers bustle around beneath you!
Cap the night off at the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool where you can skate on an ice rink with more than 4,200 square feet of real ice to glide over. The cost of the ice rink admission includes all-day skating access and the cost of skate rentals, however entry into the area is completely free! You’ll find toasty fire pits with lots of seating, a menu with comfort food, hot chocolate, and a variety of warm cocktails to choose from. Catch a holiday-themed double feature and enjoy a peaceful snowfall scheduled every 30 minutes.
You simply can’t come to Las Vegas without seeing a live show, and the Las Vegas Christmas shows are no exception! The Nevada Ballet Theatre at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center will perform the classic story, The Nutcracker, featuring beautifully choreographed dancing to the familiar musical spectacle. If you’re hoping to catch this Christmas classic, be sure to schedule your vacation accordingly as The Nutcracker is performing from December 8th – 24th.
Mixing classical music with progressive rock, the Wizards of Winter will also be coming to Las Vegas for Christmas! If your vacation lands around December 15th, be sure to book your tickets right away. Featuring former members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Blue Oyster Cult, Alice Cooper band, and more, the Wizards of Winter is a true Christmas rock ‘n roll opera guaranteed to rock your jingle bells!
A Las Vegas Christmas is a vacation you and your family will never forget! Be sure to plan ahead when booking at the Golden Gate because our warm and cozy rooms will go quickly! Located just Downtown, close to all the things to do in Las Vegas in December, the Golden Gate is the perfect place to either continue the festive fun or rest and relax from all your holiday adventures!
