Looking to be dazzled on your holiday this Christmas season? Then Las Vegas, Nevada is where you need to go. Las Vegas always glitters at any given time of the year, but in no time is it brighter and grander than during the holiday season. The flamboyant Christmas displays, the glistering lights, the frenetic activity – they all contribute to the high level of excitement so characteristic of December in Las Vegas. So, what are the top things to do in Las Vegas this coming December? Check out our list and add them to your Las Vegas holiday itinerary.
Holiday Cactus Garden
Where: Ethel M Chocolate Factory
When: November 15, 2016 to January 1, 2017
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is known for more than just producing premium chocolates. It’s also famous for its botanical cactus garden, the largest of its kind in the American Southwest. This holiday season, the cacti, desert shrubs, and desert trees will be bedecked with holiday lights, as well as yuletide displays made with chocolate. Santa Claus is scheduled to show up on weekends, and local choirs will serenade the crowd with beloved tunes of the season as well. You can also catch a product demonstration at the factory and maybe grab your holiday loot of chocolate as well.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
When: November 11 to January 1, 2017
During the holidays, the racing tracks of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway are transformed into twinkling pathways decorated with millions and millions of holiday lights. So, if you’re traveling to Vegas with your family this Christmas, don’t miss the chance to drive through the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You get to pass through canopies of light, view custom-made light displays, and even watch a live Nativity scene. You can even ride the open-air Santa Tram and watch the lights while singing carols with elves. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Las Vegas that you shouldn’t miss.
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan
Where: The Cosmopolitan Casino
When: November 25, 2016 to January 1, 2017
It’s becoming a Vegas tradition to skate down the Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel and casino during the holidays. This year, the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool becomes the scene of an icy wonderland as it transform into the Ice Rink once again. Immerse in the lively atmosphere by busting a few moves on the ice rink. Or you can just relax at your table and soak in the fun while toasting s’mores on a tabletop fire.
The Fountains of Bellagio
Where: The Bellagio Hotel
When: Daily throughout December
The Fountains of Bellagio are one of the iconic sights of Las Vegas, well deserving of its spot among the top things to do in Las Vegas. There’s nothing like watching the waters of these fountains dance to Broadway showtunes, operatic arias, classical symphonies, and even pop tunes. This December, the Fountains of Bellagio are choreographed to interpret our favorite Christmas carols and yuletide pop songs. Treat yourself to this free water show on your holiday to Vegas.
The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center South Halls
When: December 1-10, 2016
Know someone with a passion for westerns, western culture, and western fashion? Or maybe you have that passion yourself? Then you should visit the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and browse through more than 400 stalls showcasing western gear at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show. Here, you can shop to your heart’s for cowboy costumes and accessories, furniture, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, original art, and other such items from the US and Canada. There’s also some food, live music, and rodeo exhibitions to keep you entertained while shopping.
The Annual Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Fremont Street Experience
When: December 31, 2016
The Fremont Street Experience (FSE) is one of the most dazzling sights of Las Vegas, and that’s saying a lot. In the evening, the Viva Vision LED canopy over FSE displays spectacular light shows that will make you want to stand still and look up. Visiting the FSE for these light shows is definitely one of the top things to do in Las Vegas at any given time of the year. On New Year’s Eve, the FSE will be busy for more than just its light display – it will be one of the settings of the annual Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Party. The Viva Vision LED will flash events of 2016 in review, and there will be live DJ performances on the Main Street and 3rd Street stages. Aside from the FSE street party, the Strip will be closed off to all automobile traffic to give way to the viewing of magnificent fireworks set to music and to be fired from the rooftops of the major hotels located on it. This party is a great way to send off the old year and usher in the new one.
You’re sure to have a grand time if you check out these top things to do in Las Vegas on your holiday there this December. So book your stay in Las Vegas right now.
