There are many Holiday events happening in Las Vegas, including family activities, date ideas, community tree lightings, and more. Mark you calendars so you don’t miss out on this holly, jolly fun! More details can be found through the links, or on the individual event websites. All 2019 holiday events are currently being updated for 2020. Events marked with an * have not been announced or will not be held this year.
This list will be added to throughout the holiday season, so bookmark and check back regularly to see the many updates coming over the next few weeks. Please let me know what I’m missing in the comments or by emailing summer@vegaslivingonthecheap.com.
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2020 Holiday Events around town
Ethel M Chocolates– *At this time, the garden is completely booked. The 27th annual Holiday Cactus Garden features over 1 million holiday lights. This spectacular FREE attraction is lit up nightly starting Tuesday, November 7th– Sunday, January 3rd at sundown until 10pm. This year, the tree lighting ceremony was virtual. To visit the Factory Store and/or Cactus Garden, you must make a reservation for a FREE timed entry pass. They are requiring a FREE pass this year so they can help limit the number of guests in the garden at once and ensure everyone’s safety.
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– Drive your way through millions of Holiday Lights at the Speedway. Friday, November 13th- Sunday, January 10th. The park opens at dusk. This year, you will see many custom light displays and never-before-seen lights (as well as some of our old favorites). Named as one of the 7 Over-The-Top Holiday Light Displays You Gotta See by Huffington Post. Single car admission for an Anyday ticket is $35 and $25 for Weekday Value tickets. on Weekends, Holidays and December 19-January 1st. They also offer a Fast Pass ticket and a Season Pass option. Save $10 on an Any Day ticket with limited blackout dates Dec. 19 – 27. Purchase your discount Glittering Lights ticket at La Bonita Supermarkets, good for one carload entrance to the lights (weekends included!) See all options at the link, and check out these great Groupon options as well.
Santa Chalet Downtown Summerlin– Changes for 2020: Santa Claus is staying safe this year and will be working tirelessly in his workshop with his elves in the North Pole until the magical night before Christmas. While there won’t be any photos, you are invited to stop by his Chalet on Festival Plaza Drive near Macy’s to drop off a letter to him in his red mailbox. November 13th-December 22nd. Make sure you make your list and check it twice including a return address for a personalized letter back from the big man himself. Letters are accepted through December 22.
Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin– The signature ice skating rink located near the Pavilion at The Lawn. Skate under the stars set to the backdrop of joyful holiday music and an impressive 40-foot holiday tree overlooking the rink. Stay warm with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s mobile coffee truck offering a variety of signature holiday beverages sure to please. November 13th, 2020– January 18th, 2021, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Skate Rental is $16, all ages are welcome. Check the link for hours and more info. Tickets must be reserved in advance, sessions are 75 minutes. Walk ups are not guaranteed entrance.
Don’t forget to ride the festive Downtown Summerlin holiday train that runs through January 18 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $4.00 per adult and child.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops– Santa’s Wonderland is returning to Bass Pro Shops in a safe and responsible way. Photos with Santa are free, and the set and Santa are authentic and festive! Santa will be available for free photos through December 24 ; hours will vary based on day. You must make a reservation and they book up quickly. We went this past Monday and it was great. Lots of distance, temp checks, hand sanitizer all over the store. Santa wore a mask, but my kids didn’t need them (they are under 9). You can barely see the divider in the photo. During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and bring home free holiday craft activity kits while supplies last. We go every year and love it!
photo courtesy The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan– The Boulevard Pool transforms into a real ice rink, high above the Las Vegas Strip. It features a light snowfall every 30 minutes and runs from November 18th– January 3rd. The Ice Rink was named one of USA Today‘s 10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America. There is no cost to enter Boulevard Pool and enjoy the Ice Rink area. They do offer a skate rental discount for hotel guests and locals. Click the link for prices, hours and more information.
While you’re there, check out their bonus Holiday event, Date Skate: Movies Under the Stars every Monday and Tuesday night at the rink. Cuddle up at a fire pit and stay toasty with a signature cocktail as classic holiday films are shown on our 65-foot digital marquee. Movies are at 6:30pm and are listed at the link above or on the Cosmopolitan entertainment calendar as Movies Under the Stars. Date Skate begins November 23rd and runs through December 30th.
Santa Pictures in Town Square– Photos with Santa begin November 21st and run through December 24th. There are two options, a virtual visit with Santa, or an in-person contactless visit with Santa. Because your health and well-being is their top priority, this year guests will not sit on Santa’s lap during their interaction, but will still have the opportunity to engage in conversation and a magical experience with Santa, while maintaining distance. Online registration is required, there is a $20 registration fee, which will be credited toward your photos. Check here to make your reservation and for more information.
Snow in the Square at Town Square– November 21- December 23rd. Come to Town Square this holiday season for Snow in the Square, where magical snow flurries will fall, set to your favorite Christmas music. This winter wonderland appears every night at 7pm, with a second show on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8pm. Masks and social distancing required.
Mckee Ranch Foundation– Christmas at the Ranch is back and better than ever, November 27-December 20th. Hours are Friday-Sunday from 11am-3:30pm. Admission is a $20 donation (or more) for the whole family. There will be Christmas Trees for sale, Playground area, Christmas Decor, Photo Ops with La La Photography, Hay Rides and Train Rides. Don’t miss mini Photo Ops with LaLa Photography, and Train Rides. LaLa Photography will be there beginning November 27th, every weekend through November 20th. These sessions are adorable and book up fast!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Story Time and Craft– The Grinch will make a very special appearance and read his biography aloud. Participants will make a Grinch ornament to display on your tree at home. This event takes place at the Valley View Rec center December 11th from 10:30am-noon, is $8 and for all ages. Register at the link.
Drive In Holiday Spectacular at the District at GVR- This event is sold out for 2020. Come to the District November 28th from 6pm-7:30pm for this holiday spectacular. With a Laser Light Show featuring Live Entertainment, Stilt walking Elf & Toy Soldier, selfie station with Rudolph & Frosty.
Vegas Festival of Lights 2020– Step into the magical world that is Festival Of Lights. Millions of lights synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Rides, games, and plenty of food options for you to enjoy. Nightly snowfalls, and family photos with Santa. Your visit to Festival Of Lights will be something you and your family will not forget! Partial proceeds benefit Opportunity Village. Beginning November 24th, reservations are required, tickets start at $15 per person, and they also offer family packages and add on Santa Photos. Located at Craig Ranch Park, 628 W. Craig Rd.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run 2020– The 16th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run will be going virtual for 2020. The event is one of Opportunity Village’s most important fundraisers, with all proceeds benefiting the programs and services for nearly 2,000 adults with disabilities in Southern Nevada. This virtual race allows participants to complete the Las Vegas Great Santa Run anywhere on any day from December 5 through December 26. See tips for running a virtual race here. Registration is $30 per person. Each registration includes a Santa suit (while supplies last), a finishers’ medal, a virtual goody bag, a custom print-at-home race bib, which can be mailed to you or picked up.
You can also dress your pet up in their best holiday outfit for a chance to win amazing prizes during the Las Vegas Great Santa Run’s inaugural Pet Costume Contest! Details at the link.
Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display– FREE and open to the public, Bellagio’s Holiday Glamour will run December 7th–January 4th.
Winterfest– Henderson’s Winterfest events will be limited for 2020.
–Holiday Light Display– On display from December 3- January 5.
–Virtual Tree Lighting– December 3, at 5pm. Join us for a virtual presentation of the annual tree lighting featuring Mayor Debra March. There is no in-person attendance for this event.
–Cookie Crawl– December 5, 12, & 19 at 5pm. Take a stroll along Water Street and enjoy cookie stations along the way. All participants must register in advance to receive cookies. Ages 5-12, $5
Virtual Holiday Events for 2020
The Nutcracker: Home for the Holidays– The Nutcracker is a magical journey through a larger than life world filled with waltzing flowers, nimble fairies, and moonlit snow. Glittering holiday cheer abounds as Clara and her handsome Prince travel from the warmth of her family home to a land of toy soldiers, mischievous rodents and exotic visitors from faraway lands. In 2020, the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the LV Review Journal have partnered to bring The Nutcracker into the homes of Valley residents this holiday season with a three part television series.
Episodes will premiere each Tuesday, December 1, 8 and 15, with two re-airings each week on Cox’s YurView Ch. 14. A “Marathon” showing of all three episodes will air December 22, 23 and on Christmas Eve. Each episode will be available for online viewing beginning the day after that episode’s premiere broadcast.
Virtual Santa visits from Galleria Mall– Schedule your virtual visit with Santa, choose from a list of enchanting experiences for a jolly good time. You can book a visit with Santa, Storytime with the Clauses, or a pre-recorded Personalized video from Santa. Prices are $20-$25. See the link for more details.
Virtual Beer Fest: Christmas Edition– A special Christmas themed beer festival is coming to your living room this December 26th. The Christmas Virtual Beer Festival brings 10 winter and holiday craft beers, along with a special holiday gift. Follow along as each brewery guides you through their beer and brewery. The event will also include Christmas rock music from bands and DJ Santa Beats as well as comedy sketches. Join us for the premiere on December 26th. (Or watch it any time after the debut.) Pricing is $39-$49. See link for more details.
Holiday Events from 2019 Cancelled or not yet announced
*Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade – No Holiday Parade is scheduled for 2020. Join Downtown Summerlin this holiday season as we light up the streets with a magical family-friendly spectacle of floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princesses, nutcrackers, dancers and more at the holiday parade! Featuring magical floats inspired by your favorite classic holiday movies, festive dancers, joyful characters and even a little snow! This annual parade is FREE and open to the public.
*Downtown Summerlin Hanukkah Celebration– There is no Hanukkah parade celebration scheduled for 2020. Join Downtown Summerlin, the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas and the JCC in celebration of Hanukkah! Monday, December 23rd at 4:30pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. Enjoy a festive family-friend event featuring a menorah lighting, kid’s activities, entertainment and more! Throughout the entire Hanukkah season guests are invited to visit the lighted menorah located at the Dining Arroyo.
*Breakfast with Santa at Galleria Mall– This event will not be held in 2020.
Welcome Santa Claus and kick off your holiday season with Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, November 16th from 8:30am-10am. This event is welcome to all for FREE with optional breakfast for the cost of $5 per person. Breakfast provided by Cereal Killerz Kitchen and Cinnabon. Each breakfast purchase includes a food item and drink. Activities will include face painting, holiday crafts, photo booth, $1 cookie decorating, Pictures with Santa and more! First 100 guests that check-in and purchase the optional breakfast will also get a $15 voucher towards their Santa photo purchase of Package A or B that day only.
*Tree Lighting at the Cosmopolitan– There will be no ceremony in 2020. In celebration of the holiday season, join us for our third annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring Vegas Golden Knights Marc-André Fleury & Max Pacioretty hosted by Big D & Mark Shunock. The lighting of the majestic 36-foot-tall tree will take place Wednesday, November 20th, at 6-8PM at The Ice Rink on Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower.
*Operation Santa’s Workshop at Tivoli Village– Operation Santa’s Workshop has not announced any dates for 2020 so far. It’s is an interactive holiday workshop. The experience will take you through Candy Cottage, Elf Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and ending in Santa’s Office. We did this one last year and it was so great! Well worth our drive from Henderson. Opening November 22nd- December 24th, tickets range from $34-39 per person and the experience lasts approximately 65 minutes. Please see the link for all dates and to book your times, they are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
*Christmastown at Cowabunga Bay Water Park- This event has not yet been announced for 2020.
Open everyday from November 29th– December 31st, Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $25 admission includes all activities except paintball, Children under 2 are FREE. Enjoy multiple attractions such as the Jingle Bell Sledding Hill, a Polar Express Train Ride, Blitzen’s Bounce House Bonanza, and more!
*Magical Forest at Opportunity Village– The Magical Forest has not announced dates yet for 2020. Magical Forest is a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and much, much more. Running November 29th-January 4th. In 2018, Opportunity Village added over 1 million new lights to the Magical Forest and featured a synchronized music show with dancing lights that could be seen from any vantage point of the park. The Illumination Experience lighting spectacular will return in 2019 and run every 30 minutes from the time the Forest opens until it closes. Opens nightly at 5:30pm, they are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Individual tickets ages 4 and up range from $15 general admission to $22 for unlimited rides and attractions.
*Holiday at the Park– No dates have been listed yet for Holiday at the park. The Park will transform into a glowing Holiday experience on Friday, November 29th begins at 6:00pm as they light the 80-foot Silver Fir tree. Enjoy light installations, food and beverage offerings, photo ops, themed live entertainment and much more daily from 6pm-10pm (11pm on Golden Knights game nights).
*Breakfast with Santa at Container Park– Cancelled for 2020.
Saturday, December 7th & 14th, from 10am-1pm. Take your picture with Santa, make your own hot chocolate, decorate a holiday cookie and take home an ornament. Cost is $15, 12 and under please. All you can eat breakfast is $35 and all you can drink mimosas are $15.
*Springs Preserve Holiday Express– No dates have been given for the Holiday Express for 2020. The train departs 14 times per day on magical journey to Santa’s Village. You must make a reservation at the website. Spaces are limited for each departure time. They strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee admittance. Tickets usually run from $10-12, children 2 and under are free. Santa will be there but photos will not be provided, so have your phone or camera ready.
Christmas Train Rides
The Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel offer the Polar Express Train Ride. Located in Williams, AZ, this is about a 3 hour drive from Las Vegas. You and your family can experience the wonder of this magical train ride, as you fill up on cookies and hot chocolate on your way to Santa’s Village. You need to book early for weekend dates, most of the weekends for 2019 are already sold out, and some of the weekends for 2020 are booking up. There are open dates during the week still in December, and you can book packages and stay at the hotel there.
There is a 5:30 and a 7:30 departure daily, and the train ride lasts a little over an hour. Ticket prices start at $33 for children 2 -15 and $45 for adults(16+) Sunday-Thursday. There are no train rides on Tuesdays, except on Christmas Eve, which is almost sold out. Weekends (Friday and Saturday rides) are priced higher, at $45 for children and $58 for adults. For more information, schedule, open dates or to book reservations, click the link above. Check out their Facebook page to keep up on any new information as well.
Nevada Southern Railway– Come experience the magic of riding the train at night on our Boulder City Santa Express! During the 45-minute excursion to Railroad Pass and back, our story reader shares a story of Santa. Then, return through the Station Platform and into Santa’s Rail Yard. Join your friends and family with cookies, cocoa, and photo ops. (This is in lieu of the Pajama Train we ran for past years since we can’t serve food or have Santa on the train).
The train departs at 5pm, 6pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm, beginning Thanksgiving weekend through December 23rd. Trains run on these dates: Nov. 27 & 28, Dec. 4&5, 11&12, 18&19, 2020. Tickets are $35 per seat, First Class (VIP) tickets are $50 per child (under 10) or $55 per adult. Seats required for all passengers over 1 year old. Masks required while on property/train. COVID-SAFE procedures in place – social distancing & cleaning. Buy your tickets today, this event will sell out!
Please check out a few of our other Holiday events, like The Best Christmas Lights in Las Vegas, and Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in Las Vegas. You can also find out where to get your Pictures with Santa in Las Vegas as well.
Christmas is just around the corner, but you can check out some other great holiday events on our calendar here and plan ahead. You can get free daily email updates of all the free and cheap events, plus deals and discounts on entertainment and dining, by subscribing to our daily newsletter. For even more cheap fun, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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