Holiday and Christmas Events in Las Vegas

There are so many Holiday events happening this season 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 2018 holiday event posts are currently being updated.

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.

Subscribe to Vegas Living on the Cheap and you’ll receive just one email a day with the latest information on free and cheap events. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.  Don’t miss our other holiday posts which are currently being updated-

• Where to get your Christmas Tree
• Best Black Friday and Holiday Deals
• Date Skate at the Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

Ethel M Chocolates–  The 26th annual Holiday Cactus Garden features over 1 million holiday lights.  This spectacular FREE attraction is lit up nightly starting Tuesday, November 5th– Sunday, January 5th at sundown until 10pm.  This year, the tree lighting will feature Matt Franco, George Wallace, Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and more!  Ceremony and Entertainment are November 6th from 5pm-7pm.  FREE admission with Toy, Food, or Monetary Donation.  Santa will also be on location for your photos every Friday through Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. until December 23.  Professional photos for purchase or take your own.  They are closed on Christmas Day, but open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve until 8pm.

Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– Drive your way through millions of Holiday Lights at the Speedway.  Friday, November 8th– Sunday, January 5th.  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 is $20 Monday-Thursday, and $30 on Weekends, Holidays and December 19-January 1st. They also offer an open-air Santa Tram, a Fast Pass ticket and a Season Pass option.  See all options at the link.

Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade – 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 and runs November 15th – December 21st: Fridays & Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Santa Chalet Downtown Summerlin– Santa will make his home at the Winter Wonderland Chalet at the Macy’s Promenade at Downtown Summerlin. He arrives November 15th-December 24th.  Check the link as hours vary day to day.  They offer Paws & Claus every Tuesday through December 17th from 7pm-9pm for pet photos with Santa. Photo packages start at $29.99, and you can even skip the line with a Santa Fast Pass.

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.  November 15th– January 2oth, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Skate Rental is $15, all ages are welcome.  Check the link for hours and more info.

Don’t forget to ride the festive Downtown Summerlin holiday train that runs through January 20 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $4.00 per adult and child.

Downtown Summerlin Hanukkah Celebration– 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.

Snow in the Square at Town Square– Come to Town Square every night beginning November 16th- December 23rd for Snow in the Square, where magical snow flurries will fall set to your favorite Christmas music.  This FREE winter wonderland appears every night at 7pm, with a second show Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

Photos with Santa in Town Square– Santa’s big arrival will be Saturday, November 16th at 5pm.  There will be a parade, the tree lighting, and snow in the square.  Photos with Santa begin November 17th and run through December 23rd.   First come First serve on December 24th 9am-6pm. Please schedule your five minute time slot carefully-rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of your appointment, and there are no refunds for cancelled appointments or no shows.  A $20 deposit is required when you book your appointment. Your deposit includes your visit with Santa and $20 credit towards photos or digital download purchased at the photo set.  Check here to register or for reservations.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops-  Santa arrives Saturday, November 16th at 5pm.   Please see the link for more FREE crafts and giveaways for kids November 16th-December 24th.  There are free photos, crafts and activity tables everyday, free giveaways for the first 100 kids on Mon-Thurs from 5-7 pm, and you can write a letter to Santa and receive an email from Santa.  Photos with Santa are free, and the set and Santa are authentic and festive!  November 30th– Kick off the holiday season event.  The fun starts in Santa’s Wonderland at 9AM with some snacks while Santa mingles with the kids. Stop in for a magical moment with The Big Man before we start pictures.

Breakfast with Santa at Galleria Mall– 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.

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 2oth– January 5th. 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 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 25th and runs through December 30th.

Tree Lighting at the Cosmopolitan– 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 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. USE CODE “SANTA30” FOR 30% OFF OPENING WEEKEND– Nov.22-24!

Mckee Ranch Foundation–  Christmas at the Ranch is back and better than ever, November 23-December 25th.   Hours are Friday-Sunday from 10am-3pm.  With a $20 donation or more for the whole family, you includes a pony or horse ride, & access to all the Holiday Play areas.   There will also be Christmas Trees for sale, Playground area, Christmas Decor, Photo Ops with La La Photography, Hay Rides and Train Rides.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at the District at GVR- Come to the District November 30th from 6pm-8pm for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Laser Light Show featuring Live Entertainment, Stilt walking Elf & Toy Soldier, selfie station with Rudolph & Frosty.

Christmastown at Cowabunga Bay Water Park- 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 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– 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). 

Holiday Havoc 2019-  Join us for Holiday Havoc 2019 on Tuesday, December 3 at The Chelsea inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by Dollar Loan Center.  This year, celebrate the holiday season with…The 1975 as well as Judah & the Lion, White Reaper, Joywave and I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (iDKHOW).This concert event is presented  by X107.5 with ticket prices starting at $35 for general admission, doors open at 5pm.  Click the link for more information and tickets.

A Night with the Golden Knights –  The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vegas Golden Knights invite locals and tourists alike to revel in the holiday spirit along with a special meet and greet with a few of their favorite professional hockey players, Chance the Gila Monster and the Knights Guard (players and time subject to change).  December 6th at the Ice Rink, time not announced yet.  Entry to the Ice Rink area is complimentary. Skate rental is $25 or $15 for locals, military, and hotel guests.

Breakfast with Santa at Container Park– 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.

Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display–  FREE and open to the public, Bellagio’s Holiday Glamour will run December 7th–January 4th.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run– Saturday, December 7th in downtown Las Vegas. Entertainment start time is 8:00am, the 5K run begins at 10am, 1-mile walk at 10:30,  Zappos After Party starts at 10:00am – 1:30pm.  Visit the link to get all of the details, there is alot of extra stuff going on for this event. To register, visit www.LVSantaRun.com.   Registration costs are $40 for adults, Children 3 and under are free. Your registration includes a five-piece Santa suit, a finishers medal, a swag bag and the opportunity to experience an amazing event.

Winterfest– December 13 & 14 at the Henderson Events Plaza.  Our 2 day celebration of WinterFest, “North Pole Adventures,” includes a variety of family-friendly activities including the official tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Debra March and Santa, gift and craft fair, food vendors, entertainment and an activity area where children can decorate cookies, mail a letter to Santa and build a toy in Santa’s workshop.  Tree Lighting and Fireworks, Friday, December 13th, 6pm-9pm. Festival, Saturday, December 14th, 2pm-5pm and the Evening Light Parade at 5pm.  Admission to the festival is free and is open to all ages.

The Nutcracker– The Nevada Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Smith Center for Performing Arts.  Show times beginning Friday, December 13th and run through Tuesday, December 24th.  See link for show times and dates. 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. Tickets start at $32.95 for value priced performance times.  Please see the link for tickets, some of these dates will sell out. Children 3 and under not permitted.

Ring in the Holidays at the Smith Center–  Upcoming events during the Holiday season…

• SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! 2019–  November 22nd
• Las Vegas Philharmonic A Classic Holiday– Saturday, December 7th, 2:00pm and 7:30pm * Mention code LVPVALG20 to the box office to receive 20% off your ticket price.
• Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas– November 26- Decmeber 1st
• Nevada Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker– December 13th-24th

Some of the following *events from 2018 haven’t been updated yet, but stay tuned.  Most will update in the next few weeks.

*Santa at the District at GVR– Come get your photo with Santa.  He will be located in the courtyard off Main Street and will take breaks throughout the day. Hours are as follows:

• November 23-December 16th – Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm.
• December 17th-23rd- Daily 11am-8pm
• December 24th- 9am-4pm

*”Believe in the Magic” Holiday Show at Fashion Show Mall- Enjoy holiday festivities combined with modern-day technology in a light-hearted, FREE, family-friendly show.  This show will premier November 23rd, and continue every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 23rd. Showtimes are 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm each day. A finale show will also take place on December 24 at 4pm.

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 in Boulder City offers a Pajama Train ride for the holiday season.  You can experience the magic of the holiday season at night on the train in your pajamas (optional).  The train departs at 6pm and 8pm, beginning Thanksgiving weekend through December 23rd. Trains run on these dates: Nov. 29 &30, Dec. 6&7, 13&14, 20&21, 22&23, 2019. Tickets are $30, $35 and $40.  All tickets same price per seat. Seats required for all passengers over 1 year old.  See the Early Bird discount ($5 per ticket) good through October 31st at 11pm.  Each pajama train includes visits from Santa, Storytelling and of course Hot Chocolate & Cookies.  Get your tickets early, trains fill up quickly!

Nevada Southern Railway also offers a Santa Train ride.  This is a daytime train ride offered in December 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22,  with six departures during the day from 10am-3pm, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  All tickets are $10.  Dress accordingly or arrive early, some cars are outside seating only.  Click the link for tickets and dates.  We have done the Santa train more than once and it is so much fun!

Springs Preserve Holiday Express– 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.

The 2019 dates for the Springs Preserve Holiday Express are December 6-8, 13-15 & 20-23.  Times for the train ride will be Fridays 2pm-6pm, and 11am-6pm all other event dates.  Admission for the Holiday Express is $10 for Springs Preserve members and $12 for non-members.  Kids 2 and under are free.

Please check out a few of our other Holiday posts 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 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.