Image: Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
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 holiday events are currently being updated for 2023.
You can find out where to get your Santa photos here.
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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2023 Holiday Events around town
Ethel M Chocolates– The 30th annual Holiday Cactus Garden features over 1 million holiday lights. This spectacular attraction is lit up nightly starting November 3rd– December 31, 2023, from 5pm until 10pm. No reservations are required this year. Santa will be there nightly from 5pm to 10:00pm for photos through Dec. 23.
Visit on opening weekend, November 3-5, 2023, for a complimentary 4 oz. cup of our famous hot chocolate served from 5-7pm or while supplies last, free Christmas light glasses for kids under 12 (while supplies last), and chances to win raffle prizes!
Fall at the Terrace at GVR– Beginning Friday, September 15 through November 11, at The Backyard Terrace, guests are welcome to enjoy crisp weather with festive drinks, light bites, special events and more at the resort’s fall-themed lounge.
Stay tuned for Green Valley Ranch’s seasonal favorite “Winter at the Terrace” to return in late November. The holiday-themed pop-up lounge, located at the resort’s Lobby Terrace, will once again transform into a stunning winter wonderland where guests can cozy up and enjoy a festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season. Sunday – Thursday, 4 – 9 PM & Friday and Saturday, 4 – 11 PM. Must be 21+. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations for igloos and tables are recommended. Igloos will be available with a food and beverage minimum starting at $100 and may be reserved in two-hour blocks. See the link for more info and to reserve your spot.
Enchant Christmas– Las Vegas Ballpark, November 24- December 31st. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they’ve emerged from a childhood Christmas dream. Adventure through Santa’s Magic Timepiece, a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to every Enchant experience (new this year), glide across the Ice Skating Trail, grab a photo with Santa and sip and savor delicious holiday treats and beverages.
Tickets range from $25- $34, they offer Senior and Military discounts as well as Night Owl discounts and Family four packs.
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– Drive your way through millions of Holiday Lights at the Speedway. Thursday, November 9th- Sunday, January 7th. 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. Military and Veterans and families get in free on Nov 11th & 13th. Fireworks on New Year’s Eve at 9pm.
Single car admission for an Anyday ticket is $39 and Earlybird ticktes for $29. They also offer a Fast Pass ticket and a Season Pass option. See all options at the link, and look out for Groupon options or a discount ride on the Santa Tram as well. You can pick up a $5 off voucher at any of the following locations: Goodwill, Terribles, Port of Subs, Del Taco, Star Nursery, UMC, & Silver State Schools Credit Union. (7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd.)
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 December 2– January 2, 2024. 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 all of their Holiday events. Date Skate: Movies Under the Stars every Monday and Tuesday, showing classic holiday films. Other events include Marquee Night Circus, Benny the Ice Skating Dog and Photos with Santa and the Tree Lighting with Josh Jacobs.
Santa & Snow in the Square at Town Square–Santa arrives Saturday, November 11th with the annual tree lighting event from 5pm-8pm.
Santa Pictures in Town Square– Photos with Santa begin November 12th and run through December 20th. 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. Paws N Claws photos with Santa will be held on Wednesdays only, November 15- December 20, see the link for times.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the District at GVR- Come to the District Saturday, November 18th from 5pm-8pm for this holiday spectacular. Experience hourly snow fall, meet & greet with Sugarplum Fairy & The Nutcracker, indulge in sweet treats, dance to live holiday music, special appearance by Santa! Plus, enjoy Polar Express under the stars at The Green @ 7pm. See the link for hours and picture pricing.
Image: SAllgood
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops– Santa’s Wonderland is returning to Bass Pro Shops and Santa arrives November 4th! 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. 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!
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade – Kick off the holiday season in a BIG way on Friday November 17th at 6PM as Downtown Summerlin light ups the streets with the return of the annual holiday parade. Featuring magical floats inspired by your favorite classic holiday movies, festive dancers, the big guy himself and even a little snow! This annual parade is FREE and open to the public. Parades continue every Friday and Saturday nights from November 17- December 16 at 6pm.
Santa’s Mailbox Downtown Summerlin– November 10th-December 22nd. DTS invites all kids (naughty and nice!) to stop by Santa’s Chalet and drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox to the big guy himself at the north pole! Make sure you make your list and check it twice including a return address for a personalized letter back from Santa himself.
Letters are accepted through December 22. For every letter from a child received, Howard Hughes and Downtown Summerlin will donate $1 to Goodie Two Shoes Foundation up to $2,500.
Santa’s Chalet at Downtown Summerlin– The big guy himself, Santa, arrives to Downtown Summerlin on Friday, November 10th! Make the season extra merry and bright and experience the magic of the Santa Chalet! Share your wishlist and make memories to last a lifetime.
Image: Deposit Photos
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 signature holiday beverages and snacks sure to please. November 10th, 2023– January 15th, 2024, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Skate Rental is $16, all ages are welcome. Check the link for hours and more info.
Don’t forget to ride the festive holiday train that runs through January 16 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $5.00 per adult and child.
Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display– FREE and open to the public, Bellagio’s Holiday display will run December 2nd–January 7th, 2024.
Image: SAllgood- Rockin’ Christmas at the M
Rockin’ Christmas at the M– A mesmerizing audio-visual experience that will ROCK your holidays – featuring millions of colorful LED lights and hundreds of moving displays in a mile-long symphony of sight and sound. Open Nov 17- Dec 31, Tuesday- Sunday from 6pm-10pm. Get tickets at this link. Online tickets only, no tickets sold at the gate.
2023 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. Visit this holiday spectacular November 24th-26th, Nov 30-Dec 3rd, Dec 7th-10th, Dec 14th-31st. This year, the Magical Forest will celebrate its 32nd season of being open to the public. Opens nightly at 5:30pm, but they are closed on Christmas Day. Individual tickets ages 4 and up start at $24 for unlimited rides and attractions. Advance ticket purchase is required to guarantee admission.
City of Henderson’s Winterfest 2023– Join the City of Henderson on Water Street for the annual tree-lighting ceremony on November 30 at 5pm, the Drone show at 5:30pm, and the Winterfest Parade on Friday, December 1st at 6:30pm.
You do not want to miss the biggest holiday event in Southern Nevada. Join us for all the festivities under the lights of the beautiful Water Street District!
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s: The Nutcracker– December 8-24 at the Smith Center for Performing Arts. Las Vegas’ favorite holiday tradition returns to the stage! At last, it’s time to rejoice and celebrate with family and friends as we gather together once again. This holiday season is sure to be the most joyous season of them all, so we invite you to revel in the sparkling cheer and gorgeous beauty of NBT’s The Nutcracker. Tickets begin around $31- $189, you can get them here.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run 2023– The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will be live December 2nd, 2023 at 10am and will still offer a virtual option for 2023. 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. The virtual race allows participants to complete the Las Vegas Great Santa Run anywhere on any day from December 4 through December 26. See tips for running a virtual race here.
Festivities begin at 8am, and the live race begins at 10 am, with the walk to follow. Registration is $45 per person. Each registration includes a Santa suit (while supplies last), a finishers’ medal, and swag bag.
Santa at Container Park- Santa will be at the Container Park November 24th, 25th & 26th, and each Saturday and Sunday in December through Christmas Eve, from Noon- 4pm.
Santa’s Electric Night Parade– Boulder City. Saturday, December 2nd at 4:30PM. As the sun sets, downtown Boulder City will be glowing for the grand entrance of Santa Claus, leading an old-fashioned Holiday parade.
Image: SAllgood
Christmas Train Rides
Whether you plan a quick trip, or make a weekend out of the experience, these train rides will bring a little extra holiday wonder to your Christmas season.
The Polar Express Train Ride
The Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel Located in Williams, AZ, which is about a 3 hour drive from Las Vegas. No, this is not local, but it’s the nearest Polar Express experience to 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.
Watch the joy on the children’s faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift.
You need to book early for weekend dates, so take a look now. There are still lots of open dates for the 2023 train ride, but you’ll want to book early for this Christmas! Since it’s quite a drive, you can also book packages and stay at the hotel there.
Boulder City North Pole Express
He’s making a list, and he’s checking it twice, Santa Claus is coming to town!
Your favorite evening holiday train ride event is scheduling regular roundtrip departures to Santa’s Railyard and back to Boulder City. Enjoy a 40 minute train ride while singing carols and the reading of a children’s story. One you arrive at Santa’s Railyard, you will disembark the train for cookies and hot chocolate, games, snowball fights, and of course photos with the big man himself. Better bundle up, because every trip to Santa’s village has a forecast of snow!
This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway who support the museum in its preservation and education missions. Tickets go on sale November 1st. Dates are Nov 24- Dec 20, 2023, days and times vary. Click the link for dates and tickets.
Santa Trains
Come experience the magic of Santa on the Boulder City Santa Train! Take a ride on the new BC Santa Express 2023 where guests will experience the magic of the holidays onboard and in our Santa’s Railyard event center.
There will be four ride times on various days throughout the holiday season. The trains will roll at 10AM, 12PM, 2PM & 4PM and run on various dates, Nov 25- Dec 23, 2023. Tickets start at $10, seats are required for all passengers over 1 year old. Click the link for dates and tickets.
The events below have not yet been updated for the 2023 Holiday season.
*Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium– *Not yet updated for 2023. Santa will be swimming in the aquarium this holiday season. With each paid admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus. Jolly St. Nick will also have a little help this year from a rather large and toothy holiday helper – Santa Jaws.
Throughout the day, Santa Jaws will happily “swim” by to join the kiddies for a photo.Grab a free picture with Santa December 17th-24th from 10am-4pm. Each day at 4pm, Santa will put on a SCUBA suit and plunge into the shipwreck exhibit to wave farewell alongside his underwater friends before going back to his elves and reindeer.
*Miracle on Spring Mountain Christmas Pop-Up Bar- Back for its fourth year, The Miracle will serve holiday cocktails in a very festive setting. Miracle on Spring Mountain is the official Miracle Pop-Up of Las Vegas and is located at the Sand Dollar Lounge (3355 Spring Mountain Rd.) and will be open from November 21st- December 31st. Closed Thanksgiving Day only.
*Downtown Summerlin Hanukkah Celebration– *Not yet announced for 2023. Wednesday, December 21st at 4:00pm. Join Downtown Summerlin and Jewish Nevada of Nevada in celebration of Hanukkah! 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.
*Photos with Santa Fashion Show Mall– *Not yet announced for 2023. Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember! Nov. 17- Dec. 23, see the schedule at the link. Tuesdays are Pajama Day, Thursdays are Ugly Sweater Day. Pet photos are Mondays, Nov. 21 & 28, and Dec. 5 from 4pm-7pm.
*Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the District at GVR- Head to The District for a Menorah Lighting Celebration featuring live entertainment, dreidels, gelt and crafts for the little ones! Sunday, December 18th from 5pm-6:30pm. At the entrance of Main Street, in between Shake Shack and REI.
*Santa Pics at Galleria Mall– Daily November 17th through December 24th. Take photos with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are encouraged. Pet Nights will be Nov. 21, Nov. 28 & Dec. 5 from 4pm-7pm.
*Boulder City Jingle Jam– This event is still in the planning stage, but prepare for Christmas shopping, vendor booths, Best Damn Wine Walk-ugly sweater contest, store front decor contest, kids games and more!
* Blitzen’s Antler Attic– Not being held in 2022.Help the reindeer & Mrs. Claus out by painting an ornament at Blitzen’s Antler Attic, and let them have a well-earned night off. After you are done painting, have a delicious cocktail at the Antler Attic with the reindeer and explore the winter wonderland. Tickets start at $20, customers can use discount code BLITZEN for $5 off. Select dates are December 2- December 23. Located in Tivoli Village, 2nd floor of building #420.
*Mckee Ranch Foundation– Not yet updated for 2022. 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.
Please check out a few of our other Holiday events being updated right now, like The Best Christmas Lights in Las Vegas, and Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in Las Vegas.
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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