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 2021. 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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2021 Holiday Events around town
Ethel M Chocolates– The 28th annual Holiday Cactus Garden features over 1 million holiday lights. This spectacular FREE attraction is lit up nightly starting November 5th– Sunday, January 2nd from 5pm until 10pm. To visit the Factory Store and/or Cactus Garden, you should make a reservation to guarantee entry. Please note that each booking allows entry from 1 up to 6 people. Santa will be there nightly from 5pm to 10:00pm for photos through Dec. 23.
Enchant Christmas– Las Vegas Ballpark, November 26- January 2nd. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they’ve emerged from a childhood Christmas dream. Enjoy their 80ft. Everwhite Tree, glide across the Ice Skating Trail, grab a photo with Santa and sip and savor festive, holiday treats every step of the way. Tickets begin at $20 per person, children under 2 are free. See the link for Star Experience pricing and their Nights of Wonder special events.
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– Drive your way through millions of Holiday Lights at the Speedway. Thursday, November 11th- Sunday, January 9th. 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 Weekday Value tickets are $25. They also offer a Fast Pass ticket and a Season Pass option. See all options at the link, and check out these great Groupon options as well.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops– Santa’s Wonderland is returning to Bass Pro Shops! 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 19th at 5:30 PM 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, joyful characters and even a little snow! This annual parade is FREE and open to the public. Parades continue every Friday and Saturday nights from November 20- December 19 at 6pm.
Santa Chalet Downtown Summerlin– November 19th-December 24th. 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. 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. Letters to Santa are accepted through December 22. Photo packages start at $39.99. Santa offers photos with pets on Tuesdays through Dec. 21 between 7 and 9 PM.
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 12th, 2021– January 17th, 2022, 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 17 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $4.00 per adult and child.
Downtown Summerlin Hanukkah Celebration– Wednesday, December 1st at 4:30pm. 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.
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 16th– January 2nd. 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 Benny the Ice Skating Dog, Vice on Ice, a Night with the Knights, and their New Year’s Eve celebration.
Snow in the Square at Town Square– November 20- December 24th. Santa arrives Saturday, November 20th with the annual tree lighting event from 4pm-7pm. 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 Friday and Saturdays at 8pm. Center will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Santa Pictures in Town Square– Photos with Santa begin November 20th and run through December 23rd. Online registration is recommended, 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 24- December 22 from 3pm-5:30PM.
Photos with Santa Fashion Show Mall– Come down to Neiman Marcus Court for your 2021 pictures with Santa, daily, now through December 24th from 10am-6pm. Reservations are required, so secure your spot today at the link! No photos on Thanksgiving Day. Pet nights with Santa are each Monday- November 29-December 20, from 4pm-8pm.
Winter Wonderland at Fashion Show Mall– Greeted by a snowy bliss guests will emerge into a room filled with white trees, falling snow, ice sculptures, sounds and smells of winter filling the air. November 26th-28th, December 3rd-12th, 17th-19th, 23rd & 24th. Hours are 3pm-7pm. Located near Zara.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the District at GVR- Come to the District Saturday, November 27th from 6pm-8pm for this holiday spectacular. With a Laser Light Show featuring Live Entertainment, Holiday Stilt walkers, selfie station with Rudolph & Frosty and more! Santa’s house will be located at the Courtyard beginning November 26th. See the link for hours and picture pricing.
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! Tuesday, November 30th from 5pm-6:30pm. At the entrance of Main Street, in between Shake Shack and REI.
Santa at Container Park– Santa will be at the Container Park November 26th, December 4th & 5th, December 11 & 12, December 18 & 19, and 24th. See calendar link for times.
Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display– FREE and open to the public, Bellagio’s Holiday Glamour will run November 20th–January 1st.
Miracle on Spring Mountain Christmas Pop-Up Bar- Back for its third 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 22nd- December 31st. Closed Thanksgiving Day only.
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 26th-January 2nd. This year, the Magical Forest will celebrate its 30th 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 $22 for unlimited rides and attractions. Advance ticket purchase is required to guarantee admission.
*NEW* Blitzen’s Antler Attic– 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.
City of Henderson’s Winterfest 2021– Events, concerts and activities planned from December 2 through January 1, Water Street Plaza. Join us for the annual tree-lighting ceremony on December 2, and don’t miss our Winterfest Live! concert series on Saturday, December 4, 11 and 18. Some events and activities require a fee and pre-registration.
Santa Photos at Galleria Mall– Daily through December 24th. Take photos with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are encouraged. Pet Nights will be Mondays only- November 29- December 20. Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun with photos with Santa!
Holiday Events for 2021
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s: The Nutcracker– December 11-26 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 $30, you can get them here.
This year enjoy a family friendly bonus experience: The Nutcracker Wonderland. A special guest will read the story of The Nutcracker to all of the children. The Nutcracker Wonderland is free to all ticket holders. Doors open 60 minutes prior to curtain at the Troesh Theatre, adjacent to Reynolds Hall, and you may come and go as you please.
Also, book tickets to see the show on Saturday, December 18th and add-on tickets to join the festive Sugar Plum Party immediately following the performance. Enjoy a delightful tea party with all of your favorite Nutcracker characters in this one-of-a-kind experience. Seating is limited, so don’t delay.
*New* Dingle Bells– Select dates December 10-24. Get your tickets for a brand new family friendly circus-variety holiday show in a tented venue on Fremont Street this season. Featuring some of the hottest circus acts from the Las Vegas Strip and beyond, you can spice up your holiday season with an evening of hilarious and jaw dropping fun for the whole family. Tickets are $25-$55, with senior and military discounts available.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run 2021– The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will be live December 4th and also virtual for 2021. 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. The live race begins at 10 am, with the walk to follow. Registration is $40 per person. Each registration includes a Santa suit (while supplies last), a finishers’ medal, a goody bag, a custom print-at-home race bib, which can be mailed to you or picked up.
Santa’s Electric Night Parade– Boulder City. December 4th at 4:30 pm. As the sun sets, downtown Boulder City will be glowing for the grand entrance of Santa Claus, leading an old-fashioned Holiday parade.
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 Pet Costume Contest! Or bring the family and enter the Stroller Decorating Contest on race day. Click here for race event and contest details.
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! Take a ride on the new BC Santa Express 2021 where guests will experience the magic of the holidays onboard and in our Santa’s Railyard event center, pajamas optional. Each event is a 90-minute experience with a train ride in a vintage, restored railcar with storytime on the train, including time at our event center to visit Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, by Chilly Jilly’z.
There will be three ride times each evening that the trains roll: 5:15pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm and run on these dates: Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 3&4, 10&11, 17&18, 21&22, 2021. Tickets start at $30, First Class (VIP) are $50 and can be purchased here. Seats required for all passengers over 1 year old. Buy your tickets today, this event will sell out!
Holiday Events from 2020 not yet announced
*Vegas Festival of Lights 2020– *This event has not yet been updated for 2021. 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.
*Mckee Ranch Foundation– Not yet updated for 2021. 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.
*Breakfast with Santa at Galleria Mall– This event was not 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.
*Christmastown at Cowabunga Bay Water Park- This event has not yet been announced for 2021.
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!
*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).
*Springs Preserve Holiday Express– No dates have been given for the Holiday Express for 2021. 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.
*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.
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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