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 2022. 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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2022 Holiday Events around town
Snow Carnival tubing hill
New! Snow Carnival Holiday Forest at the M Resort– A gentle flurry of snowflakes will greet visitors as they are welcomed into a world of more than 350 tons of real snow falling from above and coating the ground in an inviting blanket. From snowball throwing to snowman building, this celebratory attraction will offer a variety of seasonal favorites including a snow slide, a Candy Cane forest and a snow play area for winter games and more! Snow Carnival will be open daily inside of the M Pavilion with select operating hours November 23- January 8, 2023.
*Please be advised that there is a height limit for two of the three rides. Children must be 42″ tall, my 5 year old just barely made it with his boots on. We visited Saturday and found that it wasn’t too crowded in most places, there are four separate snow play areas that my kids really enjoyed. There is a wait for the small tubing hill, but it moves pretty quickly.
They serve food for the kiddos and adult beverages so that was a win, win. There is no time limit and we stayed for a couple hours. It’s not going to be for everyone, but my kids had a really great time. Dress warm, and have gloves, preferably waterproof snow gloves and boots for the kiddos.
Tickets start at $29 for children 3-11, and $37 for over age 12. Children 2 and under are FREE. Groupon has a deal right now for a few dollars off as well. Read more about it at the link above.
Ethel M Chocolates– The 29th annual Holiday Cactus Garden features over 1 million holiday lights. This spectacular attraction is lit up nightly starting November 4th– Sunday, January 1st 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.
This year, a $1 entrance fee per person is required and will be donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank. As they’ve done in the past, they will be collecting toys and non-perishable food items for the charities. These are not required, but appreciated.
Image: Greenvalleyranch.com
Winter at the Terrace at GVR– Beginning Friday, November 25, Green Valley Ranch’s seasonal favorite “Winter at the Terrace” returns. 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 25- January 1st. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they’ve emerged from a childhood Christmas dream. Enjoy their 80 ft. Everwhite Tree, glide across the Ice Skating Trail, grab a photo with Santa and sip and savor delicious holiday treats and beverages. See the link for their VIP Experience, plus on select Wednesday nights throughout the season, get one FREE child’s ticket when you buy any Adult, Senior, or Military admission ticket.
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– Drive your way through millions of Holiday Lights at the Speedway. Thursday, November 10th- Sunday, January 8th. 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 $39 and Weekday Value tickets are $29. 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 or a discount ride on the Santa Tram as well. (7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd.)
Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium– 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.
Image: Bass Pro Shops
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops– Santa’s Wonderland is returning to Bass Pro Shops and Santa arrives November 5th! 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 18th 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 18- December 17 at 6pm.
Santa’s Mailbox Downtown Summerlin– November 11th-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.
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 11th, 2022– January 16th, 2023, 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 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.
Budweiser Clydesdales – Downtown Summerlin welcomes the World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales on Saturday, December 3rd. The event will include a designated viewing area for guests in the Northwest parking lot from 4PM – 5:30PM where guests can snap photos and enjoy an ice-cold Budweiser alongside the magical horses.
Immediately following the public viewing, the Budweiser Clydesdales will grand marshal the holiday parade down Park Centre Drive at 6pm. Don’t miss out on this family fun experience just in time for Holidays!
Downtown Summerlin Hanukkah Celebration– 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.
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 15th– January 1st. 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 19th with the annual tree lighting event from 5pm-8pm.
Santa Pictures in Town Square– Photos with Santa begin November 19th and run through December 24th. 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 23- December 21, see the link for times.
Photos with Santa Fashion Show Mall– 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.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the District at GVR- Come to the District Saturday, November 26th 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! Plus, we will be handing out free hot cocoa and crafts for the kids while supplies last. 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! Sunday, December 18th 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 25th, 26th & 27th, December 3rd & 4th, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, and 24th, from Noon- 4pm.
Holiday Movies at Container Park– Head out to the Container Park Stage and Lawn for FREE movies select Sundays in December from 5:30-7:30PM.
- Dec 4- The Santa Clause
- Dec 11- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dec 18- Elf
Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display– FREE and open to the public, Bellagio’s Holiday Glamour will run November 19th–January 1st.
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.
2022 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 25th-27th, Dec 1st-4th, Dec 8th-11th, Dec 15th-31st. This year, the Magical Forest will celebrate its 31st 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.
City of Henderson’s Winterfest 2022– Join them on Water Street for the annual tree-lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 1st at 6pm, and the Winterfest Parade on Friday, December 2nd at 7pm.
Submissions for the Winterfest Parade are open until November 15. Parade participants will have the opportunity to win cash prizes for qualifying floats and bands while marching groups can win first, second, or third-place ribbons.
Parade entries are encouraged to be creative through costumes, materials, and ideas when developing their entries. “Lights, Lights, Lights!” is this year’s theme. Let’s light up Water Street! Accepted entry categories:
- Float Entry, Band Entry & Dance-Cheer Team / Military Marching Squad
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.
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s: The Nutcracker– December 9-24 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 $36- $186, you can get them here.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run 2022– The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will be live December 3rd, 2022 at 8am and will still offer a virtual option for 2022. 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 $45 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.
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.
Santa’s Electric Night Parade– Boulder City. December 3rd 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.
Boulder City Jingle Jam– Saturday, December 10th from Noon- 8pm. 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!
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, the weekends for 2022 are already sold out, but there are a couple of days left still to book. Dates are now available to book for 2023!
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 $38 for children 2 -15 and $57 for adults(16+) Sunday-Thursday. There are no train rides on Tuesdays, except on Christmas Eve, which is sold out. Weekends (Friday and Saturday rides) are priced higher. 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 2022 where guests will experience the magic of the holidays onboard and in Santa’s Railyard event center, pajamas optional. Each event is a 90-minute experience with a 20 minute train ride in a vintage, restored railcar with story time 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: 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 8:00pm and run on these dates: Nov. 25 & 26, Dec. 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, and 20 & 21, 2022. 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!
Nevada Southern Railway is also holding Santa trains during the day throughout December. Enjoy a ride between Boulder City and Railroad Pass on our historic railway equipment while visiting with our special guest from up north, Santa! Tickets are $10 per seat and the trains run at 1oam on:
Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11
Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18
Holiday Events from 2021 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.
* 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.
*Christmastown at Cowabunga Bay Water Park- This event has not yet been announced for 2022.
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.
*Dingle Bells- Dates for 2022 haven’t been announced yet. Follow them on Facebook for updates. 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.
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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