Las Vegas sparkles with festive charm in December, offering a diverse array of holiday activities. Visitors can glide across the ice at The Cosmopolitan’s outdoor rink, indulge in special holiday menus at world-class restaurants, and marvel at the Bellagio’s winter wonderland display. Shopaholics will delight in the Strip’s luxury boutiques and malls, while sports enthusiasts can catch thrilling live events. The city’s holiday spirit shines through at attractions like Holiday at the Park and the Glittering Lights drive-through. For cultural experiences, don’t miss The Nutcracker ballet or electrifying rock concerts. From dazzling light shows to unique desert holiday displays, Las Vegas promises unforgettable seasonal memories for all.

Key Vegas Tips

• Experience outdoor ice skating at The Cosmopolitan’s 4,200-square-foot rink with stunning Las Vegas Strip views.
• Explore Bellagio’s Winter Wonderland Display featuring elaborate holiday exhibits and floral arrangements.
• Enjoy festive holiday dining experiences at various restaurants offering special menus and sophisticated atmospheres.
• Visit the Ethel M. Chocolates Light Show in a three-acre Cactus Garden adorned with dazzling holiday lights.
• Attend exciting live sports events, including NHL games, rodeo competitions, and college football matchups.

Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan

Every winter, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms its rooftop into a magical ice skating wonderland. The 4,200-square-foot rink of real ice offers visitors a unique outdoor skating experience amid the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Glide across the ice while taking in the festive winter atmosphere and breathtaking views of the city.

For those looking to enhance their evening, consider visiting the Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas, where nightly shows offer a dazzling multimedia experience.

For those seeking warmth and relaxation, cozy fire pits surround the rink, providing the perfect spot to roast s’mores and sip on seasonal beverages. This enchanting holiday attraction combines the thrill of ice skating with the luxurious ambiance of The Cosmopolitan, creating an unforgettable December experience. Whether you’re a skilled skater or a first-timer, the Ice Rink offers a delightful escape from the desert heat and a chance to embrace the winter spirit in style.

Festive Holiday Dining Experiences

Gourmands and casual diners alike will find Las Vegas transformed into a culinary wonderland during December. The city’s diverse restaurants offer an array of festive holiday dining experiences to suit every palate and budget.

From casual eateries serving holiday-themed fare to upscale establishments presenting elaborate multi-course meals, visitors can indulge in seasonal flavors and traditional favorites. For those seeking a truly exceptional dining experience, Spago Las Vegas offers a sophisticated atmosphere and contemporary American cuisine with Mediterranean influences, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

Many restaurants create special menus featuring classic holiday dishes with innovative twists, incorporating local ingredients and international influences. Diners can savor roast turkey with all the trimmings, prime rib, seafood platters, and decadent desserts.

Some venues offer family-style meals, perfect for large groups celebrating together. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, intimate dinner or a grand holiday feast, Las Vegas’s culinary scene provides ample opportunities to create memorable dining experiences during the festive season.

Bellagio’s Winter Wonderland Display

During December, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens transform into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, enchanting visitors with elaborate holiday displays and festive floral arrangements. The centerpiece of this botanical masterpiece is a polar bear family crafted entirely from white carnations, showcasing the intricate artistry and attention to detail that defines the Bellagio’s seasonal exhibits. While not as large as the crystal chandelier at the Cosmopolitan, the Bellagio’s winter display is equally spellbinding and draws millions of visitors each year.

Visitors can stroll through the gardens, marveling at the meticulously designed holiday scenes that blend natural beauty with festive charm. The conservatory’s transformation incorporates thousands of flowers, trees, and plants, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures that capture the spirit of the season. This immersive experience offers a welcome respite from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, providing a serene and magical environment for guests to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

Las Vegas transforms into a shopper’s paradise during the holiday season, offering an array of amazing venues to fulfill all your gift-giving needs. From luxury boutiques to sprawling malls, the city caters to every taste and budget. Visitors can stroll through diverse shopping areas, exploring a wide range of options to find the perfect presents for loved ones or indulge in a well-deserved treat for themselves.

Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest shopping destination on the Strip, features over 250 retailers and 30 restaurants across 2 million square feet, providing an unparalleled shopping experience for locals and tourists alike.

The city’s renowned shopping destinations, such as The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, The Shops at Crystals, and Fashion Show Mall, feature an extensive selection of high-end brands, unique local offerings, and popular retailers. These venues often deck their halls with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers. With extended hours and special promotions, Las Vegas guarantees that finding the ideal gift is not only convenient but also an enjoyable experience in itself.

Exciting Live Sports Events

While shopping may satisfy the retail enthusiast, sports fans visiting Las Vegas in December have plenty to cheer about as well. The city offers a diverse array of live sports events to captivate spectators.

Hockey enthusiasts can catch the Vegas Golden Knights in action, experiencing the thrill of NHL competition at T-Mobile Arena. For those drawn to rodeo culture, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo showcases top-tier cowboy skills and excitement. College football fans won’t want to miss the Mitsubishi Las Vegas Bowl, featuring intense gridiron action. Basketball lovers can enjoy the Continental Tire Vegas Hoops Classic, featuring high-energy collegiate matchups. These events provide visitors with a range of options to immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere of live sports, adding an exhilarating dimension to their December Vegas experience.

Ethel M. Chocolates Light Show

Twinkling lights transform the Ethel M. Chocolates Cactus Garden into a festive winter wonderland during December. This unique holiday attraction spans three acres of desert landscape adorned with dazzling light displays.

Visitors can stroll through the illuminated paths, marveling at the creative arrangements that highlight the garden’s diverse cacti and succulents.

Open nightly from dusk until 10 p.m., the Cactus Garden Holiday Lights offer a magical experience for all ages. The enchanting atmosphere combines the beauty of desert flora with the sparkle of holiday decorations, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

As guests explore the garden, they can admire the intricate light installations that bring a touch of holiday cheer to the arid landscape. This beloved Las Vegas tradition provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the festive season in a uniquely Southwestern setting.

Holiday at the Park

Festive cheer fills the air at Holiday at the Park, a seasonal celebration that transforms The Park into a winter wonderland. This vibrant holiday destination offers an array of interactive experiences and live entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit through a variety of festive activities and seasonal events designed to delight and enchant.

The Park comes alive with dazzling decorations, twinkling lights, and joyful sounds, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable holiday moments. Visitors can enjoy special performances, participate in themed attractions, and soak in the merry ambiance. From carolers serenading passersby to engaging holiday-themed experiences, Holiday at the Park offers a diverse range of entertainment options that capture the essence of the season, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking holiday cheer in Las Vegas.

Rock Concerts and Performances

Las Vegas rocks the holiday season with electrifying concerts and performances that cater to music enthusiasts. In December, the city’s renowned venues host an array of exciting musical events, including the Holiday Havoc Concerts. These sensational shows light up the entertainment capital, bringing together world-class artists and unforgettable holiday-themed experiences. Beyond the music, visitors can explore a variety of places to visit in December, from the glittering holiday displays at the Bellagio Conservatory to the enchanting ice skating rink at The Cosmopolitan. Las Vegas truly transforms into a winter wonderland, making it an ideal destination to celebrate the season.

Fans can catch Thirty Seconds to Mars at the Park Theater, delivering their signature alternative rock sound. Meanwhile, the Pearl Theater welcomes 311 for a night of their unique blend of rock, reggae, and hip-hop.

These two nights of rock music performances offer visitors a high-energy alternative to traditional holiday entertainment. The concerts provide an opportunity to experience live music from celebrated artists in world-class venues. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a thrilling night out, these rock concerts promise to infuse your Las Vegas December visit with rhythm, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

The Nutcracker Ballet

A holiday tradition comes to life in Las Vegas with the enchanting performance of The Nutcracker at The Smith Center. This seasonal classic, presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre, offers a magical experience for audiences of all ages. The production showcases the timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

The Smith Center provides an elegant backdrop for this festive entertainment, immersing spectators in the whimsical world of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. As one of the most anticipated performing arts events of the season, The Nutcracker combines stunning choreography, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking set designs to create a truly memorable holiday spectacle.

This traditional ballet performance adds a touch of cultural refinement to Las Vegas’s diverse December offerings, providing a perfect opportunity for families and art enthusiasts to embrace the spirit of the season.

Glittering Lights Drive-Through

At the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, visitors can experience a dazzling holiday spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicles. The Glittering Lights drive-through attraction offers a mesmerizing 2-mile journey through millions of festive light arrangements. This elaborate display showcases a variety of holiday-themed installations, creating a magical winter wonderland for all ages to enjoy.

As guests cruise through the speedway, they’re immersed in a sea of twinkling lights and imaginative designs. The attraction features intricate light sculptures, animated displays, and synchronized light shows that bring the holiday spirit to life. Open nightly, this enchanting experience allows families and friends to create lasting memories while marveling at the creativity and scale of the illuminated spectacle. The Glittering Lights drive-through offers a unique and convenient way to celebrate the season in true Las Vegas style.