What to Do in Las Vegas in December 2025: Local Events, Holiday Lights & Insider Tips
- Anna Zannino
- Jul 30
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
A local’s guide to surviving and thriving in Vegas during the holiday season.
Las Vegas in December 2025 offers a unique blend of winter sparkle, world-class shows, and local-only holiday experiences. This guide from Getawayk™ — created by locals who live in Vegas — reveals where to find the best Christmas light displays, what events are worth your time, and how to avoid overpriced tourist traps. Updated for 2025–2026 with real local insight, it’s the smartest way to plan your Vegas holiday season.
A Christmas in the Desert
Why December in Vegas Surprised Me
When my husband Sergio and I first moved from Italy to Las Vegas back in 2019, I expected many things from a desert city—but definitely not to feel anything remotely like the holiday spirit.
I pictured Santa Claus in board shorts, holding a cocktail. A pink glittery sleigh. Reindeer passed out on the pavement from the heat (okay, that part was real—minus the reindeer).
For Sergio and me, Christmas had always meant family. Overflowing tables, cold outside and warm inside, loud Italian relatives we only saw once a year, mom's cooking, dads yelling over TV shows, and nephews showing us every single toy they got.
That was Christmas to us.
So saying goodbye to our families for five years—plus a global pandemic in between—and only seeing them through a phone screen? Nothing in the world could replace that kind of Christmas.
“Vegas? As if,” I used to say.
My first three years as a Vegas resident were honestly heavy on my heart. No matter how impressive or festive things were around me, they felt empty if I couldn’t share them with the people I loved most.
But you know what? Vegas tried.
In its own over-the-top yet strangely intimate way, it tried.
Everything here is made by people from somewhere else, people like me—who just want to feel connected, comforted, and surrounded by joy.
And after three years of holding back, something shifted.
Maybe it was showing the city to dozens of travelers each holiday season.
Maybe I was just finally ready to let go of what I missed and embrace what was right in front of me. From that moment on, Vegas never stopped surprising me.
Why December in Vegas Will Surprise You Too
More often than not, it’s our expectations that ruin—or elevate—a trip.
At Getawayk™, we give travelers the tools to travel smarter, so they can set the right expectations—not the Instagram-influencer version, but the truth.
After spending five Decembers living here, and helping hundreds of first-time travelers (especially families and couples) get the most out of their holiday in Las Vegas, I’ve decided to share everything I wish I’d known before our first Christmas here:
From unexpected weather patterns to unmissable shows,
from where to find the best Christmas decor to what to wear,
plus budget-saving tips that’ll stretch your wallet and elevate your experience.
Because December in Vegas? It’s not what you think—and that’s what makes it magical.
First of all…
What the Weather’s Really Like in December
First-time visitors—just like I was—often think Vegas is summer all year round. And to be fair, if you’re coming from Canada or even northern Nevada (hello, Reno and Carson City), our winters might feel like your spring.
Still, December in Vegas shows off its quieter, more peaceful side:
• Average highs: around 58°F (14°C) – great for daytime walks in the sun
• Average lows: around 38°F (3°C) – evenings get chilly, especially with desert winds
• Humidity: Extremely low → think dry skin and chapped lips if you’re not prepared
Depending on where you’re flying in from and how you handle cold, Vegas might feel like winter or like late fall.
To me? It’s cold.
To Sergio—and many locals—you’ll still see people in t-shirts.
The real problem isn’t just the temperature. It’s the wind. Desert wind can catch you off guard, and trust me—walking between hotels late at night can be freezing.
That’s why we always advise travelers to pack smart, layer up, and don’t underestimate the chill—especially if you plan to be out late.
What to Pack (from a local’s winter suitcase)
Over years of living (and sometimes freezing) here, we’ve refined our packing list:
- Warm winter coat (ideally windproof)
- Layered clothes: light sweater + cardigan + jacket
- Scarf, gloves, and beanie (especially for outdoor shows and Fremont Street)
- Closed shoes or ankle boots – leave sandals at home
- Evening wear: chic dress or blazer for shows & dinners
- Travel-sized moisturizer & lip balm (Amazon has great small sets)
- Small humidifier or nasal spray – hotel rooms are very dry
Pro tip: daytime can feel almost spring-like, but nights are a different story—always keep an extra layer in your day bag.
Local Help: We just created a FREE GUIDE with all the packing essentials for every season in Las Vegas—plus epic day trips. Download it now using the GET THE FREE GUIDE form at the end of the article👇 so you don’t show up unprepared, overpacked, or freezing in your casino dinner outfit.
Where Vegas Really Shines:
Best Christmas Decor & Displays
Las Vegas doesn’t do “subtle,” and that’s a huge win when it comes to holiday decorations.
From massive indoor trees to polar bears made of real carnations, the Christmas displays here are pure eye candy.
Here’s where to find the most magical Christmas displays in Las Vegas in 2025:
1. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Every December, the Bellagio’s design team goes all-in on a stunning winter wonderland display. We’re talking:
Towering Christmas trees
Flying reindeer
Polar bears sculpted from white carnations
Over 100,000 twinkling lights
It’s open 24/7 and totally free—but trust us, it gets packed no matter the time. Early mornings are your best bet for photos without crowds (or hours spent begging Photoshop experts to edit out random tourists).
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to swing by the Guinness World Record Bellagio Chocolate Fountain just around the corner. It’s the largest in the U.S., and second largest in the world—just standing there is a sweet experience in itself.
2. Wynn & Encore Lobbies
Sergio absolutely loves this one—and not just because it’s a great place to hide from the Strip crowds. Expect life-size holiday ornaments, crystal-covered trees, and artistic floral displays—all incredibly photogenic and more elegant than chaotic.
If you're the type who likes luxury Christmas vibes without the chaos, this is your spot.
3. Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes
A giant Christmas tree towers above the indoor canal where gondolas drift by. It’s festive, romantic, and has that “Only in Vegas” energy you didn’t know you needed.
🎁 Bonus: Take a stroll through the shops afterward—many stores do limited-time holiday collabs and window displays worth seeing.
Holiday Shows & Events You Shouldn’t Miss (2025)
If there’s one thing Vegas does exceptionally well, it’s seasonal entertainment.
Whether you're with family, a partner, or just here for the sparkle, these are the best holiday shows and events in Las Vegas this year:
“The Nutcracker” at The Smith Center
Performed by Nevada Ballet Theatre, this is the classic Christmas performance. It’s beautiful, kid-friendly, and feels like stepping into a snow globe for 90 minutes.
Holiday residencies
Over the past years, holiday residencies have included Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Bublé. This 2025 lineup is packed too:
Jennifer Lopez
Barry Manilow
Sam Barber
Brian Regan
For full holiday show schedules (and our insider reviews), check out:
Ice skating at The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool
Rooftop rink. Fire pits. Sweeping Strip views.
Sergio and I love it at sunset—it’s like New York City kissed the Mojave Desert.
Fremont Street Experience holiday concerts
They are chaotic, colorful, and completely free.
Expect live music, special holiday-themed LED canopy shows, and people in Santa costumes dancing like it’s 2 a.m. (because it is).
Cirque Du Soleil Shows December 2025
While some Vegas acts go dark in December, Cirque du Soleil keeps going strong.
🎟️ Top picks for 2025:
KÀ at MGM Grand
Mystère at Treasure Island
"O" at Bellagio
Smart Tip: Locals like us book our tickets through Vegas.com.Why? Lower fees, better promo bundles, and no surprises at checkout.
Beyond the Strip:
Magical Holiday Spots Locals Love
If you're willing to go beyond the Strip (and you really should), here’s what you’ll find:
Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
This walk-through light maze includes:
A towering Christmas tree
Holiday market
Ice skating rink
Food, drinks, and fire pits
It’s super family-friendly and just as fun for date night.
📍 Located in Summerlin, about 25 minutes from the Strip.
Downtown Summerlin
We saved one of our favorite local gems for last.
Downtown Summerlin offers:
An ice skating rink under the stars
A massive Christmas tree framed by the often-snowy Mount Charleston
Tons of cute local stores selling candles, handmade ornaments, and sweet-smelling holiday goodies
A Santa cabin setup right in front of Macy’s, where kids (and adults, let’s be honest) can sit on Santa’s lap
Most tourists miss this place—no one tells them there’s more to Vegas than just the Strip.
But we’re telling you now: GO!
Top Festive Attractions & Experiences
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The ultimate drive-through Christmas light show with over 5 million lights, synchronized music, and magical tunnels you’ll want to film on your phone.
It’s located outside the city, northeast towards the Speedway, so you’ll need a rental car to get there.
🚗 If you haven’t booked one yet, we’ve used RentalCars.com for over 10 years—it’s fast, reliable, and shows you the best prices across all agencies.
LINQ Promenade
Open-air shopping street transforms into a mini winter village in December. Think:
Nightly “snowfalls” (yes, even in the desert...)
Carolers singing holiday classics
Mulled wine stands are popping up like magic
It’s festive, walkable, and a must-see stop—especially at night when everything glows.
The Magical Forest
This one warms your heart for real. The Magical Forest is a 2.5-acre theme park filled with:
Decorated Christmas trees
Holiday rides
A sparkling 8-hole mini golf course
Seasonal treats, games, and live performances
More importantly, this annual attraction is run by Opportunity Village, an organization that has supported over 3,000 people with disabilities across Las Vegas. So you’re not just enjoying the lights—you’re supporting something good.
Resort holiday displays
Vegas casinos go all-out for the holidays. Some of the most photogenic holiday hotel lobbies in 2025 include:
Caesars Palace
Paris Las Vegas
Mandalay Bay
Durango Hotel (off-Strip but worth the visit)
Even the smaller, off-Strip hotels go big with decor—ideal for those looking for quiet holiday vibes away from the chaos.
New Year’s Eve in Vegas:
A Local Survival Guide
If your trip includes December 31st, brace yourself—it’s one of the wildest nights of the year in Las Vegas.
Here’s what you need to know:
Book your hotel and shows MONTHS in advance → we recommend Booking.com for flexible cancellation.
The Strip closes to all cars around 5 PM → plan to walk or use the Monorail.
Layer up → Vegas gets surprisingly cold after sunset.
Massive rooftop fireworks from the Bellagio, Caesars, Venetian, and more.
Local tip: Many locals avoid the Strip and head to Fremont Street instead—cheaper entry, amazing live music, and fewer crowds.
🎉 Want to learn how to do New Year’s Eve like a local?
Subscribe to our newsletter below—we’re dropping a full local survival guide soon!
Saving Money in Vegas During the Holidays
(Without Sacrificing Fun)
Yes, December is peak season—but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.
Smart ways to save during your Christmas trip to Las Vegas:
Book your hotel on Booking.com with free cancellation → re-check rates closer to your arrival date
Use Wise for currency exchange → it beats most bank and ATM fees
Consider off-Strip hotels like Durango or Red Rock → quieter and often cheaper
Avoid ATMs inside casinos → some charge $8+ per transaction
Book shows Sunday through Thursday → way cheaper than weekends
👉 Want even more tips? We’ve written a full breakdown of Vegas Tourist Traps and How to Avoid Them HERE.
Best Day Trips from Vegas in December
(Handpicked by Locals)
December is the perfect time for exploring beyond the Strip—cool temps, no crowds, and golden winter light that makes every photo look cinematic.
Here are our top picks:
Red Rock Canyon – Only ~30 minutes from the Strip. Easy hikes, epic views, perfect temps.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead – Fewer tourists in winter and beautiful natural light.
Mount Charleston – May be dusted with snow; perfect for hot chocolate and mountain air.
Lee Canyon – Yes, real snow in the Las Vegas desert! Skiing, snowboarding, or just sipping cocoa surrounded by pine trees.
🚌 Tours available through GetYourGuide, but book early—especially the week of Christmas and New Year’s!
Local Tips Tourists Usually Miss
(But Shouldn’t)
These often-overlooked local tips will save you money, time, and disappointment:
Pools: Most hotel pools close, but heated sections at places like Caesars and Bellagio stay open.
Sunsets: Happen early (4:30–5 PM). If you want that golden hour glow for photos, plan around it.
Holiday Shows: Some performances offer special December versions—always check show schedules.
Packing Tips: Yes, you’ll need a scarf and gloves. Trust me. Fremont Street at night can be cold and windy.
Why We Think December Is
Vegas' Most Underrated “Secret Season”
December in Las Vegas softens the city.
The lights feel warmer. The music is more nostalgic. People actually say “Happy Holidays” and mean it.
Even Sergio—Mr. I-love-the-summer, who hates anything below 70°F—loves Vegas in December. It’s when we both slow down and enjoy:
Holiday coffee walks at Bellagio
Ice skating under neon skies
Late dinners with seasonal desserts and fewer crowds
For first-timers, this is your chance to see a softer, more magical side of Vegas. It’s not just gambling and neon signs—it’s family photos under a 40-foot tree, sipping wine in the cold, and little moments that become big memories.
If you’re visiting with family or a partner, December might become your favorite month in Vegas.
And in 2025, that’s been tough on travel, we believe Las Vegas will bounce back—and welcome you home like it always does.
FAQs – Christmas & Holiday Travel to Las Vegas
1. Does it snow in Las Vegas in December?
Almost never on the Strip. But the surrounding mountains (like Mount Charleston) sometimes see real snow.
2. Are Vegas hotels expensive in December?
Early December = great rates. Christmas and New Year’s weeks = high prices, so book early.
3. Can you swim in December?
Most pools are closed, but a few heated pools remain open. Double-check with your hotel.
4. What do locals do for Christmas?
See shows, decorate their homes, stroll through the Bellagio gardens, or drive through the Speedway lights.
5. Is Vegas kid-friendly during the holidays?
Yes! With light shows, ice skating, Enchant Christmas, and cooler weather, December is one of the easiest times to walk around with
