How to Celebrate the Holidays in Las Vegas in Style
As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, why not pull out all the stops and celebrate the holidays in style in Vegas? The twinkling lights of the city and holiday events will make this holiday season one to remember. From ice skating to a wonderland of lights, spending the holidays in Las Vegas might be one of the most magical ways to celebrate. See some of our favorite holiday activities below!
12 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Las Vegas
Dive Into Some Holiday Cheer
Swimming? In winter? While lounging by the pool around the holidays might seem like something only reserved for a tropical getaway, dreams become reality at Stadium Swim®. With heated pools warmed to perfection, this space is the perfect place to lounge during this season – especially with the winter pool events Circa Las Vegas is putting on. Stop by to cozy up in plush robes in a heated cabana, take a dip in one of the heated pools, enjoy a carefully-crafted cocktail, and brag to your friends that you get to be at a pool in winter.
Bet on Your Team Being Naughty or Nice
The holidays have always been a great time to watch sports at home. But have you ever caught your holiday games in the biggest sportsbook in the world? The sports betting wonderland at Circa Sports allows you to celebrate the holidays, place your bets, and hope your team ends up on the “nice” list and wins. Especially after holiday shopping, winning some extra money certainly doesn’t hurt. You can also do some of that betting at Stadium Swim, making for an even better sports viewing experience.
Enjoy a Chef-Prepared Holiday Meal
If you’re missing a home cooked meal when celebrating the holidays in Las Vegas, you’re in luck. Though it probably won’t be the same as your family’s recipes, Vegas is a culinary hub and offers a range of restaurants to choose from for your holiday meal. If you’re looking for a more traditional holiday dinner, try Barry’s Downtown Prime for some cozy vibes, delicious steaks, and a cocktail and wine list that’ll warm you up. There are even some special Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus for extra special holiday meals. If your holiday plans call for something more casual, try 8 East for some Asian fusion.
If you do feel like cooking at home, Project BBQ has paired with Omaha Steaks through January 25th, 2025 for the perfect holiday gift. With bacon-wrapped filet mignons, burgers, butcher’s cut top sirloins, boneless chicken breasts, gourmet jumbo franks, scalloped potatoes, and caramel apple tartlets, this holiday package is a great gift for any home chef. Or for yourself, we won’t judge!
After having your stress-free holiday meal, don’t forget to cap off your night at Legacy Club rooftop bar, where you can cozy up next to a fire pit while watching the twinkling lights of Vegas below.
Go on a Holiday Bar Crawl
Pour yourself a cup of cheer! Not sure where to start? Make plans for a holiday bar crawl around Downtown Las Vegas. Start dashing through some of the best bars in the area, including Legacy Club, Vegas Vickies, MEGA BAR, BarCanada, and One Bar. With the crisp air and holiday vibes all around the city, a bar crawl is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with seasonal cocktails. Make it extra festive by wearing your favorite holiday sweater – bonus points if it’s the ugliest one you can find.
Feel the Cheer at the Bellagio
From mid-November to the start of January, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden shows off their seasonal winter/holiday display. Walk through 14,000 square feet of impressive floral design meant to transport you to a winter wonderland right in the middle of the Nevada desert. Previous years have included giant gingerbread houses, nutcrackers, snow globes, and arctic creatures. No matter the design, the conservatory and botanical garden never fail to dazzle.
Finish Your Holiday Shopping
Las Vegas is filled with shops that can help you get all your holiday shopping needs completed – whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else. From luxury shopping at stores like Louis Vuitton and Chanel at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to finding some great discounts at the outdoor North and South Las Vegas Premium Outlets or the Primm Outlets. You’ll also find some great options at Circa Collections. If you want more of a local vibe to support small business, the Downtown Container Park is a great place to shop and hang out.
Bundle Up at the Ice Rink
Ice skating might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Vegas, but it is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll have this holiday season. Set atop the Cosmopolitan overlooking the Strip, you’ll have a view like no other as you skate around 4,200 square feet of real ice. Be sure to pack some warm clothes for this wintery activity! If you need something more to hold with the cold, The Ice Rink will help keep you warm with s’mores, hot chocolate, and other holiday treats. Or, you can book your own fire pit to stay cozy.
Walk Around a Winter Wonderland
Step into a holiday wonderland at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest, celebrating its 32nd season through the end of the year. Spread across 2.5 acres, you’ll find dazzling light displays, festive rides, an 8-hole golf course, carnival games, nightly entertainment, and even a beer garden on select nights. In the Magical Forest, you can enjoy seasonal treats, browse unique gifts at The Holiday Shoppe, and sip hot cocoa at Camelot Hall. Best of all, every visit supports over 3,000 individuals with disabilities.
Drive Through Twinkling Lights
For this Las Vegas holiday attraction, you don’t even need to get out of the car! During the holiday, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway transforms into Glittering Lights Las Vegas – a dazzling wonderland of lights that you can experience from the warmth of your car. With over 20 years of spreading holiday cheer through their display of festive scenes that feature Vegas flair, Glittering Lights has perfected the holiday light experience. Put on your favorite ugly holiday sweater, grab a hot chocolate, jump in the car, and blast some jolly tunes as you drive through!
Look for Santa in the Sky
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Las Vegas, one of the best things about the city is being surrounded by beautiful nature. And we hear that the night sky in the desert is perfect for looking at the stars and being on Santa watch. Take a break from the city for a night to get some fresh air on one of the many hikes near Las Vegas – just be sure to bundle up and pack appropriate hiking gear so you can avoid needing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer to come rescue you!
Dance Away the Final Days
Ready to end the year with a bang? The last weekend of the year is when the third-annual Jackpot EDM music festival will be taking place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. Experience a mix of cutting-edge dance music, electrifying visuals, and a high-energy crowd that will keep you moving all weekend long. With top-tier DJs like REZZ and Slander and an electric atmosphere, this event promises nonstop excitement in the heart of Las Vegas to celebrate the end of 2024 in true Vegas style.
Wave Goodbye to 2024
Last but not least, one of the best times to celebrate the holidays in Las Vegas is by coming to town for New Year’s Eve. The Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas will be hosting the Time of Your Life Festival in addition to having some beautiful fireworks from the Plaza Hotel. One of the best spots to catch a panoramic view of the Las Vegas NYE fireworks is at Legacy Club’s Countdown in the Clouds New Year’s Eve party, featuring an open bar with specialty cocktails, a live DJ, and a midnight champagne toast.
Spending the holidays in Las Vegas is an experience everyone should experience at least once in their life. Book your room at Circa Resort to spend some of your holidays at the best spot in town and have the time of your life. In your room, you’ll have some of the best views of Las Vegas, along with a stylish and comfortable space to rest off that holiday meal food coma or relax the morning after celebrating!