16 Best Things to do in Vegas in December
Chantelle KincyLas Vegas is a city that never sleeps. There’s always something to do, and December is no exception.
The city comes alive with holiday cheer, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The casinos are decked out in festive decorations, and there are special shows and events happening throughout the month.
If you’re looking for a festive getaway, Las Vegas is the place to be in December.
About Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city located in the state of Nevada in the United States. It is best known for its casinos and its vibrant nightlife.
The city is easily accessible by plane, car, or bus. Mccarran International Airport is located in the city and sees many inbound and outbound flights per day.
There are plenty of car rental companies available at the airport, and downtown you can rent luxury sports cars. Unless you plan on heading out of town to visit Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, or one of the Utah National Parks like Zion, then you probably do not need to rent a car.
There are plenty of ride-share options to and from the airport as well as around town. You can hire a limo or other luxury car to drive you as well. There are party buses that can be rented if you are traveling with a group.
The strip is walkable, and there is also a monorail that you can take to get from one place to the other along the strip.
Las Vegas is a very popular tourist destination, and it receives millions of visitors each year. The city is especially busy during the winter months when people come to escape the cold weather.
Things to do in Las Vegas in December
1. Celebrate the holidays at The LINQ Promenade
The LINQ promenade is an ideal place to spend the holidays. The public area becomes a winter wonderland each December and there is plenty to enjoy. You may even get to see “snow falling”!
Visitors will find a range of festive decorations, including a 35-foot Christmas tree decked out in over 2000 lights.
You’ll hear Carols and Christmas Music, as well as Christmas, Shows with music and dancing throughout the evenings.
These concerts can be enjoyed completely free!
Remember to also go on the High Roller! Although it may be pricey during Christmas and New Year, enjoying the amazing views of Las Vegas from above The Strip is worth it.
✅ Purchase High Roller Tickets Here
2. Go Ice skating
Believe it or not, ice skating is one of the best ways to spend a few hours in Las Vegas.
The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan is transformed into a winter wonderland each holiday season, high above The Las Vegas Strip.
At The Ice Rink, you can skate across 4,200 square feet of real ice.
Ice skating admission includes all-day skating access and skate rentals. Guests may also bring their own skates. There is no cost to enter Boulevard Pool and enjoy the Ice Rink area.
- $30 | daily
- $20 | locals, military & first responders with valid ID (Mon – Thurs)
- $15 | skate aid and reindeer rental | 60-minute rental
You can also check out the Chalet, “a reimagined mountaintop escape featuring festive décor, comfortable seating, and a toasty oversized firepit at the center.”
You can sit and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and unique curated bites. Reservations are required. Features include:
- Reserved seating for small and large groups (for 2 – 75 people)
- Central, communal fire pit
- Dedicated servers
And what is a winter wonderland without snow? Every 30 minutes during the evenings, you’ll be delighted by light snowfall, to really get you in the holiday spirit.
3. Walk through the Bellagio Conservatory
This is one of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas, no matter what time of year we visit. I love that it changes with the season. The best part is, this activity is totally FREE!
In the holidays the Bellagio Conservatory Gardens are decorated with colorful festive decorations — often decorated with flowers. In years past, Coca-Cola’s Polar Bears were displayed, which we always love to see.
This doesn’t take much time, but it is a wonderful experience, that you must do if you visit Vegas in December.
4. Go to a concert
This shouldn’t surprise you but there are some excellent concert performances in Las Vegas during the month of December!
You can get in the holiday spirit by listening to great music at any number of fantastic Venues in Las Vegas, but you can also see “regular” concerts too!
The list of acts that comes to Vegas is incredible and encompasses all genres and interests.
5. See a Show
There are several good shows hosted throughout Vegas throughout the year, and there are also some fantastic theatre productions this month!
Some shows in December include musicals, singing performances, music dances, and Cirque du Soleil, there are shows to suit everyone!
My current favorite is Ka by Cirque du Soleil! The stage rotates, the performers are incredibly talented, and it’s a lot of fun. My teenage boys loved it too!
✅ Click Here to Book Cirque du Soleil Tickets Before They Sell Out!
Blue Man Group is another popular and fun show. We went a few years ago, and it was very interactive and entertaining.
You can also see tribute shows, and adult shows, and late in December, you can watch Americas Got Talent live!
6. Attend The Tournament of Kings
The Tournament of Kings is a live jousting tournament at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. It is a dinner show that features knights on horseback fighting for the honor of their queen.
The show is very interactive, with audience members getting to participate in the action.
The meal itself is a three-course affair, with the main course being roasted chicken served with sides and a dessert.
In December, the show takes on a holiday atmosphere.
✅ Click Here To Purchase Tickets to the Tournament of Kings
7. Watch the Rodeo
The first week of December brings the NFR rodeo to town. With it is plenty of fun, activities, and large crowds.
8. Glittering Lights
This is the largest Holiday light display in the State of Nevada. You’ll be treated to 3 million lights and 170 lighted trees, and a nativity scene.
Located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this 2.5-mile drive-through display is open all the way through Jan 6
9. Bellagio Fountains
While this is a must-see attraction no matter when you visit Vegas, the holidays are extra special as the fountains dance to Christmas carols.
10. Aria Holiday Display
Aria resort has designed a Winter Wonderland display that is made entirely of edible treats!
The whimsical display features a centerpiece of a giant snow globe filled with a happy snowman and a mischievous gingerbread man made entirely of dark chocolate, tall trees made from 1000 French macarons, adorable, handcrafted bears, and 15-pound sugar cubes.
11. Christmas Carol at the Park
Every weekend in December, carolers will be strolling up and down The Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
AT Toshiba Plaza you’ll be greeted by pop-up dining experiences that offer holiday treats like mulled wine, German sausages, and waffles on a stick.
12. Attend Enchant Christmas
Find your way through a dazzling lights maze to look for Santa’s lost reindeer this holiday season. Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark is sure to make even the Grinch fall in love with the holidays.
Activities include an ice skating rink, a Christmas village filled with artisan vendors, a children’s play area, and Santa Claus himself.
I haven’t visited this location yet, but we did attend Enchant Christmas in Seattle, and it was incredible!
13. Enjoy live stand-up comedy
Most famous comedians love to play in Las Vegas, there will be some great stand-up shows in December. You can always find a good comedy club in Vegas. You can check the show schedule here.
14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Have you ever seen Cactus decorated for Christmas? Now is your chance!
Head over to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory to see 3 acres of cactus garden decked out in holiday lights. More than half a million lights, animated reindeer, and holiday décor cover the desert grounds that feature more than 300 types of cacti including spotted aloe, agave plants, Texas prickly pears, and yuccas.
Sounds, awesome, right? I haven’t even told you the best part yet… it’s FREE!
15. Watch a magic show
Vegas is famous for magicians and they don’t stop in December! You can watch anyone from Chriss Angel to David Copperfield, to the incredible Shin Lim (who you may have seen on America’s Got Talent).
16. Leave Vegas
I know, I know leaving Vegas isn’t the point of this post, but hear me out. If you have an extra day to spare you can use Vegas as a great base to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA.
Zion National Park is stunning in December and is a 3-hour drive from Vegas. You will lose an hour with the time change in Utah but will gain it back on the return trip.
✅ Click here to book a tour to Zion and Bryce National Park from Vegas
Keep in mind, the days are shorter in December, so leave Vegas early! It is ok if you are driving back in the dark as the interstate is an easy drive.
Valley of Fire is just under an hour from Vegas and is a fantastic way to spend the day! The Valley of Fire is packed with enough adventure and beauty to fill any traveler’s itinerary, including panoramic vistas, hiking trails, petroglyphs, scenic drives, and breathtaking rock formations.
Weather in Las Vegas in December
December is a great time to visit Las Vegas, as the weather is mild and there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy.
Is Vegas Cold in Winter?
Even though December is the coldest month of the year, it is still very mild compared to most other areas in the country.
You can expect the temperature in the day to be about 60 • F with lows about 39•F at night. Even though it might feel a little chilly, you can generally expect dry weather with no rain.
✅ Click Here to Purchase a Las Vegas Pass to save $$ on the attractions YOU choose!
Is December a good time to go to Vegas?
December is a wonderful time of year to visit Vegas. The weather is mild and there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. If you’re looking to escape the cold weather, this is the perfect place to do it!
In summer the heat can be unbearable, so a winter visit is a great way to get out and explore without worrying about the hot desert sun.
Most pools will close in the winter, but a few will be open including the Mirage, the Paris, and Bellagio.
The casinos spare no expense or effort when it comes to decorating for the holidays, and it is a wonderful sight to see.
We don’t gamble or drink, but we still, find plenty of things to do in Vegas in December.
Is Vegas crowded in December?
Yes, Vegas can get quite crowded in December. The busiest times, are the first week in December when the Rodeo is going on and the week between Christmas and New Year.
Going midweek in the middle of December is a good way to beat the crowds.
Conclusion: Things to do in December in Las Vegas
As you can see, Vegas can be a blast in December. There is so much to do, and the weather is perfect. If you are looking to escape the cold weather, or just want to have some fun in the sun, Vegas is the place to be.
