The weather outside might not be frightful, but that doesn’t mean the holiday season isn’t in full swing throughout Southern Nevada.
The Las Vegas Valley has truly been giving The Big Apple a run for its money in recent years as the merriest place to be outside of the North Pole during the holiday season. It doesn’t matter if you're in Summerlin, Henderson, or South Vegas, or visiting the Strip, holiday cheer can be found around every corner thanks to several seasonal events and attractions that are sure to get even the biggest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Looking for holiday lights? Southern Nevada has plenty of them, including 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures at Enchant Christmas and more than 1 million lights at World of Illumination. Still need to check off some names on your holiday gift-giving list? Holiday shoppers can support local artisans at several seasonal events in town, including LV Craft Shows’ Nutcracker Night Market, which features a variety of vendors selling unique gifts and delicious treats. Since it’s always better to give than receive, revelers can even celebrate the holiday season while supporting a worthwhile cause at The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village, as proceeds from the annual fundraiser have benefitted those with disabilities in the valley since 1992.
Of course, Las Vegas wouldn’t be the Entertainment Capital of the World without some festive holiday productions, and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is hosting several holiday shows this December. A few of Las Vegas’ biggest headliners are also getting into the holiday spirit, with special holiday shows like Barry Manilow’s “A Very Barry Christmas” at Westgate Las Vegas December 5 through 7 and 12 through 14, and Terry Fator’s “A Very Terry Christmas” running December 1 through 3, 5 through 7, 11 through 16 and 19 through 24 inside The STRAT.
With so many festive events and attractions to choose from, what the Las Vegas Valley lacks in snow it definitely makes up for in holiday cheer.
“A Very Vegas Christmas”
Enjoy beloved holiday tunes like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Christmas Time is Here” when the Las Vegas Philharmonic presents “A Very Vegas Christmas” at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on December 7. The holiday concert will include performances from a variety of talented guest singers as well as a heartwarming cameo by 12 legendary Las Vegas showgirls.http://www.thesmithcenter.com/tickets/las-vegas-philharmonic
Tivoli Village
Celebrate the holiday season at Tivoli Village this December with complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the retail center Thursday through Saturday, December 5 through 21. For those visiting on December 5, 12, and 19, guests can also do some holiday shopping at LV Craft Shows’ Nutcracker Night Market. The free event features unique gifts for sale, plus live entertainment, and dazzling lights. http://www.tivolivillagelv.com
“The Nutcracker”
A cherished holiday tradition in Las Vegas since 1981, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” dances into The Smith Center select dates December 14 through 27. Audiences can join Clara and her prince as they travel to a land of toy soldiers, mischievous rodents, and visitors from faraway lands while listening to a full orchestra perform the score during select performances. https://nevadaballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker/
Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas will continue to illuminate the Las Vegas Ballpark through December 29. Guests can step inside the original story “Reindeer Games” to search for bell-shaped light sculptures hidden throughout the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, shop for unique wares from local artisans, go ice skating, visit with Santa, and more during the event, which has been a Summerlin favorite since 2021. www.enchantchristmas.com
World of Illumination
Through December 29, families venture to the M Resort in Henderson to experience the world’s largest animated drive-thru audio-visual experience: World of Illumination. The theme for this year’s milelong course is “Candy Rush,” featuring hundreds of light displays synched to holiday music—including a gingerbread village and sweets as far as the eye can see. www.worldofillumination.com
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Make merry memories this holiday season while supporting Southern Nevadans with disabilities at The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. Running select evenings through December 31, the fundraiser invites guests to stroll through a colorfully lit forest, play carnival games, take photos with Santa and enjoy a variety of other activities, including rides on the Forest Express Passenger Train. www.magicalforest.org
Miracle on Spring Mountain
Get into the holiday spirit by drinking some holiday spirits at the fifth annual Miracle on Spring Mountain. The immersive experience transforms The Sand Dollar Lounge on Spring Mountain Road into a Christmas-themed bar through December 31, with seasonal cocktails, nightly entertainment, pizza pop-ups with celebrated local chefs and kitschy décor that would put the Griswolds’ holiday decorations to shame. www.miracleonspringmountain.com
Mystic Falls Park
A holiday staple since 1994, Sam’s Town’s Mystic Falls Park winter wonderland display will bring Christmas cheer to guests through January 1, 2025. The free attraction not only features wintry décor, including an 18-foot Christmas tree decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, but also a nine-minute laser light show set to holiday songs that runs hourly from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. www.samstownlv.com
It doesn’t matter if you're in Summerlin, Henderson, or South Vegas, or visiting the Strip, holiday cheer can be found around every corner thanks to several seasonal events and attractions.