The Desert Gets a Dose of Holiday Magic
When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture neon lights and pool parties—but the holidays in the desert? Absolutely magical. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the season, there’s no shortage of twinkling lights, sweet treats, and festive fun for the whole family.
Here’s our roundup of things to do in Las Vegas during Christmas—and yes, Glittering Lights made the Nice List.
🚗 1. Drive Through Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
✨ Over 5 million lights, festive tunnels, and heartwarming holiday displays? Yes, please!
Glittering Lights is Las Vegas’ largest holiday drive-thru light show, where you can enjoy the magic from the comfort of your car—or hop aboard a truly unique ride…
📍 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
🎟️ Tickets + tram info: Click here
🚋 Bonus: Ride the Santa Tram at Glittering Lights
Take your holiday adventure to the next level with the Santa Tram—an open-air tram ride through the light show, complete with festive narration, cheerful music, and a stop for cocoa and snacks.
The Santa Tram runs on select nights and boards from Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s VIP Village, where you can:
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Snap photos with Santa 🎅
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Grab a treat at the Cocoa Chalet presented by Chick-fil-A
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Enjoy fun photo ops before your ride
Perfect for families, friend groups, and anyone looking to add a little extra magic to their night!
🗓️ Santa Tram runs select nights—check the schedule here
🧜 2. See Santa Swim at Silverton Aquarium
Santa’s trading in his sleigh for a snorkel! At Silverton Casino, you can catch Underwater Santa swimming with tropical fish and stingrays in their 117,000-gallon aquarium. It’s free, family-friendly, and totally unforgettable.
📍 Silverton Casino Aquarium
🗓️ Select dates in December – check their holiday schedule
🎅 3. Photos with Santa at Town Square Las Vegas
Catch the classic tradition with a desert twist. Santa’s House at Town Square is decked out for holiday photos with the big guy himself. Enjoy the cozy décor, nearby dining, and Christmas shopping all in one festive spot.
📍 Town Square Las Vegas
📸 Reservations recommended for photos with Santa
⛸️ 4. Skate Under the Stars at The Cosmopolitan
The rooftop pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms into a magical ice skating rink every winter. Sip seasonal cocktails, roast s’mores, and enjoy movies on the big screen—all with a stunning view of the Strip.
📍 The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan
🎄 5. Visit Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Get lost in a sparkling maze of lights at Enchant, the world’s largest Christmas light maze and village. Browse artisan vendors, visit the ice-skating trail, and watch live entertainment throughout the evening.
🌵 6. Holiday Magic at Ethel M’s Cactus Garden
You’ve never seen a cactus look this festive. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory transforms its desert botanical garden with over a million lights. And yes—you’ll want to grab a box of chocolates before you leave.
🕵️ 7. Catch a Holiday Show or Dinner Experience
Vegas loves to entertain, and the holidays are no exception. Book a unique experience like:
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Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight – a festive twist on the classic medieval dinner show
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Marriage Can Be Murder – Las Vegas’ longest-running interactive murder mystery dinner, filled with holiday hijinks and a three-course meal to die for
📍 Make It a New Tradition
Las Vegas during Christmas is full of sparkle, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cruising through Glittering Lights, watching Santa swim with stingrays, or sipping cocoa on the Strip, there’s no shortage of ways to feel merry and bright in the desert.
🎟️ Start with tickets to Glittering Lights and plan a season full of memory-making.
