By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff

In the middle of November, Downtown Summerlin® commenced the holiday festivities with the grand arrival of Santa Claus, the much-anticipated return of the cherished Holiday Parade, and the unveiling of the Rock Rink outdoor skating extravaganza on Friday, November 17.

Running every Friday and Saturday evening at 6 p.m. from November 17 to December 16, Downtown Summerlin’s holiday parade is a mesmerizing and complimentary event that promises holiday cheer for all. The parade, which unfolds along Park Centre Drive, features lively holiday tunes, enchanting snowfall, graceful dancers, and, of course, the iconic Santa Claus.

Halee Harczynski, the senior marketing director at Downtown Summerlin, expressed the joy of bringing back beloved holiday traditions, stating, “There are so many festive events at the property — from the signature Holiday Parades, to visits with Santa, Rock Rink, The Giving Machine, Hanukkah and Lights for Flights, it’s a perfect place to celebrate all season long.”

The Santa Chalet, proudly presented by Tri Pointe Homes and situated in the Macy’s Promenade, welcomes visitors daily until December 24. Photo packages capturing the holiday spirit are available at $42.99. Santa offers special photo sessions for those with furry friends on Tuesdays from November 21 through December 19 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Additionally, visits with Santa catering to children with sensory conditions are available via reservation at Summerlin.com. At the Santa Chalet, children can drop off letters to Santa. For every letter received, Downtown Summerlin pledges to donate $1 to the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, which provides disadvantaged children with free shoes, socks, and other essential items.

Rock Rink, presented by Live Nation, provides a frosty adventure with skate rentals starting at $16, welcoming skaters of all ages. Operating hours vary, and appointments are recommended. Interested individuals can check the website for details. Simultaneously, Downtown Summerlin’s festive holiday train embarks on rides throughout the destination at $5 per person for both adults and kids. Both Rock Rink and the holiday train open their doors on November 10.

Collaborating with Jewish Nevada, Downtown Summerlin will host a special one-night Hanukkah celebration on December 13. The festivities will include the lighting of the Menorah, family skate night, entertainment, kids’ activities, and hot cocoa with light bites.

The Giving Machine, returning to Downtown Summerlin from mid-November to year-end, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to make holiday donations at a giant vending machine to support several local nonprofits and international charitable initiatives. This year’s local beneficiaries include The Just One Project, Opportunity Village, Communities In Schools Southern Nevada, Baby’s Bounty, and the Jewish Family Service Agency.

Lights for Flights, a delightful activation featuring seven giant lighted words spread throughout Downtown Summerlin — LOVE, JOY, HOPE, PEACE, SOAR, MIRACLE, and IYU — returns for another year to illuminate the holiday season. Sponsored to raise awareness and funds for Miracle Flights, a nonprofit providing free commercial flights to children in need of life-changing medical care not available in their local communities, these lighted signs serve as the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy holiday moments.

For those seeking more holiday enchantment, Las Vegas Ballpark invites visitors to experience Enchant, a whimsical and heartfelt Christmas light maze and village, returning for the season from November 24 to December 31. Details can be found at EnchantChristmas.com.

To discover more about Downtown Summerlin’s extensive lineup of holiday events, interested individuals can visit www.summerlin.com.

This article was originally published in the 2023 Holiday Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.