By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff

Winter is a magical time to visit Las Vegas. With the city brimming with seasonal attractions and a festive atmosphere, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday season. From dazzling light displays to nearby winter excursions, here’s a curated list of the top activities and events to make your Las Vegas winter experience unforgettable.

Enchant Reindeer Games

Step into a holiday fantasy at Enchant Christmas, home to the world’s largest Christmas light maze. Located within 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures, the Reindeer Games experience takes you on a journey to help Santa’s reindeer recover missing bells for Santa’s sleigh. Complete with an ice skating trail, seasonal treats, and a Ferris wheel for an aerial view of the lights, Enchant Christmas brings a captivating story to life through immersive displays and a holiday market filled with charm.

Holiday Magic at the LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, decked with larger-than-life decorations, festive music, and holiday carolers. Hop on the 550-foot High Roller Observation Wheel to enjoy unparalleled views of the Vegas Strip, or catch a holiday magic show for an extra dose of seasonal cheer.

REAL BODIES at Horseshoe Las Vegas

This thought-provoking exhibit explores the wonders of human anatomy through preserved real bodies. With over 20 bodies displayed across 11 galleries, REAL BODIES dives deep into the emotional and cultural significance of the human form, creating an educational experience that examines life’s interconnected rhythms.

Day Trips to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon

A visit to the Hoover Dam, one of America’s engineering marvels, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and technology behind the “greatest dam ever built.” For a more scenic outing, embark on a day tour of the Grand Canyon. The contrast of white snow against the sunlit canyon walls creates an awe-inspiring winter panorama, with views that you can enjoy along the South Rim or take to new heights on the West Rim’s glass-bottom Skywalk.
Stratosphere Observation Deck and Thrill Rides

For panoramic views and adrenaline-pumping experiences, head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. At 1,149 feet above ground, the tower offers 360-degree views and thrilling rides like The Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity, each guaranteed to elevate your Las Vegas adventure.

Gene Woods Racing Experience and Richard Petty Ride-Along

Speed enthusiasts can channel their inner racer at the Gene Woods Racing Experience or opt for a high-speed passenger seat ride with a professional at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Both experiences promise a thrill-packed day on the track.

Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan’s rooftop ice rink is a winter favorite overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. After gliding across the ice, warm up by a fire with s’mores and seasonal treats, making this ice skating experience a quintessential holiday activity in Vegas.

Outdoor Fun at Lee Canyon and Mount Charleston

Just an hour from Las Vegas, Lee Canyon offers winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while Mount Charleston provides additional sledding and snow-covered trails for winter hiking. These areas make for a refreshing, snowy escape from the city.

Explore the Mob Museum

Las Vegas’ Mob Museum dives into the city’s infamous past with immersive exhibits detailing the history of organized crime in America. Artifacts and stories bring to life the origins of Sin City’s dark underbelly, making for a fascinating journey into Las Vegas’ mobster roots.

Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio’s Conservatory transforms into a festive display of polar bears, lush plants, and enchanting decorations that celebrate the winter season. Outside, the famous Bellagio Fountains put on a dazzling show, choreographed to holiday tunes that add an extra sparkle to your visit.

Shopping in Las Vegas

Vegas is a shopping paradise any time of year, and winter is no exception. The city offers plenty of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to holiday bargains at outlet malls. For a unique retail experience, check out the Downtown Container Park, a shopping and dining hub made entirely of shipping containers.

Take a Food Tour

Las Vegas’ food scene is a blend of global flavors and cutting-edge culinary experiences. Many food tours abound to take you on a tasting journey through the city’s top restaurants, providing a backstage look at the culinary world while sampling an array of delicious bites.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Ring in the New Year in style as Vegas lights up with spectacular fireworks launched from various hotels along the Strip. Many hotels host exclusive New Year’s Eve parties with live entertainment and festive decorations that transform Las Vegas Boulevard into a party zone like no other.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is located in nearby Henderson and offers a holiday treat with its cactus garden adorned in over a million lights. Stroll through this unique holiday garden while enjoying gourmet hot cocoa or indulging in Ethel M’s handcrafted chocolates.

Valley of Fire and Death Valley Excursions

Just outside of Vegas, the Valley of Fire and Death Valley offer incredible winter hiking opportunities. Cooler temperatures make this the ideal season for exploring these iconic desert landscapes. Take in the Valley of Fire’s vibrant red rock formations or marvel at Death Valley’s salt flats and panoramic views under pleasant winter skies.

Circus Circus Free Entertainment

A favorite for families, Circus Circus offers free circus performances featuring jugglers, acrobats, and other awe-inspiring acts. The show is perfect for visitors of all ages and is a great way to enjoy some Vegas entertainment on a budget.

Cozy Up in Luxury Hotels

New and classic Las Vegas hotels elevate the winter stay experience. The Fontainebleau, Circa, and Red Rock Hotel and Spa offer luxurious amenities, heated pools, and winter-friendly activities. For those looking to stay central to the action, the Cosmopolitan provides fire pits and cozy seating for a warm evening right on the Strip.

Las Vegas in winter transforms into a festive playground, combining holiday magic with the city’s iconic glitz and glamour. Whether you’re drawn to seasonal lights, exhilarating adventures, or cozy winter activities, there’s something for everyone. Bundle up and immerse yourself in a winter experience that only Las Vegas can deliver.

This article was originally published in the 2024 Winter Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.