Christmas usually conjures up images of ice skating on frozen lakes, sipping hot drinks behind frosted cafe windows, and Santa Claus getting his reindeer safely through driving snowstorms to deliver gifts to the people of the world. Neon lights, the tinkling of slot machines, and a desert climate aren’t what you usually think of when Christmas comes to mind, but that doesn’t mean that Las Vegas can’t offer you a fun and festive December! These are all the best festive shows, experiences, and activities to have in Vegas this year.

1.  David Copperfield

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

Sun-Fri 7/9:30 pm

Sat 4/7/9:30 pm

Dark dates: Dec 5-14 2024

Embrace the magic of Christmas by checking out the magic of David Copperfield at his MGM Grand residency. The MGM Grand, one of the most famous hotels and casinos in Vegas (and the real-life counterpart to the online BetMGM Casino) is well-known for hosting only the best of the best, and world-renowned magician Copperfield is no exception. Touted as the greatest illusionist of our time, Copperfield has delighted and confounded audiences for decades. Let yourself believe in magic again this festive season.

2.  Enchant Christmas Village

Las Vegas BallPark

Opening Nov 2

Enchant Christmas has events all over the country and is known for creating the most ethereal and exciting light mazes in the US. Immerse yourself in festive cheer and the unique story of each event when you visit the Reindeer Games event at the Las Vegas BallPark. Reindeer Games takes you to the heart of the season through 80,000 square feet of incredible light sculpture as you search for the missing Christmas bells that allow Santa’s sleigh to become airborne.

3.  Winter Wonders of Vegas: A Festive Stroll

Las Vegas

Dec 1-Jan 8

Book yourself a private walking tour of the city that showcases every festive attraction Vegas has to offer. Explore the  Atrium at Palazzo, The Venetian, Wynn Las Vegas, and Fashion Show Las Vegas, all of which will be decked out in their holiday best. See Las Vegas like you’ve never seen it before this holiday season.

4.  The Nevada Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker

Reynolds Hall, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Dec 14-27

Watching The Nutcracker is already a Christmas tradition for many families, so why not embrace it while you’re visiting Vegas too? Nevada Ballet Company’s James Canfield has adapted this timeless classic flawlessly, and you’ll be mesmerized from the moment the curtain rises until it drops after the final bow. Allow yourself to be transported and amazed by this one-of-a-kind production on the Reynolds Hall stage. The grand sets, costumes, and performances come together to create a holiday experience you’ll never forget.

5.  Glittering Lights Las Vegas

Las Vegas Speedway

Fri Nov 8 – Sun, Jan 5

Hop in your car and head down to the drive-through holiday experience of the year. Glittering Lights has been bringing holiday joy to Nevada for decades now and the family-owned and operated festival is happening at the Las Vegas Speedway this year. Make your way through a tunnel of millions of glittering Christmas lights, including more than 500 animated displays. This event is family-friendly, offering something to amaze people of all ages. There’s the Santa Tram, if you feel like a ride, the Neon Forest, and the Tunnel of Love.

6.  Handel’s Messiah

Reynolds Hall, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Sat Nov 23, 7:30 pm.

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!” Christmas tidings in the form of Handel’s Messiah are another beloved holiday tradition. This incredibly powerful and moving show was first performed in 1742 for Easter rather than Christmas, but the festive season has embraced the event and made it into a quintessential holiday classic like no other. The oratorio tells the well-known story of Jesus’ life through choir songs and incredible classical tunes.

7.  A Christmas Carol

The Hafen Theater at Tuacahn

Nov 22-Dec 21

Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic will have even the most stubborn and cheerless people rejoicing in the joy of the season. This cautionary tale has been adapted in many ways over the hundreds of years since it was first written (including a Muppet version made for TV) but this version of the stage show is one of the best around. Join miserable miser Ebeneezer Scrooge as he is visited by three spirits that try to show him the error of his “Bah Humbug-gy” ways before it’s too late for a comeback.

8.  Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony

Pearl Concert Theater at The Palms

Dec 6, 8 pm

The world-renowned English Soprano is in Vegas for one night only, so make sure you get your tickets before they sell out! Brightman’s incredible vocal talents have amazed and delighted fans all over the world for decades and in many forms, but hearing her sing Christmas classics live is something truly special.

Cheers to the Festive Season

Even in the desert, Christmas is too much fun to be missed. Embrace the season and make your way to as many of these events as you possibly can. Make Christmas memories, because those are the gifts that keep on giving.