While summers in Las Vegas can be sweltering and downright oppressive, the winters can be startlingly chilly.
Many first-time visitors don’t realize that low temperatures frequently dip into the 40’s and 30’s while high temperatures only reach the 50’s and 60’s.
Although the weather may not be the balmy oasis you desired, one thing is certain: There are plenty of unique things to do in Vegas during the winter, both indoors and out.
Las Vegas Winter Activities
Ice Skating at Fontainebleau: The newest resort on the Strip is taking a page out of Cosmopolitan’s book and transforming a portion of the pool deck into an ice rink.
The Oasis Ice Rink offers 8,000 square feet of ice spread over 2 rinks.
The cost to skate is $30 Monday-Thursday and $35 Friday-Sunday. That fee includes skates and unlimited rink access.
Bellagio Conservatory Holiday Display: While Bellagio’s conservatory is always a sight to see, the display assumes a holiday identity during the winter months.
Get into the Christmas spirit by walking through ornaments, lights, and thousands of flowers in addition to other seasonal design elements arranged in a way that is sure to exceed your expectations.
The Bellagio Conservatory’s holiday display usually debuts in early December.
Fountains of Bellagio: A can’t-miss free show, the always elegant fountains dance to classic holiday songs like Santa Baby, Carol of the Bells, and It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas in December and January.
See Also: A complete list of 90+ free things to do in Las Vegas.
The Park Transforms to a Winter Paradise: The pedestrian mall situated between New York New York and Park MGM is a must-visit in the winter. Featuring a 60-foot tall holiday tree decorated with 3,000 ornaments and over 13,000 lights.
Additionally, guests can walk through 16-foot tall “ornament tunnels” (pictured below), and even skate at The Park’s ice skating rink.
Walk Winter PARQ: The LINQ Promenade dresses up for the holidays annually and features a 35-foot Christmas tree, 2,000 synchronized lights, and live entertainment.
Mystic Falls Holiday Display: While not as high-profile as Bellagio’s Conservatory, Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town decorates its naturally lit indoor park for the holidays as part of its Winter Wonderland display.
In addition to one of the more impressive Christmas light displays, they also feature a holiday-inspired Sunset Stampede laser light show.
Santa even makes an appearance for the little ones at select times, which are communicated via Sam’s Town’s Facebook page.
Aria’s Winter Wonderland Display: A holiday display featuring a “Sugar Palace” and in addition to a 17-foot-tall Christmas Tree, Aria’s Winter Wonderland is made of gingerbread.
Wynn’s Winter Wonderland: Inspired by the novel Gulliver’s Travels, Wynn transforms their atrium into a whimsical winter village. There is nothing that Wynn does less than 100%, and this holiday attraction is no exception.
Free to the public, Wynn’s Winter Wonderland should be near the top of your winter to-do list in Vegas.
The Neon Museum: Open year-round, I can tell you (from personal experience) that the outdoor museum is more enjoyable in the cooler winter months.
The Neon Museum is a short Uber from Fremont Street and is home to over 250 signs that span the decades, some dating back to the 1930s.
The hotel lobby is the former La Concha Motel lobby, which was on the Strip. If you’re a vegas nerd, you’ll love this place!
The Old Mormon Fort: Another outdoor attraction made more tolerable by cooler temps, The Old Mormon Fort State Historic Park is a short ride from Fremont Street and costs just $3 to check out!
This was the first permanent, non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, established in 1855.
The experience starts inside a museum that tells the site’s history, then you’re released outdoors to check out the recreated fort.
It’s sincerely fascinating, and the Adobe building (pictured below) has been standing since the mid-1800s. It had myriad uses over the years, but the most interesting was as a concrete testing lab during the construction of the Hoover Dam.
Ethel M’s Cactus Garden: During the colder winter months of November through January, Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory invites guests to tour their 3-acre cactus garden, which they illuminate with over a million Christmas lights.
After you stroll through their festive holiday display, pop in for a chocolate factory tour.
Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark: Enchant is a winter wonderland that’s home to a holiday village complete with ice skating, games, dining, and holiday shopping opportunities. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause will also make appearances.
Enchant runs from November 21st – December 28th, and tickets can be purchased here.
Fremont Street Experience Holiday Tree: Attend the lighting ceremony for Fremont’s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, which typically occurs in early December. Even if you miss the initial ceremy, stop by to check it out!
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Drive through millions of Christmas lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of their enormous holiday display which starts on November 7th and runs through January 4th.
See Scuba Santa at Silverton: Typically, mermaids entertain the crowds in Silverton’s 117,000-gallon fish tank, but Santa commonly makes an appearance over the holidays. I’ll be sure to update with specific times & dates for Santa appearances once they’re made available by Silverton.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors: According to survey data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority, outdoor activities near Vegas like Death Valley, the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and the Grand Canyon rank among the most popular daytrips.
The winter months are a great time to visit these outdoor wonders to avoid the heat.
While you’ll need a Car, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just 20 minutes from the Strip and offers amazing hiking along the 13-mile scenic loop.
Red Rock Canyon is also affordable, at just $20 per carload.
Warm Up At The Container Park: The Praying Mantis at the Container Park puts on a show with fire as the main draw. The flames are warm enough to feel across the street!
Go Swimming: I put together a rundown of Las Vegas pools that stay open during the winter.
Atop the list is Circa’s Stadium Swim, which doubles as a sports viewing amphitheater is heated to 80+ degrees 365 days per year.
Access for non-guests costs $20 or more, depending on the day, and it’s worth it.
Hopefully, I was able to help you find a unique thing to do in Vegas this Winter! From ice skating to holiday displays, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
See Also: Buy the exact scents Las Vegas casinos use for your home! Here’s how.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Vegas123
Monday 9th of November 2020
The Bellagio holiday display is by far one of the best things to see in winter time in Vegas ;)