The Entertainment Capital of the World might not be thought of as a holiday destination – home comes to mind first – but there are many options to get in the season’s spirit in Las Vegas
NBT’s “The Nutcracker” at The Smith Center
Beautiful music, choreography, costumes and staging – a Christmas classic. Dec. 14-27. NevadaBallet.org + TheSmithCenter.com
“Tournament of Kings ’Twas the Knight” at Excalibur
You get to eat with your hands! Does it get any better? Nov. 27-Dec. 25. Excalibur.MGMResorts.com
Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark
One of the best family-friendly outdoor Christmas attractions in Las Vegas. Nov. 27-Dec. 29. EnchantChristmas.com + TheLVBallpark.com
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” at Area15
It’s an interactive Jack Skellington and Sally – with themed cocktails – for this Tim Burton classic. Nov. 27-Dec. 27. Area15.com
Barry Manilow’s Christmas at Westgate
Fanilows rejoice as Manilow is at the Westgate … the Westgate in Las Vegas (to the tune of “Copacabana”). Select dates Dec. 5-14. WestgateResorts.com
Derek Hough at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Derek Hough’s “Dance for the Holidays” is the popular “DWTS” star onstage. Dec. 20. FontainebleauLasVegas.com
“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Two of the most beloved drag queens in the world celebrate the holidays. Hooray! Dec. 15. VirginHotelsLV.com
Terry Fator’s “A Very Terry Christmas” at The Strat
If you love “America’s Got Talent” champion Terry Fator, you’ll love his Christmas show. Nov. 29-Dec. 24. TheStrat.com + TerryFator.com
A Christmas Parlor at Flanker
Festive décor, bites and cocktails and nods to “A Christmas Story” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” #LovesIt No end date listed. FlankerLV.com
Bad Elf at Silverton
Charcuterie in a martini glass, s’mores Old Fashioneds, bowling in an Airstream trailer and delicious cookies. Sold! Nov. 21-Dec. 29. SilvertonCasino.com
The Jingle Bar at Foundation Room
Holiday cocktails and festive cheer on the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay. Christmas with a view. Dec. 1-29. HouseofBlues.com
Natividad Azul at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The holidays take over the intimate bar Azul with live DJ music. No end date listed. FontainebleauLasVegas.com
Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland at Sam’s Town
It’s a night out for a laser show, snow and dinner at the adjacent The Angry Butcher. Nov. 27-Jan. 1. SamsTownLV.BoydGaming.com
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
A magnificent and free attraction that changes for the seasons and holidays. Dec. 2-Jan. 7. Bellagio.MGMResorts.com
Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest
The family-friendly Christmas attraction at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. is truly magical. Nov. 29-Dec. 31. OpportunityVillage.org
Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden Lights in Henderson
The family-friendly and free Christmas attraction is a local tradition. Bonus: The chocolate factory! Nov. 1-Jan. 4. EthelM.com
The Sand Dollar’s Miracle on Spring Mountain + Sippin’ Santa on Main at The Plaza Hotel
A local tradition: Charming over-the-top Christmas decorations, cocktails and pizza. Through Dec. 31. MiracleonSpringMountain.com, SippinSantaonMain.com + TheSandDollarLV.com
Also: Check out ice rinks at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (headliner Chelsea Handler performed the Christmas tree lighting this season) and Fontainebleau Las Vegas (headliner Thomas Rhett officiated the Christmas tree lighting at the first Ice Rink this season), holiday decorations and events at Tivoli Village and Red Rock Resort in Summerlin and Green Valley Resort in Henderson and many other holiday attractions at businesses, bars and lounges on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.
Happy Holidays!
