The holidays are here, and what better way to spread some cheer than by heading out on the town to enjoy the holiday season? Being born and raised in this beautiful city means knowing some of the best kid-friendly things to do during the holidays in Las Vegas without the unnecessary crowds unless they are worth it. If you’re looking to spend some time with family, head out on a date night, or explore what our city has to offer, check out these fun activities.
28th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights
Join in on the fun with this local favorite. Head to Ethel M Chocolates, grab a cup of one of the best hot chocolates and stroll through the 3-acre cactus garden with over a million lights twinkling as you make your way through.
Stop by Santa to snap a photo with him and tell him all of your holiday wishes and then pop back into their store to grab some chocolate goodies to-go.
This year you can book reservations online to reserve a time. In lieu of collecting toy and food donations this year, a $5 non-refundable donation will be required per group of 6 people when making a garden reservation. Donations will go to Three Square Food Bank and HELP of Southern Nevada.
Date: Nov. 5, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
Cost: $5 per group of 6, reservations recommended
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden Holiday
Each season, the enormously talented Horticulture and Engineering teams transform the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Garden into a showcase of inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors.
If you are looking for something fun (and FREE) to do with the family, this is a sight you don’t want to miss! After you finish sightseeing, head outside to watch the world-famous Bellagio Fountains and dance along to your favorite Christmas classics.
Date: Nov. 20, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022
Location: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cost: Free
30th Annual Magical Forest
The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, exciting rides, great food, and endless holiday cheer. Not only does this attraction bring pure joy for children (and adults alike), it also brings about so much good to our community.
Opportunity Village, which is a nonprofit organization that serves adults in the Southern Nevada community with intellectual and related disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them, put on the event yearly.
They have a forest of gorgeously decorated trees to walk through, a train ride, and lots of treats to indulge in. The Magical Forest is a festive, all-ages theme park right here in Las Vegas. It is an outdoor event, so be sure to dress warmly.
Date: Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022
Time: Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m.
Location: 6300 West Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Cost: Starts at $22/person, reservations required
Enchant Christmas Village
Experience the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze adventure as Enchant is set to arrive at the Las Vegas Ballpark this holiday season. This is a first for this new attraction. The Enchant adventure includes an Ice Skating Trail, a locally curated Christmas Market, an opportunity to meet Santa and a world of Christmas wonder awaits as you enter the custom-designed, 90,000 square foot light maze. You will be transported to a living storybook of larger-than-life, stunning light sculptures and decadent delights as snow falls gently all around you.
Date: Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022
Location: 1650 South Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Cost: Adults: $29, Children: $19
Glittering Lights
In years past, the formerly known “Gift of Lights” was a family tradition! It used to be held at Sunset Park, but they moved locations and rebranded the attraction.
Glittering Lights is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with this drive-thru attraction. If you love holiday lights, drive through approximately 2.5 miles of lights, millions and millions of twinkling lights, making for a great holiday experience for family and friends.
We recommend going to the bathroom before you head out as there can be a long wait and bathrooms are a little difficult to get to as you stay in your car the entire time. Also, bring your own hot chocolate and snacks for the car ride!
If you opt for riding the Santa Tram, pack a coat as it will be cold.
Date: Nov. 11, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022
Location: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cost: Starts at $20, up to $85
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade is scheduled to take place throughout the holiday season. Enjoy floats, snowflake princesses and princes, dancers, toy soldiers, nutcrackers, drummers, dancers, characters through the streets of Downtown Summerlin and festive music to put the entire family into the holiday spirit.
The event is free and open to the public and afterward, you can head to Rock Rink, an 8,000 square foot real-ice skating rink located near the Pavilion at
The Lawn right in Downtown Summerlin (advanced reservations required for ice skating).
Date: Nov. 20 – Dec. 18, 2021, Fridays & Saturdays
Time: Starts at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Park Centre Drive, 1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Cost: Free
The Ice Rink
This holiday season, The Cosmopolitan transforms the Boulevard Pool, once again, into The Ice Rink. Located high above the Strip, guests of all ages can enjoy skating on over 4,200 square feet of real ice, roasting s’mores by the fire pits, and warm cocktails are available for 21+.
The Ice Rink also features light snow showers which occur every 30 minutes on select nights starting at 7pm. Don’t forget your socks and gloves while you’re on the ice. They also have special events like date night and special VGK viewings on select days.
Date: Nov. 16, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022
Time: Hours vary
Location: 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cost: Non-locals: $30, Locals $20, Skate Aid: $15
Where will the holidays take you?
There are so many things to do during the holidays in Las Vegas, and I’ve only touched on a handful of my favorites, but it is a great start, especially if you are looking to try something new this year. What are your favorite things to do during the holidays in Las Vegas?
As you begin to enjoy the holiday season, we recommend booking reservations early to beat the crowds. The closer it gets to Thanksgiving and all the Holidays, the busier – especially when winter break begins for the kiddos.
Depending on your holiday adventure, don’t forget to bring some snacks, water, and a jacket with you.
For a complete list of holiday events and monthly happenings, check out NVMoms.com, the #1 Family Guide to Nevada, and tag us in your holiday fun on social media @southernnevadamoms.
Written by: Leanna Carson
Founder Nevada Moms
Leanna Carson is a serial entrepreneur for four thriving businesses – Change Media Co., The Carson Group, Change With Us, and Nevada Moms. She doesn’t want to miss the point when it comes to life, and you shouldn’t either! That’s why she founded Nevada Moms, and it has become the #1 Family Guide to Nevada experiences, activities, happenings, and more.