The holidays are BACK – once again sneaking up on us, but at the same time, something we are totally expecting. Before you get caught up in the mad rush of last-minute gifts, sending out holiday cards, and wholeheartedly trying to stuff that last bite of pie into your mouth, take a minute to enjoy some of the unique (hello cactus gardens and frozen pool ice rinks) and fun Las Vegas Holiday offerings.
Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden
Nov. 5 – Jan. 2, 2022, Lights Nightly from 5P.M. until 10P.M.
Reservations Required
We talked about Ethel M’s in both our Date Night and Wine Experiences posts and it is no surprise that they also have a unique Holiday experience!
In true Las Vegas style, you can stroll through a three-acre cactus garden that sports over a million lights! Santa, that elusive fellow (see more on the jolly guy below), will make a nightly appearance for photos and shenanigans through December 23rd. Also, because no visit to Ethel’s is complete without chocolate (no brainer?), you can also partake in some seriously amazing hot chocolate or purchase some delectable morsels for gifts.
As a bonus, a $5 non-refundable donation will be required per group of 6 people when making a garden reservation. The $5 fee will be donated to Three Square Food Bank and HELP of Southern Nevada.
Cosmopolitan Ice Rink
Nov. 16 – Dec. 17 | 4 – 11PM (Mon – Fri) | Noon – 11PM (Sat & Sun)
Nov. 25 & 26 | Noon – Midnight
Dec. 18, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022 | Noon – 11PM (daily)
Dec. 24 & 25 | Noon – Midnight
Reservations Required for The Chalet and Large Groups
Vegas is known for its warm temps and numerous ways to cool down (read we have a TON of pools), but what we aren’t known for – outdoor ice rinks. Well, until some brilliant engineers and marketing folks said, wait, what is we froze a pool? Voila! The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan was born!
Strap on those skates and glide (or cling to the edge and try your best – you got this!) across 4,200 square feet of “real ice” (it does seem a little too good to be true, no?). As an amazing bonus, this year the space boasts The Chalet a ski lodge vibe in the midst of the desert – featuring holiday cocktails and curated bites.
Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark
November 26 – January 2
Tickets Required
Enchant is what can be best described as an immersive experience – lights, mazes, ice skating, villages, and Santa. Phew! Guests are guided by The Great Search, a story about Santa’s reindeer getting lost and you guessed it, it is your job to find them (go save Christmas all!). You can glide through the display on an ice trail, partake in a stroll through the village, which features artisan vendors and an eatery, or go visit the man in the red suit (yes, Santa).
Festival of Lanterns at Cowabunga Bay
December 1 – 31
Tickets Required
Another twist on a holiday tradition, the Festival of Lanterns is a three-part series (from November through January), which includes the holiday season. 25 artisans painstakingly handmake, assemble and illuminate all the lanterns, which are displayed nightly, accompanied by carolers and of course, Santa! Unforgettable pictures are available, as well as some truly inspired holiday eats (chili cornbread waffle, anyone?) and cocktails (the best part!).
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Nov 26th, 2021-Jan 2nd
Tickets Required
The Magical Forest has it all. No, really. Aside from the guy in the red suit (pictures available), there is a 50-foot slide, carousel, food trucks, passenger train, gift shops, carnival games, and wait for it … mini golf. Something for everyone! This is the 30th season for The Magical Forest, so these folks know how to celebrate. Even better? Every dollar spent goes to help people with disabilities!
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Speedway
December 16 – January 1
4:45pm – 10:00pm
Tickets Required (one ticket per car)
Looking for something where you can maybe sit in your car and not have to worry about wrangling the kids? Queue Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Speedway! Here you will find (from the comfort of the driver’s seat), the largest holiday drive-through light show in Nevada (we do love the lights!). Take a spin through the 2.5-mile course in your automobile or hop on the Santa Tram to skip the line and experience the glow in an open-air tram.
WinterFest (Henderson)
December 2 – 30
Tickets/Reservations Vary by Event
Henderson has got it going on! All throughout December you can find a variety of activities at WinterFest. The festivities kick off with the tree-lighting ceremony and go on to include a concert series, food and drink specials on Water Street, a kid’s night out, a cookie crawl (YES! Who’s with me?!), a movie night, an ornament walk, and of course, you guessed it, pictures with Santa.
Visit Santa
Speaking of the big guy in the red suit, want to know where else you can find him in Las Vegas this holiday season? Check out this definitive, amazing list curated by Vegas Family Guide for all the places to visit The Man with the Bag (’cause Christmas is here again!!)
