How to Celebrate the Holidays in Las Vegas in Style
As Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve approach, why not pull out all the stops and celebrate the holidays in style in Vegas? The twinkling lights of the city and holiday events will make this holiday season one to remember. From ice skating to a wonderland of lights, spending the holidays in Las Vegas might be one of the most magical ways to celebrate. See some of our favorite holiday activities below!
12 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Las Vegas
Celebrate Drinksgiving
Thanksgiving has made a name for itself as one of the best holidays for drinking. So why not celebrate Drinksgiving? Kick it off at the Fremont Experience Drinksgiving bar crawl and blackout party. Flo Rida will host the epic party with great music and a legendary bar crawl taking place down the Fremont Street Experience where the attire is: onesies. Once you’re done with the bar crawl, make your way to the Drinksgiving afterparty at BarCanada® at the D and Overhang Bar at Circa Las Vegas to keep the party going.
Go on a Holiday Bar Crawl
If you’re not in town for Drinksgiving, or just want a second round, make plans for a holiday bar crawl around Downtown Las Vegas. You’ll be dashing through some of the best bars in the area, including Legacy Club, Vegas Vickies, MEGA BAR, BarCanada, and One Bar. Running through the end of the year, this holiday bar crawl is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with seasonal cocktails. Make it extra festive by wearing your favorite holiday sweater – (fake) bonus points if it’s the ugliest one you can find.
Dress Up for an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Keep that ugly holiday sweater on hand and come to one of the best holiday parties in Vegas, the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at Legacy Club on December 16. Actual real bonus points for the ugliest sweater here, as you’ll be competing against other attendees for a chance to win the grand prize. Will you jingle all the way to the big win? Whether you do or not, you’ll have an incredible time with seasonal cocktails, holiday cookies, live music, and beautiful views of Las Vegas atop the 60th floor of Circa Las Vegas.
Enjoy a Chef-Prepared Holiday Meal
If you’re missing a home cooked meal when celebrating the holidays in Las Vegas, you’re in luck. Though it probably won’t be the same as your family’s recipes, Vegas is a culinary hub and offers a range of restaurants to choose from for your holiday meal. If you’re looking for a more traditional holiday dinner, try Barry’s Downtown Prime for some cozy vibes, delicious steaks, and a cocktail and wine list that’ll warm you up. If your holiday plans call for something more casual, try 8 East for some Asian fusion.
Either way, you can avoid doing all the cooking and cleanup by letting a chef take care of it for you! And don’t forget to cap off your stress-free holiday meal at Legacy Club rooftop bar, where you can cozy up next to a fire pit while watching the twinkling lights of Vegas below.
Dive Into Some Holiday Cheer
Swimming? In winter? While lounging by the pool around the holidays might seem like something only reserved for a tropical getaway, dreams become reality at Stadium Swim®. With heated pools warmed to perfection, this space is the perfect place to lounge during this season – especially with the winter pool spin Circa Las Vegas is putting on. Stop by to cozy up in plush robes in a heated cabana, take a dip in one of the heated pools, enjoy a holiday cocktail (or shotskis), and brag to your friends that you get to be at a pool in winter.
Bet on Your Team Being Naughty or Nice
The holidays have always been a great time to watch sports at home. But have you ever caught your holiday games in the biggest sportsbook in the world? The sports betting wonderland at Circa Sports allows you to celebrate the holidays, place your bets, and hope your team ends up on the “nice” list and wins. Especially after holiday shopping, winning some extra money certainly doesn’t hurt. You can also do some of that betting at Stadium Swim, making for an even better sports viewing experience.
Finish Your Holiday Shopping
Las Vegas is filled with shops that can help you get all your holiday shopping needs completed – whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else. From luxury shopping at stores like Louis Vuitton and Chanel at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to finding some great discounts at the outdoor North and South Las Vegas Premium Outlets or the Prizm Outlets. You’ll also find some great options at Circa Collections. If you want more of a local vibe to support small business, the Downtown Container Park is a great place to shop and hang out.
Feel the Cheer at the Bellagio
From mid-November to the start of January, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden will show off their seasonal winter/holiday display. Walk through 14,000 square feet of impressive floral design meant to transport you to a winter wonderland right in the middle of the Nevada desert. Previous years have included giant gingerbread houses, nutcrackers, snow globes, and arctic creatures. No matter the design, the conservatory and botanical garden never fail to dazzle.
Bundle Up at the Ice Rink
Ice skating might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Vegas, but it is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll have this holiday season. Set atop the Cosmopolitan overlooking the Strip, you’ll have a view like no other as you skate around 4,200 square feet of real ice. Be sure to pack some warm clothes for this wintery activity! If you need something more to hold with the cold, The Ice Rink will help keep you warm with s’mores, hot chocolate, and other holiday treats. Or, you can book your own fire pit to stay cozy.
Drive Through Twinkling Lights
For this Las Vegas holiday attraction, you don’t even need to get out of the car! During the holiday, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway transforms into Glittering Lights Las Vegas – a dazzling wonderland of lights that you can experience from the warmth of your car. With over 20 years of spreading holiday cheer through their display of festive scenes that feature Vegas flair, Glittering Lights has perfected the holiday light experience. Put on your favorite ugly holiday sweater, grab a hot chocolate, jump in the car, and blast some jolly tunes as you drive through!
Look for Santa in the Sky
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Las Vegas, one of the best things about the city is being surrounded by beautiful nature. And we hear that the night sky in the desert is perfect for looking at the stars and being on Santa watch. Take a break from the city for a night to get some fresh air on one of the many hikes near Las Vegas – just be sure to bundle up and pack appropriate hiking gear so you can avoid needing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer to come rescue you!
Wave Goodbye to 2022
Finally, one of the best times to celebrate the holidays in Vegas is by coming to town for New Year’s Eve, especially in Downtown Las Vegas. On December 30-31, the DLVEC is hosting the epic JACKPOT NYE music festival with headliners like DEADMAU5. The Fremont Street Experience will also be hosting the Time of Your Life Festival in addition to having some beautiful fireworks from the Plaza Hotel. One of the best spots to catch the fireworks is at Legacy Club’s 2023 New Year’s Eve party, featuring an open bar with specialty cocktails, lavish passed hors d’oeuvres from Barry’s Downtown Prime and a midnight champagne toast. Or, celebrate the end of the year with a VIP NYE experience at Project BBQ surrounded by the Fremont Street Experience energy!
Spending the holidays in Las Vegas is an experience everyone should experience at least once in their life. Book your room at Circa Resort to spend some of your holidays at the best spot in town and have the time of your life. In your room, you’ll have some of the best views of Las Vegas, along with a stylish and comfortable space to rest off that holiday meal food coma or relax the morning after celebrating!
