4 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Vegas
Spending the holidays away from home can be a great escape from the somewhat hectic nature of the holidays. If you’re looking for the ultimate Thanksgiving destination, Las Vegas has everything you need to have a holiday that is delicious, fun, and relaxing. Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26 in 2026, so there’s still time to plan. Read on for four reasons why you should spend Thanksgiving in Las Vegas for a holiday that will make memories that last you a lifetime.
The Food
Of course, the number one reason to spend Thanksgiving anywhere is the food. Having a large, home-cooked family meal might be the traditional way to approach the holiday, but a Las Vegas Thanksgiving lets you have some more fun with it. There are restaurants offering full Thanksgiving meals with your classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie that will rival your mom’s cooking, but without any of the effort. Or, you can try something out of the box like going to an Asian restaurant or even enjoying a gourmet deli sandwich. There are no food rules in Vegas! Turkey isn’t necessary for a meal of gratitude and being with loved ones!
If you want a traditional Thanksgiving meal with a touch of elegance, make a reservation at Barry’s Downtown Prime.
A classic organic turkey dinner and a roasted prime rib option anchor the holiday menu, served alongside dishes like traditional stuffing, George Maloof creamed corn, and green bean casserole, and you’re sure to have a hearty Thanksgiving meal when it’s paired with something from the extensive wine list. The regular menu will also be available, too, in case you’re also craving a chilled seafood platter.
Not looking to go out, and just want to eat at home or in your hotel room? Barry’s still has you covered! Chef Barry and his team prepare gourmet to-go meals and bring them right out to your vehicle, with a half organic turkey that serves two to four or a whole bird that serves five to eight. Each one comes with the full spread of sides: traditional stuffing, glazed carrots, creamed corn, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy. We know Thanksgiving is about indulging, so why not add on prime rib, F-ing Chocolate Cake, banana cream pie, or pumpkin cheesecake, too? Pick-up slots and order windows fill up, so reserve early.
Some people end their meals with a slice of pie, but we’re big supporters of the liquid form of dessert. Once you’re done with your Las Vegas Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to grab a drink to round out the night. Legacy Club’s rooftop bar offers beautiful views of the city, which we’re very grateful for! You might be full from your meal, but trust us, a drink with this view while cozied up around the fire pit will be worth it.
The Activities
When spending Thanksgiving at home, the main activities typically tend to be 1) seeing family, 2) cooking, and 3) eating. Sprinkle in some football and parade watching, and you basically have the whole holiday covered. In Las Vegas, it’s a bit different. From shows to casinos, the list of Las Vegas Thanksgiving events and activities is nearly endless. Watch Thanksgiving football at the Circa Sports sportsbook or Stadium Swim®, make friends on Fremont Street while catching some free entertainment, or dance off some turkey at a club.
If you’re more the natural type, Nevada has a lot to offer. Enjoy the crisp air while going on a hike in Red Rock Canyon or while kayaking around Lake Mead. And just because we’re in the desert doesn’t mean we don’t have some beautiful fall foliage. Make a little day trip to Mt. Charleston to see some beautiful fall colors and explore the trails. Pack some appropriate clothes for these activities as they can sometimes get a bit chilly.
The night before Thanksgiving shouldn’t be ignored, either. Given the name of “Drinksgiving,” this pre-holiday is dedicated to having the night of your life before feeling too full to move on Thursday. Downtown is the place to be for it. The Fremont Street Experience keeps free live music going across its stages, and the best bars in the neighborhood sit within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Start at MEGA BAR inside Circa, cross the street to Bar Prohibition! at Golden Gate, then finish the night at BarCanada inside the D. Just pace yourself, because Thursday is a big eating day.
Black Friday shopping is another important Las Vegas Thanksgiving activity. Once your food has digested and you’re well rested from all the excitement, Vegas offers several places to score some Black Friday shopping deals. From premium shops to outlet malls, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list – including yourself. Make sure you leave extra room in your suitcase!
The Weather
While many places are starting to feel the cold fronts move in, the cool weather in Vegas is mild compared to the majority of the country. With an average high of 70 degrees and a low of 35 degrees in November, Thanksgiving in Las Vegas brings mild and welcome fall weather. Lower temperatures make it easier to explore the city and the surrounding areas without having to seek protection from the hot Vegas summer heat.
Trade in your snow boots and heavy coats for some lighter jackets and, yes, even your swimsuits. At Stadium Swim, the pools are heated year-round, meaning Las Vegas pool parties don’t have to stop in the fall or winter when temperatures start to drop. The Winter Swim program kicks off in November, where you can cozy up in a plush robe and lounge in a heated cabana while sipping on seasonal cocktails. If you’ve ever dreamed about watching Thanksgiving football on a 143-foot screen while lounging in the pool, Stadium Swim can turn those dreams into reality.
The Rest and Relaxation
Let’s face it, the holidays are a joyous time of year, but they can also be the most stressful. Trying to align schedules for holiday dinners, prepping giant meals, recovering from said meals while getting ready for another event – it can all be a lot! When you travel for the holidays, you’re giving yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays at home. Less pressure on you means more of an opportunity to rest, relax, and actually enjoy Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling with a partner or a small group, this also allows you to have more quality time together where nobody is caught up in Thanksgiving planning.
The goal of your Las Vegas Thanksgiving trip should be to enjoy yourself. Simply eat a delicious meal that a chef has cooked for you, have a holiday drink a bartender has carefully crafted, catch some Thanksgiving football by lounging by the pool, and enjoy any activities that interest you during our beautiful fall weather. To get even more out of the holiday, be sure to book a room at Circa Las Vegas where you’ll be able to sleep off that food coma in both style and comfort.
