Las Vegas was recently named the #1 city for fun by Wallet Hub, no surprise right?! And…for the holidays it’s no different; the fun ramps up even more! Today I’m sharing the a local’s guide : The top 10 things to do in Las Vegas at Christmastime.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

The District at Green Valley Ranch is hands down one of my favorite places in the area for shopping, dining and entertainment. Located in Henderson just off the 215 Highway, it’s a favorite with locals and tourists alike. It’s a classy gather place to meet friends for coffee or have fun at Green Valley Casino Resort.

LIVE, SHOP & DINE ! I meet my coffee buddies here a few times weekly. It’s a very lovely and beautiful gathering place, and offers something for everyone. The District at Green Valley Ranch boasts the ultimate shopping experience. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of specialty retailers and restaurants.

After your done your holiday shopping, a tour at the Hoover Dam awaits you! The drive from Henderson to the dam is short. You will be in awe of the history and views of the Hoover Dam.

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Every season, the talented team at the Bellagio Hotel transform the 14,000 sq ft Botanical Garden into a visual explosion of colorful wonders. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter are all represented—and a special display for Lunar New Year.

The brilliant displays change every 3 months with the start of a new season. The plants and living materials are repurposed as much as possible when changing out the designs. You will experience nature at it’s best in this breathtaking display of flowers, trees and plants. Most of the materials used are living organisms, with very few man made materials used.

After visiting the conservatory, why not see a fabulous show like Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio? The holidays are a perfect time to enjoy the amazing entertainment offered on the Las Vegas Strip.

Ethel M. Chocolates Cactus Garden Lights

The Ethel M. Chocolate factory gardens come alive with lights, Santa Clause, chocolate and more! We ventured out on brisk Nevada evening to celebrate the season at this stunning desert display of lights.

Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee while you explore the massive garden of cacti decked out in every color of the rainbow. The weather has cooled down considerably, and will have you in holiday mode right quick!

The garden boasts over 1 million lights, unbelievable! When you’re done touring the cactus garden, head inside to get a sample of creamy chocolate and shop for sweet holiday treats. The entrance fee to the gardens is very reasonable. Online reservations are required.

The Forum Shops at Ceasers Palace

Ceasers Palace is where you can shop til you drop! The Forum Shops located at the Casino Hotel are upscale designer boutiques. No worries, there are more shops to accommodate the shopper who is on budget and doesn’t want to empty their bank account in one stop.

On display in the first floor lobby is another huge tree with stunning architecture for a backdrop.
The Forum Shops at Caesars are recognized as offering a premiere combination of luxury retail, central strip location, entertainment and ambient surroundings.

The Linq Promenade

On display here is one of the hugest Christmas trees I’ve ever seen, ha! Enjoy a bite to eat at In n Out Burger while enjoying the holiday vibes of the Linq Promenade. It’s a hidden gem off the strip. Here you will find lotsa goodies to gift your loved ones for the holidays, good eats and amazing experiences!

Candy Cane House Henderson

The Candy Cane house in Henderson features more than 49 trees and 18.000 lights, each with a different theme. Every room inside, is decorated to match the lights. The organizer, Victor Cardenas was inspired to decorate the house as way to give back to the community. He is a cancer survivor and wants to help support local charities .

No entry fee is required. However Cardenas asks for monetary donations or hygiene products to benefit
Hopelink of Southern Nevada. Hopelink is a nonprofit that helps with transitional services for those with low income and experiencing homelessness.

Glittering Lights at LV Motor Speedway

Glittering Lights is Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show with millions of lights along a 2.5-mile drive. This is a MUST SEE holiday tradition to experience with family and friends. Glittering Lights will twinkle in your heart for years to come, with warm holiday memories.

CNN Travel lists it as one of the “BEST PLACES TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE US” and is lauded as one of the “10 BEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN LAS VEGAS” by USA Today. Glittering Lights is excited to share some new additions for the 2021 season.

Cosmopolitan Hotel Skating Rink

Every Christmas season, the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan transforms into a winter wonderland on the rooftop. At the rink, you can glide on 4,200 square feet of real ice, roast s’mores by the fire and enjoy the best in seasonal food and beverages. Get lost in a magical, park-like atmosphere with the glittering lights of Las Vegas for a back drop.

The Ice Rink is named: USA Today’s 10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America New at the rink this year: The Chalet, a fun winter experience like no other on the Las Vegas Strip. Enjoy the best of the season at this reimagined mountaintop escape featuring holiday décor, comfy seating and a toasty firepit.

Reservations are required to skate, and enjoy the chalet or firepit. There is no charge to go in and look around.

Resorts World

The newest casino on the strip is Resorts World. It opened this past June and has been a huge hit with tourists and locals. To celebrate it’s first holiday season, the resort has been transformed into a mega winter wonderland!

If you are in Las Vegas for the holidays, this is the spot to get amazing photos! The 50-foot LED Globe located in the center of The District is epic for snagging your snaps for instagram. The larger-than-life snow globe features captivating digital scenes for the season.

Not to be missed: the famous food street featuring a mecca of Asian cuisine along with options for fried chicken, barbeque and the like! Resorts World is not far from Downtown Las Vegas; where you can take a fun walking tour of pop culture.amFoods Street Eats offers 16 food stalls spanning dumplings and lechon to fried chicken and barbecue.

Miracle at Spring Mountain

What is Miracle at Spring Mountain ? It’s a Vegas Pop Up Holiday Cocktail Bar; with one- of- a- kind Christmas themed drinks at Sand Dollar Lounge . Starting the week of Thanksgiving through-Dec.31st; themed holiday nights are planned .

This coming Monday December 13 is Grinch Night, so if you are a big grouch; be sure to show up for your festive beverage! Hours are 3pm-4am daily, and no reservations required.

Sam’s Town Casino & Mystic Falls

Sam’s Town is my favorite Off the Strip Casino. Sam’s is located 15 min east of the Las Vegas strip on Boulder Highway. An exciting and fun experience awaits you! The vibe is family friendly and offers entertainment for all ages. A bowling alley, theater, bingo hall, pool, and hotel offer a perfect weekend getaway.

Capture a magical experience at the laser light show in center court at “Mystic Falls Park”. Free hourly shows happen daily between 4 and 10 p.m. This beautiful water and light display happens, all year long minus the holiday theme and colors.