10+ Things to Do in Las Vegas in Winter

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! We’ve put together a list of our favorite events and activities going on in the city and the surrounding areas in the winter. This way, you can make the most of your trip over the festive season. From seasonal attractions to day trips worth checking out, you'll have no problem keeping busy. Check out our list of some of the best holiday activities, attractions, and things to do in Las Vegas in the Winter.

Holiday Magic at the LINQ Promenade

Image credit: The LINQ Facebook page

See the LINQ Promenade transformed for the holiday season. There will be a plethora of magnificent Christmas decorations (and you just know they’ll be larger-than-life – like everything in Vegas), plus carolers and festive music. You can also be blown away by a holiday magic show and holiday carolers, on select dates and times.

It is also super fun to view the lights from above with a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel! Get 30-minutes of Las Vegas views from the world's tallest observation wheel (taller than the London Eye!) at 550-feet above ground. You'll be able to see the Strip, downtown, iconic landmarks, and much more.

REAL BODIES at Bally's

Examine the human anatomy and get up close to over 20 real human bodies that have been dissected, preserved, and displayed in thought-provoking and educational ways at Real Bodies at Bally’s Las Vegas. This exhibit examines the deeper meaning of life through 11 galleries that explore the inner workings of the human body; from the literal meaning of what it means to be alive, to the emotional and cultural associations derived from the way the body works.

These breathtaking exhibitions reveal the synergy between breathing, hunger, the rhythm of the heart, love, motion, thought, and medicine that makes each person unique.

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour

Truly one of the best and most fun ways to get around Las Vegas and explore the sights of the Strip while learning about all things Las Vegas is on the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus.

Your entertaining tour guides who brim with knowledge will point out highlights on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown, including the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign, the Golden Nugget hotel and casino at the Fremont Street entertainment destination, Miracle Mile, the malls, museums, monuments, and more.

Check out our guide for more info on one of the best ways to get around while in Vegas.

Tour the Hoover Dam

Check out the Hoover Dam, the number one sightseeing attraction people visiting Las Vegas go to see. Nearly 1,000,000 people tour the dam every year. You'll see why this engineering marvel, is often referred to as the "greatest dam ever built."

Along the way, your guides will provide narration that is both entertaining and informative and then you'll have a couple of hours to explore at your own pace and walk across the dam to the Arizona side, check out locally crafted works of art, see the information video in the theater, exhibition halls, power plant, observation deck, and visitor's center.

Insider tip: Walk the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best views of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.

Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

Get away from the Las Vegas strip and go on a full-day guided bus tour to the west or south rim of the Grand Canyon. You'll see a ton of sights along the way, including the Hoover Dam, the Bypass Bridge, Lake Mead, the bighorn sheep habitat, Black Canyon, and the 900-year-old Joshua Tree Forest, as well as the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon!

You'll get a chance to explore the rustic wilderness of the area and walk along the rim, drink in the epic views and get that perfect panoramic snapshot.

Stratosphere Observation Deck

Get the best views of Las Vegas from the iconic Stratosphere Observation Deck, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. At 1,149 feet above the ground, you'll get unbelievable 360-degree views of the Strip, downtown, and beyond.

For an adrenaline rush, test your fear of heights on the thrill rides at the top of the tower-- be shot 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour on The Big Shot; ride the X Scream - a giant teeter-totter 866 feet above the ground; and Insanity - a massive mechanical arm extending out the edge of the Stratosphere Tower at over 866 feet spinning you at speeds of up to three 'G's!

Check out the Mob Museum

Did you know that Las Vegas was essentially built by notorious mobsters like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, and Meyer Lansky? Truly immerse in the city’s criminal history at the Mob Museum, as real stories are brought to life with engaging, multi-sensory exhibits and hundreds of artifacts.

The history of Sin City is full of jaw-dropping, sinister facts and folklore and nobody tells it better than The Mob Museum.

Gene Woods Racing Experience

Get behind the wheel of a super-fast kart. Enjoy a day full of high-octane, excitement, and competition on the tracks at the Gene Woods Racing Experience. You'll learn everything you need to know about maneuvering the tracks safely at top speeds, including tips for edging out the competition like a pro.

Then, you can take your turn battling it out side-by-side with family and friends over 15-18 laps on a challenging half-mile track. Lucky visitors might even get the chance to meet three-time champion, racing legend Gene Woods himself. He's often spotted at the tracks most days giving tips and telling stories about his experiences behind the wheel.

Richard Petty Driving Experience: Ride-Along

Prefer to leave the high-speed racing to the pros? Gear up for a front seat ride around three expertly handled race track laps from the safety of the passenger seat and embark on a thrill-ride alongside a professional driving instructor at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. You’ll ride shotgun and reach extreme speeds of up to 165 mph in a 600 horsepower, 2-seat NASCAR race car.

Go Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan

The Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan turns into The Ice Rink where visitors can partake in the most quintessential of seasonal activities--ice skating! After you take a spin on the rink, you can enjoy relaxing by a fireplace while getting refreshments - a truly a delightful, festive experience where you can enjoy the magic of winter in the middle of the desert.

What's more, they even create light snow showers every 30 minutes during select times!

Insider tip: Try one of the yummy s'more-flavored martinis available after you skate and check online for information about skate rentals and reserving a fire pit.

Enjoy the Winter Outdoors at Lee Canyon

It's hard to believe that just one hour from downtown Las Vegas there's real snow. Head to Lee Canyon for lots of winter fun, including skiing, snowboarding, lessons, tubing, and more. Go for the skiing, stay awhile for the aprés ski....! Not an expert skier? No worries! Perfect your skills with a local coach or just get some pointers on your technique. Lee Canyon provides the fun for every level of ability.

Check Out Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park is a new urban concept in Las Vegas that features lots of shops, restaurants, and hosts a variety of fun regular and seasonal events each week, including a family-friendly silent disco, jazz sessions, and art shows and entertainment every second Sunday of the month. Check their events calendar in advance to see what's going on.

Go Shopping

There's no shortage of shops to choose from in Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for high-end boutiques, souvenir shops for the kids, or more affordable alternatives, be sure to check out our list of top places to shop in Las Vegas. Where better to shop ‘til you drop than the most extravagant city in the world!

Free Entertainment at Circus Circus

Hotel/casino by night, Circus Circus by day is home to the world’s largest permanent circus. It’s fun for all the family at this mind-blowing Cirque de Soleil-style attraction including, jugglers, unicyclists, trapeze artists, acrobats, contortionists, and much more. Each act lasts about 10 minutes and they take place every half hour (on most days) starting at 11 a.m. Best of all, watching the show is free!

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

See the famous Bellagio Fountains right outside the Bellagio Hotel. Then head inside to see their spectacular Conservatory and Botanical Gardens decked-out for the holidays. Their "Majestic Holiday Magic" exhibit featuring nostalgic icons and over-the-top decor is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Insider tip: Head there at night, the fountains are prettier to watch when lit up.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in Las Vegas in the winter.

Remember, many of these options are available on the Go Las Vegas Pass, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Las Vegas passes, attractions & prices.

Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Las Vegas Pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.