Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

There are endless fun things do in Las Vegas in May, both in the city and the wider Nevada area. Whether you want to party, tick off the big sights or relax at a pool, Las Vegas is a great place to spend Memorial Day weekend.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Las Vegas

Looking to get away this Memorial Day Weekend? Consider a trip to sunny Las Vegas. The weather is warm, there's plenty to see and a ton of the popular summer attractions will be up and running, ready for you to enjoy.

So, if you’re looking for Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities including...

  • Grand Canyon South Rim Tour
  • Hop-on Hop-off Las Vegas Bus Tour
  • Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
  • High Roller Observation Wheel
  • Hoover Dam Tour
  • Eiffel Tower Experience
  • And more!

Save on admission to popular attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on Go City® Las Vegas passes. Choose as you go from dozens of Las Vegas attractions & activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. 

Please note: Some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed.

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

grand-canyon-las-vegas

What better way to enjoy the start of summer than with a trip out to one of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders? The Grand Canyon is a marvel to see any time of year, but in the spring and summer months, the greenery is a sight to behold.

Take a bus tour of the South Rim, which boasts many lookout points, museums, Native American artwork, sculptures, and more. Plus, the bus conveniently escorts you directly from Vegas so you don’t need to worry about the hassle of parking (a big relief in the Grand Canyon). 

Getting In: Grand Canyon South Rim Tour tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the Go City® Las Vegas passes.

Hop-on Hop-off Las Vegas Bus Tour

 

If you’re new to the city or haven’t previously seen much beyond the Strip, then a bus tour of Las Vegas is in order. You’ll see many of the top sites throughout the city, from the big hotels on the Strip to the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and trendy areas downtown. A hop-on hop-off option is a smart choice, too, because it gives you the flexibility to choose where to stop and explore.

There are two routes to choose from – the Strip Route, and the Downtown Route. Both have buses that run approximately every 20-30 minutes giving you plenty of time to hop off wherever you fancy. 

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas pass.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

welcome-las-vegas-sign-girl-casino

Pay a visit to Las Vegas’ own little slice of Hollywood. A visit to Madame Tussauds is a great option for those who love the glam life and can’t get enough of celebrities and pop culture. Explore several themed areas, from Viva Las Vegas to Music Icons. In addition, several areas focus on majorly popular franchises, like The Hangover films and Marvel Superheroes. 

Getting In: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are included on all Go City® Las Vegas passes.

High Roller Observation Wheel

high-roller-night-las-vegasusa

Getting a view from above is always a great idea when you’re talking about a city with a skyline as impressive as Las Vegas. Just picture all the lights, signs, larger-than-life designs, and more –all from the perfect vantage point. Take a ride to the top of the High Roller Observation Wheel for some of the best views in the city.

Enjoy a 30-minute ride up to 550 feet above the ground and snap those perfect Instagram shots. When you're done, explore the LINQ area with its shops, restaurants, and other fun activities. 

Getting In: Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel tickets are included with all Go City® Las Vegas passes.

Hoover Dam Tour

looking-atop-hoover-dam

Another great option for getting out of the city and into the beautiful Nevada wilderness is with a trip to the magnificent Hoover Dam. This marvel of modern engineering is a sight to behold and is a can’t-miss attraction for fans of architecture or history. It’s actually a National Historic Landmark and showcases an important time in the history of the American Southwest. 

Insider Tip: walk along the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best views and photo ops of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River. 

Getting In: Hoover Dam Tour tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas pass.

Eiffel Tower Experience

las-vegas-architecture-marvels-sky

Enjoy a walk through the most scenic areas in Paris without the hassle or expense of a trans-Atlantic flight. Stroll past magnificent buildings like L’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and of course, the Eiffel Tower itself. Afterward, ride in an amazing glass elevator to another exhilarating observation deck, where you’ll get panoramic views of everything from the Parisian scene below to the farthest reaches of the Strip. 

Getting In: Eiffel Tower Experience tickets are included on all Go City® Las Vegas passes.

Rockstar Pool Party Tour

Channel your inner rock star with a day spent on the Rockstar Pool Party Tour. It’s the start of summer and the timing couldn’t be better in terms of the weather. Make the most of the Vegas heat and get into some of the coolest pool party clubs on this adults-only excursion. There are tons of pool parties in Vegas, so whatever your vibe, there will be something for you.

Whether you just want to kick back with a cocktail, relax, and work on that tan, or you’re interested in playing some fun watersports with your group - you’ll have the opportunity on this tour. Please note that you must be 21 or older to join this tour. 

Getting In: Las Vegas Rockstar Pool Party Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Las Vegas passes.

Fremont Street Walking Tour

mature-couple-sightseeing-downtown-las-vegas

Another delightful way to explore unique areas of the city is with a walking tour. This Downtown-Fremont Street Walking Tour is a top option because it showcases areas of the city many casual visitors don’t get to see. Enjoy a guided two-hour stroll past top landmarks and attractions like vintage Las Vegas sites, Downtown Container Park, and many shops and restaurants. 

Getting In: Fremont Street Las Vegas Walking Tour tickets are included with the Go City® Las Vegas pass.

Best Dam Barbecue Challenge

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly event – and especially one with great food! – stop by the Annual Best Dam Barbecue Challenge. In addition to an amazing professional team BBQ competition, you’ll also find plenty of food to chow down on - we’re talking everything from shaved ice to pulled pork.

There will also be a wide selection of marketplace vendors offering everything from temporary glitter tattoos to barbecue equipment and more. This event runs around Memorial Day and is held in Boulder City's Bicentennial Park. 

Getting In: Admission to the Best Dam Barbecue Challenge is free.

Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival

Here’s one for your music lovers. Head to the Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival to enjoy their distinctive take on a summer kick-off concert and events. Enjoy multiple bands per day – including massive faves like Madness, Cock Sparrer, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and more – plus bowling, movies, and poker games. It’s probably best for adults.

The festival runs in May and takes place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. 

Getting In: The Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival is separately ticketed.

Go Clubbing

Club in Vegas

Of course, Vegas is a great place to have a night out, but even more so during Memorial Day Weekend. All of the clubs have top DJs from around the world bringing the party. There is no shortage of clubs - we're sure you'll have fun!

Getting In: Nightclubs are separately ticketed and are not included with Go City® Las Vegas passes

Save up to 50% on Las Vegas attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Las Vegas attractions, including Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour, Madame Tussauds, VEGAS! The Show, and tons more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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The 'Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas' sign at night
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Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas

Seeking a little respite from the non-stop sensory assault that is the Las Vegas Strip? Then Downtown may be for you. The city’s historic heart promises much the same in terms of top-flight dining, high-stakes casinos and flashing neon signs, but is a much more laid back affair, with street eats, free live shows and an artsy enclave that feels more NYC than Vegas Strip. There are stacks of things of things to do in Downtown Las Vegas, too, and we’ve put together a few of our favorites below, including: Fremont Street Experience Golden Nugget casino Mob Museum Container Park SlotZilla Zipline Neon Museum Las Vegas Arts District Fremont Street Tour A tour of historic Fremont Street is hands-down the best way to find your bearings on your first visit to Downtown Las Vegas (and a great way to discover things to do on Fremont Street once the tour is over). During the tour you’ll follow in the footsteps of the first settlers, see where the Rat Pack used to hang out and learn about Sin City’s past links to organized crime. Your guide will also point out old-school Downtown icons like the Golden Nugget casino and Neonopolis wedding chapel, where you can – should you so desire – be married by Elvis and Gene Simmons impersonators. You’ll also discover the iconic Main Street Station hotel and casino which promises, among its many treasures, chandeliers from the Coca-Cola building in Texas and the Figaro Opera House in Paris, and a section of the Berlin Wall in the, um, gentlemen’s conveniences. Fremont Street Experience The undisputed highlight of the Fremont Street Experience is its absolutely humongous vaulted canopy. At 1,500 feet in length (that’s about four blocks or five football pitches, fact fans) and containing nearly 50 million LED lights, this unashamedly decadent wraparound video screen is the world’s largest. Grab a drink at one of the many bars in this (mostly) pedestrianized part of town and settle in for the mesmerizing light shows that burst out of the big screen every hour. There’s also free live music across three stages here, starting at 6pm every single evening. The Golden Nugget You’ll recognize The Golden Nugget from its cameos in dozens of Hollywood flicks down the years, perhaps most notably Bond classic Diamonds are Forever and Elvis fave (yup, you guessed it) Viva Las Vegas. Enter beneath the iconic neon sign and check out the huge Hand of Faith nugget on display in the lobby before trying your luck at the roulette and blackjack tables or just grabbing a cocktail and soaking up the distinctly old-school vibes of this, Las Vegas’s oldest large casino. SlotZilla Zipline From high stakes to high wires, the SlotZilla Zipline is pure Vegas, with an 11-story launch deck that’s designed to look like a giant slot machine, complete with cascading coins and a pair of 35-foot showgirls. Incurable thrill-seekers can fly, Superman-style, along the epic (and appropriately named) Superhero-Zoom, which traverses the length of the Fremont Street Experience. The Zip-Zilla is a somewhat less frightening half-length option that flies a little lower and allows you to travel in an upright seated position, for those not feeling quite so dare-devilish. The Mob Museum Practise your best Al Capone impersonations on a visit to the quite excellent Mob Museum, with its plethora of interactive exhibits that chart the history of organized crime in the US, with a focus on mob activity in Las Vegas. See if you can hit the target in the firearms training simulator and visit the rogues’ gallery charting over a century of made men. There’s even an underground speakeasy here serving Prohibition-inspired cocktails to thirsty visitors. Enter via the secret door by the parking lot, but watch out for shady-looking gentlemen in fedoras and pinstripe suits! Container Park A giant metal mantis with flaming antennae and an ear-shattering sound system marks the somewhat apocalyptic entrance to the Container Park, a Downtown shopping and entertainment mecca built out of old shipping containers. It’s a pretty cool hangout, with a little something for people of old ages: there are independent boutiques, bars and live music for the grown-ups, while a huge slide and water-play area in the central courtyard keeps the kids happy. The Neon Museum This huge outdoor museum preserves and exhibits that most Las Vegas of art forms: the neon sign. It’s a kind of retirement home for neon signs, giving these masterpieces of the Nevada skyline a second lease of life as part of a major tourist attraction. This is where you’ll find classic old-school signage including sparkling examples from the Stardust, Sassy Sally’s, Lucky Cuss Motel and the Hard Rock Cafe. We recommend visiting the Neon Boneyard at sundown for the most Instagrammable photo opportunities, when the signs are lit up against the fiery desert sky in all their technicolor glory. SkyPod at the Strat Ok ok, so it’s not strictly part of Downtown, but it does command some of the best views of Fremont Street you’ll find anywhere in the city, so we say it counts! Another bonus is that this is one attraction you really can’t miss: just look for the skyscraping observation tower south of Downtown in the direction of the Strip; it's only the second-tallest of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere! And, should your nerves be able to withstand the head-spinning super-speed elevator ride up to the 108th floor, there are plenty of attractions up here, nearly 1,000 feet above the Strip, to keep adrenaline-seekers occupied for hours. Board the aptly-named Insanity ride, a giant metal claw that dangles (and spins) its victims passengers over the edge of the building and into thin air. Or get even higher on the Big Shot, the vertical drop ride that goes up (and down) the tower’s needle, reaching a gut-churning height of 1,081 feet. Eek, eek and, furthermore, eeeeeeeeeek! Save on attractions in Las Vegas Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
cirque du soleil performer
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Las Vegas in February: Fun Escapes to Beat the Winter Blues

Winter might put half the world into hibernation mode, but not Las Vegas. February here always buzzes with action, offering sunlit adventures, dazzling shows, outdoor thrills and unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s—or Mardi Gras—Vegas-style. Get ready to swap snow boots for sneakers and discover a side of Sin City beyond the casinos. We’ve rounded up the best February experiences to help you fill your days (and nights) with excitement, romance and a little extra Vegas sparkle.  Our favorite things to do in Las Vegas in February include:  The High Roller Observation Wheel  Las Vegas Hiking Adventures by Love Hikes  The Mob Museum  The Big Apple Roller Coaster  Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopter  Madame Tussauds  minus5˚ Ice Experience at Venetian Canal Shoppes  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour  Catching a Cirque du Soleil show  Dining at Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade  The High Roller Observation Wheel: Sky-High Views with a Valentine’s Vibe  Come February, Vegas skies are clear and temperatures are just right for soaring high above the Strip. Step into one of the High Roller’s spacious pods and prepare for a slow, smooth rotation that gifts you 360-degree views of neon lights, desert mountains and city landmarks. By day, you’ll spot the Red Rock cliffs and see the Strip in all its sun-drenched glory; come nightfall, Vegas sparkles below like a planet of its own.  The energy inside these glass capsules is always fun—especially if you time your visit for sunset cocktails, or in the mood for romance around Valentine’s Day. Some pods even feature bartenders, so you can toast to love or adventure as the city twinkles beneath you. It’s the perfect place to kick off an evening, snap bucket-list photos, or simply take in the wildness that is Vegas.  The Mob Museum: Secrets, Scandals and Speakeasies  On cool February days, step inside the Mob Museum for a blast of Las Vegas history with a twist. Housed in a former courthouse downtown, this interactive museum plunges you into the world of organized crime and law enforcement. The exhibits cover everything from infamous gangsters and dramatic FBI busts to vintage artifacts and real-life stories.  If you love a little theatrical flair to your museum experience, you’re in luck. Explore re-creations of old-time speakeasies (don’t miss the basement bar), check out crime scene evidence, and even test your skills in a police training simulator. The mood is immersive but playful—think Prohibition cocktails, surprising trivia and a sense that you’ve stepped behind the velvet curtain of Vegas’ wildest years.  The Big Apple Roller Coaster: Thrills Over the Strip  Who needs summertime to chase an adrenaline rush? The Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York Hotel zips and dips along the outside of a mini Manhattan skyline, delivering heart-pounding excitement whatever the weather. February’s cool breezes only add to the sensation as you twist through loops, drops and over-the-Strip stretches at more than 60mph.  This isn’t just any roller coaster—it’s a classic Vegas experience. The street-level station puts you in the middle of all the action, and moments later you’re hundreds of feet above, shrieking (nicely) as the lights of Las Vegas blur beneath you. Grab a photo as proof: the view—and your triumphant grin—will be memorable.  Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopter: The Ultimate Vegas Wow  For those best-in-show, shout-it-from-the-rooftops Vegas vibes, nothing beats a helicopter ride over the Strip. Papillon’s night flights lift off at sunset, swoop around dazzling landmarks and offer a perspective most only dream about. In February, the nighttime air feels fresh and invigorating, and you’ll catch all the glitz with minimal crowds.  Inside the chopper, it’s surprisingly cozy, the mood cinematic as you glide above Bellagio fountains, the glowing Eiffel Tower and neon-drenched casinos. Don’t forget your camera—this is the kind of experience you’ll want to relive. Whether you’re in town for romance, a celebration, or pure adventure, this is the experience that says: “We did Vegas right.”  Madame Tussauds: Selfies with the Stars  If your February plans include rubbing elbows with celebrities (the wax kind!), Madame Tussauds at the Venetian is your go-to. The mood inside is part party, part pop-culture playground; you’ll wander from the Marvel Superheroes to classic Rat Pack legends, striking armor-clad poses with sports heroes or pretending to croon with Elvis.  The real charm? You’re encouraged to touch, pose and fully ham it up in themed sets—be it the Viva Las Vegas wedding chapel, a Marvel Avengers headquarters, or the hottest TikTok backdrop. Friendly staff are always ready to offer photo tips and fun props, making sure your celebrity moments are Instagram-ready.  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour: See it All—Your Way  Sometimes you want the sights without the sprint. Hop onto the Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour and let the double-decker coach do all the work while you’re treated to fun commentary about must-see spots and Vegas stories. February keeps the weather sunny and the open-air top deck breezy and comfortable.  With stops at famous hotels, Fremont Street, artsy districts and more, you set the pace—hop off for a closer look, then catch the next bus when you’re ready. It’s the easiest way to discover hidden gems, try spontaneous snacks, or just let yourself be amazed by Vegas’ larger-than-life atmosphere without missing a beat.  Catch a Cirque du Soleil Show: Mind-Bending Spectacle  February nights demand something extraordinary, and Cirque du Soleil’s Vegas shows deliver high drama, laughs and visual wonder in equal measure. Whether you grab tickets for KA, where martial arts and pyrotechnics light up the stage, or Mad Apple at New York-New York, which blends acrobatics with a tribute to New York nightlife, you’ll leave energized.  These productions unfold in grand theaters with custom-built sets, live music and stunts that seem to defy gravity. The crowd’s energy is contagious and there’s no such thing as a bad seat—a true Vegas experience that makes any winter night unforgettable.  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade: A February Treat  No adventure is complete without a snack stop, and Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe serves irresistible pastries and drinks with a side of sunny terrace seating. Set in the lively LINQ Promenade, it’s the perfect pause between attractions. The cafe’s signature dessert—the Rainbow Crepe Cake—layers delicate crepes with silky cream, while the house croissants and creative coffee drinks keep the vibe fun and indulgent.  The interior bubbles with color, playful décor and a welcome escape from the hustle outside. February mornings are blissful here, with quietly buzzing crowds and plenty of time to plot your next move with friends. For a little pick-me-up before more exploring, try the matcha latte or a caramel macchiato—made all the better paired with a pistachio eclair or the decadent chocolate mousse domes. Whether you’re after a sweet start to your day or an afternoon treat, Sweet Sin offers a cozy spot to soak up Vegas’ energy while taking a breather.  See Downtown on a Fremont Street Walking Tour  If you want to dive deep into Las Vegas history and get a taste of local life, take a walking tour around Fremont Street. February’s mild temperatures mean you can wander comfortably among dazzling neon lights, retro casinos, and street performers galore. Guides are big on storytelling—you’ll hear wild tales from the city’s early days and discover secret murals and iconic locations that most tourists miss.  The downtown vibe is electric: zipliners soar above, music pours from open-air stages, and vintage lights blink in every direction. Along the way, you might pop into classic haunts like the Golden Nugget or grab a souvenir at a quirky local shop. Feeling peckish? Downtown’s food scene has exploded, from gourmet tacos to craft breweries—ask your guide for recs. This tour is part time machine, part people-watching adventure, and all-around fun.  Try a GoCar Tour of the Las Vegas Strip  Ready to zip around town without worrying about traffic or navigation? Hop into a GoCar—a pint-sized, GPS-guided yellow ride that narrates Vegas’ sights as you go. These little vehicles are a blast and super simple to drive. In February, the cooler weather means you’ll feel the breeze as you cruise past mega-resorts, art installations, and cheeky roadside attractions.  The GoCar’s GPS provides a real-time audio tour, so you can learn about everything from Mafia history to behind-the-scenes Vegas trivia. Pause whenever something catches your eye—your ride waits for you. It’s a combination of adventure and sightseeing that makes you feel a bit like a celebrity, with plenty of opportunities for quirky photo ops along the way.  Celebrate Festivals and Special Events  February brings plenty of festivities to the Strip and beyond. If you’re in town for Valentine’s Day, expect themed restaurant menus, special performances, and creative ways to say “I love you”—Vegas style. For sports fans, Super Bowl Sunday always turns local bars, lounges, and sportsbooks into lively destinations filled with big screens, bonus deals, and game-day snacks.  Some years, Chinese New Year also falls in February, bringing elaborate dragon parades and lavish floral displays to hotels like The Venetian and Bellagio. Don’t miss the chance to snap pictures of massive lanterns, swirling dancers, and indoor “good luck” gardens that change each year.  Ready for Your Las Vegas February Adventure?  Swap winter chills for sun, stories, and serious fun. Whether you want to soar above the Strip, try something delicious, catch a world-class show, or explore natural wonders, Las Vegas in February delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. And hey, if you spot Elvis in a parka—just go with it. That’s #VegasLife for you!    Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best casino hotels to call home on your Vegas adventure, and discover which tourist traps to miss.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
Bright red baubles hanging from a cactus in the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas
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Christmas in Las Vegas

Towering fir trees festooned with tinsel and shiny baubles, magical festive scenes and nearly as many fairy lights as there are stars in the sky. Christmas in Las Vegas is every bit as flamboyant and OTT as you’d expect from the neon capital of the world. And here, as every day in Sin City, you’ll find everything (and we mean everything) open as usual: that includes all shops, restaurants, bars, casinos and thrill rides. As the song says: ‘Christmas in Las Vegas, it’s a trip!’ So dive in and check out our guide to some of the best things to do in Vegas during holiday season, including: Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Ice skating at The Cosmopolitan Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Speedway Flamingo and LINQ Promenade Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden The Magical Forest The Great Santa Run The Bellagio at Christmas The Bellagio’s dazzling dancing fountains are a spectacle at any time of year, but be sure to catch them during December when the huge water plumes soar and sway to Mariah, Bing, Wham! and other Christmas party bangers. Inside, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens gets a marvelous festive makeover, with decorations made from plants and flowers and supersize displays featuring sparkly polar bears, massive Christmas baubles, thousands of lights, and that all-important skyscraping Christmas tree. Best of all, it’s completely free and – unlike elsewhere in the Bellagio – children are welcome. Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan High above the Strip lies a winter wonderland par excellence in the shape of the Cosmopolitan’s rooftop which – glitzy enough at the best of times – really ramps up the tinsel factor in December. Expect cozy Christmas vibes aplenty thanks to sparkling trees, blazing firepits, gooey s’mores, festive cocktails (snowball, anyone?) and romantic views of the neon-lit Eiffel Tower over at Paris Las Vegas. Better yet, a 4,200 square foot ice rink replaces the pool up here during the holiday season, complete with fake snowflakes. So pull on your mittens, wrap your scarf tight, strap on your skates, hit the ice and let it snow! Drive-Through Light Show Rev up your engine and hit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Glittering Lights, one of the biggest and best light shows in the country. Every December, the 2-5-mile course is festooned with somewhere in the region of five million – yep, that’s five MILLION – lights, each contributing to spectacular festive scenes and other Vegas-themed displays, meaning you’re as likely to see a hip-wiggling house-sized Elvis as a jolly Santa Claus. Pile the family into the car (with a hot chocolate each), tune into the custom radio station that plays carols and other Christmas favorites, and brace yourselves for the light show of a lifetime. Winter Parq Have you been dreaming of a... pink Christmas? Look no further than the Winter Parq – the promenade connecting the Flamingo and LINQ hotels where, by the Flamingo at least, bright pink decorations are de rigueur. Take in the glittering lights, giant snow globe and kitschy Christmas ornaments at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat before strolling to the LINQ for live entertainment and Christmassy cocktails under the towering tree. Afterwards, warm up and take in panoramic views of the Neon City aboard the High Roller Observation Wheel which (you’ll be unsurprised to learn) is, at 550 feet, one of the tallest on the planet (second only to the Ain Dubai). Those who suffer from vertigo need not apply. Ethel M Cactus Garden If there’s anything more ubiquitous than Christmas trees in Vegas in December, it’s Christmas cacti. You’ll see these bristly beauties bedecked with festive baubles nearly everywhere you go, but nowhere more so than in the grounds of the legendary Ethel M Chocolate Factory. Here, the three-acre cactus garden receives an annual festive revamp that incorporates hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, Christmassy scenes aplenty, and even a family of animated reindeer. We recommend visiting in the evening when the garden's at its most magical and, of course, combining your visit with a chocolate-tasting experience. It would be almost rude not to! Take in a Show There can be few quicker ways of getting right into the Christmas spirit than an evening spent watching classic Las Vegas shows that have been tweaked for the holiday season. Think classic Christmas rock and pop hits (as well as a few carols) from the Legends in Concert, immersive performances of The Nutcracker, and Christmas-themed magic and comedy shows. As Christmassy as your dad’s Rudolph sweater. Christmas Tree Trail December in Las Vegas sees Christmas trees sprouting up here, there and everywhere, each more fantastically bejeweled than the last. Take advantage of this free spectacle by visiting some of the major hotels to see how many stops have been pulled out to get one up on their neighbors. At over 40 feet, the Bellagio’s is inevitably among the most spectacular but the trees at Wynn’s Winter Wonderland, the Fashion Show Mall and the Venetian are no slouches either. Take a tour with your camera and make your Instagram feed the envy of all your Christmas-loving buddies back home. The Magical Forest A stalwart of the Vegas Christmas scene, the Magical Forest is just that: a woodland wonderland crammed with twinkling lights and festive decorations. This one is a must-do if you’re traveling with kids: they’re going to absolutely love the carousel, giant slide and cute train rides on the Forest Express. Plenty of live performances, food trucks and funnel cakes should keep the grown-ups happy too. Santa Claus! A visit to Las Vegas in December might almost make you believe there's more than one Father Christmas. He certainly gets around. Meet him at the aforementioned Magical Forest or head to Tivoli Village for a few memorable family snaps in his beautifully decorated grotto. You can even see the man in red swimming with sharks at the Mandalay Bay Shipwreck! If that’s not enough for you, go all in and dress up as Santa yourself: the Great Santa Run takes place in downtown Vegas and sees thousands of wannabe Santas take to the streets for a 5k fun run (or walk, if you prefer) every December. Ho ho ho and viva Las Vegas! Save on attractions in Las Vegas Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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