Las Vegas

10+ Things to Do in Las Vegas in Winter

Spend the holiday season in Vegas - there's plenty of magic to be found here.
By Casey Makovich

Are you not entertained? Despite being in the desert, Sin City has winter activities galore, from fascinating circus shows to unique museums and side trips to the stunning Hoover Dam.

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 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 problems 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

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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 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 Vegas Strip, iconic landmarks, and much more.

REAL BODIES at Bally's

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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 literally 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.

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas tour

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Truly one of the best and most fun ways to get around Las Vegas and explore the sights of the Las Vegas Strip while learning about all things Sin City 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. Sights include the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign, the Golden Nugget hotel, and casino at Fremont Street, the Miracle Mile, 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

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Check out the Hoover Dam, the number one sightseeing attraction in Las Vegas. 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 entertaining and informative narration and then you'll have a couple of hours to explore at your own pace and walk across the dam to the Arizona side. Visitors can 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

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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.

Once at 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.

Please note: This tour is only available on the All-Inclusive pass.

Stratosphere Observation Deck

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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. Fly 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. Insanity is 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 yourself in the city’s criminal history at the Mob Museum, where 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

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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 racing champion Gene Woods himself. This living legend is 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 with refreshments - a truly 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 after you skate and check online for information about skate rentals and reserving a fire pit.

Enjoy the winter outdoors at Lee Canyon

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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 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 and restaurants. It hosts a variety of fun regular and seasonal events each week, including a family-friendly silent disco, jazz sessions, art shows, and entertainment every second Sunday of the month. Check their events calendar in advance to see what's going on.

Go shopping

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There's no shortage of shops to choose from in Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for high-end boutiques, souvenirs 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

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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 and Botanical Gardens

Bellagio Fountains

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.

A winter wonderland in Las Vegas

So there you have it — our list of the best things to do in Las Vegas in the winter. We hope you're inspired to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.

Please note, winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go City Las Vegas passes. 

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Best things to do in Las Vegas in February

Rising like an oasis out of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is an all-year-round destination, with plenty to do when it's scorching hot and just as much in the cooler months. February is a great time to see Las Vegas. You’ll still be guaranteed warmth and sunshine, with the benefit of fewer crowds. However, believe it or not, it can actually get chilly out in the desert, especially once the sun goes down, so don’t forget your layers! Here are some ideas of the best things to do in Las Vegas in February. Iconic sights You can't come to Sin City without ticking off the most iconic sights. Make sure to do the poker-player pilgrimage to the Strip, the home of all the world-famous casinos where you’ll also see the Bellagio fountains, the Luxor Pyramid and the Eiffel Tower! Vegas isn’t short of sky-high thrills and sights. Why not also head over to SkyPod at The STRAT – the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US – where you’ll get a whole other perspective over the city and the desert beyond. If you’re daring enough, then you’ve got to try out the hair-raising SkyJump at The STRAT. This heart-pumping open-air leap will see you hurtle at speeds of up to 40mph from a height of 855 feet! Shows Get outside Museums If that doesn’t tickle your desires, then give yourself a giggle at the Erotic Heritage Museum which explores human sexuality through art, multimedia displays, and powerful exhibitions. You’ll see how erotic art has influenced today’s culture and get a look at all sorts of cheeky artefacts from the world over. Where better than Sin City for a little naughtiness? Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a Go City® pass for Las Vegas and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this February itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Las Vegas. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Samuel Ford
Blog

Getting Around Las Vegas with Big Bus Las Vegas

Strip Route (Red) (buses run every 20-30 minutes): Big Bus Tours Welcome Center Circus Circus Resort & Casino (catch a free circus show, one of the many free things to do in Las Vegas) Fashion Show Mall (with over 250 shops, this is a shopper's paradise) Treasure Island (get off here and take some photos with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds and grab a bite to eat at the Planet Hollywood restaurant) Caesar's Palace Park MGM Excalibur Hotel & Casino (be sure to check out their Tournament of Kings dinner show if you're traveling with kids) Welcome to Las Vegas Sign/ Harley Davidson Tropicana Hotel & Casino Old Vegas Tour Route (Blue) (buses run every 20-30 minutes): Big Bus Tours Welcome Center Hawaiian Marketplace (here is also where you'll find the CityCenter Fine Art Collection -- a must visit for art lovers) LINQ (explore this outdoor shopping and entertainment area and then take a 30 minute ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel) SLS Hotel Arts & Antiques District (featuring funky shops with great finds; many will ship your purchases so you don't have to try to find a way to bring them on the plane) Las Vegas Premium Outlets (an excellent shopping destination for the die-hards) Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino (hop-off here to experience Fremont Street, or, take a Fremont Street Walking Tour) The Mob Museum (our regional manager's favorite attraction in Las Vegas!) Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (Pawn Stars) Stratosphere Hotel & Casino (head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck for amazing views of downtown and the Strip) Circus Circus Hotel (be sure to check out their theme park and whimsical circus acts)
Casey Makovich
Las Vegas
Blog

Things to Do in Las Vegas in Summer - Attractions, Activities & More

Las Vegas is a hot destination in the summer – both literally and figuratively. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Las Vegas in the summer, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Hop-on Hop-off Las Vegas Tour Hoover Dam Tour Grand Canyon South Rim Tour LINQ Promenade & High Roller Observation Wheel Local Summer Festivals Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Las Vegas 4th of July Weekend. If you are in Sin City for Labor Day, here are some things to do in Las Vegas Labor Day Weekend. Save on Summertime Activities Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Las Vegas Card. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Las Vegas tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special Summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Las Vegas Card. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas If you're looking for a fun museum to take the kids to, or just an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon while soaking up some culture, visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. This iconic wax museum is filled with informative exhibits and fascinating replicas of famous individuals from many areas of public life. Some of their featured exhibits include "Viva Las Vegas," "The Hangover Experience," "Marvel Superheroes," and more. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour Hoover Dam Tour Grand Canyon South Rim Tour Blue Man Group Show & Other Shows There's nothing more Las Vegas than taking in a show or three. Swing for the fences with the Blue Man Group, one of the most iconic acts in recent history. You'll enjoy their musical stylings alongside their signature makeup and costumes. If you're looking for other options, V Theater is another great venue that offers everything from a variety show to zombie burlesque to pet comedy shows. A perfect choice for families! Getting In: Blue Man Group Show tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 4-, and 5-Day Go Las Vegas Cards. Additional shows at V Theater are also included with the pass -consult our website for more details. LINQ Promenade & High Roller Observation Wheel CSI: The Experience If you’re a fan of the TV franchise and have an interest in criminal forensics, then CSI: The Experience is a great thing to do in Vegas in the summer (or anytime really). Learn all about the real techniques and technologies behind CSI’s depiction of a criminal investigation, and even embark on some crime-solving of your own! Getting In: CSI: The Experience tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. The Mob Museum This delightful experience is a hit with visitors of all ages. Explore interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts. Learn about the significant role that organized crime has played in American history, and focus on the stories of some of the most famous criminals in the country. They also host a number of special events throughout the summer, ranging from community safety events to book signings and beyond. Check out their website for specifics. Getting In: Mob Museum tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Summer Stage Concert Series Summerlin Every Wednesday (except July 4) This delightful summer concert series on Summerlin's Lawn takes place every Wednesday evening from early June - mid July. Nightly entertainment includes a varied schedule of events beginning at 5 pm with a DJ and kid-friendly activities and concluding at 9 pm with a band performance. A tentative lineup for these events might include Rockie Brown and Jase Neron, likemelikeyou and Cameron Calloway, and several more. Getting In: Summer Stage Concert Series events are free. Amazing Las Vegas ComicCon Las Vegas Convention Center June A fan of comic books and all things pop culture? Then spend some time at this multi-day convention dedicated to the “best and brightest” of contemporary and classic pop culture. Enjoy an exhibition hall, an artists’ gallery, a video game arena, costumed attendees, and much more. Some of the highlights of this year's con include Rob Liefeld (creator of DEADPOOL, CABLE, DOMINO, and X-FORCE), Charlie Cox as DAREDEVIL, Jason David Frank as Green Power Ranger, Brianna Hildebrand from DEADPOOL 2, and lots more! Getting In: Amazing Las Vegas ComicCon tickets are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Hamilton The Smith Center May to June Curious what all the Hamilton fuss is about? You're in luck if you're planning a trip to Las Vegas this summer. And, you won't be disappointed. Snag some tickets for when this Broadway smash is coming to Las Vegas and experience one of the most entertaining accounts of important American history at this Tony Award-winning musical. Getting In: Hamilton tickets in Las Vegas are separately ticketed and not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Las Vegas Golden Knights T-Mobile Arena (or any sports bar) May to June Who would have bet that the newest expansion team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, would make it all the way to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals during their first year as an established team? If you did bet on them to go all the way, your bet would definitely have paid off! If you're not lucky enough to score tickets to the actual games, place your bet at a casino and belly up to a sports bar and cheer on the local team during the Stanley Cup Finals, the locals are sure to do some partying to celebrate their team! Getting In: NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets are separately sold and not included on the Go Las Vegas Card. Let's Recap So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Las Vegas in the summer. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.
Katie Sagal

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