10+ things to do in Las Vegas in winter

Despite being slap-bang in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Sin City has plenty of festive sparkle. Our favorite winter activities in Las Vegas include holiday lights, world-class shows, unique museums and side trips out to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Las Vegas Christmas lights

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! It's winter, when the weather is sunny and cool, and the city's always-glittering lights have gone into overdrive with the addition of festive displays everywhere from the Bellagio to the Ethel M Cactus Garden. We've got the lowdown on all the most heartwarming holiday hits, plus other great things to do around (and out of) town through January and February, from weird and wacky museums to epic Grand Canyon day trips. Our guide includes:

  • The High Roller Observation Wheel
  • Ice skating at the Cosmopolitan
  • The Bellagio fountains
  • Ethel M Cactus Garden
  • The Mob Museum
  • Real Bodies exhibition at the Horseshoe
  • Day trips to the Grand Canyon and Lee Canyon
  • ... and more!

Holiday highlights

The LINQ Promenade

High Roller Observation Wheel

Like many other places in Vegas, the LINQ Promenade transforms for the holiday season. Expect a veritable feast of larger-than-life holiday decorations, plus jolly music, festive magic shows and trilling carolers.

It 's also super fun to view the action from above with a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel. Take in 30 minutes of awesome Las Vegas views from the tallest observation wheel in the Western Hemisphere, at a nail-biting 550 feet above ground. You'll be able to spot the Vegas Strip, iconic skyscraping hotels, sightseeing helicopters buzzing past, and vast stretches of the great Mojave.

Ice skating at the Cosmopolitan

In winter, the Cosmopolitan's rooftop transforms into an ice rink where visitors can partake in the most quintessential of seasonal activities, complete with manufactured snow showers. Take a spin on the ice before whiling away a few hours by the firepits, sipping Christmassy cocktails, scoffing gooey s'mores and taking your pick from holiday movies or those spectacular skyline views. 

Winter wonderland at the Bellagio

The dancing fountains at the Bellagio are a must-see whatever time of year, but catch them in December for full-on festive vibes as the water jets sway in time to Christmas classics by Bing, Mariah, Brenda Lee and others. Inside, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens gets a fab festive makeover, with supersize displays featuring tinselly polar bears, Christmas baubles bigger than your head and thousands of twinkling lights, not to mention a skyscraping Christmas tree.

Ethel M Cactus Garden

Ethel M Cactus Garden at Christmas

Traditional pine trees are just so last year at the Ethel M Cactus Garden, where Christmassy cacti and spiny succulents are dressed up in festive finery for the season. Go in the evening for maximum twinkly magic, complete with festive scenes that include a cute family of animatronic reindeer. The garden stays open until around 10PM through December and might just be the most magical Christmas experience in town.

Take in a show

If you're visiting in December, you'll find plenty of shows designed to get you into the Christmas spirit. Think classic festive hits performed live, immersive performances of The Nutcracker, and Christmas-themed comedy and magic shows. 

Then there are the perennial favorite that continue into January and beyond, well after the seasonal shows have packed up and flown back to the North Pole. Hot tip: several permanent shows – including Cirque du Soleil spectaculars, world-class comedy and musical tribute acts are included with the Las Vegas pass from Go City, which gets you discounted entry to dozens of top Sin City shows, tours and attractions.

Get outta town!

Winter fun at Lee Canyon

Lee Canyon's snowy landscapes

It's hard to believe that just one hour from downtown Las Vegas there's real snow. Head to Lee Canyon for bags of winter fun, including skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Go for the snow sports, stay for the aprés ski: the scene here is sociable, relaxed and offers great food, drinks and views at The Lodge.

Day trip to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam

If you're visiting Las Vegas in winter, be sure to tick off at least one of these awe-inspiring out-of-town attractions. The Grand Canyon needs little introduction. Embark on an epic road trip to its scenic South Rim, passing multiple major landmarks along the way – the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Canyon and the 900-year-old Joshua Tree Forest, to name just a few. Once at your destination, you'll get a chance to walk the rim, ogling eye-popping rock formations, colorful crevasses and fabulous flora.

A day trip to the Hoover Dam is no less inspiring. Considered the greatest dam ever built, this epic feat of 20th-century engineering is a sight to behold. On arrival, you'll get a couple of hours to explore at your own pace and walk across the dam to the Arizona side. Check out locally arts and crafts and drop by the 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.

Las Vegas Big Bus tour

Big Bus

And, if a long coach trip out of town ain't quite your bag, fear not! You can always board the Big Bus instead. Truly one of the best and easiest ways to explore the sights of the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown.

Entertaining tour guides brimming with knowledge will point out highlights along the way, and regale you with tales and anecdotes of Sin City's history. Hop off for selfies at sights including the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada' sign, the legendary Golden Nugget hotel and the Bellagio fountains, or stick around for the whole 2.5-hour loop for a fun whistle-stop tour of the town.

looking-atop-hoover-dam

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.

Museums and more...

Real Bodies exhibition

Real Bodies exhibition

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

The Mob Museum

Did you know Las Vegas was essentially built by notorious mobsters like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello and Meyer Lansky? Well, now you do. Take a deeper dive into Sin City's notorious criminal history at the Mob Museum, where real stories are brought to life with engaging, multi-sensory exhibits, rogues' galleries and hundreds of artifacts. Don't skip the chance to visit the old distillery and secret speakeasy for an illicit moonshine or two, fedoras and pinstripe suits optional.

Tower at the STRAT

View from the Tower at the STRAT

What's the matter? High Roller not high enough for ya? The STRAT's observation deck has your back. At more than twice the height of its wheel-shaped little bro, this experience puts you a staggering 1,149 feet above tterra firma, with unbelievable 360-degree views of the Strip, Downtown and beyond. It ain't the the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for nothing.

For a real adrenaline rush, put your fear of heights to the test on the STRAT's thrill rides while you're there. Fly up to 1,081 feet at 45 miles per hour on The Big Shot, or ride the X Scream – a giant teeter-totter that dangles victims riders way out over the edge of the STRAT at some 866 feet above the ground. Not, in other words, for the faint of heart.

Winter in Las Vegas: a shopaholic's paradise

Women shopping

Shopping in Las Vegas is a blast year-round, but bargains often abound in winter. Get all your Christmas shopping done when the Black Friday promotions in full swing in November and December, then come back in the New Year for the best of the January sales. 

A bit like casinos and hotel rooms, there's no shortage of shops to choose from in Las Vegas. Pretty much every base is covered, from ultra-high-end boutiques and designer emporia, to local independents, souvenir stores, candy kingdoms and OTT themed malls (hello, the Venetian and Caesars!). For the full rundown of Sin City faves, check out our guide all the best places to shop in Las Vegas. 

In the market for things to do in Vegas for the rest of the year? Get cool ideas for what to do when the mercury soars and get stuck into Las Vegas pass attractions that save you money on food and drink.

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!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Las Vegas helicopter going past the Eiffel Tower
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Adventurous things to do in Las Vegas

There’s no place quite like Las Vegas for satisfying the senses – the flashing signs, bright costumes, music, traffic and the sound of chips being counted are enough to overwhelm even the hardiest of visitors. It’s not a place for the faint hearted! And of course, a place like Vegas is bound to attract thrill-seekers and risk-takers, looking for a novel and exciting experience. Fortunately, there’s much more to Vegas than gambling your fortunes on the spin of a wheel or the chance to get married on a whim – there’s plenty more for the courageous spirit here! Our picks for the best Vegas adventures include: Vegas Strip helicopter tour SkyJump from the STRAT The Fly LINQ Zipline The Big Apple Roller Coaster The Blair Witch escape room Hiking to hot springs The Vegas Strip helicopter tour Feel your adrenaline pumping as you launch upward in the ‘limousine of the sky’. Hear the roar of the propellers as you soar along the famous strip, and see the Luxor Pyramid, Bellagio Fountains and the streets of Downtown Vegas from a whole new, colorful perspective. This Vegas Strip helicopter tour takes you from Las Vegas Boulevard to Fremont Street and back again, over neon signs, searching spotlights and crowds of people all looking tiny from your high vantage point. The ECO-Star helicopter is spacious and comfortable, and you can take as many photos as you like – but don’t forget to pause and take it all in, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! SkyJump from the STRAT Head up to the top of the STRAT, where you can enjoy 360-degree views from 108 floors above the Strip. Then hop into a jumpsuit, strap yourself to the descender machine and jump! You’ll feel like superman leaping tall buildings in a single bound as you hurtle down the only Sky Jump in North America at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Feel the wind whipping your face and roaring in your ears – if that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping, nothing will! As you reach the ground the landing will be carefully controlled, and you’ll have a chance to look at photos of your descent while you get your land legs back again. Then you can head to one of the lip-smackingly good restaurants of the STRAT, since all that jumping is bound to have worked up an appetite. Ride the Fly LINQ Zipline If jumping from a 108-storey building is just a little too much for you, how about a 1,121-foot zipline? When you ride the Fly LINQ, you’re strapped into a harness and ride in a seated position, and while you can still reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, you’re only launching from 122 feet up, so you travel at a slightly less alarming angle. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the views, which include the open-air LINQ shopping center, the Brooklyn Bowl and the broad, twinkling streets and promenades of Vegas. Then you’ll finish at the High Roller Observation Wheel, which is the tallest observation wheel in the Americas and makes a wonderful backdrop for your souvenir photo! Ride the Big Apple Roller Coaster If there’s anything cooler than a roller coaster in the middle of a city, it’s a roller coaster with a New York Subway-inspired platform and cars designed to look like NYC taxi cabs. And sure, the Big Apple Coaster makes a very impressive skyline, but the best way to experience it is to ride it. It’ll take you slowly up to around 80 feet, where you’ll get a brief glimpse over the city before being whisked down again through a series of loops, spirals and inversions at a heart-pumping speed. You’ll believe you’re in New York as replicas of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building whizz by. And if you find it all happened a bit too fast – perhaps you’ll have to go and ride it again! Escape the Blair Witch Project experience Escape rooms come in many shapes, sizes and difficulty levels, and themes to suit all tastes and interests. In the Vegas Number One Escape Room, for example, you can choose to escape from a creepy cabin in the woods, Red Riding Hood’s grandmother’s house, foil a jewelry heist or follow up a bigfoot sighting. But the most daring will want to try the Blair Witch Escape Room, based on the terrifying movie franchise. Begin at the Burkittsville Ranger’s Station in the Black Hills Forest and follow the clues to find out exactly what happened to some missing students. Featuring creaky doors, dark, dank rooms and actual props from the movies, fans and thrill-seekers alike will be drawn into this heart-pounding experience. The question is, will you be able to get out again... Go hiking to hot springs If you’re looking for a little adventure out of the city, just downstream from Hoover Dam in the Black Canyon is the Gold Strike Canyon, where you’ll find the Gold Strike and Nevada Hot Springs. To get there, it’s an hour or so’s hike from the highway over rocks and other obstacles, some of which require hauling yourself up fixed-place ropes. Anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to manage it, but take note that the hike is not recommended in summer because of the potential presence of rattlesnakes. Once you get there you can have a relaxing soak in the hot springs, enjoying the quiet and isolation of the hills and rocks. Note there are risks associated with the springs as well, so be sure to check for any health warnings before you jump in. Have more adventures with Go City With Go City, you can save on dozens of attractions in and around Las Vegas. Whether you’re trying to be a bit braver, or a full adrenaline junkie, bring out your adventurous side with a Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass whenever you find yourself sightseeing in Sin City!
Karleen Stevens
Guide to Caesars Palace Attractions - High Roller, Eiffel Tower & Fly LINQ
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Guide to Caesars Palace Attractions - High Roller, Eiffel Tower & Fly LINQ

Caesars Palace is one of Las Vegas' most iconic spots. At this palatial resort, visitors are welcome to play, dine, and unwind in one of the world's most famous hotels and casinos. But when you've played the tables, what else is there for you to enjoy at Caesars Palace? In this guide to Caesars Palace, we'll explore three of the casino giant's biggest attractions; the High Roller, the Eiffel Tower, and the Fly Linq. Before long, you'll know why they should be at the top of your itinerary when you visit Las Vegas! The High Roller Want to experience one of the best views of the city? Then you want to ride the High Roller. Reaching 550 feet off of the ground, it's the world's largest observation wheel. If thirty minutes of stunning views sounds like just the ticket, look no further. How to get High Roller tickets? We've got you covered – High Roller tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 35 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Image courtesy of Aneese/Shutterstock Tips for visiting the High Roller There's no need to book in advance! Present your pass at the High Roller Guest Entrance. Grab a drink at the base before boarding at the wheelhouse. Some say the right side of the cabins offers the best views, so plan accordingly and try and get a spot! Spend some time exploring the LINQ outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Purchase a souvenir photo from your visit as a keepsake from your Las Vegas adventure. Image courtesy of GenadijsZ/Shutterstock The Eiffel Tower For more unique views of the city, why not ascend this half-sized recreation of the iconic Parisian monument? Even before you reach the Eiffel Tower, you'll pass through recognizable landmarks like the Louvre and the Arc De Triomphe. Then, take a glass elevator straight to the top for one of Vegas' most romantic spots. How to get Eiffel Tower tickets? We've got you covered – Eiffel Tower tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 35 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Image courtesy of Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower Present your pass at the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck Box Office at General Admission Ticket Line to receive your entry ticket. Image courtesy of Bill Roque/Shutterstock Fly LINQ If you like your heights paired with a sense of adventure, then look no further than Fly LINQ. It's the only zipline in town - literally. Dangling 122 feet in the air, you'll get a very unique view of the strip. Go it alone or ride with up to ten daring others; there's nothing quite like it in Las Vegas. Make sure you grab a photo of your endeavor after you're on terra firma. In hindsight, the image of your face captured in abject horror will be rather amusing. How to get Fly LINQ tickets? We've got you covered – Fly LINQ tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 35 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Image courtesy of Bill Roque/Shutterstock Tips for visiting Fly LINQ To book your time and collect your ticket, please redeem your pass at the Center Strip Box Office. Time slots are subject to availability. Wear comfortable clothing – this is an open-air experience. Guests must be at least 80lbs and not weigh more than 300lbs. Guests must be no taller than 6'8". Caesar's Palace - Directions and Address Caesars Palace 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas NV 89109 Closest Stops Harrah's & The LINQ Monorail Station Bally's & Paris Monorail Station Save on Tickets with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include High Roller, Eiffel Tower, and Fly LINQ tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Dom Bewley
The Las Vegas Strip at sunset
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Las Vegas in January

Party season may be over but, while Sin City nurses its massive holiday hangover, there are still stacks of fun things to see and do here in the city that quite literally never sleeps. Bonus: it’s less busy than usual, making the Strip and its many attractions much easier to explore. Dive in to our expert guide to discover why you should visit Las Vegas in January. Visiting Las Vegas in January Average Temperature: 48°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day Being one of the hottest cities in the States doesn’t mean Las Vegas can’t also get chilly, particularly at night when desert temperatures have been known to plummet as dramatically as Celine Dion hitting an unexpected bass note on stage at Caesars Palace. Daytime highs at this time of year are around 57°F which, to be fair, is pretty darn pleasant for January especially when compared to, say, New York. But you might still be left wondering if the locals you see wandering around in shirt sleeves and shorts have been hitting the sauce a little too hard over the holiday season. We recommend layering as a safe bet to cover all bases. Think jeans, top and light jacket during the day with maybe an extra jumper or even a scarf on the chillier evenings, especially if this is when you plan to stroll the Strip to see the Bellagio fountains in action, or the erupting volcano outside the Mirage which, spectacular though it is, is unlikely to warm you up much. It’s a great time to visit Vegas, for many reasons. Such as the January sales: you could easily spend days losing yourself in the supersize malls here (though your bank manager might not thank you for it). Then there are the casinos, restaurants and shows. As Las Vegas is way less busy this time of year, you’ll likely find it much easier to get that reservation at Robuchon, or the best seats in the house for Cirque du Soleil. Flights into Vegas are also traditionally cheaper at this time of year, with most hotels lowering prices too, though note that you should expect a significant hike during the massive Consumer Electronics Show near the start of the month. Things to do in January The holiday party season may be over, and pool season proper won’t start until March, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find yourself a daybed and chill with cocktails by the pool someplace. Many of the major hotels here have heated pools that remain open throughout winter. These include the main pool at the MGM Grand, the palm-fringed pool deck at ARIA, and Resorts World with its enormous pool deck and infinity pool overlooking the Strip. However, to access others including Mandalay Bay and the Cosmopolitan you’ll need to be a guest, as day passes are unavailable. From relaxing poolside to screaming your head off on some of the planet’s scariest thrill rides, there’s a January activity here to suit all tastes. Take a ride on Insanity, 900 feet above the Strip atop the Strat’s SkyPod observation tower. Soar through the skies on the Fly LINQ Zipline. Loop the loop on the Big Apple Roller Coaster. Or try the relatively sedate (but no less terrifying) High Roller Observation Wheel – at 550 feet, it’s the second highest on the planet. After a couple of days spent enjoying Vegas’s non-stop assault of high-octane rides, high stakes casinos, high-priced steaks and endlessly mesmerizing neon lights, you may find yourself hankering for something a bit more... down to earth. Answer the call of the wild with a hiking trip to Red Rock Canyon, just south of the city. This sprawling conservation area is filled with towering sandstone peaks, waterfalls and Native American petroglyphs, and guided tours of its paths are available. Or steel yourself for a ramble up Mount Charleston, Clark County’s highest. The strenuous 16-hour round-trip to the mountain’s (probably snow-capped) summit is rewarded with unbeatable panoramic views of Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and Las Vegas itself. A journey almost as lengthy (but considerably more comfortable) is a coach trip out east of the city to some of the Nevada-Arizona state line’s finest natural and manmade wonders. You can pause at the Hoover Dam for spectacular views of the Colorado River from hundreds of feet up, or drive through the Joshua Tree National Park to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim where further awe-inspiring views await. Heck, why not just combine all three for the ultimate day trip out of Vegas? What’s on in January? One of the surprise treats that awaits visitors to Vegas in January is the proliferation of festive attractions that remain open. Soothe your holiday hangover with a trip to the Glittering Lights extravaganza at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Here, a whopping five million lights (give or take) create a dazzling drive-through show packed with Christmas scenes and Vegas icons. There’s even an accompanying festive radio station to tune into in your car. Meanwhile over at the Bellagio, you still have time (for the first week of January, at least) to view the displays at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Expect holiday decorations made from flowers and plants, giant polar bears and trees festooned with tinsel and baubles. Head to the Cosmopolitan rooftop for firepits, s’mores and a massive ice-skating rink complete with regular snow flurries. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit left up here and the views of the Paris resort’s neon-lit Eiffel Tower are second to none. Also worth looking out for in January is the parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The biggest in the state, it draws tens of thousands of participants annually, all eager to see its colorful floats and live performances. Hot enough to melt the snow that blankets Mount Charleston’s highest peaks, the AVN Adult Entertainment expo also rolls into town at this time of the year, raising temperatures and offering fan meet and greets with some of the industry’s hottest stars. And if there’s an event more ‘Sin City’ than a porn convention, we’ve yet to hear of it... 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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