The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas in December

Las Vegas never disappoints during the winter months and holiday season. Throughout the city, you’ll find holiday lights and decor wherever you go. And we have a lot of activities and events that are perfect for the whole family. In this blog, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Las Vegas in December.

9 Things to Do in Las Vegas in December

1. Visit the Display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

During winter, the Bellagio creates an elaborate wonderland display that fully embodies the season.

When you enter, you’ll be greeted by a 42-foot silver tip fir Christmas tree sparkling with thousands of lights. You’ll also find elegantly snow-capped mountain ranges, a Swiss chalet, and Santa’s sleigh full of presents.

Be sure to look out for giant flowers and plants, thousands of fresh poinsettias, life-size polar bears, extravagant holiday trees, toy trains, and other winter creations. When you walk through the venue, you’ll be amazed by the lights, ornaments, holiday icons, and other seasonal elements that go beyond your imagination.

At night, enjoy the lights and music of the famous Bellagio fountains. Witness the elegant fountains dance to classic holiday songs like Carol of the Bells, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, and Santa Baby.

If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas in December, the Bellagio display should top your list.

2. Ice Skate at the Cosmopolitan

One of the most anticipated things to do in Las Vegas in December is ice skating at the 4,200-square-foot Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan, which turns from a pool into a rink.

Here you’ll find fire pits, relaxing sitting spaces, a range of seasonal food, s’mores, hot chocolate, warm cocktails, and other refreshments — all perfect for the holiday cheer. Entry to the rink is free. Skate rentals go for a small fee.

Beyond that, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Strip. Plus, the ice rink features magnificent light snow showers every 30 minutes during select times.

3. Experience Holiday Magic at the LINQ Promenade

Are you ready for a larger-than-life holiday experience? Then the winter wonderland at the LINQ Promenade should be on your things to do in Las Vegas in December.

Be amazed by the plethora of holiday decorations, carolers and festive music, magic show, and a whole lot of family fun. A 30-foot-tall tree welcomes you to a majestic focal point at the Fountain Stage.

Plus, you’re treated to a magnificent light show at the High Roller Observation Wheel, adorned with 1,500 LED lights and offering spectacular aerial views of the city for half an hour. From the world’s tallest observation wheel, you’ll also see the lights and decorations of the Strip, downtown, and many iconic landmarks.

4. Indulge at Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory

This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas in December.

During the winter months, Ethel M’s illuminate their three-acre cactus garden with a unique holiday light display using more than a million lights. Out front, you’ll find a spectacular display of more than half a million holiday lights, chocolate houses and sculptures, and chocolate-making demos.

Inside the factory, you get to watch their experts create confectionery delights. This chocolate haven offers cherry cordials, creams, peanut brittle, truffles, and other sweet treats perfect for the holidays. And in your free self-guided factory tour, you can pick your free samples or make your purchase.

5. Marvel at Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland

During the winter holidays, Mystic Falls Park gets decked out with plenty of decorations, a North Pole Mailbox, and snow showers — turning the indoor park into a winter wonderland display.

A special Sunset Stampede laser light show with holiday music comes on every hour between 2:00-10:00 PM. Plus, you can walk through the park to enjoy animatronic characters, an 18-foot Christmas tree, and thousands of lights.

You’ll be amazed by the 18-foot tree covered in unique holiday decorations — garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts, and snow-covered trees fill the atrium. Other decorations include a glimpse inside Santa's workshop, like elves making toys and loading up Santa's sleigh with goodies for children.

6. Head to Mt. Charleston

As the highest peak in the Spring Mountains, Mt. Charleston offers an oasis of cold springs, evergreen wilderness, and fresh mountain air.

You can go camping, hiking, horseback riding, picnic, skiing, or head for the walking trails. Remember to take breathtaking shots from Charleston Peak and explore abundant bristlecone pines in the trails.

Head to Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort. Enjoy archery, axe-throwing, and disc golf. Don’t miss the chair-lift rides where you can soak up the views of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

7. Spend Time Outdoors

Enjoying the outdoors is another must during the winter months, especially in a city that’s almost always hot.

Check out the Hoover Dam where guides will provide a narration as you explore at your own pace. For the best view of the dam and the Colorado River, be sure to walk the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

You can tour the west or south rim of the Grand Canyon. Here you can explore the wilderness as you walk the rim and take in the epic views.

From Vegas, other outdoor destinations include Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Lake Mead, Joshua Tree Forest, and Valley of Fire. And if you’re looking for even more experiences in Mother Nature, consider these popular road trip destinations from Las Vegas.

8. Be Enchanted at Enchant Las Vegas Ballpark

In this spectacular Christmas experience, you and the whole fam will be transported to a living storybook kind of holiday.

You’ll be welcomed by an 80-foot tree, covered in bright lights and memorable decorations, that overlooks the Enchant ground. Here you’ll experience the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze adventure.

Enchant’s ice skating trail offers a unique experience for all. If you’re with kids, a play area with hands-on fun is their go-to spot.

You also can opt to go shopping in the locally curated Christmas Market, enjoy live music and entertainment, and even meet Santa. Oh, and don’t forget to strike a pose against amazing backdrops!

9. Check Out More Winter Wonderlands

Head to The Park, as the pedestrian mall transforms into a winter paradise. It features a 60-foot-tall holiday tree with thousands of ornaments and lights. Plus, guests can walk through ornament tunnels and skate at The Park’s ice skating rink.

Visit ARIA Resort & Casino’s holiday display that’s full of fun and flavorful pastry masterpieces. Enjoy a donut tower, a cup of hot cocoa, a life-sized gingerbread man, ice cream cones, snowflakes, and candy canes.

Inspired by the novel Gulliver’s Travels, the Wynn’s wonderland takes you on a magical journey. Explore a new neighborhood made up of intricately made whimsical winter villages.

The best part? All these are free and open 24 hours throughout the holiday season.

Are you ready to spend the winter months and holiday season in Sin City? These things to do in Las Vegas in December prove that you’ll never run out of options while in the city.