Las Vegas Christmas vacations combine the trappings of the holidays with that special Sin City flair. You can enjoy all your traditional holiday activities with an over-the-top flamboyance that only Las Vegas can offer.
Decorations
If the area is bright the rest of they year, it positively sparkles at Christmas. Special decorations abound both inside and out of the hotels. Each hotel is decorated inside with winter and seasonal themes. The Bellagio, for example, does a special Yule fountain display to music. It also features the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which includes a polar bear family and 42-foot fir tree. Caesars Palace has a promenade of lighted Christmas trees.
If you prefer more traditional lights, there is a shuttle tour that runs from the hotels to the prominent residential areas. The Springs Preserve, a nature preserve, sets up over a half million LED lights for viewing.
Shopping
Christmas shopping abounds in Las Vegas. There are the standard urban shopping malls to visit along with the major hotels' shopping opportunities. You can browse in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, the Bellagio's Via or Caesars' Forum Shops. Best of all, the shops are open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Casinos
While gambling is still the name of the game, your dealer may be sporting a Santa hat or elf ears. The odds may be on the side of the house, but there's always the chance you could walk away a big winner.
Entertainment
The shows have a special Christmas theme that is sure to put you in a holiday mood. The actual shows will vary from year to year. You can always count on the regulars, such as Wayne Newton, to have a delightful Christmas extravaganza.
For other entertainment, visit the Fremont Street Experience. This downtown tourist attraction puts on special light displays during the Yuletide. You may also get to have your picture taken with Naughty Santa and one of his wives!
Dining
Las Vegas is known for its affordable food prices, but Christmas may be an exception. If you are planning on dining in Vegas on Christmas Day, the hotel buffets raise their rates for the day. Check out the cafes and restaurants for better prices.
Tips for Las Vegas Christmas Vacations
- Check for specials with the hotels and the airlines. Your best value may be with a combine air and hotel package.
- Everything stays open in Las Vegas over the holidays, so don't worry about closures.
- If you are planning of restaurant dining on Christmas Day, check in advance if reservations are required.
- While Vegas occasionally has snow, it will definitely be chilly in December. Dress warmly, especially if you are planning to walk from hotel to hotel.
- The shows can sell out; do your research in advance and book early. As an alternative, check with last minute ticket brokers, like Tix4Tonight, for less expensive show tickets.
- No matter where you stay, visit the other hotels to see their seasonal displays. You'll have fun comparing the splendor and it's free.
- Don't be surprised if you see an Elvis Santa. This is, after all, Vegas!
