29 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS DURING WINTER?

We can help! Our family has been visiting Las Vegas since 2011 and we have spent a lot of time there. We love to travel to Las Vegas during the winter. Through our escapes from the winter cold we’ve learned that there are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas during Winter.

It is a city filled with lights, entertainment, and more glitz than you’d have thought possible, even during the winter months. There is something for everyone, even if you’re visiting as a family.

Las Vegas is most famous for the strip, but there is so much more to do there. You should definitely visit the Strip – it is so pretty and there’s lots to do. But, don’t spend all of your time there.

Get out, enjoy the beautiful red rocks, and marvel at some of the wonders of the world plus enjoy all the beautiful holiday decorations and things to do in Las Vegas in winter.

Things to Do in Vegas During Winter

There are so many fun things to do in Vegas in winter. It is nice to visit Las Vegas in the winter because it is a lot easier to enjoy all the outdoor activities during the cooler temperatures.

Summer is so hot there, so visiting in the winter is a great time to go hiking, enjoy outdoor activities, and participate in fun holiday activities.

Outdoor Adventurous Winter Activities in Las Vegas

Winter is a great time to take advantage of the cooler temperatures to enjoy the beautiful Southwest landscape in and around Las Vegas. There are lots of fun, adventurous things to do, as well as awesome day trips. We love this part of the United States.

1. Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is one of our favorite places to visit when we go to Las Vegas. It is about 50 minutes north of Las Vegas. The park is filled with red rock formations, bighorn sheep, and hiking trails suitable for the entire family.

This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during Winter because you can hike and explore in the cooler winter temperatures.

If you are just driving through the park, plan on being there for an hour or two. If you want to explore every trail and overlook, plan on a full day. The hiking trails are all fairly close to each other, so you won’t have to do much driving once you get there.

Our favorite things to do in Valley of Fire are to drive the Mouse’s Tank Road, hike the Mouse’s Tank trail, hike to the Fire Wave (the most beautiful spot in the park, in our opinion), and hike the white domes.

Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep. On our last weekend trip there, we saw so many of these beautiful animals.

If you don’t have transportation or want to visit with a group, you can book a Valley of Fire hiking tour. Hiking tours are a great way to see the beautiful landscapes and learn more about this beautiful state park.

➡ Book Your Valley of Fire Hiking Tour Here!

2. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is about 25 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip. The conservation area is home to towering red sandstone formations and petroglyphs. The canyon is one of the many fun things to see in Las Vegas when you need a break from the neon lights and crowded streets.

A 13-mile (ONE-WAY) scenic drive will take you through the canyon. Notice the one-way. If you miss a stop, you will have to leave the park and drive back through, so make sure you keep an eye out for where you are headed.

Once you are in Red Rock Canyon, keep an eye out for the over 600 types of plants and animals. If you aren’t feeling up for a hike, you can enjoy the scenic 13-mile drive. There are about ten different places to stop and park your car throughout the drive.

If you’re up for some fresh air, there are 26 different hikes and places to climb on the rocks without hiking. Our favorite stops were Calico I, White Rock, and Red Spring/Calico Basin. Exploring Red Rock Canyon is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during Winter because of the cooler weather.

If you need transportation or want to hike in a group setting, you can join a Red Rock Canyon hiking tour. This includes transportation from downtown Las Vegas as well as a knowledgeable guide who will share really neat information about Red Rock Canyon.

No worries if you’re not a family of hikers; there are other types of Red Rock Canyon tours to choose from.

➡ Book Your Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour Here!

Riding Horses Through Red Rock Canyon

Another fun way to see Red Rock Canyon is on horseback. A sunset horseback ride through the canyon is a beautiful way to see the canyon. Plus, after your guided trail ride, you get to finish the evening off with a delicious campfire barbecue with grilled meats, corn on the cob, and s’mores.

This tour includes transportation to and from select Las Vegas hotels. This is a great trail ride, even if you don’t have experience riding horses. No previous riding experience is required.

➡ Book Your Red Rock Canyon Horseback Ride Here

We would highly recommend either visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon.

3. Antelope Canyon  

One of our favorite day trips from Las Vegas is Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. It is about four hours away from Las Vegas, but if you’re looking for some beautiful Southwest scenery, the drive is well worth it. If you don’t want to go there and back in a day, there are lots of great places to stay in Page.

Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world. The red sandstone has been carved by millions of years of water and wind erosion. The canyon is one of the prettiest and most photogenic places we have visited.

You can either drive yourself over to Page or go on a tour of Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas, which includes transportation. If you drive yourself to Antelope Canyon, you will still need to book a canyon tour because Antelope Canyon is on protected Navajo Land. Only authorized guides are allowed to take visitors through the canyon.

Visiting Antelope Canyon is one of the great winter activities in Las Vegas because you will get to hike and explore the canyon during the cooler weather, plus avoid the busy summer season.

If you’re exploring Page on your own, be sure to stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. If you are going on a tour from Las Vegas, this will most likely be one of the stops on your tour. It is a beautiful overlook of the Colorado River, where there is a sharp bend in the river.

➡ Book Your Antelope Canyon Tour Here!  

If you don’t have transportation or don’t want to worry about the drive, you can book a tour of Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas. You just get to sit back and enjoy the tour while leaving the driving and planning to someone else. This is a great thing to do in January in Vegas.

➡ Book Your Antelope Canyon Tour from Las Vegas Here!  

4. Grand Canyon West Rim

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 2.5 hours away from Las Vegas, but the drive over will be well worth your time. The Grand Canyon is one of the most remarkable natural wonders of our world and something you should take the time to visit, especially if you don’t think you will be back in the area for a while.

A great option for seeing this beautiful part of the United States is with a tour departing from Las Vegas. The company will take care of the logistics and driving, which makes seeing the Grand Canyon really easy for you.

➡ Book Your Grand Canyon Tour Here!

If you don’t want to take the time to drive, consider a tour from the air. There are lots of companies that offer helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. We flew over the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago, and it was as amazing from the air as standing on the canyon rim. It is truly one of the most remarkable things to do in Las Vegas during the winter.

It is well worth splurging for a Las Vegas helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon!

➡ Book Your Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Here!

If you want to spend a little more time at the Grand Canyon, there are lots of great places to stay near the South Rim. The Grand Canyon is spectacular at sunset, and it is a great place to go star-gazing.

5. Visit the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is about 45 minutes west of Las Vegas and is considered one of the industrial wonders of the world. It was built to control flooding and supply electricity to the southwest area of the United States. The dam was built in 1928 and was considered the largest project of the time.

You can go on a tour of the dam or spend about an hour walking on and around the dam itself for free. This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas in winter.

About a mile before you reach the Hoover Dam, look for parking near the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can get a great view of the dam from this perspective. This is one of the most unique things to see in Las Vegas.

There are also great Hoover Dam tour options departing from Las Vegas. We’ve done the homework and narrowed down the most enjoyable Hoover Dam tours.

The guides are so knowledgeable and have great information and stories to share about the dam. You get to sit back and really enjoy touring the Hoover Dam without worrying about the logistics of driving, parking, and a tour.

➡ Book Your Hoover Dam Tour Here!

6. Visit Emerald Cave

Emerald Cave is a beautiful cave just about an hour outside of Las Vegas. One really cool thing about Emerald Cave is it lights up with a green color.

As light comes into the cave, the algae in the water light up with a green color. The brownish-yellow color of the cave walls and the algae at the bottom of the river make it a really cool thing to see.  

Winter is one of the best times to visit Emerald Cave because there are a few hot springs you can visit. To see the cave, you paddle along the Black Canyon Water Trail. The cave only lights up at certain times of the day. The best time of day to be in the cave is 2 p.m.

The best way to ensure a great visit to Emerald Cave is on a guided tour. Your experienced guide will know the best time to visit the cave and where it is exactly, Plus, they have all the paddling and safety gear you will need. The tour also includes transportation to and from Las Vegas.

➡ Book Your Emerald Cave Kayak Tour Here!

7. Explore the Mojave Desert on an ATV

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas during winter is to get out to explore the desert. It is so beautiful, with a diverse ecosystem. In the summer it is so so hot but, in the winter, the weather is perfect.

A really fun way to explore the Las Vegas desert is on an ATV.

The ATV desert tour includes pickup from the strip, safety equipment, and an experienced guide. It is a fun way to take a break from the Las Vegas strip and spend some time outdoors.  

➡ Book Your ATV Desert Tour Here!

8.  Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Day Tour

Along with the Grand Canyon, there are two beautiful national parks within day trips of Las Vegas. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are two of our favorite national parks.

Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and for a good reason.  National Park Express runs a tour that will take you through both of these parks.

Zion National Park is filled with beautiful sandstone cliffs that tower over the Valley Floor. During the tour, you will get to stop at the Visitor Center in the park and then make your way up through a mile-long tunnel and the upper parts of Zion.

In Bryce Canyon, you will get the chance to walk the beautiful Rim Trail to see the beautiful and unique hoodoos and landscapes. The Rim Trail will give you a great opportunity to take pictures and marvel at these unique sandstone formations. Bryce is one of our favorite parks to visit because it is so unique, and the colors are amazing.

Roundtrip transportation from select hotels is included in the tour as well as admission fees to the national park.

➡ Check Prices for National Parks Tour Here!

9. Exotic Car Racing

If you’re looking for a thrilling and fun activity in Las Vegas, you can race exotic cars at the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park. There are 20 different cars to choose from, plus you get racing instructions and one-on-one coaching. This is an adrenaline-pumping experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

The tour starts out with a safety orientation and then a 2-lap test drive where you will ride as a passenger to get some experience and a feel for the track. Then it is your turn. There is no speed limit on the track, and you can drive up to 130 miles per hour. An instructor will be with you as you drive around the track.  

The racetrack is about 20 minutes south of the Strip in Henderson, Nevada.

➡ Book Your Car Racing Experience Here!

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter

10. Container Park

The Container Park is about a block away from Fremont Street and is a fun place to go if you’re looking for a place that is a little bit more relaxing than Fremont Street or the Strip. It is a shopping center built from shipping containers. The park has restaurants, galleries, stores, and a large playground in the center courtyard.

It also has a large praying mantis art sculpture out front that shoots out flames. It was a great place to let the kids run around, grab some ice cream, and enjoy some live music. The Container Park is one of the fun things to see in Las Vegas that the entire family will enjoy.

11. Fremont Street

Fremont Street is an outdoor mall and a place for a lively night out in Las Vegas. Our favorite parts of Fremont Street are the street performers and Viva Vision Light Show. The light show takes place on the world’s largest video screen, located on the ceiling. It is a free show and is one of the great free and fun things to do in Las Vegas.

For travelers looking for a chance from the strip, there are many great Fremont Street hotels to consider too!

There are always so many different talented street performers there. During our last trip, there was a dancer who was around ten who was spectacular. The street is full of souvenir shops, restaurants, and casinos.

12. Las Vegas Sign

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a landmark that most have seen a picture of. The sign marks the start of the Las Vegas strip.

Be prepared for a line if you want to snag a picture at this iconic spot. We didn’t want to wait in the line, so we went to the side and timed our picture as people were trading off. This is a great thing to do in January in Vegas.

13. Las Vegas Strip

Many of the fun things to see in Las Vegas are found on the Las Vegas Strip. The strip is lined with fancy casinos and resort hotels filled with attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants that could keep you busy for months.

There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas during Winter along the Las Vegas Strip. You can explore on your own or jump aboard a Las Vegas bus tour.

Our favorite stop that we visit each time we go to Las Vegas is the Bellagio. We love the blown glass ceiling, conservatory, and fountain show in the front. Be sure to check out the holiday decorations in the conservatory.

If you have adrenaline seekers in your party, head over to the top of the Stratosphere, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city of Las Vegas and go on their thrill rides. You can also ride on the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. Flyover Las Vegas is another fun, amusement park-style thrill-seeking adventure too!

The Venetian is also a beautiful hotel that will transport you to Italy for a few hours. We all need a little more gelato and gondola rides in our life!

Many Las Vegas food tours highlight many of the best eateries along the strip. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the city!

Other Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter

14. Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is home to over 200 neon signs that are no longer being used in Las Vegas and is one of the many fun things to do in Las Vegas. The Neon Museum was started in 1996 with the goal of preserving these iconic Las Vegas signs.

The museum is open all day, but we recommend going just before sunset so you can watch as the lights from the signs really start to illuminate. You can explore the Boneyard at your leisure and/or take in the Brilliant! Experience. This is a 25-minute show that projects light onto old signs that have non-working lights.

The Neon Museum is such a fun way to enjoy the neon lights without the craziness of the strip at night, especially if you are visiting Las Vegas with kids.

FOR MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT, CHECK OUT WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NEON MUSEUM.

15. Giordano’s

Giordano’s is famous for their deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, and it is our new favorite pizza. It has locations throughout the country, with multiple restaurants in the Las Vegas area. The restaurants are spacious and have an open kitchen, so you can watch how they make the deep-dish pizzas.

Keep in mind the deep-dish pizzas take about 45 minutes to cook. The wait is worth it…we promise! We ordered the Tequila Lime Wings and “The Best” Tomato Bruschetta while our pizza was cooking, so the wait went by really fast.

Overall, we loved Giordano’s. The only thing I wish we would have done differently is to take a pizza to go! It is one of the top things to see in Las Vegas if you’re looking for some good food.

16. Catch a Show

Las Vegas has so many wonderful show options for every sort of interest. If you are looking for a family-friendly Las Vegas show, consider Blue Man Group, Mac King, ‘O’ and Love.

When we were in Las Vegas, we went to Michael Jackson: One and loved it. This would also be suitable for children. The show was filled with acrobatics, dance, and visuals to the catchy Michael Jackson songs.

17. Pinball Hall of Fame

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a great place for some family-friendly gaming and is one of the most fun things to see in Las Vegas. It has over 200 different pinball games and other arcade games. The pinball games range from the 1905s up to the 1990s pinball machines. Most of the pinball machines are 25 cents per play.

If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas during Winter on a rainy or especially cold day, this is a great option because it is inside.

18. Route 66

The closest place to drive down iconic Route 66, the ultimate classic road trip by way, is about 1.75 hours away from Las Vegas, near Kingman, Arizona.  From there, you can explore for as long as you’d like. Route 66 was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. It originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles.

We ate lunch at Mr. D’z Diner and explored some of the town. There is a museum and some Route 66-themed gift shops in Kingman.

Things to do in Vegas in December

There are so many fun holiday things to do in Las Vegas in December. The whole town comes alive with extra holiday lights and decorations. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to see Santa, go ice skating, and do other holiday activities.  

19. LINQ Promenade

In the month of December, the LINQ Promenade turns into a holiday wonderland. There are lots of Christmas decorations to see, as well as holiday-themed entertainment.

There is a really nice Christmas light show that runs with holiday music. The show usually runs on the half-hour from 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

You can also ride the High Roller at the LINQ for a birds-eye view of all of the holiday decorations and lights. It also has great views of the Las Vegas area at a height of more than 550 feet. The ride lasts 30 minutes.

➡ Book Your LINQ High Roller Tickets Here!

20. Lights at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory

You can easily combine a night out of chocolate tasting with beautiful Christmas lights at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. The factory decorates its cactus garden with over half a million lights spread out over three acres. The garden is so beautiful and really transforms when all of the Christmas lights are on.

Santa also makes nightly appearances and is available for pictures.

21. Festival of Lanterns at Cowabunga Bay

Just outside of Las Vegas, in the city of Henderson, you can see beautifully handcrafted Chinese lanterns as they light up the night sky. Cowabunga Bay transforms from a waterpark into a beautiful holiday display with lanterns and millions of holiday LED lights. It is spectacular.

The festival runs from early November through February, so even if you aren’t going to be in Las Vegas in December, you can still visit. There are daily performances and delicious food and drinks.

22. Magic Forest at Opportunity Village

Another one of the fun things to do in Vegas in December is walk through the Magic Forest. It is a winter wonderland with lots of rides for the kids, a train ride, winter villages, and tons of Christmas lights. There is also really good food so make sure to come hungry.

Santa is also available for pictures on certain dates, so check their schedule before heading over. Magic Forest is opening in the evenings, usually starting around 5:30 p.m.

23. Ice Skating at Cosmopolitan

The ice-skating rink at the Cosmopolitan is one of the best places to go skating in Las Vegas. It has even been named one of the best ice skating rinks in the United States by USA Today. The rink usually opens mid-November through New Year’s.

Along with ice skating, you can find warm drinks, fire pits, and s’mores. Plus, there is a light snowfall every 30 minutes during select times throughout the month of December.

24. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

One of our favorite things to do in Vegas in December is to visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. There is always a fun holiday theme. We have seen beautiful holiday displays featuring polar bears, beautiful flowers, and Christmas trees.

On your way out, be sure to stop at the Bellagio Fountain for a show accompanied by holiday music.

25. Aria’s Winter Wonderland Display

Walking through the Sugar Palace at the Aria is a fun thing to do in Vegas in December. It is a huge holiday display created out of thousands of pounds of sugar. Buildings can be as tall as 15 feet and feature royal icing, sugar vines, and icicles. Everything in the displays is edible.

In years past, there have been houses made from sugar, gingerbread men made entirely out of dark chocolate, and more.

26. Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark

Enchant Christmas is a great place to spend an evening filled with holiday fun. There are lots of fun holiday events like a maze lit up with Christmas lights as well as an ice-skating rink and Christmas Village. In the village, you can find different artisan vendors, a playground, and visits from Santa.

27. Craig Ranch Park

A great place to see Christmas lights is at the Craig Ranch Regional Park. There are millions of lights on display that are synchronized to holiday music. Santa is also available to visit at certain times. There are also different rides and games, as well as food vendors on site.

28. Santa Run

The Las Vegas Great Sant Run is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. At the beginning of December, thousands of runners and walkers dressed as Santa take over the streets of downtown Las Vegas. Your registration includes a five-piece Santa suit, so there’s no need to worry about getting a costume.

It is a great community event that helps raise money for people with disabilities in the Las Vegas area. It is a 5K race.

29. Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is a public art installation located in Las Vegas Ivanpah Valley. The beautiful, colorful rocks are free to visit. It’s a real treat to find land art of this caliber this close to Las Vegas.

Only half an hour outside of Las Vegas, you can visit without spending too much time checking it out. It’s a great opportunity to let the kids take in the sights but also run around and have fun. You can visit Seven Magic Mountain year-round.

Map of Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter

Is Vegas Warm In the Winter?

Las Vegas is warmer than a lot of places in the United States in the winter. We are always happy to visit Las Vegas in winter because it is much warmer than where we are from.

This is relative, though, compared to where you are visiting from. It more than likely won’t be warm enough thought for swimming in unheated pools and getting a tan.

Las Vegas Winter Temperatures

The coldest month in Las Vegas is December. Overnight lows can dip to freezing temperatures. However, it is usually warm and pleasant during the day. Highs reach into the 60s with little to no rain. By February, the highs reach around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

We usually always visit Las Vegas during the winter and always really enjoy the weather. It is cool enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities like hiking and walking the strip without getting too hot. Pack a jacket for the evenings, and you’ll be set.

Is December a Good Time to Go to Las Vegas?

December is a great time to visit Las Vegas. Holiday decorations and activities are in full swing. Plus, you can take advantage of all the other fun activities that are available year-round but are much more enjoyable during the cooler temperatures.

We visited Las Vegas in December one year to go to the National Finals Rodeo and had a wonderful time. There were all sorts of fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids, and they loved the holiday decorations and activities.

Is it Worth Going to Vegas in January?

A visit to Las Vegas in January is well worth a visit. You won’t be hanging out poolside every day, but there are lots of activities to enjoy in the cooler temperatures.

Our last trip to Las Vegas was in January, and we had a great time. We enjoyed hiking in the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. Hiking in the summer months is not as enjoyable and can be dangerous depending on temperature.

Also, remember that you don’t always have to stay on the strip. There are many hotels near the Las Vegas airport that are top-notch. They offer a great place to stay while you take in all there is to do and explore in Las Vegas in January.

Conclusion: Things to do in Las Vegas in Winter

We hope you have found this guide helpful in planning a trip to Las Vegas in winter. We’ve always had a wonderful time enjoying all the fun things to do in Las Vegas during the cooler weather. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

If you’re looking for ideas on places to escape the winter cold, check out the fun things to do in Phoenix or San Diego.

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Additional Las Vegas Travel Blogs

Las Vegas is such a great city to visit, whether you’re looking to spend time on the Las Vegas Strip or explore the beautiful national parks and hiking trails in this part of the United States. If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, check out these additional Las Vegas travel guides:

• 11 Best Las Vegas Bus Tour Options
• A Complete Guide to Flyover Las Vegas
• 11 Best Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Choices
• 7 Highest Rated Hoover Dam Tour Options from Las Vegas [Helicopter + Car]
• 11 Delicious Las Vegas Food Tours You Can’t Miss
• 28 Best Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
• 11 Best Red Rock Canyon Tours
• 11 Best Fremont Street Hotels for Travelers
• 12 Closest Hotels Near the Las Vegas Airport for Travelers
• Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
• Las Vegas to Moab: The Best Route & Stops Along the Way
• 6 Best Ways to Tour Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
• Visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
• A Complete Guide to the Valley of Fire Hikes in Las Vegas
• 29 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter
• What to Expect at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: A Complete Travel Guide
• 7 Best Las Vegas ATV Tours for Adventurers