Las Vegas is a fun and thrilling destination for anyone planning a winter vacation at the end of the year. No other American city has as many shows, activities, tours, rides, and other entertaining activities as Las Vegas. The best part is the temperature is cool and dry in the Mojave Desert, so you can feel comfortable participating in outdoor adventures too.
Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter
Winter is a fun and exciting time to visit Las Vegas, whether you come to celebrate the Christmas holiday season or not. You can fill your winter travel itinerary with several things to do in Las Vegas and never get bored. Just be sure to make your reservations months in advance to secure any tickets or venue spots needed upon arrival. Below are the top things to do in Las Vegas during the winter.
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
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Winter is a fabulous time to experience outdoor adventures on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Due to the cooler temperatures of the winter season, you will feel comfortable spending more time outside in the desert and mountainous terrain near the city.
One of the most popular areas for Las Vegas tourists who want to experience the outdoor wilderness is Red Rock Canyon, only a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Then you can take a scenic drive on a one-way road for approximately 13 miles until you get to the end of the park. Either that or you can walk or cycle on any of the many trails.
The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area features red rock and stone formations, petroglyphs, wildlife, and more than 600 plant types. Nature lovers will have a fabulous time at the canyon.
Magic Shows
Who doesn’t like a good Las Vegas magic show in the wintertime? In fact, several fantastic magic shows in Las Vegas in December feature illusions, hypnosis, mind reading, sleight-of-hand, levitation, splitting torsos, and more. Most Las Vegas magic shows are suitable for children and adults, making them family-friendly.
David Copperfield and Penn & Teller have established the longest reputations as magicians and illusionists. If you have never seen them perform live, you should catch one of their shows when you come to Las Vegas. In addition, a few other notable magic shows include David Blaine, Criss Angel Mindfreak, and the Magic of Jen Kramer.
Hoover Dam
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The Hoover Dam was a fascinating architectural engineering achievement when constructed in 1928. Almost 100 years later, it is still one of the world’s biggest and best industrial achievements. Tens of thousands of people visit the Hoover Dam to witness this incredible structure up close.
Guests can take a guided tour of the Hoover Dam or a self-tour. If you have never been to the Hoover Dam before and wish to learn about its history and structural significance, then a professionally guided tour may be the better option. Then, if you ever want to visit again in the future, you can take the self-tour.
Race Exotic Cars on the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park
Have you ever fantasized about racing exotic cars on a race track? Well, now you can do that at the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park. It is a fun way to celebrate the end of the year in the wintertime.
Guests can select one of 20 exotic supercars to race around the track at the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park. The choices include the Lamborghini Huracan STO, Porsche Cayman GTS, Audi R8 V10 Plus, Ferrari 488 GTB, and Corvette C8.
You do not need professional race car driving experience to drive one of these dream cars on the race track for two hours. All guests receive one-on-one coaching and racing instructions for guidance as you race.
Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
Tourists are usually surprised to learn that Las Vegas has an ice-skating rink. However, if you visit the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, you can find an ice-skating rink available for skating in the wintertime. The USA Today even stated the Cosmopolitan Ice-Skating Rink is one of the best in the country.
When you visit in December, manufactured light snow will fall on the ice-skating rink every 30 minutes. If you get too cold, head to the fire pits to roast some marshmallows or s’mores. It is a fun experience that will make you feel like you are up north when you are actually in the desert.
Musical Tribute Shows
Las Vegas is home to numerous musical tribute shows to legendary singers and musicians who used to perform in the city. There are tribute shows to Prince, The Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson. Since the actual legends are no longer alive, you get to experience the magic of their iconic performances through the skill and creativity of talented impersonators.
The impersonators perfectly capture the vocals, attire, personality, style, and energy of the late singers. If you weren’t around to see the shows of the actual singers when they were alive, now you have this rare opportunity to see the next best thing. Check out highly-rated musical tribute shows like Purple Reign, Soul of Motown, Michael Jackson ONE, Elvis Spirit of the King, Legends in Concert, and Australian Bee Gees. Be sure to check out the ultimate Las Vegas shows guide by visit VegasLens.
Bellagio Fountains
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Stop by the Bellagio Fountains outside the Bellagio Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. They feature over 1,000 water nozzles and lights to display a fascinating water and light show every 15 minutes between 8 PM and midnight. The fountains spread over 1,000 feet across a manufactured lake and shoot water up to 460 feet into midair.
It is 100% free to witness the shows at the Bellagio Fountains. And since it’s wintertime, you may see holiday festivities and decorations in the area while standing outside to watch the show.