Las Vegas celebrates the 2026 holiday season with light displays, Christmas shows, community parades, Hanukkah gatherings, and outings for families and friends. Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, and Hanukkah runs from sunset December 4 through nightfall December 12. Use this guide to find events with published 2026 details, then follow the event links for tickets and any schedule changes.
Christmas Lights and Holiday Attractions in Las Vegas
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s holiday Conservatory display is scheduled for November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027. Walk through its seasonal floral installation in the resort, then step outside to see the Fountains of Bellagio. The Conservatory and fountain viewing are free. Explore our Bellagio Conservatory guide.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Glittering Lights returns November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Drive through miles of illuminated displays at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from the comfort of your vehicle. Admission is charged per vehicle; check the ticket options and operating hours for your visit date.
Enchant at Las Vegas Ballpark
Enchant Las Vegas runs November 20 through December 27, 2026, at Las Vegas Ballpark. Its ticketed experience includes a reimagined Christmas light maze, photo opportunities, seasonal food and drinks, entertainment, and ice skating. See the Vegas4Locals Enchant event page.
Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights
The Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights are scheduled nightly from November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson. The garden is open 5–8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and is closed Christmas Day. General admission is $3 per person; children under 2 and adults 65 and older enter free. No garden reservation is required. Santa photos and certain special activities cost extra.
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Magical Forest brings holiday lights, decorated trees, rides, and seasonal activities to Opportunity Village at 6300 W. Oakey Boulevard. The published 2026 schedule is November 27–29; December 3–24; and December 26–January 1. This is a ticketed attraction benefiting Opportunity Village.
Downtown Summerlin Rock Rink
Rock Rink returns to Downtown Summerlin for outdoor ice skating during the holiday season. Check its calendar for skating sessions and admission before heading out.
Holiday Parades and Community Events
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade runs at 6 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from November 20 through December 19, 2026, along Park Centre Drive. The parade features holiday characters, music, snow flurries, and Santa. Viewing is free.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run
Opportunity Village’s Great Santa Run takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, at its Magical Forest campus, 6300 W. Oakey Boulevard. Choose a 5K or one-mile walk. Race-day activities begin at 12:30 p.m. and the races start at 2:30 p.m. Registration is required and supports Opportunity Village.
Tivoli Village Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Tivoli Village lists horse-drawn carriage rides from December 3–19, 2026, between 4 and 8 p.m. These are ticketed rides; check the event listing for available dates, reservations, and pricing.
Hanukkah Celebrations in Las Vegas: December 4–12, 2026
Hanukkah begins at sunset on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026. These local events have published 2026 dates:
| Event | Date & Time | Location & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Knights Hanukkah & Hockey | Saturday, December 5, at 4 p.m. | T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights play the Winnipeg Jets. The team’s special ticket offer includes a light-up menorah scarf. |
| Downtown Summerlin Light the Menorah | Sunday, December 6, from 4–6 p.m. | Between H&M and Mora Iced Creamery at Downtown Summerlin. Jewish Nevada and the JCC of Southern Nevada present a community menorah lighting, entertainment, children’s activities, and treats. |
| Women’s Circle Torah & Tea: Chanukah Celebration | Tuesday, December 8, at noon | Chabad of Henderson, 524 Carnegie Street. A women’s lunch and learning gathering; admission is $18. See the organizer’s calendar for RSVP information. |
Additional menorah lightings may be announced as the holiday approaches. Consult the organizers’ current schedules for any newly added celebrations.
Kwanzaa and Community Heritage Events
Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26, 2026, through January 1, 2027. The West Las Vegas Arts Center presents cultural programming connected with Kwanzaa and its youth Rites of Passage programs. A date and time for its 2026 Kwanzaa ceremony have not been published on the center’s page.
Before the holiday, the city has scheduled The Corner: CommUNITY for Friday, December 18, from 7–10 p.m., at the West Las Vegas Arts Center. This free community open mic is inspired by the principles of Kwanzaa and is recommended for ages 13 and older.
Winter Solstice at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Henderson’s Winter Solstice at the Bird Viewing Preserve is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, 2026, from 2–4 p.m., at 350 E. Galleria Drive. Families can explore the preserve, enjoy seasonal crafts and refreshments, and learn about the solstice. Follow the city’s event page for registration details.
Christmas Eve Services
Canyon Ridge Christian Church has announced Christmas Eve services for Thursday, December 24, 2026, at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11:30 p.m. Its page provides visit and online viewing information. For other congregations and services, explore our Las Vegas churches and places of worship guide and confirm holiday schedules directly with each congregation.
Christmas Shows and Holiday Performances
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Nevada Ballet Theatre presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at The Smith Center on select dates December 12–27, 2026. Choose a performance and view current ticket availability on the venue’s site.
A Very Vegas Christmas
The Las Vegas Philharmonic presents A Very Vegas Christmas at The Smith Center on December 5 and 6, 2026. The program features seasonal music, guest vocalists, and an excerpt from Nevada Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker.
Tournament of Kings: ‘Twas the Knight
Excalibur’s holiday version of Tournament of Kings runs on scheduled performance dates from November 25 through December 25, 2026. Expect jousting, seasonal music, and a holiday dinner served during the show. Check the performance calendar for dark dates before purchasing.
More Las Vegas Shows for a Holiday Trip
These ongoing productions can also fit into a December visit. Check each show’s calendar for the date you want:
- Popovich Comedy Pet Theater – family-friendly comedy and performing pets.
- Piff the Magic Dragon – comedy and magic.
- Jabbawockeez – dance and visual performance.
- Blue Man Group – music, comedy, and visual effects.
- The Rat Pack Is Back – a tribute to classic Las Vegas entertainment.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining
Restaurants release holiday menus, prices, and reservation times individually. For a Christmas meal, start with our Las Vegas brunch guide or check these restaurants’ reservation pages. Confirm that a restaurant is serving on your chosen date before booking.
- Eiffel Tower Restaurant – French dining with views of the Bellagio Fountains.
- Fogo de Chão – Brazilian-style dining.
- Carmine’s Las Vegas – family-style Italian dining.
- Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas – Bavarian food and beer.
- Bottiglia – Italian dining at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson.
Holiday Fun for Adults
For a night out, browse local breweries and taprooms, visit a seasonal cocktail bar, or plan a club outing. Miracle on Spring Mountain is The Sand Dollar’s holiday-themed cocktail destination at 3355 Spring Mountain Road. Check its current schedule and age requirements before visiting.
Visitors looking for nightlife transportation can also compare LA Epic Club Crawls and Turnt Up Tours. These are general Las Vegas nightlife options; review each tour’s actual December itinerary before booking.
Las Vegas Christmas 2026 FAQs
Q: When is Hanukkah in 2026?
A: It begins at sunset on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
Q: What can families do for free during the holidays?
A: The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade and Bellagio’s Conservatory and fountain displays are free to visit. Some other attractions in this guide charge admission.
Q: Is the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden free in 2026?
A: General admission is $3 per person. Children under 2 and adults 65 and older enter free. The garden is closed on Christmas Day.
Q: Where is the 2026 Great Santa Run?
A: It starts at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest campus, 6300 W. Oakey Boulevard, on Saturday, December 5.
Q: Can I find events on Christmas Eve?
A: Yes. Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden is scheduled for 5–8 p.m. on December 24, and Canyon Ridge has announced five Christmas Eve service times. Check individual show and restaurant schedules for additional options.
Find More Las Vegas Holiday Events
New concerts, markets, performances, and community celebrations are added throughout the season. Browse the Vegas4Locals holiday and seasonal events calendar for the latest listings.
