Click here for holiday events in Nevada 2023.
If you’re ready for cozy nights and Christmas lights, then you’re in the right place. Make this holiday season one to remember by getting all spruced up for some holiday events in Nevada.
Nov. 5 to Jan. 1: Holiday Cactus Garden Lights
Henderson
Nothing tops the tradition of twinkling Christmas lights during the holiday season. So make sure to experience the 29th annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights to see Christmas lights like you’ve never seen them before. Here, the biggest botanical cactus garden in Nevada will be decking the halls with more than a million colorful Christmas lights. While browsing the glimmering garden, guests can also take pictures with Santa, enjoy Ethel M Chocolates’ famous hot chocolate or grab a quick bite from a festive food truck. And it wouldn’t be in the spirit of Ethel M Chocolates without splurging on some delicious desserts. From creamy caramels to chocolatey peppermint bark, a taste of freshly made sweet treats is completely necessary to top off this Nevada holiday event. This year, a $1 entrance fee per person is required and will be donated to Help of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank. In addition, toys and non-perishable goods are also welcomed, but not required. For more information, visit ethelm.com.
Nov. 11 to Jan. 16: The Rock Rink
Las Vegas
The annual return of the Rock Rink is always something to look forward to. From the signature 8,000-sq.-ft. real-ice skating rink to the gleaming holiday train, there is no shortage of festive fun at this holiday event in Nevada. You can skate beneath the stars while listening to upbeat holiday music and admiring a magnificent 40-foot dazzling Christmas tree. In addition, guests can warm up with Sterling’s Hot Cocoa, which offers a variety of signature holiday beverages sure to make you merry. Lastly, you can’t miss out on the chance to ride the festive holiday train that chugs around the ice-skating rink and holiday tree centerpiece. Skate rentals start at $16, and all ages are welcome. Train rides are $5 per adult and child. For more information, visit summerlin.com.
Nov. 23 to Jan. 8: Snow Carnival Holiday Forest
Henderson
At the first-ever Snow Carnival Holiday Forest, a unique winter wonderland-themed event held at the M Resort Spa Casino, you’ll be able to feel the magic in the air. This Nevada holiday event is a kid-friendly experience that runs from Nov. 23 through Jan. 8 and is designed to enchant and charm guests in a storybook-like setting. Visitors will be welcomed by a gentle snowfall and thousands of dazzling lights as they enter a world of whimsy, covered in more than 350 tons of real snow, creating an idyllic winter wonderland. First, race down the snowy inclines of the multi-lane snow tubing slide for some slick adventure. Then, make snow angels, build a snowman or even throw some snowballs in a snow-blanketed indoor meadow. You also can’t pass up the chance to climb aboard the Holiday Express for a joyous journey through the festive forest. And after a long day of fun, be sure to check out the Yeti Snow Bar, an adults-only bar built inside an igloo. Ticket prices are $36.99 for adults, $29.99 for children ages 3 to 11, and free for those 2 years and under. For more information, visit snowcarnival.com.
Nov. 25 to Jan. 1: Enchant
Las Vegas
Like a childhood Christmas fantasy, the stunning decorations and story-themed adventures throughout Enchant are more than whimsical. Begin your jolly journey in the breathtaking, brand-new Christmas Light Maze, designed with a narrative theme specifically for Las Vegas. There will be illuminated tunnels, life-size gifts, and even a 100-ft.-tall glowing Christmas tree. Additionally, if you’d rather glide through the illuminated wonderland, be sure to lace up your skates and hit the shining ice trail. At the same time, there will also be an enchanted village. This portion of the Nevada holiday event will be brimming with holiday shopping, live entertainment and refreshments galore. If you work up an appetite, you’ll be delighted by s’mores, specialty sandwiches, homemade doughnuts and more. And since adults deserve to have fun too, there will also be a Tipsy Tree Lounge, filled with Enchant’s famous spiked hot chocolate, merry mocktails in a signature lightbulb cup, as well as festive Hallmark Channel wines. Admission is $34 for adults, and $20 for children. For more information, visit enchantchristmas.com.
Dec. 2: Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights
Carson City
Have you ever seen the Nevada State Capitol Building decorated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights? If you haven’t yet experienced the sheer beauty of the stunning lightscape, be sure to attend Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights on Friday, Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m. After checking out the Nevada State Capitol Building’s lights, guests can also witness the annual state tree lighting. In addition, there will be sleigh rides, hot cocoa and cider, and the charm of Carson City’s downtown illuminated to spread holiday joy. And to make things even merrier, the Carson City School District 5th graders will be attending the festival to sing carols on the Capitol Steps. Be sure to attend this holiday event in Nevada to start your holidays off on the right foot. For more information, visit visitcarsoncity.com.
Dec. 2 to Dec. 3 and Dec. 8 to Dec. 10: Christmas Express Holiday Celebration
Las Vegas
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and the Christmas Express Holiday Celebration is here to celebrate the season of giving. This festive event will kick things off on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m., with additional event dates throughout the beginning of December. Christmas Express is a free, family-friendly Nevada holiday event that everyone can enjoy. This winter wonderland offers carriage rides, voyages in a vintage train car, and plenty of Christmas lights and decorations for photo opportunities. There will also be plenty of animals to fall in love with, from camels to horses and playful pigs. In addition, guests can look forward to free food and hot cocoa. Last, but certainly not least, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a grand appearance. And to top things off, you can also do good while attending this event. Toys will be collected by Western Elite’s toy drive for Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Nevada’s pediatric cancer and rare illness treatment facility. So be sure to bring a little something for someone who could use a smile. For more information, visit westernelite.com.
Dec. 3 and Dec. 10: Parade of Lights and Fireworks Show
Virginia City
There’s nothing better than seeing the downtown become illuminated with colorful Christmas lights. But this year, you’re in for an even more magical experience at the Parade of Lights and Fireworks Show in Virginia City. For the first two weekends of December, this festive holiday event in Nevada will help get you into the spirit of the holiday season with the help of family-friendly fun and, of course, fireworks. Bring the entire family to stroll through the decorated downtown streets while sipping hot chocolate and doing some shopping at the local stores before the parade at 5 p.m. Guests can also feel free to decorate their own vehicle and join in the parade fun. Afterwards, the fireworks will be the grand finale of this holly-jolly evening. This added sparkle will begin at 6 p.m. on both Saturday Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. For more information, visit visitvirginiacitynv.com.
Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18: Holiday Movies at Container Park
Las Vegas
Everyone loves a good Christmas movie during this time of year, especially the classics. So if you’re looking for the perfect place to view one of your favorites, be sure to visit Container Park on select Sundays throughout December. This holiday event in Nevada knows what the people want; the movies chosen for the big screen this year are “The Santa Clause,” “Elf” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Guests can enjoy the show while relaxing in a lawn chair and sipping hot chocolate from the Las Vegas Chocolate Bar. There will also be plenty of kettle corn, sugary sweets and tacos available at restaurants throughout Container Park. And while out and about, you may as well get some Christmas shopping done at the abundance of specialty stores scattered around the park. From boutiques to plant stores to art studios, there will be no shortage of unique places to shop before or after catching a holiday flick. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit downtowncontainerpark.com.
Dec. 10: Christmas & Clydesdales Winter Brew Festival
Henderson
For a chance to ride alongside majestic Clydesdale horses as they prance through the glimmering snow, be sure to attend the first annual Christmas & Clydesdales Winter Brew Festival on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. And if witnessing the stunning horses isn’t reason enough, there will also be a plethora of seasonal brews, holiday cheer and live entertainment. With over 20 breweries available for sampling, there will be no shortage of beer. At the same time, even the Clydesdales are sponsored by Budweiser. Guests can meet the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, an everlasting symbol of the brewer’s rich history, tradition and commitment to quality. The horses make hundreds of appearances across the country each year, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness their striking beauty. General admission tickets are $60. For more information, visit christmasandclydesdales.com.
Select dates through Dec. 31: Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Las Vegas
Prepare to experience a winter wonderland with countless shimmering lights, thrilling attractions, delicious cuisine and never-ending Christmas cheer at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. This Nevada holiday event promises plenty of fun with visits from Santa, food trucks, gift shops, carnival games and even mini golf. All of these exciting attractions will also be decorated in twinkling Christmas lights to make you feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole. You also can’t miss the avalanche slide; only the adventurous will climb the stairs and hop into a bag to experience a thrilling descent down a 50-ft.-tall snow-covered slide. In addition, perhaps the most iconic attraction of all is the Forest Express Passenger Train. This festive train weaves through the displays of enchanting lights and lets guests scope out the entire village while having fun. The best part is that every dollar spent at the Magical Forest supports Opportunity Village’s activities and services for more than 3,000 people with disabilities. Tickets cost $22, and admission is free for guests under 4 years of age. For more information, visit opportunityvillage.org.