Christmas in Las Vegas 2026: a local family's guide

by Lakhani Team Real Estate

Christmas in Las Vegas is not one night on the Strip. It is drive-through lights, parades in Henderson and Summerlin, Santa on a real train in Boulder City, and yes, an underwater Santa at the Silverton. With Halloween behind us, we are gearing up to our favorite holiday. Here is our guide for 2026. Dates were checked on 4 November 2026, and the official link sits under each entry. Take a look, let us know if we've missed any of your favorites!

Where an organiser has not yet confirmed an event for 2026, we say so. Plenty of children's events included. We live here. Our family made the move here from Seattle, Washington.

THE BIG LIGHT DISPLAYS

Glittering Lights, Las Vegas Motor Speedway

6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, nightly 5pm. Three miles and more than 6 million lights, New for 2026: a Tribute to America for the country's 250th birthday, with an Avenue of Flags for all 50 states, plus a bigger movie section Tickets are per car. We love this one, fun for all ages.

Official link: https://glitteringlightslasvegas.com/whats-new-glittering-lights-las-vegas-2026/

Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden, Henderson

5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, nightly 5pm-10pm. Entry is $3 per person, free for children under 2 and adults 65+, with no reservation needed. A portion of proceeds goes to Three Square Food Bank and HELP of Southern Nevada. Over a million lights through the cactus garden, hot chocolate, and free local school choirs most nights. Santa is there daily until 23 December (take your own photos free, or buy a package from $35). A $40 Santa Express Pass skips the queue. Closed Christmas Day; shorter hours on Christmas and New Year's Eves. A long-time local favourite.

Official link: https://www.ethelm.com/en-us/locations/henderson-flagship/cactus-garden/holiday-cactus-garden

Enchant, Las Vegas Ballpark, Downtown Summerlin

20 November to 27 December 2026, selected nights. The light maze returns with a new story for 2026, plus the ice-skating trail, Santa and festive food. Paid tickets; popular dates sell out. It runs selected nights rather than every evening, so check the calendar when booking.

Official link: https://www.enchantchristmas.com/las-vegas/

Mystic Falls Park, Sam's Town

From sundown 26 November 2026, hourly 4pm-10pm, through New Year's Day. The holiday laser light show in the indoor park. Free.

Official link: https://samstownlv.boydgaming.com/things-to-do/mystic-falls-park

Bellagio Conservatory holiday display, the Strip

14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. The Conservatory's full holiday installation. Free, open 24 hours. It's where we took the picture above in 2024, we always enjoy the displays.

Official link: https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/conservatory-botanical-garden.html

Sphere of Cheer, and The Wizard of Oz at Sphere

Sphere of Cheer returns in December 2026. The Sphere's giant exterior screen lights up with its annual holiday celebration, returning this December - free to watch from outside. Inside, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is the current immersive film experience, ages 6+, about 75 minutes; check Sphere's calendar for December dates and times.

Official link: https://www.thesphere.com/shows/calendar

SANTA AND CHILDREN'S EVENTS

Magical Forest, Opportunity Village

27-29 November, 3-24 December and 26 December-1 January. The valley's own holiday theme park: the Forest Express train, a 50-foot Avalanche Slide, carousel, mini golf and Santa until 24 December. Every ticket supports Opportunity Village's work with local people with disabilities.

Official link: https://www.opportunityvillage.org/ovevents/magical-forest

Santa's Wonderland, Bass Pro Shops (8200 Dean Martin Dr)

8 November to 24 December 2026. Free studio-quality photo with Santa, free crafts and giveaways. Santa's arrival celebration is Saturday 7 November at 5pm. Free reservations at basspro.com/santa; walk-ins welcome.

Official link: https://about.basspro.com/newsroom/stories/santas-wonderland-at-bass-pro-shops-and-cabelas/

Santa Train and North Pole Express, Boulder City

Weekends, 28 November to 20 December 2026. Real vintage trains at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. The Santa Train ($12 per person, 45 minutes) rides to Henderson and back with Santa walking the carriages. The North Pole Express ($30 children, $35 adults, 90 minutes) adds hot cocoa, cookies and Santa's Railyard. Book ahead; these sell out.

Official link: https://www.boulderrailroadmuseum.org/holiday-trains/

Underwater Santa, Silverton Aquarium

27 November to 20 December 2026, Saturdays and Sundays. Santa scuba-dives in the 117,000-gallon aquarium to hear wish lists through the glass. Free to watch. Sessions run Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-1pm and 2pm-3pm, from 27 November to 20 December, plus Friday 27 November, 3pm-4pm.

Official link: https://silvertoncasino.com/event/underwater-santa/

Santa's Arrival Parade, Town Square

Saturday 14 November 2026, 7pm. Parade, tree lighting and the start of Snow in the Square. Free. Snow then falls nightly 14 November to 23 December (Monday-Thursday 7pm, Friday-Sunday 7pm and 8pm), and Santa photos run 15 November to 24 December - online reservations until 22 December, limited bookings on the 23rd and walk-ins only on the 24th; closed Thanksgiving.

Official links: https://tslv.com/events/946-santas-arrival-parade and https://tslv.com/events

Holiday Hollow, Tivoli Village

20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. A guided indoor Christmas walk-through at Tivoli Village: elf hosts lead your family through themed Christmas rooms, with a visit with Santa, cookies with Mrs Claus and photo stops along the way. The whole experience runs about 60-75 minutes, which suits younger children well. Paid tickets ($53.65-$69.40), booked in advance.

Official links: https://www.magicdoorwaypresents.com/ and tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/e/holiday-hollow-tickets-293270

Downtown Summerlin

13 November 2026 to 18 January 2027; parade Fridays and Saturdays 20 November to 19 December, 6pm. The Santa Chalet (Macy's Promenade) is open daily from 13 November to 24 December, with photo packages from $39.99 and Pet Nights with Santa on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 17 November to 17 December. There is a sensory-friendly Santa photo session on Saturday 5 December, 10am-noon. The Holiday Parade runs every Friday and Saturday at 6pm from 20 November to 19 December, with no parade on Black Friday (27 November). It has been free in recent seasons; the 2026 announcement does not state admission, so check Summerlin's page. The Rock Rink opens 13 November, and there is a 'Nutcracker at Rock Rink' skate show on Sunday 22 November at 6pm. This one is close to home for us.

Official link: https://summerlin.com/experience/events/

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run

Saturday 5 December 2026. A 5k or 1-mile walk in a five-piece Santa suit (included in registration), now held at the Magical Forest, which opens early for runners afterwards. Children 3 and under free. All proceeds go to Opportunity Village.

Official link: https://www.opportunityvillage.org/ovevents/great-santa-run

Cowboy Christmas, Las Vegas Convention Center

3-12 December 2026, 9am-4pm daily. Free admission to the huge NFR gift show. Children can write a letter to Santa and meet him 11am-2pm daily at the Cowboy Christmas Village.

Official link: https://www.nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/

Springs Preserve

1 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. One free child admission with every paid adult general admission all season.

Official link: https://www.springspreserve.org/events/

Breakfast with Santa, Dave & Buster's Summerlin (2130 Park Centre Dr)

Saturday 5 December 2026, 9am-11am. A confirmed sit-down Breakfast with Santa: a breakfast banquet, a photo with Santa, letters to Santa and crafts before the doors open to the public. Two ticket types - breakfast only, or breakfast plus a $10 Power Card with three hours of video game play. Everyone over 2 needs a ticket, bought in advance; tickets are non-refundable.

Ticket link: https://feverup.com/m/819708

Breakfast with Santa, Galleria at Sunset, Henderson

Saturday 12 December 2026, 9am-11am - date confirmed, tickets to come. The Henderson mall's annual Breakfast with Santa returns on Saturday 12 December, 9am-11am, in the restaurant space across from Red Robin. The mall's events page confirms the date and says ticket sales and full details are coming soon, so check the page before you plan.

Official link: https://www.galleriaatsunset.com/events/breakfast-with-santa-2026

Santa in the Shipwreck, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Ran 20-24 December 2025 - 2026 dates not yet confirmed. Santa meets children inside the aquarium, with hourly Santa Jaws appearances and a scuba-diving Santa in the shipwreck exhibit; children 12 and under get a free photo with paid admission. It has run each December in recent years (last season 20-24 December), but Mandalay Bay had not posted 2026 dates when we checked on 1 November, so treat it as unconfirmed for now and check the Shark Reef page before you plan.

Official link: https://mandalaybay.com/shark-reef/

The Candy Cane House, Henderson (366 S Milan St)

CONFIRMED for 2026: 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21 December. A private home whose owners open it each year: over 80,000 lights, 60-plus themed trees, hot cocoa, treats and photo ops. Free entry, with donations collected for HopeLink of Southern Nevada. The 2026 nights are confirmed on HopeLink's events page: 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21 December. It is a residential street, so park considerately.

More info: https://link2hope.org/events/

Christmas Lights Lane, North Las Vegas

Neighbourhood tradition - recent seasons roughly Thanksgiving to 25 December. A whole neighbourhood (the Vincelli streets) decorates for the season - roughly 40 homes in recent years, per local news. There is no organiser, website or tickets; just drive slowly and be respectful of residents.

More info: https://www.playpivot.org/las-vegas/guide/holiday-lights

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Henderson WinterFest, Water Street District

3-4 December 2026

Tree lighting ceremony with a drone show on Thursday 3 December, 5pm-7:30pm, then the Electric Light Parade along Water Street on Friday 4 December, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Both free.

Official link: https://www.cityofhenderson.com/residents/special-interest/winterfest

Tivoli Village tree lighting

Wednesday 25 November 2026, 5pm-8pm - CONFIRMED. Their annual tree lighting, 5pm-8pm, with festive entertainment and a Make-A-Wish wish-granting celebration.

Official link: https://tivolivillagelv.com/events/

ICE SKATING

Rock Rink, Downtown Summerlin

13 November 2026 to 18 January 2027. Outdoor skating by the Christmas tree. Skate rental is $22, with special pricing on select dates. Hours vary, appointments are encouraged and walk-up spots are limited. Las Vegas Ice Theater performs on the ice on 22 November at 6pm and on 6 and 20 December at 10:45am.

Official link: https://summerlin.com/experience/events/

Oasis Ice Rink, Fontainebleau

18 November 2026 to 4 January 2027 - CONFIRMED. The largest real-ice rink on the Strip, back on the resort's third-floor pool deck. Entry to the rooftop village is free; skating starts at $30 plus taxes and fees (Nevada locals from $15 on select late nights). Skaters must be 3 or older.

Official link: https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/experiences/oasis-ice-rink/

Year-round rinks

All season: City National Arena (Summerlin) and America First Center (Henderson) run public skates all year - check their live calendars for times.

SHOWS

The Nutcracker, Nevada Ballet Theatre at The Smith Center

12-27 December 2026, selected performances. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker in Reynolds Hall, from $42.95. Children age 3+ are welcome at this one, which makes it a lovely first ballet.

Official link: https://thesmithcenter.com/tickets/2627/the-nutcracker/

The Nutcracker Suite, Jazz Vegas Orchestra at Myron's, The Smith Center

Tuesday 8 December 2026, 7pm

The jazz counterpart to the ballet: the Jazz Vegas Orchestra's sixth annual performance of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's Nutcracker Suite, alongside big-band arrangements of Christmas classics. About 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets $33.40-$56.40 including fees.

Official link: https://thesmithcenter.com/tickets/2627/jazz-vegas-orchestra-the-nutcracker-suite/

For the grown-ups (21+)

BAD ELF pop-up bar, Silverton

Holiday season 2026. A kitsch holiday cocktail pop-up. 21+ only - one for after the kids' events are done.

Official link: https://silvertoncasino.com/entertainment/

YOUR CHRISTMAS IN LAS VEGAS 2026 QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

What is there to do in Las Vegas at Christmas 2026 with children?

Plenty. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village has rides, a train and Santa; Bass Pro Shops offers free Santa photos; Boulder City runs a real Santa Train on weekends; the Silverton has an underwater Santa; and Downtown Summerlin has the Rock Rink, a Santa Chalet and a Friday and Saturday holiday parade from 20 November.

Are there free Christmas events in Las Vegas in 2026?

Yes. Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town, the Bellagio Conservatory, Henderson WinterFest (3-4 December), the Town Square parade, Cowboy Christmas at the Convention Center and the Sphere of Cheer are all free. Downtown Summerlin's Friday and Saturday parade has been free in recent seasons. The Ethel M Cactus Garden charges $3 per person (free for under-2s and over-65s), with a portion of proceeds going to Three Square Food Bank and HELP of Southern Nevada.

When do Las Vegas Christmas events start in 2026?

Early November. Ethel M opens on 5 November, Glittering Lights on 6 November, Bass Pro's free Santa photos begin 8 November, and Downtown Summerlin's Rock Rink and Santa Chalet open on 13 November.

Where can children see Santa in Las Vegas in 2026?

Ethel M Cactus Garden (daily to 23 December), Bass Pro Shops (from 8 November), the Magical Forest (to 24 December), Town Square (from 15 November), Downtown Summerlin's Santa Chalet (from 13 November), on the Boulder City Santa Train, underwater at the Silverton (weekends), inside the Holiday Hollow walk-through at Tivoli Village (from 20 November), and at Cowboy Christmas (11am-2pm daily, 3-12 December).

Is there a Breakfast with Santa in Las Vegas in 2026?

Two are now confirmed. Dave & Buster's Summerlin hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturday 5 December, 9am-11am - breakfast, a Santa photo, crafts and an optional game card, advance tickets only. Galleria at Sunset in Henderson holds its annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday 12 December, 9am-11am (date confirmed on the mall's page, ticket sales to follow). Santa in the Shipwreck at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef ran last December, but its 2026 dates were not yet confirmed when we checked, and we have not found a confirmed 2026 Santa breakfast at a Strip hotel so far. We will update this guide as announcements land.

VISITING LAS VEGAS? SEE BEYOND THE STRIP

This guide is all about Christmas, but if you are visiting Las Vegas it is worth setting aside a day away from the lights. Red Rock Canyon is just west of the Strip - a scenic drive through red sandstone hills, with walking trails and picnic spots. For the scenic drive, check Recreation.gov for timed-entry reservations and current access details before you go. A little further out, Valley of Fire State Park and Hoover Dam both make good day trips.

THINKING OF MAKING LAS VEGAS HOME?

Thinking about a move to Las Vegas, or already here and wondering what your home here is worth? Call us on (725) 300-6899, or start with our Las Vegas page. We are a local family, living in Summerlin, call us to chat further. No pressure, no rush, just honest advice so you can make an informed decision.

Lakhani Team Real Estate | Las Vegas: (725) 300-6899

We hope that this list helps you plan some fun activities! Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season, Manesh & Tania.

Facts all reviewed and checked 4 November 2026.