Las Vegas in December flips the script: daytime temps stay crisp and dry, but the city pulses with indoor energy. Casinos and resorts go all-in on festive decor, rodeo fans take over during the NFR, and the Strip erupts in fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Early in the month, hotel deals abound—but they vanish fast by Christmas week. Pro tip: The Las Vegas Strip closes for cars on Dec 31 at 6 pm, so plan alternative ways to travel ahead of time.
| Category | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | 20 °C highs, cool nights | Cooler: 14°C days, 3°C nights | Similar to Dec; dry and chilly |
Crowds & vibe | Moderate, except for big events | Quiet early, wild end of month | Low after New Year; calmer vibe |
Key events | Formula 1 Grand Prix, Veterans Day | NFR, Christmas, NYE fireworks | CES tech show, AVN Expo |
Best for | Hikers, value-seekers | Rodeo fans, festive tourists | Indoor shows, bargain hunters |
Book early? | Yes (F1 week, Thanksgiving) | Yes for NYE & NFR | Yes for CES week only |
Transport notes | Strip traffic from F1 closures | NYE Strip closes to vehicles | Airport busy CES week |
Budget | High during F1, moderate after | Low early month, spikes late | Low-mid, spikes during CES |
| Event | Dates | Event Type | Location | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
National Finals Rodeo (NFR) | 4–14 Dec 2025 | Sporting Event | Thomas & Mack Center | Ten nights of pro rodeo. Cowboys and fans flood Vegas. Book early—western-themed afterparties take over bars citywide. |
Christmas at the Bellagio | 1–31 Dec 2025 | Exhibition | Bellagio Conservatory | Free floral holiday display with giant ornaments, snow-dusted trees, and polar bears. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds. |
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Through 5 Jan 2026 | Light Festival | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | 2.5-mile drive-through with 5 million lights. Weekdays after 9 pm are less crowded. Timed entry tickets online. |
Enchant Christmas | 26 Nov – 29 Dec 2025 | Light Festival | Las Vegas Ballpark, Summerlin | Light maze, ice skating, festive market. Family-friendly and photogenic. Weeknight tickets are cheaper. |
New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Strip | 31 Dec 2025 | Festival | Multiple casino rooftops | Synchronized midnight fireworks show. Arrive by 5 pm; Strip closes 6 pm. Wear layers and comfy shoes. |
Great Santa Run | 6 Dec 2025 | Charity Run | Downtown Las Vegas | Thousands race in Santa suits for charity. Registration includes costume. All ages welcome. |
Las Vegas Bowl | Mid-Dec [TBC] | Sporting Event | Allegiant Stadium | Major college football matchup. Exact schedule confirmed early December. Check NCAA for teams. |
Winter PARQ Night Market | Weekends in Dec 2025 | Market | The PARQ Downtown | Pop-up stalls, food trucks, live music, and seasonal goods. Free entry, good for gifts and food. |
1. Book NYE hotels by September—rates triple by December and sell out near Strip.
2. Bellagio Conservatory crowds peak 1–3 pm; aim for morning or after 9 pm.
3. Bring gloves and hat for evening walks; temps drop below 5 °C / 41 °F fast.
4. Strip closes to vehicles at 6 pm on Dec 31; use monorail or walk.
5. Restaurant waitlists spike around Dec 24–26; reserve special dinners early.
6. Holiday spa deals offer 20–30% off on weekdays; book via hotel app.
7. Downtown parking is cheaper than Strip garages—good for light festival evenings.
8. Most pools are closed, but spa hot tubs stay open.
9. Fremont Street has nightly holiday light shows and buskers in Santa suits.
10. Avoid the Strip post-midnight on NYE—rideshare waits and surge pricing skyrocket.
Yes. Daytime highs are around 14 °C / 57 °F, but nights dip to 3 °C / 37 °F. Bring layers.
To pedestrians, yes. But vehicles are banned from 6 pm to ~2 am on Dec 31.
Most aren’t. Some heated pools and spas remain open, but check hotel sites.
The National Finals Rodeo is a 10-day pro rodeo championship with events, expos, and nightlife.
Yes. Enchant Christmas and PARQ Night Market are the main festive shopping spots.
Anywhere on the Strip. Arrive by 5 pm; wear warm clothes and comfy shoes.
Yes—early December is among the cheapest hotel periods. Rates spike Christmas week.
Holiday buffets go big with slow-roasted prime rib carved to order. Expect long lines at top spreads.
Where to eat: Bacchanal Buffet, Caesars Palace
Many restaurants offer 3- to 5-course set menus with seasonal flair. Book ahead.
Where to eat: Giada, The Cromwell
Chocolate meets crushed candy canes for a festive Vegas snack. Often given as gifts.
Where to eat: Ethel M Chocolates, Henderson
A winter favorite at upscale steakhouses—creamy, rich, and decadent.
Where to eat: Gordon Ramsay Steak, Paris Las Vegas
Roast marshmallows tableside at winter pop-ups.
Where to eat: The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan
-08.jpg?auto=format&w=507.59999999999997&h=336.59999999999997&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)
