Are you looking for the best things to do in Las Vegas in winter? My guide has you covered! I detail what to do during winter in Las Vegas, including the city’s best attractions, day trips, and more!
Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more so that you can plan your Las Vegas trip early!
🌵 Top experiences and tours in Las Vegas:
- Las Vegas VIP helicopter night flight (top-rated experience in Las Vegas!)
- Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam bus tour (bestselling day trip)
- Big Bus Las Vegas open top night tour (for budget-friendly sightseeing)
🛏️ Top places to stay in Las Vegas:
- Circa Resort & Casino (adults-only hotel on Fremont Street)
- Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World (5-star on the strip)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Las Vegas? Click here to check rental car rates for Nevada!
I will also answer your questions about the weather in Vegas during the colder season (which can be perplexing as it is such a unique climate for a lot of us)!
Did I miss anything you’d like to know about spending winter in Vegas? Let me know in the comments!
In this post...
Las Vegas Winter Quick Facts
Average Winter Temperature in Las Vegas
As Las Vegas was built on the Mojave Desert, it’s safe to say that Vegas is comparatively warm most of the year.
It can drop below freezing at night in the winter, but the days are sunny and pleasant, making it a good spot to get away from the harsh winters if you live somewhere that gets cold.
Here ae the average highs and lows throughout the winter months:
- Las Vegas in December: high: 60°F, low: 27°F
- Las Vegas in January: high: 59°F, low: 28°F
- Las Vegas in February: high: 66°F, low: 33°F
- Las Vegas in March: high: 72°F, low: 39°F
Does it snow in Las Vegas?
For the vast majority of the year, Las Vegas is sunny and dry. This means that Las Vegas almost never sees snow.
There may be snow in the mountains surrounding the city as opposed to in the city itself. But, I don’t think most people travel to Vegas for the snow, so I will leave that there…
Best Things to Do in Las Vegas in Winter
1. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is undoubtedly one of the more serene places to visit in Vegas and a great place to check out if you’re recovering from all the other excitement in the city.
Every season, the 14,000-square-foot botanical gardens are transformed into a fairytale by talented horticulture and engineering teams of 120.
You can find each season’s breathtaking sights accompanied by season-specific scents, sounds, and colors. Though the scenes change throughout the year, the team always replants and repurposes the plants.
Following Thanksgiving weekend, the gardens are remade for the Christmas season, with a unique display for the Lunar New Year.
Though the gardens are one of the most significant attractions of the Bellagio, the entrance is free and open 24/7. Definitely a worthwhile visit whether you’re staying at the Bellagio or somewhere else on the strip!
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
2. Check Out the Famous Neon Museum
Whenever we say Las Vegas, most of us imagine the board with red neon symbolizing the city name written on it. Luckily, you can see a lot of these iconic signs all in one place!
The Las Vegas Neon Museum was founded in 1996 and is a non-profit organization committed to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs. In their outdoor complex, you will find more than 250 exhibits that illuminate after sunset, making it the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot (or just to wander about in).
During your tour through the museum, the guide will tell you the stories behind each display, its creator, where and when it was made, and its role in Las Vegas’ remarkable history.
Ticket prices are $25 for adults visiting during the daytime and $35 for adults visiting at night. During the winter months, the hours are from 2pm until 10pm (and extended during the warmer months).
Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
3. See the Holiday Lights at the LINQ Promenade
The LINQ Hotel is Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million brainchild and is located in one of the most famous entertainment districts close to the strip.
The LINQ Promenade is a 1,200-foot-long pathway along the resort’s southern edge, teeming with restaurants, bars, and outdoor shopping options.
It is especially stunning during the holiday season when thousands of lights decorate the pathway, as well as the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree that sits along its path.
Taking a ride on the High Roller Las Vegas Observation Wheel is also something to include in your LINQ Promenade experience! It’s the largest observation wheel in North America, and during your 30-minute ride, you’ll get to take in the city from 550 feet above!
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
4. Take a Day Trip to Red Rock Canyon
Everyone talks about the wild nightclubs in Vegas but a lot of people leave out the gorgeous scenery that sits a stone’s throw away from Sin City! It is truly the gateway to exploring southern Nevada!
Famous Red Rock Canyon features a 13-mile scenic drive, hiking trails galore, and nature that will blow your mind. On a day trip from Vegas, you can discover all this.
I suggest starting at the Visitor’s Center and learning more about the Native American petroglyphs and small creatures within the park. You can also get more info about the National Conservation Area before exploring it for the day.
Just a reminder that reservations are required for those visiting from October 1 until May 31, so be sure to do that. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8am until 4:30pm.
A 1-day pass to Red Rock is $20 per car (or $5 for a pedestrian). There is also special pricing for motorcycles and bikes. Check out their website linked above for additional details.
5. Check Out the Mob Museum
If you’re looking to check out a little bit of Vegas’ grim history, plan a trip to the Mob Museum!
It is located in a restored US Post Office and Courthouse that dates back to the 1930s and is a good activity to learn about another side of US history that was impactful to Sin City.
Inside, guests will find 4 expertly curated floors brimming with interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, artifacts, and pop culture myths. You can also discover the Underground Speakeasy and Distillery which was designed in the 1920s in a Prohibition-period style.
The museum is open daily from 9am until 9pm (except on Fridays when it closes at 4pm). The Underground speakeasy is open daily from 11am (but closes anywhere from 10pm until midnight except on Fridays when it shuts its doors at 6pm).
General admission tickets are $34.95 but the Premier Pass gets you two interactive experiences there included (as well as the general exhibits) and is $56.95.
Address: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas
6. Fuel Up at Vesta Coffee Roasters
I love a good coffee and keeping fueled in Vegas is essential to having a good trip and maximizing your time there! My favorite spot for coffee there is Vesta Coffee Roasters. They have two branches in the city (addresses below) and can also be found at one of the hotels.
Aside from coffee, you can enjoy a variety of pastries, soups, sandwiches, and toasts here. To-go options are available (it can get crowded inside).
You can find Vesta in the DTLV Arts District at 1114 S. Casino Center Blvd. #1 (this is where their roastery is) as well as at 9031 W. Sahara Avenue. They are also located inside the food hall and lobby at the Durango Resort.
Address: 1114 S Casino Center Blvd #1, Las Vegas
7. Take a Day Trip to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places on earth and a scorcher to visit during the summer months – so go in winter instead! It is a pretty easy day trip at just around 2 hours of drive time.
Unforgiving Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level and is the lowest point in North America. Some of the top places to visit there are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point (epic sunrises!), Badwater Basin, and the Artists Palette.
The entrance fee to Death Valley is $30 per vehicle (and $25 for a motorcycle). If you’re visiting without a vehicle, it is $15 per person. Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours but the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is only open from 8am until 5pm.
The Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station is currently closed to do utility issues but a pay station is located on-site (cards only).
8. Go to a Vegas Golden Knights Ice Hockey Game
Looking for something unique to do in Vegas in winter? Head to a Golden Knights hockey game!
The NHL hockey team plays right in the heart of the city and you can book your tickets on their official website (if they have a home game while you’re in town) and spend some time at the 20,000-seat capacity T-Mobile Arena.
The games typically take place in the evenings so it will give you time to explore Las Vegas during the day.
Address: 3780 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
9. Spend a Day Skiing at Mt. Charleston
If you’ve ventured to Vegas for an active vacation, you will be pleased to know that Mt. Charleston is only a 52-minute drive away!
Located in the otherwise desert landscapes of the Mojave, the forested Spring Mountains offer a haven to skiers, snowboards, and those looking to experience a true winter!
You can enjoy snow anywhere on the mountain (there are programs available, as well), but skiers will need to head to Lee Canyon to hit the slopes.
Lift tickets start at $14 and can only be reserved on their official website. Please note that they use demand-based pricing, so the price will increase on days of high demand. They also offer rentals and adult packages starting at $20 (weekdays) and $29 (weekends).
Different places and businesses on the mountain have different hours so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time.
10. Drive Through Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is one of those destinations that makes you wonder why it isn’t a national park. It is STUNNING. And a short day trip from Las Vegas!
This Nevada state park spans 40,000 acres across red Aztec sandstone and is home to petroglyphs and petrified trees (and more).
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and campgrounds are accessible 24 hours a day. To enter, you can pay $10 for a Nevada car or $15 for a non-Nevada car.
Besides driving, Valley of Fire is a popular spot for hiking! You can find some of the best hiking trails near Las Vegas here – or go with one of the most trafficked at Mouse’s Tank and/or the Rainbow Vistas.
Please note that Valley of Fire State Park will be closed from December 2-15, 2024 for maintenance but will reopen right after!
11. Go Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan
Each year, the renowned Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan transforms into a 4,200-square-foot ice skating rink for the holiday season! It has even been ranked as one of the best places to ice skate in the US by USA Today!
The rink officially opens November 28 and will remain open until January 12. Entrance is $30 per person and this includes your skate rental (you can bring your own skates but the same fee still applies).
Another cool thing is that they have ‘snow showers’ every thirty minutes! And, you’ll find a Ski Lodge Waffle Hut rinkside to warm up with drinks and small eats.
This is one of the coolest things to do during Christmas in Las Vegas (or anytime that it is open).
The Ice Rink is open from November 28 until January 12, but the hours differ week by week. You can see the 2024-2025 schedule here.
Address: Boulevard Tower, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Level 4, Las Vegas
12. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is considered one of the marvels of American engineering and produces hydroelectric power and water for irrigation feeding from the Colorado River.
While you can learn a lot when visiting the Hoover Dam, the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is one that you’ll marvel at and even walk through if you are not afraid of heights.
You can visit independently (and tours are around $30 on the spot) or you can join a guided tour from Las Vegas.
This trip is about 5.5 hours and it includes a ‘Walk on the Top’ as well as pick-up from Vegas hotels Lunch is included.
>> Click here to check Hoover Dam day tour rates and availability
13. See the Bellagio Fountains show (with Holiday Music!)
Almost every city in the world has its symbol. And while Vegas has the iconic sign as you enter the city, the Bellagio fountains have also become one of the city’s emblems over the years.
The display spans over 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. The fountain display takes place every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM and every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight.
If you’re visiting throughout the holiday season, you will get a chance to see them paired with famous holiday tunes – making the show really unique compared to other times of the year. This is a Las Vegas winter must!
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
14. Go Kayaking at Emerald Cave
If you’re looking to escape the clubs and party scene, one of my favorite recommendations is to book a slot kayaking at Emerald Cave. This half-day trip is one of the best winter activities in Vegas and something that the whole family can enjoy.
The 5-6 hour adventure starts with pick-up at your hotel before being transported out to the lake.
Your group of 15 meets up at Willow Beach in Arizona, and when getting fitted for your kayaks, your paddling adventure through the crystal clear Colorado River starts.
During the tour, you will stop twice for snacks, swimming, sightseeing, or taking pictures. Once you reach the Emerald Cave, you’ll understand where it derived its name! This is a beginner-friendly tour and no kayaking experience is needed.
>> Click here to check Emerald Cove kayak tour rates and availability
15. Shop at the Downtown Container Park
The Downtown Container Park is located near well-known Fremont Street and is a unique, open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment center with something for everyone.
The main attraction at the park is the giant Mantis, which speaks around 20 languages. Every evening, it is awakened by a drum circle celebration that the public is welcome to attend and see the massive fire flames thrown from the Mantis reaching six stories high.
On the lawn at the park, you can enjoy different concerts, Lego blocks, graffiti walls with an illuminating “DTLV” sign, a checkers board, lounge chairs, and much more!
The complex has a variety of retail stores and there are also some restaurants and cafes to relax at there. While I try to avoid listing shopping centers on a lot of guides, I do think this is a unique experience and good for a down day in Vegas.
The opening hours are as follows (please note that restaurants may have different hours):
- Monday to Thursday (11:30am-11pm)
- Friday and Saturday (11am-1am)
- Sunday (11am-8pm)
Address: 707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas
Things to Do in Las Vegas in Winter (On a Map!)
Did I miss any amazing things to do in Las Vegas in winter? Let me know your favorite winter in Vegas activities in the comments!
More NV + Las Vegas Travel Guides
- Day trips from Las Vegas
- Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park
- Small towns in Nevada
- Two days in Death Valley
- Death Valley in winter
- Lake Tahoe in winter
- Places to visit in Nevada
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.