What’s Happening Vegas? – December 2024

Can you believe that we are talking about the last month of 2024? Where has the year gone? As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun, and fun is what Vegas is all about, especially during the holidays. There are several community events that take place to celebrate the holidays, as well as large scale attractions here on the Ninth Island.

On the Strip, you’ll find that some of the properties decorate their lobbies, and both Fashion Show Las Vegas and the Grand Canal Shops have festive displays present. Even the LINQ Promenade boasts a large tree on the fountain, along with décor throughout the promenade; however, the largest holiday display that you will find is the Bellagio Conservatory’s Holiday display. This free festive floral attraction runs through January 4^th and is open 24/7.

Also located on the Strip is the Ice-Skating Rink at The Cosmopolitan.  Their popular pool becomes an ice rink November 28^th through January 10^th. The Fontainebleau has also added a festive ice rink, Winter Wonderland. The almost 8,000 square-foot rink will be open November 27^th through January 5^th and in addition to skating, guests can enjoy holiday movies, firepits and cabanas.

Unfortunately, some not-so-festive décor on the Strip will be the remains of Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix (held in November).  Expect to see the track lighting, bridges and grandstands being removed, causing traffic as a result. This will have more of an impact during the first half of the month, but will hopefully clear out faster than the previous year.

You will also find some Downtown Casinos getting into the Christmas Spirit along with a large tree in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience. Downtown is also the home to the annual Santa Run, which will be held this year on Saturday December 7^th. This is such a fun event, and all proceeds go to local non-profit, Opportunity Village, which supports adults with developmental disabilities.

Another festive, family-friendly event that benefits Opportunity Village, is the Magical Forest.  This is a self-guided tour through their forest of festively decorated trees and lights, as well as rides, including a train. The Magical Forest is open 11/29-12/1, 12/5-8, 12/12-15 and 12/17-31, but it is closed on Christmas.

Next up is Enchant, which is located at the Las Vegas Ballpark out in Summerlin, right across the street from Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. With carolers, a market, ice rink and a massive display of holiday lights, this is totally worth the trip from the Strip. Enchant is open November 22^nd through December 29^th.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is known for its races; however, even the track gets festive this time of year. The Glittering Lights allows guests to leisurely cruise the track from the comfort of their vehicle while taking in the beautiful lights. This attraction runs from November 8^th through January 5^th.  This North Las Vegas attraction also benefits local non-profits. A similar concept is Rockin’ Christmas at M Resort, which is open 11/15-12/29.

Last but certainly not least, we’re heading to Henderson to Ethel M’s Cactus Garden.  Here you’ll find that the Cactus Garden is lit up with lights, providing a very unique holiday attraction. Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden provides ample time to attend, running from November 1^st through January 4^th; however, it does close on Christmas. For more information on Holiday attractions, check the description for previous holiday videos that we have created.

Of course, people flock from all over the world to ring in the new year in Las Vegas. And you can’t blame them! Vegas is such a fun city on a normal day, so you know it’s going to be extra on New Years Eve. From concerts to parties at the nightclubs, Vegas doesn’t skimp on the entertainment. Wherever you are spending your evening, be sure to step outside and catch the display of fireworks at midnight. On The Strip, fireworks will launch from the rooftops of Aria, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, The STRAT, Treasure Island and The Venetian.  The street is closed down for vehicle traffic, so you can enjoy the display as you stroll down Las Vegas Blvd.

Downtown, the Plaza also has their annual fireworks to celebrate the beginning of the new year. And speaking of Downtown, the Fremont Street Experience is hosting the 2025 Time of Your Life Celebration, which they do charge for; entry and ticket information is available on www.vegasexperience.com The lineup includes Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Trick Daddy and Mike Jones, just to name a few. If you’re traveling to Vegas during this time expect it to be much busier during that week, which means more traffic, longer waits and more expensive rates on rooms. Also, expect increased security.

Now with all of the festive holiday cheer, you may be wondering about the weather when it comes to these outdoor attractions. December is one of the cooler months, with average daily temps in the 50’s; however, sometimes we do get into the 60’s here during the month. These temperatures are actually somewhat pleasant when the sun is shining and there is no wind; however, at night it cools down into the 40’s and even into the 30’s, so pack those warmer coats.

One of the biggest events in December, NFR, The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, takes place across the Vegas Valley Thursday December 5^th through Saturday December 14^th. For more information on the specific events and locations, check out www.nfrexperience.com. If you’re here in Vegas, do expect to see plenty of cowboys and cowgirls, and possibly horses, strolling down Main Street Downtown. Of course, NFR also brings in tons of talented country musicians, so if you are a fan of country music, this is a great time to be in Vegas.

Music:

• Shania Twain, Bakkt Theater (12/4, 12/6-7, 12/11, 12/13-14)
• Lauren Alaina, Resorts World Las Vegas (12/5)
• The Black Crowes, Cosmopolitan (12/5)
• Confederate Railroad, Golden Nugget 12/5
• Barry Manilow, Westgate (12/5-7)
• Garth Brooks, Caesars Colosseum (12/5, 12/7-8, 12/12, 12/14-15, 12/19, 12/21-22)
• Ian Munsick, Cosmopolitan (12/6)
• Midland with Tanya Tucker, Virgin Las Vegas (12/6)
• Cody Jinks, Dolby Live (12/6-7)
• Lindsey Stirling, Venetian (12/6-7)
• Brad Paisley, Wynn (12/6-8)
• Thomas Rhett, Fontainebleau (12/6-7, 12/13-14)
• Eagles, Sphere (12/6-7, 12/13-14)
• Andrea Bocelli, MGM Grand (12/7)
• Better Than Ezra, M Resort (12/7)
• Shaboozey, Virgin Las Vegas (12/7)
• George Strait, Allegiant Stadium (12/7)
• Ryan Bingham with the Texas Gentlemen, Virgin (12/6)
• Mark Chestnut, Golden Nugget (12/6)
• Colter Wall, Dolby Live (12/8)
• 5 The Bull Santa Jam Coustic Concert, Palms (12/8)
• Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, Golden Nugget (12/9)
• The Bellamy Brothers, Golden Nugget (12/11-12)
• Wynonna Judd, Venetian (12/11, 12/13-14)
• Cody Johnson, MGM Grand (12/12-13)
• Lainey Wilson, MGM Grand (12/14)
• Bruno Mars, Dolby Live (12/18, 12/20-21, 12/27)
• REO Speedwagon, Venetian (12/18, 12/20-21)
• Derek Hough, Fontainebleau (12/20)
• Jonathan Lee, MGM Grand (12/21)
• Jennifer Hudson, Fontainebleau (12/21-22)
• 50 Cent, Planet Hollywood (12/27-28, 12/30-31)
• Jason Derulo, Venetian (12/28-29)
• Duran Duran, Fontainebleau (12/29-30)
• Creed, Caesar’s Palace (12/30-31)
• Janet Jackson, Resorts World Las Vegas (12/30-31)
• Imagine Dragons, Venetian (12/31)

 Comedy:

• Rodney Carrington, MGM Grand (12/5-8)
• Larry The Cable Guy, Planet Hollywood (12/6)
• Ron White, Cosmopolitan (12/7)
• Dusty Slay, MGM Grand (12/12)
• Steve Trevino, MGM Grand (12/13)
• Jeff Foxworthy, Palms (12/13)
• Brian Regan, Venetian (12/13-14)
• Maz Jabroni, Venetian (12/21-22)
• Stars of Comedy, Harrah’s (12/21-23, 12/29-30)
• Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (12/27) at the Cosmopoliton—-

 Sports:

• Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena vs Edmonton 12/3, vs Dallas 12/6, vs Vancouver 12/19, vs Seattle 12/21, vs Anaheim 12/23, vs Calgary 12/29 and vs Montreal 12/31
• Power Slap, Fontainebleau (12/6)
• UFC 310, T-Mobile Arena (12/7)
• Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium vs Falcons 12/16, vs Jaguars 12/22
• Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Semifinals & Championship, T-Mobile Arena (12/17)
• 2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, Allegiant Stadium 12/27

Of course, all of the regular Vegas shows are still happening and these are always fun to add to your Las Vegas to-do list. Recently, we had the pleasure of attending two uniquely Vegas shows. We attended Frank Morino’s Divas, Drag and Drinks at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Frank has been performing as the iconic Joan Rivers for over four decades in Las Vegas! Emceeing the show, while keeping the crowd in tears from laughter, Frank has certainly created yet another entertaining, must see show that boasts a group of talented female impersonators.

We also caught the new Maverick’s Show at the showroom inside of Plaza Hotel and Casino. This is the latest creation of Amy Saunders, aka Miss Behave, whose name may sound familiar from her former Strip show, The Miss Behave Game Show that was at Bally’s. Amy not only emcees the show, she also shows off her Guiness Book of World Record holding skill of sword swallowing! Mavericks is a true variety show, filled with a uniquely talented cast that is a perfect fit for Vegas.

We recommend doing your research on the events, venues and being aware of their policies, as well as the additional restrictions on New Years Eve. For the most up-to-date information on Vegas news, events and entertainment, be sure to tune into our weekly live on our Ninth Island Connection YouTube channel. We go live on Wednesdays between noon and 1pm PST.

Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM.