If you find yourself in Las Vegas this holiday season and are looking for something fun to do that isn’t the traditional gambling and clubbing, then this blog post is for you.
Here are 12 alternative holiday activities that are sure to make your stay in Las Vegas memorable.
1. Take a Gondola Ride at the Venetian Hotel.
When visiting Las Vegas, take a break from the casinos and check out the Venetian Hotel. For a unique experience, ride one of the hotel’s gondolas. The gondolas are manned by experienced gondoliers who will serenade you as you float down the canals.
The Venetian Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
One of its most popular attractions is the gondola rides which are surounded by high quality shopping stores and live entertainment.
Prices start from $34 per person. Online bookings.
Ticket booth opens at 9:30am daily.
Rides: Monday – Thursday + Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Outdoor Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
2. Ice Skate at the City National Arena.
City National Arena is a great place to ice skate in Las Vegas. The arena is home to the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and has two public skating sessions daily.
The arena offers a variety of programs for all ages and abilities, including learn to skate, figure skating, and hockey. There are also Stick & Puck sessions which allow participants to practice shooting and stick-handling skills.
Cost: prices start from $9 per person for 30 minutes. Book online tickets.
3. Visit Santa Claus at Fashion Show Mall.
It’s that time of year again! The holidays are just around the corner and what better way to get into the spirit than by visiting Santa Claus at Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas.
This is a great opportunity for kids to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and have their photo taken with him. It’s also a great opportunity for adults to get their holiday shopping done while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the mall.
So whether you’re young or old, be sure to stop by and visit Santa at Fashion Show Mall this holiday season!
Hours are 4pm to 8pm on set days in November and December.
Cost from $19.99. Bookings needed.
4. Attend a Show at The Smith Center.
The Smith Center is a world-renowned performing arts center located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The center is home to three main performance venues, including the Reynolds Hall, which can seat up to 2,000 people.
The Smith Center hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, ranging from musicals and plays to dance performances and comedy shows.
There is something for everyone at The Smith Center, so be sure to check out their event calendar and buy tickets to attend a show!
Price: Varies by show/event.
5. Go Christmas Shopping at the Shoppes.
The holidays are a special time of year where family, friends and loved ones come together to celebrate. What better place to do your Christmas shopping than at the Grand Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas? The Grand Canal Shoppes offer a unique and festive shopping experience with over 160 stores, restaurants and bars.
There is something for the whole family to do on your list at the Grand Canal Shoppes. From luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, to more affordable stores like H&M and Forever 21, you’ll be able to find whatever you’re looking for.
And when you’re done shopping, you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing cocktail while taking in the beautiful sights of the Venetian Hotel and Casino.
So ditch the crowded malls this holiday season and head to the Grand Canal Shoppes for an enjoyable and stress-free shopping experience.
Cost: Free
6. Take a Tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden.
1. Come take a tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden in Las Vegas! See how chocolate is made and browse the beautiful cactus garden.
2. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers free tours Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm. Visitors can see how chocolate is made, from bean to bar. And be sure to check out the on-site cactus garden, one of the largest in the world with over 400 varieties of cacti and succulents.
3. Tours of the factory and garden are free, but reservations are required. Call 702-435-2608 or visit ethelm.com to book your spot today!
Cost: Free
7. See the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
1. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas is a must-see for nature lovers and flower enthusiasts.
2. The gardens are home to more than 100 species of plant, including many rare and exotic flowers.
3. The Conservatory is open year-round, and admission is free.
4. Visitors can also enjoy the Garden’s many sculptures, fountains, and ponds.
5. The Bellagio Conservatory is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas.
6. Up to 6 million people visit the Conservatory each year.
7. The Conservatory is open 24 hours a day but there are some dark days which can be seen on the website.
Cost: Free
8. The Aquarium at The Silverton Hotel.
The Silverton Hotel in Las Vegas is home to one of the most unique and beautiful aquariums in the city. This 3-story, 117,000 gallon fish tank is home to exotic fish and jelly fish from all over the world. Visitors can view the fish up close as they swim through the different levels of the tank.
The Aquarium at The Silverton Hotel is a must-see for any visitor to Las Vegas. The fish are beautiful and the tank is an impressive sight. Whether you’re a fish enthusiast or just looking for something different to see while in Vegas, The Aquarium at The Silverton Hotel is worth a visit.
Feedings are daily at 1.30pm and 4.30pm.
Cost: Free. Open 24 hours.
9. See the Fremont Street Experience’s Annual Holiday Light Show.
- The light show features over two million lights and is one of the largest in the country.
- The show runs nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, and is free to the public.
- Visitors can enjoy the light show from anywhere on Fremont Street, but the best views are from above on the High Roller observation wheel or from one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants.
- The light show is just one of many holiday attractions in Las Vegas, which also includes Santa Claus at Circus Circus, holiday shows at hotels like Bellagio and Caesars Palace, and more.
10. Visit the Neon Museum.
The Neon Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the city. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the city through its iconic neon signs.
The main feature of a visit are tours of its outdoor gallery, which features over 200 restored signs, as well as its indoor exhibits. The interactive displays about the history of neon sign making are quite extensive.
The Neon Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Price: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $10 for children 7-17, and children 6 and under are free. Evening events including the tour have different pricing. Call (702) 387-6366 for more details.
11. Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel.
Spend an evening cruising high above the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller Observation Wheel. As the sun sets, the city lights come alive and you’ll get a front row seat to all of the action. The High Roller is the tallest observation wheel in the world, measuring in at 550 feet tall. That’s nine feet taller than the London Eye!
With sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip, the High Roller observation wheel is a must-do while visiting Las Vegas. Tickets are easy to purchase online in advance or you can buy them when you get there. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes, but there’s no rush as you take in all of Sin City from above.
Ticket prices are:
Daytime (2 PM – 5:59 PM) Adult $23.50 Youth $8.50
Night/Anytime (6 PM – 12 AM) Adult $34.75 Youth $17.50
For more information visit their website or call (855) 234-7469.
12. Visit the Mob Museum.
The Mob Museum in Las Vegas is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in America. The museum tells the story of the mob through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and audio-visual presentations.
Visitors can learn about the rise of the mob in the early 20th century, see weapons and personal items used by famous gangsters, and hear first-hand accounts from law enforcement officers who battled the mob.
The Mob Museum is an educational and entertaining experience that offers a unique perspective on American history. The museum is over several floors and knowlegable guides are provided.
The musem is in good location with the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art and Las Vegas Natural History Museum are within walking distance.
The museum is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
Prices from $29.99 per person. Online bookings here.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, 12 alternative holiday activities that are free or not very expensive. With these and many more choices you are sure to keep busy during your stay in Las Vegas.
Whether you’re looking for festive fun or some peace and quiet, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you. Happy holidays!
Sources: THX News, Las Vegas Then and Now & Thrillist.
