Is December a Good Time to Go to Las Vegas?

December is a fabulous time to go to Las Vegas for several reasons. First, the weather is cool and calm without heat, humidity, or rain.

So, if you enjoy adventurous outdoor activities, you will feel more comfortable doing them in Las Vegas in December. 

Another reason to visit Las Vegas in December is all the holiday deals and festivities throughout the city. Even though more tourism occurs in December, you can find many ticket discounts for shows and other amazing deals on Las Vegas activities and attractions. 

Here are the top seven best ways to have a great time in Las Vegas in December.

1) Criss Angel Mindfreak

Do you want the best illusionary experience of your life in December? If you desire intense and mind-boggling entertainment for your end-of-the-year celebrations, purchase a ticket to see Criss Angel Mindfreak in the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort. 

Criss Angel Mindfreak does not believe in performing standard magic tricks. Instead, audiences witness unworldly illusions and tricks unseen anywhere else. Criss Angel will do everything from floating in a light beam over a pyramid to walking on water.

He is a master magician and illusionist like David Copperfield but with a more imaginative and sophisticated performance style. 

Criss Angel Mindfreak will quickly become one of your favorite shows in Las Vegas because of the unique illusions and magic tricks performed. Please book your tickets to see him in advance so that you can get the best seats in the theater. 

2) Ice Skating

The Cosmopolitan Hotel transforms its Boulevard Pool area into a world-class Ice Rink during the Christmas holiday season in December. They even manufacture snowflakes to fall on the Ice Rink to create the feeling like you are on an NYC Ice Rink rather than a Las Vegas Ice Rink.

Guests can rent skates and enjoy skating on 4,200 square feet of flat and clean ice. You do not need to be a professional skater to have a good time on the ice by yourself or with your friends or family.

Near the Ice Rink are firepits where guests can roast s’mores and stay warm. Groups must make their fire pit reservations in advance before showing up at the Ice Rink. 

3) Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are always good to visit year-round, but it is even better to see them in December.

That is when the entire 14,000-square-foot environment is filled with holiday-themed decorations and displays, including Christmas trees, snow globe, polar bears, gorgeous flowers, lights, and more. 

If Santa Claus had his own gardens at the North Pole, they would look similar to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in December.

In addition to the holiday decorations, you and your group can observe approximately 11,541 natural flowers and plants on display throughout the facility. There may be some other great surprises waiting for you too. 

4) Cirque du Soleil Shows

You deserve to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year in style. Attending one or more Cirque du Soleil shows is a fabulous way to entertain yourself and create a memorable experience in Las Vegas in December.

You can see any of these six active Cirque du Soleil shows: Michael Jackson ONE, The Beatles LOVE, Mad Apple, O, Mystere, and KA. 

Cirque du Soleil is a world-renowned production company. Their shows contain extravagant stunts, acrobatics, production designs, visual effects, costumes, characters, storylines, and more.

You can expect to be entertained at any show they produce in Las Vegas.

Do you want to learn about other great shows in Las Vegas in December? You can find a more comprehensive list of options here.

5) Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts a special drive-thru light show between late November and early January. You will drive on the same track where NASCAR racing occurs in Las Vegas.

This time you will experience a 40-minute drive-thru filled with glittering lights, holiday displays, and more. 

The ticket sales for this special event go to help various charitable organizations. So now you have two reasons to purchase tickets and attend this holiday drive-thru light show in December at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

6) Shark Reef Aquarium

The Mandalay Bay Hotel has a Shark Reef Aquarium exhibiting over 2,000 marine species and animals, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, green sea turtles, and more.

Witnessing these marine creatures at any time of the year is fascinating, but there is something extra unique about going in December.

Santa Claus may make an appearance near the shipwreck in the water tank. Divers often go into the tank, but it is rare to see one of them dressed like Santa Claus. But if you visit the Shark Reef Aquarium in December, you may see Santa Claus diving into the shipwreck tank. 

7) Shopping

December is the time to shop for Christmas gifts to give to your friends and loved ones. Las Vegas has some of the country’s biggest shopping malls and centers. 

For instance, the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip features a diverse variety of more than 250 retail stores and 30 restaurants.

The stores sell everything you could want to buy for yourself or someone else, including food, clothes, electronics, art, shoes, sports gear, jewelry, and more. 

Other notable shopping areas in Las Vegas include Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort. 

Conclusion

Now you know the best ways to have a great time in Las Vegas in December. Please expect a lot of tourist crowds to show up at that time, so try to book your tickets and reservations ahead of time.

Then you can ensure you reserve spots for the shows and activities you wish to experience in Las Vegas in December.