9 Must-Do Family Holiday Events In Las Vegas

It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially for family parties and other holiday events at home. True, we're all getting those ham and potato recipes ready for the holiday dinner we're hosting. But this is Las Vegas, baby! We have so many holiday events around town that are a must if you want to really make this season truly special.

After all, we are the entertainment capital of the world. So it just makes sense that we have an abundance of entertaining things to choose from. And our weather is another reason to take advantage of the season. There are lots of outdoor holiday events we can do exclusively in Las Vegas. I mean, you can do them in other parts of the country, but not for long before you turn into a snowman. Our weather here allows for a longer excursion outside. And we're taking advantage of that. Since, come summer, we'll be staring out our windows longing for some outdoor relief.

But there are fun things to do this time of year indoor as well. From the Bellagio Conservatory being all decked out for the holidays, to Area 15's Nightmare Before Christmas experience (neither on this list, but should be mentioned). We've compiled a list of both indoor and outdoor holiday events.

And don't forget to drive around the neighborhoods with some homemade hot cocoa before this season is over. Some of our residents go full Clark W. Griswold on their house decorations. The light displays in those areas are really worth the drive.

In fact, if you're in the southeast part of town, stop by the house on Robindale between Spencer and Maryland Parkway. The owner has his lights programmed to  music, which you can hear from his yard or by tuning into a specific radio station while you're there. Very cool.

Here are some other family fun holiday events we think you should check out this year. Enjoy!

–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

This one is a family holiday tradition in Las Vegas. Pack the family in your car and head up to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the annual Glittering Lights event. The speedway is decorated with thousands of LED holiday lights and decorations. And the scouts will whip you up a nice cup of cocoa to enjoy on the tour, all without leaving your car! Get tickets here.

Every holiday season, the Tournament of Kings show at the Excalibur turns into the 'Twas The Knight holiday dinner show. Dinner includes a cornish game hen and other holiday favorites. Get tickets and info here.

If you want something a little different this year, check out the Boulder City Santa Express in BC. A train all decked out for the holidays take you on a ride to Railroad Pass and back to Santa's Railyard. There your family can enjoy hot chocolate and sugar cookies, photos with Santa, a snowball fight and more. And proceeds go to help the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Get tickets here.

Ethel M. Chocolates in Las Vegas is in their 29th year of the Botanical Cactus Garden. You can enjoy over a million Christmas lights and holiday decor. Take pics with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and other treats, and even book a chocolate tasting.

This one gets a special mention on our list because it's holiday fun that supports a good cause. Join St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City for the one night of holiday merriment. It's the annual Night Of Lights event. Only December 10th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The $10 all-inclusive wrist band lets patrons enjoy music, games, hayrides, s'mores, cookies, hot chocolate, live carolers and more. And all proceeds support foster kids and victims of sex trafficking in Clark County. Get more info here.

Every holiday season, the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas magically transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice rink. Named one of USA Today's 10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America, this one is a must-do. Don't forget to grab s'mores and other treats to enjoy by the fire. Tickets available here.

Having done the Magical Forest for 31 years, Opportunity Village definitely know how to bring the Christmas cheer to your family's holiday season. You and yours will enjoy a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, rides, holiday food, and lots of fun. Grab tickets here.

There's a lot to love this year at the M Resort's Snow Carnival Holiday Forest. A candy cane forest, snowman building, tube sledding, treats and more. Get tickets here.

There are two locations for this in Las Vegas. One at Resorts World and one at the Las Vegas Ballpark. This event offers ice skating, treats, shopping in the Christmas village, live entertainment, photos with Santa and more. Get tickets here.