Holiday Attractions In Las Vegas Mean More Lights and Sparkle

Holiday attractions in Las Vegas will definitely get you into the spirit.

There is an abundance of glittering lights in Las Vegas. But there is even more glitter and sparkle in Las Vegas during the holiday season.

Out of town visitors always ask "what is there to do in Las Vegas for the holidays?" Plenty my friends, plenty.

I've lived in Las Vegas for 30 years now. When I moved to Las Vegas there were a few sparkly things to do here and there, and it centered around the holidays. But those events and attractions have grown a lot in the past several years.

Las Vegas is indeed the city of lights, but during the holidays our city shines even more spectacularly than usual. I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite holiday attractions.

From Enchant at The Las Vegas Ballpark, to The Glittering Lights at the Speedway and to the Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolate Factory -- all amazing. And guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

I've been to all of these over the years, but it seems that new ones pop up each year. From light shows, and displays. to all sorts of family-friendly fun, there is no shortage of attractions, events, and performances for the holiday season in our city of lights.

Now as far as anything that involves ice skating -- not really my thing. Because I'm about as clumsy as can be when it comes to being on skates. Especially on ICE. But I'll hold on to the little kids dolphin helper, so I don't fall. Or so my fall is less painful. Or - I'll just be over here, cheering you on.

This list just scratches the surface, but as I said, they are some of my favorites. If you haven't been, there's no better time that the present. And most likely they will become yearly traditions.

Hope to see you out and about!

The Opportunity Village fundraiser is celebrating another season with the Avalanche Slide, the Forest Express Passenger Train, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, SANTA, and more! Located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. The Magical Forest is open Nov. 24-26, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-31. Tickets are $24, children under three-years-old are free. For more info: magicalforest.com.

Ethel M Chocolates’ beautiful sparkling cactus garden attraction returns for its 30th season with over a million lights and decorations. It's open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, and runs through Dec. 31. And it's located at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson, according to Ethel M's website.

A 2.5-mile course through the Las Vegas Motor Speedway that's decked out with more than five million LED lights! Glittering Lights opens at 4:45 p.m. daily through Jan. 7. It cost $39 per vehicle. But there is also a season pass, fast pass, and early bird specials. Also there are special dates and prices for military. And don't forget the Santa Tram! For tickets: glitteringlightslasvegas.com.

Enchant is quite phenomenal. There's a 100-foot Christmas trees, light mazes, ice skating, food, drink, crafts, and more. Open Nov. 24 through Dec.31. Special dates include "Paws n Claus," ugly sweater night, ladies night, and specials for military. For tickets: enchantchristmas.com.

Throughout the holiday season, Tivoli Village will offer free, old-fashioned horse-and-carriage rides, and carolers. This will happen from Dec. 1 - Dec. 23. Carriage rides are free, but it's first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as lines close at 7:30 p.m. There is also a Nutcracker Night Market Fridays and Saturdays in December. For more event information: TivoliVillagelv.com.

The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio Hotel  Casino takes visitors on a journey through “The Nutcracker.” The exhibit features scenes from the iconic ballet. The beautiful floral displays tell the story of the Nutcracker Prince and his adventure with Clara. Visitors will see a winter wonderland, at The Conservatory. "The Nutcracker" holiday display is free, and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Dec.2, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024.

The annual holiday parade and Rock Rink outdoor skating rink return to Downtown Summerlin, Nov. 17, 2023 - Dec. 16, 2023. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 16. The Rock Rink is on the lawn at Downtown Summerlin. Skate rentals and holiday train rides are available. Santa Claus’ Chalet is back and located in the Macy’s Promenade through Dec. 24. For more info: downtownsummerlin.com.

This is one of my favorites! Nevada Southern Railway’s Santa Express runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17, and Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. Family and friends can travel to Santa’s Railyard. It is a 90-minute evening ride, with then time in Santa’s rail yard. Then the train ride back to the station. Nevada State Railroad Museum, is at 601 Yucca St., Boulder City. Dress warm! Christmas sweaters, and pajamas are welcome! For more info:  nevadasouthern.com