Las Vegas Holiday Markets and Family Fun to This Weekend

Las Vegas, known for its dazzling lights, luxurious casinos, and world-class entertainment, offers much more than just nightlife and high-stakes gambling. During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a variety of festive activities and family-friendly events. Whether you're a local or visiting for the weekend, Las Vegas has plenty of holiday markets, lights, and experiences that are perfect for making lasting memories with your loved ones. Las Vegas Winter Market at the Springs Preserve One of the city's most popular destinations for holiday fun is the Springs Preserve. This weekend, the Las Vegas Winter Market is taking place at this beautiful cultural institution, which is known for its desert gardens and educational exhibits. The market is a great place to get into the holiday spirit. It features over 50 local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, jewelry, and other unique gifts. It’s the perfect spot to do some last-minute holiday shopping while supporting local businesses. The Springs Preserve also offers a festive atmosphere, complete with live music and food trucks serving delicious seasonal treats. Children will love the interactive activities, including visits with Santa Claus, craft stations, and holiday-themed games. Be sure to take a stroll through the preserve’s stunning gardens, where you can enjoy the twinkling holiday lights. Downtown Summerlin’s Winter Market and Ice Skating For another family-friendly holiday experience, head to Downtown Summerlin, a vibrant shopping and dining district located in the heart of Summerlin. This weekend, Downtown Summerlin is hosting its annual Winter Market, which features more than 40 local vendors selling unique gifts and tasty treats. Whether you’re looking for artisanal chocolates, hand-painted ornaments, or handmade clothing, you’re sure to find something special at the Winter Market. In addition to shopping, Downtown Summerlin offers ice skating at their outdoor rink, which is open throughout the season. It’s a fantastic way for families to enjoy some physical activity while celebrating the holiday season. The rink is beautifully decorated with lights and is the perfect place to enjoy the cool winter air. After skating, you can warm up with hot cocoa or seasonal treats from the nearby cafés. 

The Venetian’s Winter in Venice 

For those looking for a more luxurious holiday experience, The Venetian Resort presents its annual Winter in Venice celebration. This family-friendly event includes everything from an outdoor ice skating rink to gondola rides along the resort’s canals. The resort is decorated with sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and oversized holiday ornaments, providing the perfect backdrop for photos. One of the highlights of Winter in Venice is the Holiday Show at the Venetian's St. Mark's Square. The performance features a mix of live music, acrobatics, and holiday cheer, all set to a backdrop of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Families can also enjoy the various holiday-themed activities, including a visit to Santa’s workshop, where children can meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes. Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Garden Holiday Lights If you’re looking for something a little different, head to the Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Garden in Henderson. This annual holiday tradition features more than one million Christmas lights that cover the beautiful cactus garden and surrounding areas. The lights are synchronized to festive music, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for families to enjoy. In addition to the lights, the garden offers a variety of holiday-themed activities for children. Visitors can take photos with Santa Claus, enjoy live performances, and sample delicious chocolate treats at the Ethel M Chocolates store. The lights are on display through the holiday season, making it a must-see attraction for anyone in the Las Vegas area. Holiday Harmony at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts For those looking to enjoy some live entertainment, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of holiday-themed performances this weekend. One of the most popular shows is Holiday Harmony, a heartwarming concert featuring classic holiday songs performed by talented local musicians. The Smith Center also hosts family-friendly performances like The Nutcracker by the Nevada Ballet Theatre, which is a timeless holiday tradition. Whether you're a fan of classical music, ballet, or festive concerts, The Smith Center provides a perfect setting for enjoying the magic of the season with your family. 

Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Glittering Lights 

For an immersive holiday light experience, head to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the annual Glittering Lights event. This drive-through light show features over 3 million lights, with displays that are synchronized to holiday music. The event is one of the largest and most impressive light shows in the city, making it a fun activity for families to enjoy from the comfort of their own cars. Glittering Lights also offers a walking path where visitors can explore the displays on foot. Afterward, you can stop at the concessions for some warm treats and enjoy a festive atmosphere. This event is a great way to experience the magic of the holiday season in a fun and unique way. Holiday Attractions at Mandalay Bay Mandalay Bay is another top destination for family-friendly holiday activities in Las Vegas. This year, they are hosting a variety of holiday-themed attractions, including a Winter Wonderland display at the hotel’s famous Shark Reef Aquarium. This unique exhibit features a combination of underwater life and festive decorations, offering a holiday twist on the aquarium’s usual exhibits. Additionally, Mandalay Bay has its own ice skating rink and a holiday market where families can shop for gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and participate in various activities. Mandalay Bay’s holiday festivities also include live music, light displays, and special appearances from Santa Claus. Las Vegas Santa Run For families who enjoy being active during the holidays, the Las Vegas Santa Run is a must-attend event. This fun, family-friendly 5k run takes place this weekend, with participants dressing up as Santa Claus. It’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit while staying fit. The run ends with a festive celebration, complete with holiday music, food trucks, and a chance to meet other "Santas." The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village One of Las Vegas’s most beloved holiday traditions is the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. This holiday event features a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive displays, and various attractions for the whole family. Children can ride the miniature train, explore the forest, and take part in arts and crafts activities. Proceeds from the event benefit Opportunity Village, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for people with disabilities. By visiting the Magical Forest, families can enjoy a festive experience while supporting a great cause. Las Vegas is a fantastic place to spend the holiday season with your family. From dazzling light displays to unique holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to shop for unique gifts, skate on an ice rink, or experience the magic of Christmas lights, Las Vegas offers a variety of activities that will make your weekend unforgettable. This weekend, take time to experience the city’s festive charm and create lasting memories with your loved ones.