The City of Sin gets seriously toasty in the summer, with temperatures regularly hitting the 40-degree mark (it is the desert, after all). If you can’t stand the heat, pick the winter months for your trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Swap bikinis and pool parties for huge buffets and glitzy shows.
Here’s what you can get up to on a winter trip to Vegas…
Catch a show
Las Vegas is known for its spectacular shows and famous residencies, and you can’t visit without seeing a live performance. The city’s famous Cirque de Soleil shows run all year round and combine music, dance, acrobatics and illusion for a performance like no other. There are several shows for you to choose from including the water-themed ‘O’ featuring divers and swimmers, and the classic ‘Mystere’ which combines comedy and acrobatics.
In the run up to Christmas there are festive shows like The Nutcracker and carol performances from the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra. And, you can catch one of the famous artists in residency there like Celine Dion or Mariah Carey, who’ll no doubt be belting out some Crimbo classics.
For ‘O’:
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Caesars Palace
For Mystere:
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Treasure Island
Explore a winter wonderland
Every year The Bellagio hotel transforms its conservatory and botanic gardens into a striking themed display of colourful flowers and plants. Horticulturalists and designers work to create a unique display to represent spring, summer and winter using all the seasonal plants and flowers. Winter’s display is usually a ‘winter wonderland’ theme made up of thousands of lights, decorations and a giant Christmas tree. In previous years, there’s even been a huge snow globe for guests to walk through and live music performances.
After you’ve explored the botanical winter wonderland, head outside to enjoy a seasonal performance at the Bellagio Fountains. In the run up to Christmas there are special festive fountain shows with lights, dancing and effects set to songs like White Christmas and Santa Baby.
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Caesars Palace
Go skiing
If you really want to embrace the cold weather, consider swapping the bright lights of the city for a trip to the mountains. Vegas is an unexpected top skiing destination thanks to its budget-friendly resorts and slopes. The nearest ski slope is Lee Canyon, which is just 45 minutes from the centre of the city, and lines up trails for beginners through to experts. There’s also the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort which is an hour from downtown Las Vegas. The resort boasts 30 trails with beginners and advanced options to keep everyone happy.
Eat your way around the city
While summer in Las Vegas is all about the pool parties, winter is more about the indoor attractions and buffets. Vegas’ spectacular food offerings and mile-long buffet spreads are available all year round and there are loads to choose from. You’re got a gourmet seafood spread at the Wynn hotel, a French food extravaganza at the Paris hotel, and themed dining at the Rampart Buffet. If you’re heading there for one of the holidays – Thanksgiving or Christmas – you can expect seasonal dishes and special offers on the buffets too.
For Paris Las Vegas:
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Caesars Palace
For Wynn Las Vegas:
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Treasure Island
Hit the shops
Las Vegas is a shopper’s paradise. The city is home to independent stores, high-end designer boutiques, quirky gift shops and huge malls. Head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets to browse over 175 premium outlet stores including Disney, Coach, D&G and Burberry. Or pick the brightly lit Fremont Street shops for gifts and souvenirs. If you’re in Vegas in late November, you’ll get the chance to bag some amazing bargains in the Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving. Or, take advantage of the January sales and stock up on loads of designer goods if you’re visiting just after Christmas.
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: Las Vegas Premium Outlets
For Fremont Street:
Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: El Cortez Hotel
Ready to see what Las Vegas has to offer in winter? Just like New York, this city never sleeps, so there’s never a bad time to go. Browse our bus tours and attractions for more ideas on what to do in Las Vegas in winter.
