Christmas Poker
If you plan to spend Christmas and maybe New Year's eve in Las Vegas, you are in for some great fun. Let's face it, Las Vegas is known for doing everything big. Christmas is no exception. The holiday season is actually a great time to visit Las Vegas and this year most resorts are promoting socially-distanced Christmas family fun.
The Vegas strip will be full of holiday spirit as the casinos try to out-do each other with decorations, lights and mega-Christmas trees.
The combination is then heated or 'mulled' although one imagines Scrooge plunging a heated poker into an earthenware pitcher, the traditional method involved pushing the vessel far down into the fire. The year is almost a wrap, but not without one final poker session that takes place at Paramount Social Club in Houston, TX. We've got pocket aces, we've got. Personalized Poker Christmas Ornament In the early days of the industry, you could find online sportsbooks bringing buses outfitted with laptops right up to sporting events to register players for their real money betting sites. This ended in the early 2000s with the arrest and indictment of some of the major players in the sports betting world.
Things you should know about Christmas in Las Vegas
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas day 2020 in Las Vegas is definitely going to be a bit different from what tourists and locals are used to.
Las Vegas is still going to be festive on Christmas day but expect a few venues to still be closed due to the pandemic. All nightclub venues are closed and so are buffets and a lot of Vegas shows.
This is one day you have to make dinner reservations. If you are going to any restaurant on Christmas day either book ahead of time or be prepared to wait in line for a very long time.
All buffets are currently closed and plan to stay closed on Christmas day. It might make sense to eat at a hotel cafe. They usually have the best prices on that day and are open 24/7.
If money is not an issue here is a list of highly recommended restaurants you might consider calling ahead of time to make a reservation.
With that said, if Las Vegas is beckoning you this coming holiday season, here are a few things you might want to put on your to-do list. You'll also find lots of resources and some money saving tips on this site while planning your Christmas in Las Vegas.
Note: This year, Christmas day falls on Friday, December 25, 2020. With Christmas falling on a Friday, that means most people will start their Vegas Christmas festivities on Wednesday and continue through the weekend. Dress warm and have a great time. Happy Holidays.
Things to do on Christmas day in Las Vegas
Below is a list of 2020 Las Vegas Christmas Events
Fountains of BellagioGet into the spirit at Las Vegas' most iconic attraction, the Bellagio Fountains. Is there a more romantic way to spend Christmas day than watching and taking in the seasonal sounds of the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio? The free fountain water show feature special performances of classic holiday tunes throughout the season.
Dates: December 5, 2020 - January 3, 2021
Performances start at 3 p.m. Monday – Friday; noon on Saturdays and holidays; and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Free
While you are there, step inside the Bellagio to see the Atrium which is completely done up for Christmas.
Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical GardensBellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes winter with a holiday display rich in nostalgia. As you enter the 14,000-square-foot botanical garden, you will immediately be awed by a 42-foot-tall silver tip fir tree sparkling with thousands of lights, a beautiful oversized ornamental egg, four majestic horses pulling a lavishly decorated carriage and bustling elves preparing the Queen's quarters for the season.
Guests will be surrounded by more than 28,000 fragrant fresh poinsettias and thousands of twinkling lights, as they are welcomed by Her Majesty Queen Bellissima, who take guests on a journey into her enchanted icy kingdom.
In the North Garden, you will be greeted by a magnificent ornamental egg set in a fountain of flowing water and surrounded by a gorgeous bed of Poinsettia flowers.
In the East Garden, you will find yourself immersed in the Queen's European-themed carriage embellished with jewels and two pearl-curtained windows.
At the heart of the West Garden is a majestic 42-foot-tall live White Fir tree, decorated with 7,000 warm white LED twinkling holiday lights and adorned with 2,500 colorful ornaments. Next to the holiday tree stands the 18-foot-tall ice princess Queen Bellisima, wearing her holiday best.
The holiday display is available for guests to enjoy for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week from December 7, 2020 - January 9, 2021. Free
Giant Gingerbread House at ARIA Resort & CasinoStep into ARIA Resort & Casino this holiday season for a festive photo opportunity by the colossal 15 feet tall, seven feet wide, 12 feet deep Giant Gingerbread House. Made of edible ingredients, the custom-made, life-size gingerbread house is made of more than 400 pounds of gingerbread, 64,000 peppermints, 200 pounds of royal icing, 80 pounds of chocolate and over a thousand pounds of candy.
On display 24 hours through January 5, 2021 at ARIA Resort & Casino main lobby. Free
Christmas Poker Tournaments
Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolate FactoryIf the idea of over half a million twinkling Christmas lights draped over three acres of cactus sounds exciting, then you must a visit the Chocolate Wonderland at Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson, NV. This is one of the coolest holiday things you can do in Las Vegas. The huge Ethel M's cactus garden out front features a spectacular display of more than half a million holiday lights, chocolate houses and sculptures, and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate creations.
The display will be open from Saturday, November 7th at 5pm - Jan 3, 2021.
Admission:Free
Lights: On Nightly, Saturday, November 7 to Sunday, January 3: Dusk to 10 p.m. Daily
*Open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve – Dec. 24, and on New Year's Eve – Dec. 31 Closed Christmas Day – Dec. 25.
Visits from Santa 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18-23 everyday
Factory & Chocolate Shoppe: Open daily 8:30am to 10pm (closed Christmas Day)
2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
By Bus, take: Routes 212
More Info: www.ethelm.com
Holiday magic returns this season as The LINQ Promenade is transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season with decorations, holiday music, family fun and a sparkling holiday light show on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Free
Explore the $550 million dining, retail and entertainment district, LINQ Las Vegas. Feast your eyes on the world's largest Ferris wheel or ride the Las Vegas High Roller, soaring 55 stories over Sin City.
Adorned with 1,500 LED lights and offering spectacular aerial views of Las Vegas during the half-hour rotation, each pod is designed to transport up to 40 people at a time. More info.
Free Poker Casino Game Online
Holiday Lights at The LINQ Las VegasThis Christmas the High Roller Observation Wheel will illuminate with dazzling holiday-colored lights, featuring more than 2,000 LED lights synchronized to popular holiday music during the nightly “Lights at The LINQ” show.
Showtime: The show runs every hour on the half hour from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. through Dec. 28. After the holiday season, Lights at The LINQ will continue with regular nightly programming.Free
Complimentary parking and discounted tickets for High Roller Observation Wheel and FLY LINQ Zipline are also available for Nevada residents
Location: across the street from Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
Shop, Shop, Shoppe 'til you dropLas Vegas has some of the world's best malls and esplanades. One of the great things about Las Vegas shops and malls are their annual holiday displays. Each store puts together beautifully designed windows to celebrate the season (as well as entice you into their store).
Celebrate the season - the shopping season, that is. Not just one, but many glorious venues await with more than 1000 shops to fill every item on your holiday checklist.
Put on your walking shoes and take a trip to the Fashion Show Mall with it's nearly 250 stores and restaurants (closed Christmas day), the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Boulevard Mall or Le Blvd. at Paris and the high-end Via Bellagio.
All will be open Christmas Eve and day except Fashion Show Mall, Town Square Shopping Center, and Boulevard Mall which will be closed Christmas day.
Holiday Stroll at Fashion ShowFashion Show Mall promises to be a christmas delight with holiday-themed activities and complimentary entertainment. Reserve a spot for a guided Holiday Stroll through Santa’s Workshop – led by Mrs. Claus. Then explore the Winter Wonderland where you’ll become captivated by whimsical trees, a ballerina in a snow globe, and much more.
When: November 27 – December 24, 2020
Showtimes: 3:00pm - 7:00pm. December 24 3:00pm - 6:00pm.
Location: the Lower Level near Forever 21 Free
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S. Ste. 600; Las Vegas, NV 89109
Visit The Tropicana Las Vegas this holiday season and thrill at the holiday light up at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave. The Christmas display features include a 20' tall Christmas tree, palm trees wrapped in sparkling lights and a 10' poinsettia photo op wall. Snap a photo or selfie with the Christmas tree or poinsettia wall.
Dates: November 26 – January 3, 2021 Free
Town Square Las Vegas at ChristmasThis year, Town Square Las Vegas will spread holiday cheer throughout the center. Children and families are invited to marvel at the 45-foot Christmas tree and enjoy the center's Snow in the Square show. Free
Snow in the Square - November 21 - December 23, 2020
Town Square will spread holiday cheer throughout the center in the form of snowflakes during its Snow in the Square show at Town Square Park.
Shows are scheduled Monday – Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday – Sunday at 7 and 8 p.m. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to classic holiday tunes.
Considered one of the great Las Vegas attractions, the Mystic Falls indoor park at Sam's Town goes through a transformation at Christmas time. Marking the kick off of the holiday season this time-honored tradition goes back to 1994, with decorations beginning in Sam's Town's porte-cochere and decorative snowflakes leading guests through the property to Mystic Falls Park. This year families can experience the indoor atrium’s new theme, featuring animated teddy bears that have come to life and can be seen playing, dancing and decorating the park.
An 18-foot tree decorated in red and gold, garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts and snow-covered trees fill the atrium, and decor offers guests a glimpse inside Santa's workshop, from elves making toys to loading up Santa's sleigh with goodies for children. Bring your camera and enjoy this Winter Wonderland Décor.
Mystic Falls is FREE and open 24 hours a day. Free
Date: - Now through Friday, January 1, 2021Location:Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
By Bus, take: Routes BHX, 115, or 202 City of Henderson WinterFest 2020WinterFest is back for another triumphant year at the Henderson Events Plaza from December 13 to December 14, 2019. This year's theme is Winter Blue Edition and includes a variety of family-friendly activities. Among the list of activities will be the official tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Debra March and Santa, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, and a spectacular evening light parade. WinterFest is open to all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Tree-Lighting Ceremony - Friday, December 11 at 6pm
Festival - Friday, December 11, from 6pm - 9pm, Saturday, December 12, from Noon - 5pm,
Evening Light Parade - Saturday, December 12, at 5pm
Location: In the Water Street District
When: December 11 & 12, 2020. Free
Where: Henderson Events Plaza - 200 S. Water St. Henderson NV.
At the Silverton Casino Hotel Aquarium visitors can see Santa Claus dressed up in scuba gear and submerged in the Silverton's 117,000-gallon aquarium. Santa Claus will be swimming among the 4,000 sharks, stingrays and tropical fish this holiday season.
Location:Silverton Casino Hotel
Time: 12pm – 1:15pm and 2:15pm – 3:30pm
Days: Saturdays and Sundays in December Free
The aquarium is free to the public. Bring the kids and take lots of pictures of the Underwater Santa and his elves. Santa is equipped with a microphone that allows him to listen to and speak with children. (702) 263-7777.
Santa's Wonderland at the Bass Pro ShopsBring the whole family to enjoy Santa's Wonderland Event at the Bass Pro Shops. Running now til Christmas Eve!, this is an event the kids will love as they enjoy tons of activities going on throughout the wonderland. While you are there, get your FREE 4X6 photo with Santa as well as a FREE craft!. It is recommended that you call ahead to make sure the photo line is open. 702-730-5200
Date: November 7 - December 24, 2020 Free
Location: Bass Pro Shops (Next to Silverton Hotel Casino)
8200 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89139
This holiday season, The Cosmopolitan transforms the Blvd. Pool into The Ice Rink. Located high above the Strip, (Level 4 of the Boulevard Tower) guests will enjoy skating on over 4,200 square feet of real ice, roasting s'mores by the fire pits, and warm cocktails. The Ice Rink also features light snow showers which occurs every 30 minutes.
When: November 18, 2020 - Jan. 3, 2021 (Closed New Year's Eve)
Snow Showers: Light snow showers happen every 30 minutes during select times throughout the season.
Go on a journey through the magic of winter wonderlands this holiday season at Wynn Las Vegas. Inspired by the novel, Gulliver's Travels, discover a dazzling new neighborhood at Wynn, as six intricately crafted whimsical miniature wintery villages take up residence in the Autrium adjacent to the Main Registration at Wynn Las Vegas.
Time: Throughout December
Location: The Atrium at Wynn Las Vegas. Open 24 hours Free
Enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino. Every year The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens are transformed into an elaborate winter fantasy display. Decked out with snow-covered trees measuring up to 20-feet tall, swirling holiday lights, giant pine cones, thousands of fresh poinsettias, The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens is a must see during the holiday season.
The display is open to the public 24 hours a day and last through the first week of the new year. Free
Merry Crimson at Red Rock Casino Resort & SpaCelebrate Merry Crimson at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. A festive indoor and outdoor poolside lounge and terrace with an extravagant display of over-the-top holiday décor, including a candy cane swing and fireplace. The pop-up holiday bar is perfect for those looking to jingle and mingle in a comfortable and spacious lounge seating inside, or outdoors at private cabanas or by fire pits perfect for making s’mores. Don’t miss the nearly five-foot-tall by nine feet long gingerbread replica of the resort in the middle of the casino floor.
Celebrate Merry Crimson now through Monday, Jan. 3. Free
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor SpeedwayGlittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a drive-thru light show held annually and lighting up the speedway from November 8th 2019 - January 5th 2020. Featuring more than two million animated and sparkling displays along a 2.5-mile drive-through course. Enjoy many custom twinkling light displays, never-before-seen lights and some of your old favorites like the NASCAR scene and the Avenue of Trees which showcases more than 55 charities with custom dedicated signs and trees.
When: November 13, 2020 – January 3, 2021. The park opens at dusk.
Time: 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Cost: Monday - Thursdays $20 per car; Friday – Sunday, Holidays and December 19-January 1: $30 per vehicleMore Information
The fun is back at the Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin. Don't miss the signature 8,000 square foot real-ice skating rink located near the Pavilion at The Lawn. Skate set to the backdrop of joyful holiday music and an impressive 40-foot holiday tree overlooking the rink. All ages are welcome.
Santa’s Chalet Mailbox is available for kids of all ages to drop their letter to Kris Kringle through Dec. 22.
Dates: November 13, 2020 - January 18, 2021
Location: The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin
All ages welcome. More Info: www.downtownsummerlin.com
By Bus, take: Routes SX or 206
2020 Canceled Christmas Las Vegas Events
Magical Forest at Opportunity VillageChristmas is a time for giving. What better way to give this time of year than a visit to the Magical Forest which is celebrating another year of providing holiday joy to the Las Vegas community. Join the more than 150,000 people that visit the Forest every year. Feast your eyes at the more than three million lights on hundreds of decorated trees. Ride the Forest Express passenger train, take a spin on the Carousel or visit Santa. There is fun for the whole family and plenty of special events and offers throughout the Forest season.
Dates: - Canceled for 2020 Christmas
*** ALL Proceeds raised at the Magical Forest will benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity VillageBy Bus, take: Routes 102Springs Preserve Holiday Express
Get into the holiday spirit at the Springs Preserve with train rides to Santa's magical village. Festive activities include photos with Santa, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, holiday stories, a nutcracker display and more!. You are encouraged to bring your own camera or smart phone to document your Santa sighting.
Date & Time: - Canceled for 2020 Christmas
Location: Springs Preserve
Admission: $10 members; $12 non-members.
RSVP: Reservations are required. Spaces are limited for each departure time. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended.
Come watch as Lake Las Vegas Residents, businesses and community partners parade through The Village streets in decorated and lit up golf carts. Neon Lights and Christmas Lights. Fun for the whole family.
When: December 12, 2020 Time: 6:00 p.m.
Lake Las Vegas Holiday Tree Lighting - When: November 21, 2020 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: The Village Lake Las Vegas Free
Las Vegas Christmas Shows
Prepare for a jaw dropping magical musical adventure that will brighten your spirit. Starring a cast of winners and finalists from America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and Britain’s Got Talent presents This is Christmas..
Showing at the The Venetian Theatre
Dates: November 27 - December 27, 2020
Time: Friday – Sunday 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Duration: Approximately 75–80 minutes
2020 Fountains of Bellagio Holiday Music
