How to HOLIDAY the Las Vegas Way - A Guide to Indulging Christmas 2024 in Las Vegas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and here in Las Vegas, we know how to Holiday in Style! If you’re a resident, frequent visitor, or just simply a fan of Vegas, you know there’s no place quite like Las Vegas for the holidays. Where else can you ice skate on a rooftop rink with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip, or enjoy outdoor dining on a beautiful terrace where you can celebrate the holiday season while basking in the glow of golden desert sunsets, or even spend your morning skiing or snowboarding at Mount Charleston, surrounded by pine trees and snowy peaks, and then return to the warmth of the Strip by afternoon to enjoy a cocktail by the pool? Ah, only in Vegas.

While Las Vegas may not immediately come to mind as a top holiday destination like a New York Christmas, a California coastal celebration, or a tropical island getaway, Vegas offers an abundance of ways to cater to the discerning, making it a hidden gem for luxurious holiday experiences. Known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, and stunning luxury resorts, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, catering to those with a taste for indulgence and sophistication. 

So while many associate Vegas with summer getaways or extravagant New Year’s parties (we’ve got a guide for those too!), the Christmas holiday season offers an opportunity to experience the city in a whole new light. For those who wish to merge the timeless traditions of Christmas with a bit of excitement and luxury, here’s your guide to spending the holiday season in Las Vegas - the Lux Vegas way!

Vegas is so much more than just the strip!

A Luxury Stay That Feels Like Home—Only Better

Where you stay can set the tone for your entire holiday experience, and Las Vegas boasts some of the finest accommodations in the world. If you're looking to blend luxury with Christmas cheer, consider a stay at one of the iconic hotels that go all-out with festive decor, immersive experiences, and personalized service.

• The Wynn Las Vegas: Known for its opulence and attention to detail, The Wynn transforms into a lavish Christmas retreat each December. Picture twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and stunning floral displays throughout the property. Guests can enjoy personalized Christmas stockings in their suites, exclusive holiday-themed afternoon tea, and private in-room dining experiences curated by world-renowned chefs.

  
  

• The Four Seasons Las Vegas: For a more intimate and boutique holiday experience, The Four Seasons offers an oasis of calm in the heart of the bustling city. This non-gaming, luxury hotel is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, with breathtaking views of the Strip, exceptional service, and Christmas décor that exudes understated glamour. Private butler services can arrange everything from a bespoke holiday dinner in your suite to coordinating a luxury helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon.

  
  

• The Venetian: A Venetian holiday experience begins as you open the door to your suite!   Their "Suite Experience" creates a homelike holiday environment right inside your own private suite! For less than a grand (on top of your room rate, of course), you can enjoy a beautifully decorated 7 foot designer holiday tree, 2 Custom embroidered stockings,  2 Sugarfina Christmas tree and Merry berries treat boxes, 2 Peppermint bark white chocolate bars, 1 large holiday traditional poinsettia decorated with fresh seasonal evergreens and ornaments, a holiday centerpiece with fragrant, traditional, seasonal greens, and a holiday bedside floral arrangement, all for under $750 (according to their website).

A page from our print edition article, giving a glimpse of what you can expect at holiday themed room add-ons at some of Las Vegas's most upscale resorts. (Nov. Dec. '24 issue, page 16

Gourmet Christmas Feasts

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and nowhere does indulgence better than Las Vegas. While the city is renowned for its decadent buffets, discerning travelers can experience gastronomic feasts in the many Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious dining venues that craft special holiday menus.

• Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace: Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy offers an elevated dining experience that transcends the traditional holiday meal. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant rolls out a bespoke menu of seasonal specialties featuring dishes like truffle-stuffed roasted game bird, foie gras, and lobster bisque. Each course is meticulously paired with rare wines from their expansive cellar, offering a dining experience worthy of the season.

Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at Waldorf Astoria

• Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at Waldorf Astoria: For those seeking a modern take on Christmas dinner, Pierre Gagnaire’s Twist is an unparalleled culinary adventure. With a Christmas menu that showcases the finest ingredients, diners can enjoy dishes like black truffle-laden risotto, caviar, and Wagyu beef, all while overlooking panoramic views of the Strip. Be sure to reserve a private dining room for an exclusive experience tailored to your preferences.

Private Shopping Sprees and Bespoke Gifting

Luxury shopping in Las Vegas reaches its peak during the holiday season, and for those who like to make their Christmas gifting an unforgettable experience, the city offers plenty of bespoke services. Skip the crowds and arrange for private shopping experiences at some of the world’s most prestigious designer boutiques.

• The Shops at Crystals: Home to brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada, Crystals offers personal shoppers who will guide you through their collections to curate the ultimate selection of gifts. Many of the boutiques offer exclusive holiday items, as well as customized gift-wrapping services. For an even more exclusive touch, request a private, after-hours shopping experience complete with champagne and holiday treats.

  
  

• Wynn Plaza: Located at The Wynn, this luxury shopping destination offers access to some of the most exclusive names in fashion and jewelry, including Cartier, Chanel, and Hermès. Discerning shoppers can arrange for bespoke, handcrafted gifts or commission custom pieces to truly capture the spirit of the holiday season.

Winter Wonderland at the Resorts

Even though Las Vegas may not experience traditional snowy winters, the city’s luxury resorts recreate the magic of the season with elaborate holiday displays, outdoor ice skating rinks, and even the occasional “snowfall.”

• The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Known for its extravagant seasonal displays, The Bellagio’s Christmas transformation is a must-see. The conservatory is meticulously decorated with festive ornaments, towering Christmas trees, and enchanting light displays. The holiday season sees this space transformed into a winter wonderland complete with animatronic reindeer, giant nutcrackers, and thousands of poinsettias. VIP guests can arrange private guided tours of the conservatory, complete with a curated list of behind-the-scenes insights.

  
  

• The Cosmopolitan’s Ice Rink: Located atop The Cosmopolitan, this luxury resort’s Boulevard Pool transforms into an ice skating rink surrounded by stunning views of the Strip. Private cabanas are available for rent, providing a cozy and exclusive space to enjoy holiday-themed cocktails, gourmet s’mores, and even a private Santa visit for children. It’s the perfect blend of traditional holiday charm and Las Vegas luxury.

  
  

Exclusive Entertainment for the Season

Christmas in Las Vegas is as much about entertainment as it is about relaxation. The city’s top performers and entertainers come together for holiday shows, concerts, and special events tailored for the season. Whether you're in the mood for something nostalgic or are looking for a modern twist on Christmas classics, Vegas offers it all.

• "A Very Vegas Christmas" at The Venetian: This holiday-themed extravaganza takes place on December 7th, 2024 and is a tribute to the golden age of Vegas entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast of performers, the show includes renditions of classic Christmas songs, Broadway-style dance numbers, and awe-inspiring acrobatics. For a truly exclusive experience, guests can reserve VIP seats and enjoy access to a private cocktail reception with the performers.

  
  

• Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas Concert: For a one-of-a-kind holiday performance, world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli will grace the stage at the MGM Grand with his annual Christmas concert. Offering a mix of classical opera and beloved holiday songs, this performance is the ultimate in refined holiday entertainment. Book a private box or opt for backstage meet-and-greet experiences to make the evening unforgettable.

High-End Spa and Wellness Experiences

After days filled with holiday shopping, fine dining, and entertainment, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation. Las Vegas is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the world, where bespoke wellness treatments await those looking to rejuvenate during the festive season.

• The Spa at ARIA: Recognized for its innovative treatments and opulent design, The Spa at ARIA offers holiday-themed wellness experiences, such as their exclusive "Peppermint Indulgence" massage, designed to relax muscles and rejuvenate the senses. Guests can also book private spa suites where couples or families can enjoy treatments in an intimate setting.

  
  

• Sahra Spa, Salon & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan: Escape the holiday bustle with a visit to this Moroccan-inspired spa. Signature treatments such as the Red Flower Hammam Experience combine tradition with luxury. Book the private hammam for a secluded retreat or indulge in a personalized spa day complete with champagne and gourmet treats.

  
  

Luxurious Holiday Traditions for Families

For those traveling with family, Las Vegas still manages to offer luxury while embracing the spirit of togetherness that the holiday season demands.

• Private Helicopter Tours Over the Grand Canyon: Nothing says "Merry Christmas" quite like a private helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon. Several high-end tour operators in Vegas offer exclusive family packages, including champagne toasts and a private holiday meal upon landing in a secluded canyon spot.

  
  

• The Polar Express at the Nevada Southern Railway: For families looking to immerse themselves in Christmas nostalgia, a private charter of The Polar Express can be arranged. Complete with holiday carols, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa, this luxury experience is tailored to families seeking to embrace the magic of Christmas in style.

While the list above is not exhaustive of all that you can do to celebrate the Christmas holiday in LAs Vegas, it's a start. (smile). We wanted to curate a guide that combines the best of traditional holiday spirit with the extravagance and opulence that only Las Vegas can offer. After all, there’s no better way to holiday than the Lux Vegas way!

Merry Christmas!

Publisher/Editor in Chief, Lux Vegas Magazine