Hot cocoa, festive music, and ugly holiday sweaters may all be signs of winter, but you cannot fully get into the holiday spirit until you see something dazzling and incandescently beautiful: Christmas lights. And a lot of them. Grab some loved ones and head outside the comforts of your Henderson home to visit light displays only visible this time of year and second only to the Strip. Save yourself a Google search and read below for 9 kick-butt holiday light displays.
House on Robindale
Nightly, 6-10 p.m. | Through New Year’s Eve
Kicking off our list is a spot beloved by locals: The House on Robindale. This light show is located at the home of Las Vegas hypnotist Marc Savard. The lights sync with a mix of top 40 hits and classic Christmas tunes. Simply drive to the location and find a spot to park, this display is free to view. Follow along with updates on songs and news on the House on Robindale’s official Facebook page.
Location:
1420 E. Robindale Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Glittering Lights Las Vegas
Nightly, 5-10 p.m. | Through Jan. 7
For those who prefer to view lights in the comfort of your heated vehicle, Glittering Lights Las Vegas features 2.5 miles of drivable paths featuring millions of lights. You’ll sit in the luxury of your own car, even if you want to buy concessions — they’ll walk up to your window to take your order — so simply relax and take in the views!
Cost is $30 per vehicle, so pile your family and friends into your car to make the most of this display. If you want to save, you can visit on a weekday for $20 a vehicle — with some blackout dates, check first.
This display was named one of the 7 Over-The-Top Holiday Light Displays You Gotta See by Huffington Post, so you know it won’t disappoint.
Location:
7000 N Las Vegas Blvd.,
Las Vegas, NV 89115
WinterFest
Friday, Dec. 8 | Event runs 6-9 p.m., tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9 | 12-8 p.m., light parade at 5 p.m.
One of the most beloved events in Henderson is the City of Henderson’s WinterFest featuring a tree lighting ceremony and light parade. This free, two-day event features family-friendly activities, entertainment, craft vendors, and more.
Both days feature a festival and include the option to purchase a wristband to ride a ferris wheel, carousel, train ride, toboggan slide, and pony rides. If you cannot not attend the event, you are welcome to visit the massive Christmas tree, located in Henderson Events Plaza, throughout December.
Location:
200 S. Water St.
Henderson NV, 89015
Mystic Falls at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Daily Various Show Times | Through Dec. 23 (light show continues year-round)
On the casino floor of Sam’s Town sits a free-to-attend winter experience, Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland. But, we should note this isn’t your average Christmas light display. Mystic Falls features plenty of Christmas lights and holiday decor, but they also feature something unique: laser light shows. These shows occur hourly, starting at 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. In addition to the light show, the area will “snow” every night, Santa will visit often, and the area will be decked for the holidays, including a large Christmas tree.
Location:
5111 Boulder Hwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89122
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Nightly, starting at 5:30 p.m. | Through Dec. 31
Support a local nonprofit and visit a one-of-a-kind experience this winter: Magical Forest. The “forest” is open 5:30-9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, until Dec. 31.
At Magical Forest you will find millions of sparkling lights, food for purchase, and nightly entertainment. Attractions include a Forest Express passenger train, Avalanche slide, The Blizzard mini-coaster, mini golf, visits from Santa, and more.
Admission is $12 a person, $10 for children. Or, $22 for adults and $19 for children for access to the forest and unlimited access to most rides. Guests can purchase tickets online. The event is the largest annual fundraising event for the local charity Opportunity Village, a nonprofit that serves people with significant intellectual disabilities in Las Vegas, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.
Location:
6300 W. Oakey Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
December to Remember at The Neon Museum
Saturday, Dec. 9. | 3-6 p.m.
For a “very Vegas Christmas,” visit the free-to-attend December to Remember event at The Neon Museum. Ornament making will happen from 3-5 p.m., followed by the Las Vegas Academy choir singing holiday carols in the Neon Museum Boneyard from 5-6 p.m.
Location:
770 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Snow in the Square at Town Square
Snow flurries nightly at 7 p.m., additional show at 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. | Through Dec. 23
Just because we live in the desert, doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate a “white” holiday season. Town Square Las Vegas features twinkling lights and a nightly, free-to-attend show with snow flurries and festive music at 7 p.m. and a second show Friday-Sunday at 8 p.m.
Photos with Santa are available with an online reservation and a $20 deposit (which will be applied towards photos or a digital download purchase if you arrive on time to your appointment). Not to leave furry family members out, they offer photos with Santa for four-legged friends on Wednesdays.
Location:
6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M. Chocolates
Illuminated nightly, sundown-10 p.m. | Through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Day)
Did you know the local chocolatier is home to one of the world’s largest cactus gardens? Over 300 native southwest plants, including cacti and succulents can be found at the Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Garden. During the winter season, this four-acre garden is transformed to a glittering oasis, complete with an — new this year — ice skating rink: The Holiday Cactus Garden. Visiting the garden is free and ice skating prices vary. Ice skating rink is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
When you’re not taking in the lights and ice skating, guests can undergo a self-guided tour, where you may be able to watch employees make pecan brittle, chocolate fillings, and more.
Location:
2 Cactus Garden Dr.
Henderson, NV 89014
The LINQ Promenade
Nightly lights and snow fall | Through Dec. 30
Expect to find nightly snow fall, twinkling lights, and weekday holiday performers — at the top of the hour, every hour, 6-9 p.m. — at the LINQ Promenade. Add to the fun and take a ride on the High Roller, the 550-foot tall Ferris wheel.
Location:
3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Holiday Glamour Showcase at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
24 hours, 7 days a week | Through Jan. 6
If you’re looking for a display with equal parts festive décor and artistic flair, then head to the free Holiday Glamour Showcase at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Despite the fact that the Garden is transformed each season with a unique display, their holiday installation is their most anticipated showcase of the year. The Bellagio Conservatory team — a group of skillful horticulturalists and designers — combine artistic design elements and trees, flowers, and plants to create a unique experience. And, of course, their winter display includes ample glittering lights. Additionally, the Fountains of Bellagio features holiday shows throughout the day.
Location:
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
While it’s tempting to stay indoors at your Henderson homes during the holiday season, you’ll miss out if you do! From snow flurries to laser light shows, you’re bound to find a light display to successfully get in the holiday spirit. Just don’t forget to walk the neighborhood trails and parks to view your neighbors’ decorated Inspirada homes!