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Top 10 reasons to visit Las Vegas this winter

12 November 2018

Winter is approaching quickly, but that doesn’t mean a trip to Las Vegas needs to be held off until the spring. There are still plenty of activities and offers for guests to enjoy in Sin City in the next few months.

10. Polar Express 4-D
Starting 1 December, guests can enjoy the 15-minute version of The Polar Express at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian Las Vegas. Visitors are offered a screening of the film along with hot cocoa in what is becoming a Las Vegas holiday tradition.

9. Great Santa Run
Downtown Las Vegas will host the 14th annual Great Santa Run on 1 December. All proceeds of the race directly benefit the programs and services provided at Opportunity Village.

Participants receive a five-piece Santa suit. Registration costs start at $45 for adults, $25 for kids 6-12, $15 for 2-5 years of age, and $10 for pets. There is a 5k or one mile option for those choosing to take part in this event.


8. Stratosphere observation deck
The 1,149-foot Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. Guests can enjoy the view at the indoor observation deck, or go on one of the thrill rides located on the outdoor observation deck. The option to host a reception for up to 2,000 people is also an option, or you can enjoy a drink at AirBar or Top of the World.


7. Vegas Golden Knights
Catching an NHL hockey game in Las Vegas wasn’t an option two years ago. However, with the Vegas Golden Knights becoming part of the league last season, fans have the opportunity to do so.

The Vegas Golden Knights reached the NHL finals in their inaugural season last year, where they were bested in five games against the Washington Capitals.

Fans can see the team play at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, located right near Park MGM.


6. Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
From 6-15 December, the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) will take place in Las Vegas.

Held at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV, the NFR is 10 days of rodeo events, including bareback riding, roping, barrel racing and the fan favorite, bull riding.

Fans will see the top 15 contestants in the standard rodeo events - bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, WPRA barrel racing and bull riding – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR.


5. Super Bowl viewing parties
On 3 February 2019, Super Bowl LIII kicks off in Atlanta, but Las Vegas has long been considered the next-best place to watch the NFL's biggest game if you can't score a ticket to see it in person.

Many places on the Strip host viewing parties. The sportsbooks in the resorts on the Strip, such as Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas and The Mirage, are great places to watch the game, as well as off-Strip properties such as South Point Hotel Casino and Spa and Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa.

There are tons of great options for guests to either relax during the game with a few drinks or to place a few dollars down while pulling for your team to be victorious.


4. The LINQ Promenade
Throughout the holiday season, The LINQ Hotel & Casino Promenade, the outdoor shopping and entertainment district found just off the Strip, takes on an entire new look. Christmas lights and decorations cover the area with a holiday magic show and carolers bringing the experience together.

Guests can also take advantage of the observation wheel that is taller than the London Eye. At 550 feet, the wheel gives great Las Vegas views to those on it for 30 minutes, and there is even an open bar option for some rides.

There is also Fly LINQ, the zip line that just opened earlier this month goes 12 stories above the promenade. The $20 million Fly LINQ features 10 side-by-side zip lines, capable of simultaneously launching all riders.


3. Ice rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a great place to be in the winter. Starting 21 November, friends and families can enjoy the 4,200 square-foot ice rink, fire pits, and food and drink offerings.

The Cosmo also offers skaters a snow shower every 30 minutes to emphasize the winter feeling. There is no entrance fee to the area, which includes a nice Las Vegas view, but admission for skating ranges from $10-$20.


2. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The polar bear family made with white carnations is a crowd favorite at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Between September and January, the features change for three settings: autumn, winter and Chinese New Year.

It is open 24/7 and will have a Christmas theme and decorations for a good portion of the winter. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will also pay tribute to Chinese New Year, which takes place on 5 February 2019, with the animal of the year being the pig.

It is a nice place for families to go and see some holiday decorations as Christmas is slowly creeping around the corner.

1. New Year's Eve
Las Vegas is one of the most popular places U.S. destinations to spend New Year’s Eve. Below is just a small sample of the many events occurring in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve.

The adult only event located in Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street takes place on 31 December. Tickets are $45 and are being sold until 25 December. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the event has performances by several bands running form 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Going to Fremont Street with friends enjoying the experience is a good way to bring the year to a close and begin 2019.


Paris Las Vegas is also hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Beer Park and Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop will team up and host a rooftop party with a perfect view of the fireworks.

Fountains and fireworks is another way Las Vegas visitors can bring in the 2019. Hyde Bellagio, the nightclub at Bellagio, will have views of the fireworks and the resort’s fountains throughout the night. The Countdown by the Lake begins at 9 p.m.

Yes, winter is coming, but there are still plenty of activities and experiences waiting for you in Las Vegas.
Dan Ippolito

As Casino City's associate editor, Dan produces and edits all of our weekly newsletters, and writes about the gaming industry for our websites and the GPWA Times Magazine. Dan graduated from Marist College in 2017 with a degree in Communications and a concentration in Sports. Email him at daniel@casinocity.com, or follow him at @casinocity_dan on Twitter.
Dan Ippolito
As Casino City's associate editor, Dan produces and edits all of our weekly newsletters, and writes about the gaming industry for our websites and the GPWA Times Magazine. Dan graduated from Marist College in 2017 with a degree in Communications and a concentration in Sports. Email him at daniel@casinocity.com, or follow him at @casinocity_dan on Twitter.