The holidays are upon us, and there’s so much to see, do, and eat! Get in the festive mood with this ultimate list of events.
Through Nov. 30
Fall Harvest Festival of Lanterns
Immerse yourself in the beauty of handcrafted lanterns designed and lit by gifted artisans, plus a petting zoo, hay maze, and yummy seasonal specialties. Fri–Sun 5–9P, $26 adults/$22 kids 12 and under. Cowabunga Bay, cowabungabayvegas.com
Through Jan. 2
Holiday Cactus Garden
More than one million lights will be strung throughout the 3-acre garden. Stop inside for a chocolate sample and great gift ideas! 5–10P, free. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, ethelm.com
Nov. 12–Jan. 9
Glittering Lights Las Vegas
Nevada’s largest drive-through light show, this annual event showcases more than 1 million LEDs and more than 400 animated displays over 2.5 miles. Sun–Thu 5–9P/Sat and holidays 5–11P. $25–$85 per vehicle (season passes available). Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glitteringlightslasvegas.com
Nov. 18
The President’s Concert
The UNLV Wind Orchestra, featuring guest conductor Col. John R. Bourgeois, director emeritus of the U.S. Marine Band, plays a special concert for our service members. 7:30P, $10/$8 seniors, students, and military. Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at UNLV, unlv.edu
Nov. 19–21
The House Without a Christmas Tree
Based on Gail Rock’s popular story, this opera follows a precocious daughter, Addie, who struggles to understand her father’s resentment about the holidays. Fri 7:30P/Sat–Sun 3P, $15–$30. Summerlin Library Theatre, operalasvegas.com
Nov. 19
37th Invitational
Madrigal/Chamber Choir Festival
The UNLV Chamber Chorale performs classic pieces. 12P, free. Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at UNLV, unlv.edu
Nov. 19
Blue 13 Dance Company
This fun performance includes Bollywood inspired “Diya aur Toofan” (the flame and the storm), new solos, and duets created during the pandemic, plus excerpts from the critically acclaimed “Terpsichore in Ghungroos.” 7:30P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Nov. 20–Jan. 1
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
The harvest installation turns over to fantastical holiday displays. 24/7, free. Bellagio, bellagio.com
Nov. 20
Celebrating the Fruits of Our Labor: A Fall Garden Fair
Explore methods of growing with gardening lectures, a turnip contest, and plenty of fresh, organic, locally grown produce to purchase. 10A–1P, free. Summerlin Library, lvccld.org
Nov. 20
Telebration!
Tellers from Nevada Storytelling Guild will share their storytelling talents with the community in a celebration of the many types and styles of story. 1P, free. West Charleston Library, lvccld.org
Nov. 21
Las Vegas Sinfonietta
The professional chamber orchestra presents classical music. 3P, $25. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lasvegassinfonietta.com
Nov. 22–23
The Nutcracker 2021
Arabesque Dance and Fitness Studio presents the beloved holiday ballet. 6P, $20. Main Theater at Clark County Library, (702) 202-4505
Nov. 23-28
A Christmas Carol
This reimagined version of the timeless tale of isolation and redemption features cherished Christmas carols and Bradley Whitford as Scrooge. Tue–Sun 7:30P/Fri-Sun 2P, $30–$40. Reynolds Hall, The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Nov. 26–Jan. 2
Magical Forest at
Opportunity Village
Enter a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, the Forest Express passenger train, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Boris the Elf’s 3D Experience, and much more! Thu–Sun 5:30–9P, $15–$22/children 3 and under free. Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., opportunityvillage.org
Nov. 27
Celtic Thanksgiving VIII
The Las Vegas Pipe Band will give you another reason to be thankful with their special brand. 4P, $10–$12. Main Theater at Clark County Library, (702) 523-7250
Nov. 27
Justin Young Holiday
Classics Tour 2021
Join Young and his band for a wonderful evening of Holiday Classics. 7:30P, $30. Summerlin Library, justinyoungsax.com
Nov. 28
K-Star Training Academy “Recital”
Quench your thirst for holiday dance with the academy’s dance recital. 6P, $25. Main Theater at Clark County Library, 702-522-8952
Nov. 29
Courtney Barnett
Barnett brings her rhythm section to deliver both intimate folk ballads and feedback-heavy jams. 7P, $31. Brooklyn Bowl, brooklynbowl.com
Dec. 1–31
Christmas Celebration Festival of Lanterns
The magic of Christmas comes to life with festive lanterns, Santa, Candyland, a 20-foot decorated tree, and holiday delicacies. Nightly 5–9P, $26 adults/$22 kids 12 and under. Cowabunga Bay, cowabungabayvegas.com
Dec. 1
Blue October — This Is What I Live For Tour 2021
Vocalist/lyricist says, “These songs should make you want to fall in love with somebody, or miss somebody, or want to do something outrageous with your life.” 7P, $29.50–$55. Brooklyn Bowl, brooklynbowl.com
Dec. 2–11
Cowboy Christmas
Featuring more than 350 exhibiters, the expo offers custom-made jewelry, Western wear, furniture, original art, crafts, home goods, and interactive experiences including a rodeo. Special preview and tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 1, 5–10P; daily expo 9A–4P, free. Las Vegas Convention Center, nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas
Dec. 2–12
Stetson Country Christmas
It’s back! The historic trade show with the best of the West. Browse dozens of vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and imbibe in Southern eats. 9A–4P, free. Rio Hotel & Casino, countrychristmas.vegas
Dec. 3–12
The Velveteen Rabbit
The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre presents the sentimental childhood classic just in time for the holidays. Fri 7P/Sat 2P and 7P/Sun 2P, $6. Charleston Heights Arts Center, rainbowcompany.org
Dec. 4
Great Santa Run
Your registration for this fundraiser includes a full Santa suit, a medal, swag bag, and the opportunity to be a part of the largest gathering of Santas in the world! Virtual options available. The race benefits Opportunity Village. 8A, $40. Fremont Street, opportunityvillage.org
Dec. 4
Doodlebug Bazaar
Get all of your holiday goodies and gifts. 9A, free. Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona St., visitbouldercity.com
Dec. 4
Silver Statesmen Barbershop Chorus Holiday Concert
This family-friendly show features a concert of popular and traditional seasonal tunes. 2P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 4
Holiday on Broadway
A musical celebration of the season with famous, and not-so-famous, Broadway tunes. 7P, free. Henderson Amphitheatre, operalasvegas.com
Dec. 4
Las Vegas Philharmonic Very Vegas Holiday
Keith Thompson hosts as the talented singers and full symphony perform classic seasonal favorites and local originals. 2P and 7:30P, $29–$121. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Dec. 4
King Ibu - Live In Concert
Ibu’s uplifting spiritual approach to storytelling and instrumentation create an infectious backdrop of polyrhythms and fun grooves. 3P, free. Sahara West Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 5
Sophisticated Ladies — A Tribute to Nancy Wilson & Natalie Cole
Melanie Moore presents a tribute to two of the best voices in contemporary music. 2P, $20. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 5
Love Under the
Christmas Tree
Giada Valenti will kick off the holiday season with songs from her new Christmas album. 7P, $35–$55. Myron’s at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Dec. 7
UNLV Chamber Orchestra in Concert
The orchestra’s season includes a variety of standard symphonic orchestral repertoire ranging from early Baroque through modern contemporary. 7P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 8
UNLV Jazz Vocal Ensemble and guests
Enjoy a concert with performances by exceptional groups from the UNLV School of Music, Division of Jazz and Commercial Music. 7P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 9
A Jazzy Holiday Concert with Nik at Nite
Nik at Nite and his band bring a touch of class, romance, and excitement to their heartfelt and passionate performances. 1P, free. Laughlin Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 10
Celebrate the Holidays with UNLV Jazz
Get in the holiday spirit with the UNLV Jazz Ensemble as they present their annual concert filled with nostalgic and heartwarming holiday melodies. 7:30P, free. Summerlin Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 10
Jessica Fichot’s Holiday Around the World
Accompanied by her accordion, toy piano, and fiery band, Fichot draws from her multi-ethnic French/Chinese/American heritage to create an intoxicating multilingual fusion of Holiday Songs from all over the world. 7:30P, free. West Charleston Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 11
Jingle Bell Run
Raise funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation in the annual kids run. Becahealth restrictions, this year’s event will be virtual, but participants will still get their shirts and jingle bells. 8A, $25–$75. Online, events.arthritis.org
Dec. 11
Captivation Dance Affiliates presents “The Nutcracker: Remix”
Enjoy a new take on the old classic. 1P, $15–$17. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 11
Las Vegas Classical Guitar Ensemble Holiday Concert
Enjoy an afternoon of music featuring guitar repertoire spanning centuries and continents with a touch of holiday cheer. 3P, free. Summerlin Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 11
Ugly Sweater Best Dam Wine Walk
Get your awful holiday sweater judged as you taste wines and treats while enjoying the festive decorations all over town. 21+ only. 4–8P, $27.91. Check in at My4Sons at Historic Downtown Boulder City, visitbouldercity.com
Dec. 11
Annual Night of Lights — St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
This might be the biggest yet! Families will enjoy live entertainment, s’mores by the fire pit, hayrides, cookies with Mr. and Mrs. Santa, and reindeer games. 5–8P, $10+. St. Jude’s Ranch, 100 St. Jude’s St., stjudesranch.org
Dec. 11–26
The Nutcracker
The larger-than-life spectacular family tradition returns to the stage! Multiple times and days, $30.95–$180.95. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Dec. 12
Jessica Fichot’s Holiday
Around the World
A second chance to see Fichot as she draws from her multi-ethnic heritage to create an intoxicating multilingual fusion of holiday songs from all over the world. 2P, free. Windmill Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 12
Las Vegas Brass Band: Home for the Holidays
Enjoy traditional and modern arrangements of seasonal music from traditional hymns to holiday classics. 2P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 18
B. Sharp School Of Dance presents “Christmas Angels”
Get in the holiday spirit with a blended show of dance. 1P and 5P, $20–$25. Main Theater at Clark County Library, (702) 788-0159
Dec. 18
A Jazzy Holiday Concert with Nik at Nite
Nik at Nite offers a second chance to see his band and enjoy his jazzy tunes. 1P, free. Windmill Library, lvccld.org
Dec. 18
Erickson Franco Music Studios “Winter Recital”
Vocal students will blow you away with their honed skills. 3P, free. Paul C. Blau Theatre at Clark County Library, 702-927-0541
Dec. 18
David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra — Christmas Concert
The concert will feature a 16-piece all-female string section with music arrangements by Perrico of Christmas holiday music classics. 7P, $29–$45. Myron’s at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Dec. 19
Vintage Christmas
The show is a nostalgic Christmas special featuring the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and many other legends. 3P, $29–$45. Myron’s at The Smith Center, thesmithcenter.com
Dec. 19
Las Vegas Men’s Chorus Concert
The chorus celebrates the season. 4P, $15–$30. Main Theater at Clark County Library, 702-505-1886
Dec. 31
Resolution Run 10K/5K/1M
Get an early start to your New Year’s resolutions. Finishers of this slightly hilly course receive a shirt and a medal — plus free beer and vodka from a local distillery and all-you-can-eat hot dogs. Walkers and strollers welcome. 12P, $25–$55, Kellogg-Zaher Park, 7901 W. Washington Ave., tripledareruns.com
Jan. 1–Feb. 13
Lunar New Year Festival of Lanterns
The park will showcase magnificent Chinese lanterns including sparkling fountains, Asian folklore, and traditional cuisine. Thu–Sun 5–9P, $26 adults/$22 kids 12 and under. Cowabunga Bay, cowabungabayvegas.com
Jan. 13
Mariachi Winter Festival
The best and brightest will be playing mariachi favorites as well as interpretations of holiday classics done the mariachi way. 7P, free. Main Theater at Clark County Library, (702)-507-3459