It’s the holidays. And that’s typically when Las Vegans want nothing to do with the Strip.
But, we’re curious: What is it like down there between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day? For those who choose Las Vegas for the holidays, what do they do when they’re there — besides take selfies at the Bellagio Conservatory and watch the New Year's Eve fireworks show? Is there special programming for the holidays?
In short, yes, and some of it parks itself in venues for longer than just the final week of the year. "I think the best way to describe it is, there's a lot of residual holiday activity," said Las Vegas Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes. "You know, there are a lot of shows and a lot of events ... not only on the Strip, but around town, that are built to go through the end of the year."
Two holiday-themed shows that Katsilometes recommends include Excalibur's "Twas the Knight" edition of the Tournament of Kings dinner show (on the Strip), and Nevada Ballet Theatre's annual staging of The Nutcracker (off-Strip). And sure to remain a hot ticket for December (and beyond) is Sphere's multisensory treatment of The Wizard of Oz.
For New Year's Eve, the concert calendar is full of high-priced headliner options, from Backstreet Boys at Sphere and Jennifer Lopez at the Colosseum, to Kings of Leon at the Venetian and John Fogerty at Planet Hollywood Live. Bruno Mars returns for his usual NYE run of dates; he'll perform at Dolby Live, though his 8 p.m. start time likely means no midnight countdown to 2026. "I think this year, Bruno will end up at the Pinky Ring at Bellagio and count down from there," Katsilometes said. "That I would anticipate, because that's what happened last year."
For locals wanting something closer to home — and less expensive — Katsilometes suggests ringing in the new year at the Composer's Room. There, Julian Miranda and a three-piece jazz headline a throwback Las Vegas experience, complete with buffet and champagne toast. Katsilometes also suggests not overthinking the evening's activities and opting for your favorite local casino for something more casual.
"There's plenty to do on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas for all price points," Katsilometes said. "Tonight, tomorrow night — any night. Just take some air out of the balloon and look at it, and don't be overwhelmed."
Guest: John Katsilometes, entertainment columnist, Las Vegas Review-Journal
