December in Las Vegas belongs to two events that reshape the city. The National Finals Rodeo occupies the Thomas & Mack Center for roughly the first 10 days of the month, filling hotels along the east side of the Strip and turning downtown into a Western wear showcase. New Year's Eve then closes things out with an estimated 300,000 people on Las Vegas Boulevard watching fireworks launch from casino rooftops across a 4-mile stretch.
The weather sits at a comfortable middle ground. Daytime highs average 15.5°C (60°F) under clear desert skies, with humidity around 42%. Nights drop to about 4.6°C (40°F), which tends to surprise visitors who packed for the desert-heat stereotype. You might need a proper winter jacket after sundown, especially walking the open stretches between casino entrances on the Strip. The dry air hits you within the first few hours, that slightly scratchy throat and tight skin that tells you this is still the Mojave even when the temperature reads 12°C.
That said, December is one of the pricier months. NFR week can push room rates well above the annual average on properties near the Thomas & Mack Center. The window between December 10 and December 20 tends to offer better value before Christmas week and New Year's Eve climb back toward peak territory. The Bellagio Conservatory switches to its holiday botanical installation in late November, and the Fremont Street Experience runs holiday-themed Viva Vision shows on its 1,500-foot LED canopy nightly through New Year's Day.
Why visit in December
- Comfortable walking weather with highs around 15.5°C (60°F) and low humidity, ideal for exploring the Strip on foot or hiking Red Rock Canyon without summer's 42°C heat
- The Bellagio Conservatory's holiday display draws thousands of daily visitors with a seasonal botanical installation that changes completely from the fall version, and admission is free 24 hours a day
- National Finals Rodeo transforms the city for 10 days with concerts, Western heritage exhibitions at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and a festival atmosphere that spills from the Thomas & Mack Center into every casino lobby
- New Year's Eve on the Strip is one of the largest free public celebrations in the United States, with fireworks launching simultaneously from casino rooftops across a 4-mile corridor of Las Vegas Boulevard
- December's mid-month lull (roughly December 10-20) offers surprisingly reasonable hotel rates on the north end of the Strip and in the Arts District before Christmas week reprices everything
Worth knowing
- Hotel rates during NFR week (early December) and New Year's Eve reach some of the highest points of the year, with NYE commanding 3-4x normal rates at many Strip properties
- Nighttime temperatures drop to around 4.6°C (40°F), and wind chill on the open stretches of Las Vegas Boulevard between Mandalay Bay and the Venetian can push perceived temperature well below that after 10 PM
- Pool season is firmly over. Most resort pools close or reduce to hot-tub-only operations from November through February, removing a major reason some travelers choose Las Vegas.
- Traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard and I-15 reaches some of the worst levels of the year during NFR and between December 28-January 1, with the Strip closing entirely to vehicle traffic on NYE
Best for
Think twice if
December in Las Vegas is cool, dry desert winter. Clear skies dominate, with an average of only 2 rainy days delivering about 12mm of precipitation for the whole month. Mornings feel crisp, afternoons warm enough for a light jacket in the sun, and temperatures fall quickly after sunset. The 42% humidity keeps the air comfortable but can dry out your skin and sinuses within 48 hours. Wind tends to pick up in the late afternoon along the Strip's open corridors between the tall casino buildings, which creates a tunneling effect that makes 10°C feel closer to 5°C on exposed skin.
Seasonal caution
- Nighttime temperatures can approach 0°C (32°F) on clear nights, especially in the first and last weeks of December. The dry desert air loses heat rapidly after sunset, and visitors walking the open sections of Las Vegas Boulevard between Mandalay Bay and the Venetian can face significant wind chill well below the measured temperature.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14 | 3 | 14 |
| Feb | 17 | 6 | 15 |
| Mar | 21 | 9 | 13 |
| Apr | 27 | 14 | 1 |
| May | 32 | 19 | 4 |
| Jun | 39 | 25 | 5 |
| Jul | 42 | 28 | 5 |
| Aug | 39 | 26 | 24 |
| Sep | 36 | 23 | 13 |
| Oct | 28 | 16 | 7 |
| Nov | 20 | 8 | 17 |
| Dec | 16 | 5 | 12 |
Headline events
National Finals Rodeo (NFR)
First Thursday through second Saturday of December (typically December 5-14)
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's championship event, held nightly at the Thomas & Mack Center for 10 consecutive nights. NFR brings over 170,000 fans to Las Vegas, fills hotels across the east side of the Strip, and spawns dozens of ancillary concerts, cowboy-themed parties, and Western heritage exhibitions at venues across the valley. The city's character shifts noticeably, with cowboy boots and hats becoming standard attire in casino lobbies and restaurants. The free Cowboy Christmas trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center runs concurrently with over 350 exhibitors.
New Year's Eve on the Strip
December 31
One of the largest public New Year's Eve celebrations in the United States. Las Vegas Boulevard closes to traffic from around 6 PM on December 31, and an estimated 300,000 people fill the sidewalks and pedestrian bridges between Mandalay Bay and the Stratosphere. At midnight, fireworks launch simultaneously from the rooftops of major casinos along a 4-mile stretch of the Strip. The display typically lasts about 8 minutes. Most casinos host ticketed indoor parties, and restaurants along the Boulevard run special prix fixe menus for the evening.
Best things to do in December
Hiking Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
outdoorThe 21 km one-way loop road through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area passes sandstone formations that glow orange and red in December's low-angle winter light. Calico Tanks trail (4 km round trip) and Keystone Thrust (3.5 km round trip) are two of the more popular shorter hikes. December highs around 13°C at the canyon's elevation make midday hiking comfortable without the water-rationing discipline that summer demands.
December temperatures around 13°C at elevation make midday hiking safe and pleasant, compared to summer's dangerous 42°C+ heat that restricts hiking to pre-dawn hours.Booking tipTimed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive from October through May. Book through Recreation.gov at least a week ahead for weekend slots.
Walking the Bellagio Conservatory holiday display
cultureThe Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens switches to its holiday installation in late November, filling the 14,000-square-foot glass-ceiling atrium with seasonal flowers, trees, and mechanical displays. The 2024 installation used over 34,000 flowers and 2,000 plants. It stays open 24 hours, and the best time to photograph without crowds is between 6 and 8 AM.
The holiday installation runs from late November through early January and represents the most elaborate of the Conservatory's 5 annual seasonal displays.Booking tipFree admission, no reservation needed. Early morning visits between 6 and 8 AM have the smallest crowds.
Exploring the Fremont Street Experience holiday shows
entertainmentThe Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas runs holiday-themed Viva Vision light shows on its 1,500-foot LED canopy from late November through New Year's Day. The shows run on a schedule throughout the evening, with the canopy's 49 million LEDs displaying synchronized holiday-themed visuals. The pedestrian mall below fills with street performers, live music stages, and food vendors.
December's holiday-themed Viva Vision programming runs nightly through January 1, and the cooler evening temperatures make the outdoor pedestrian mall comfortable after months of brutal summer heat.Booking tipThe zipline (SlotZilla) over Fremont Street books up during NFR week and NYE. Reserve at least 3 days in advance during those windows.
Day trip to Valley of Fire State Park
outdoorValley of Fire State Park sits about 90 minutes northeast of the Strip via I-15 and offers some of the most photogenic red sandstone formations in the American Southwest. Fire Wave trail (2.4 km round trip) and White Domes trail (1.8 km loop) are the highlights. December's shorter days mean the sandstone catches golden light from around 3 PM, making late afternoon the ideal photography window.
Temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius make the exposed, shadeless trails safe to hike at any hour, unlike summer when the park regularly exceeds 45°C and rangers warn against midday hiking.Booking tipArrive before 10 AM on weekends to guarantee parking at the Fire Wave trailhead, which has limited spaces.
Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center
shoppingThe Cowboy Christmas trade show runs concurrently with NFR during the first 10 days of December at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Over 350 exhibitors sell Western wear, leather goods, jewelry, saddles, and ranch equipment. The show floor covers over 400,000 square feet.
The show only runs during NFR week (roughly December 5-14) and is the largest Western lifestyle trade show in the world, drawing vendors from across North America.Booking tipAdmission to the trade show floor is free. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons.
Catching a holiday Cirque du Soleil performance
entertainmentLas Vegas hosts 6 permanent Cirque du Soleil productions across Strip properties. O at the Bellagio, Mystère at Treasure Island, KÀ at MGM Grand, Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay, Mad Apple at New York-New York, and The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage's former theater space. Several run special holiday-week schedules with additional matinee performances in late December.
Holiday week scheduling adds extra matinee performances, and the cool weather eliminates the temptation to spend the evening at the pool instead.Booking tipBook at least 2 weeks in advance for performances between December 23 and January 1. Mid-month weeknight shows tend to have better seat availability.
Visiting the Neon Museum
cultureThe Neon Museum on Las Vegas Boulevard North houses over 250 retired neon signs from casinos, motels, and businesses that shaped the city's visual identity. The outdoor Neon Boneyard tour walks through signs from the Stardust, the Moulin Rouge, and dozens of other former landmarks. December's early sunset (around 4:30 PM) means the 5 PM and later tours see the signs under dramatic twilight and evening light.
December's 4:30 PM sunsets mean evening tours start in twilight rather than daylight, showing the restored signs under more atmospheric lighting conditions.Booking tipEvening tours sell out faster than daytime slots. Book online at least a week ahead, especially during NFR and holiday weeks.
Shopping the Las Vegas Premium Outlets
shoppingThe Las Vegas Premium Outlets North (downtown, 150+ stores) and South (near the south Strip, 140+ stores) both run extended holiday hours and post-Christmas sales through December. The North location sits about 10 minutes from Fremont Street and tends to draw more tourists. The open-air layout is comfortable in December's 15°C daytime temperatures.
Post-Christmas sales from December 26 onward offer the deepest discounts of the year at both outlet locations, and December's mild daytime temperatures make the open-air North location pleasant to walk.Booking tipThe North location is walkable from downtown. The South location near the south Strip requires a car or rideshare.
What to eat in December
On menus now
Holiday prime rib buffets
December is when Strip casino buffets lean heavily into prime rib stations with carved-to-order roasts. The Wynn, Bellagio, and Caesars properties all run holiday-themed buffet menus through the month that feature larger cuts and seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables and cranberry relish.
Hot pot on Spring Mountain Road
Las Vegas's Chinatown corridor along Spring Mountain Road has dozens of hot pot restaurants that see peak business in December. The cool desert evenings make a 2-hour communal hot pot session genuinely comfortable. Haidilao and Chubby Cattle are among the better-known names on this stretch.
Street food peaks
Tamales
Las Vegas has a significant Latino population, and December brings tamale season. Henderson and the east side of the valley have taquerias and home kitchens selling fresh tamales by the dozen through the holiday period, a tradition tied to Christmas and New Year celebrations across Mexican and Central American communities.
What to drink
Peppermint and gingerbread cocktails
Strip bars and casino lounges roll out seasonal cocktail menus through December. The Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan, the Dorsey at the Venetian, and Herbs & Rye on West Sahara Avenue all typically feature peppermint or gingerbread variations during the holiday weeks.
Regular events in December
Las Vegas Great Santa Run
A 5K run and 1-mile walk through downtown Las Vegas where participants dress as Santa Claus. The event typically draws over 8,000 runners to Fremont Street and benefits Opportunity Village, a local nonprofit supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
First Saturday of DecemberHoliday Cactus Garden at the Ethel M Chocolate FactoryFree
The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden in Henderson lights up over 1,000 desert plants with holiday lights from mid-November through early January. The 3-acre garden features over 300 species of cacti and succulents wrapped in colored lights, creating an unusual desert-specific holiday display. The garden is free to visit.
Mid-November through early January, nightlyGlittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
A drive-through holiday light display stretching over 4 km at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway north of the city. The display features over 500 animated light installations visible from inside your car. The route takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Nightly from mid-November through early JanuaryLas Vegas Bowl
A college football bowl game held at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. The game typically features teams from the Pac-12 (now Big 12) and SEC conferences and draws 30,000-40,000 fans to the 65,000-seat stadium.
Mid-to-late DecemberBest places this December
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
attractionThe 14,000-square-foot glass-ceiling conservatory runs its most elaborate seasonal installation during the holiday period, using over 30,000 flowers and plants. Open 24 hours, free admission. Early morning visits (before 8 AM) offer the best chance to photograph without crowds.
Mid-StripRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
natureA 21 km scenic loop drive through red and cream sandstone formations about 30 minutes west of the Strip. December temperatures make the Calico Tanks, Keystone Thrust, and Ice Box Canyon trails accessible for midday hiking. Timed entry reservations required.
Summerlin / West Las VegasFremont Street Experience
entertainmentThe 1,500-foot LED canopy in downtown Las Vegas runs holiday-themed Viva Vision shows nightly through New Year's Day. The pedestrian mall stretches 5 blocks and includes the Container Park shopping area at the east end with its 40-foot praying mantis sculpture.
DowntownThe Neon Museum
cultureOver 250 retired neon signs from Las Vegas's casino history displayed in an outdoor Neon Boneyard. December's 4:30 PM sunset makes evening tours particularly atmospheric. The collection includes signs from the Stardust, Moulin Rouge, and Binion's Horseshoe.
Downtown / North Las Vegas BoulevardSpring Mountain Road (Chinatown)
foodA 3-mile stretch of Spring Mountain Road between Valley View Boulevard and Jones Boulevard containing over 100 Asian restaurants. Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan hot pot, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese pho, and Japanese ramen all cluster within walking distance. December evenings are ideal for hot pot and ramen spots.
Chinatown / Spring MountainValley of Fire State Park
natureNevada's oldest and largest state park, about 90 minutes northeast via I-15. The Fire Wave trail and White Domes loop are the standout hikes, with red Aztec sandstone formations catching low December light in the late afternoon. Facilities include picnic areas and a visitor center.
Overton (day trip)Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
natureA 3-acre desert botanical garden in Henderson featuring over 300 species of cacti and succulents. During December, the garden is wrapped in holiday lights and open nightly for free. The adjacent Ethel M chocolate factory offers self-guided tours.
HendersonArts District (18b)
cultureThe blocks around South Main Street and Charleston Boulevard host galleries, vintage shops, and restaurants. First Friday events (monthly art walk on the first Friday) draw crowds to the neighborhood. December's cooler temperatures make the outdoor gallery walks comfortable.
Downtown South
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Insider tips
The mid-month window between December 11 and December 20 is the sweet spot for hotel pricing. NFR clears out by the 14th, and Christmas week rates don't kick in until around the 21st. The same room that runs 3x during NYE might be at or below the annual average during this stretch.
The Bellagio fountains run every 15 minutes from 3 PM to midnight during the holiday season, compared to every 30 minutes on regular weekday afternoons. The shows set to holiday music are typically scheduled in the evening rotation.
For NYE, the pedestrian bridges between casinos fill to capacity and close once they hit their limit. If you want to watch fireworks from the elevated walkway between the Bellagio and Bally's (one of the best vantage points), arrive by 10 PM at the latest.
The monorail runs extended hours on NYE, typically until 3 AM. It connects 7 stations along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to the Convention Center area and avoids the gridlocked street traffic entirely.
Spring Mountain Road's Chinatown restaurants tend to be far less crowded on NFR week evenings, since the rodeo crowd gravitates toward Strip steakhouses and country-themed venues. It is one of the best weeks to try popular spots that normally have long waits.
Red Rock Canyon's timed entry system means you need a reservation for the Scenic Drive, but the late afternoon slots (after 2 PM) are consistently easier to book and catch the best light on the sandstone formations as the sun drops toward the western ridge.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only light clothing because it is a desert. December nights regularly drop below 5°C (40°F), and wind chill on the Strip's open stretches makes it feel colder. Visitors in shorts and sandals at 10 PM are visibly uncomfortable.
- Driving the Strip on NYE without checking road closures. Las Vegas Boulevard closes to vehicle traffic from approximately 6 PM on December 31 through the early morning hours of January 1. Rideshare pickup points also shift to side streets.
- Booking a hotel for only NYE night. Most Strip properties require 2-3 night minimum stays over New Year's Eve, and single-night availability is extremely limited even months in advance.
- Assuming all casino buffets serve the same holiday spread. Quality and offerings vary significantly between properties. The Wynn and Bellagio properties tend to put the most effort into their December menus, while budget-tier casinos offer simpler fare.
- Skipping sunscreen in December. The desert sun at Las Vegas's latitude and 610-meter elevation still delivers meaningful UV exposure on clear days, and December has an average of 28 clear or partly clear days. Sunburn is a real possibility on a full day at Red Rock Canyon.
Practical tips for December
Book hotels for the specific week you plan to visit, since December pricing in Las Vegas varies dramatically from week to week. NFR week (roughly December 1-10) and NYE (December 29-January 1) are premium windows, while December 11-20 often drops to moderate or even below-average rates. For NYE, book 3-4 months ahead and expect minimum stay requirements of 2-3 nights at most Strip hotels. Rideshare from the airport to the Strip takes 15-20 minutes outside of peak traffic. The Las Vegas Monorail connects the east side of the Strip and is useful for avoiding pedestrian congestion between MGM Grand and the Convention Center area. For dining during NFR and NYE, make reservations at least 2 weeks ahead for any sit-down restaurant on or near the Strip. The RTC bus system's Deuce route runs 24 hours along the Strip and connects to downtown Fremont Street.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Las Vegas?
December is a good time to visit if you prefer cooler weather and holiday events. Daytime highs average 15.5°C (60°F) under mostly clear skies, which makes walking the Strip and hiking Red Rock Canyon comfortable. The NFR in early December and NYE celebrations bookend the month with major events. The trade-off is higher hotel rates during those event windows and cold evenings that drop to around 4.6°C (40°F).
How cold does Las Vegas get in December at night?
Nighttime lows average around 4.6°C (40°F), but clear desert nights can dip near 0°C (32°F), especially in the first and last weeks of the month. Wind chill along the open sections of the Strip between the tall casino buildings can push the perceived temperature well below the measured reading. A proper winter jacket, not a light hoodie, is needed for any evening activity outdoors.
What should I wear in Las Vegas in December?
Layer for a 10°C temperature swing between afternoon and night. Daytime calls for a light jacket or sweater with comfortable walking shoes. After sunset, switch to an insulated jacket or wool coat with a scarf for the wind-tunnel stretches along the Strip. Most visitors underpack for the cold and end up buying layers from casino gift shops at a premium.
Is New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip free?
The outdoor celebration on Las Vegas Boulevard is free to attend. The Strip closes to vehicle traffic around 6 PM on December 31, and the sidewalks and pedestrian bridges become the viewing areas for the midnight fireworks. Individual casino parties, restaurant events, and club events inside the hotels are ticketed separately. The fireworks display launches from casino rooftops across a 4-mile stretch and typically lasts about 8 minutes.
When is the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas in December?
The window between roughly December 11 and December 20 tends to offer the lowest rates of the month. NFR crowds clear out by mid-month, and Christmas week pricing has not kicked in yet. Hotels on the north end of the Strip and in the downtown area tend to offer the best value during this mid-month lull. January and February typically drop another 30-40% from December's average if budget is the primary concern.
What is the National Finals Rodeo and when does it happen?
The NFR is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's championship event, held nightly at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus for 10 consecutive nights in early December (typically December 5-14). It draws over 170,000 fans to Las Vegas and spawns ancillary events across the city, including the free Cowboy Christmas trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center with over 350 exhibitors. The event significantly impacts hotel availability and pricing on the east side of the Strip.
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