10 Wallet-Friendly Ways To Enjoy Las Vegas This Winter

Winter is hands-down the best time to visit Las Vegas if you’re a budget traveler.

With fewer tourists around and the weather being way more bearable, you can actually enjoy yourself without feeling like you’re about to melt into a puddle of sweat.

Plus, the week just before Christmas is the absolute cheapest time to visit. Back in my broke college student/recent grad era, I traveled to Vegas to celebrate my birthday during that sweet-spot week for years. We’re talking about $19 room rates at Planet Hollywood kinda cheap–the prices were crazy low.

Sure, prices have crept up over the years, but that doesn’t change the fact that winter is still an awesome time for a budget-friendly getaway in Vegas.

Now, while activities don’t usually go on sale the way hotels and flights do, there are still plenty of ways to explore Vegas on a budget during the winter months. We’ve curated a list of wallet-friendly attractions and special deals to help you explore Las Vegas this winter.

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Winter-Only Attractions & Activities In Las Vegas

Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Normally, cars at Las Vegas Motor Speedway pass by in a blur. But during your visit to Glittering Lights, you’ll want to drive a bit slower.

This annual holiday event transforms the speedway into a 2.5-mile journey through five million blinking, glistening, and glowing lights.

Glittering Lights has been a beloved holiday tradition in Sin City for over 20 years, spreading Christmas cheer while supporting Speedway Children’s Charities.

You can catch the Glittering Lights display from November 8 to January 5, with tickets starting at $39 per car. But why not save a few bucks? Groupon has discounted admission for this winter event.

Cost: $39 per car $34 per car on Groupon

The Bellagio Conservatory’s Winter Display

One of our favorite winter attractions in Vegas is the rotating display at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

If you happen to be visiting during the winter months of December or January, you’ll get to witness their spectacular holiday-themed installation. Bellagio is all about luxury and extravagance, which means they do it BIG. It’s a must-see.

In 2023, the story of The Nutcracker was brought to life by colorful plants and flower beds detailing different moments of the whimsical story.

During a previous winter season, the display didn’t just stop with the sights — it engaged all five senses as a custom gingerbread scent filled the air, while a soothing holiday soundtrack played throughout the massive room. Immersive is an understatement.

Cost: FREE

Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan

Each holiday season, the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan transforms into a winter wonderland high above The Las Vegas Strip.

At The Ice Rink, you can skate across 4,200 square feet of real ice, roast s’mores by the fire, indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings, and just soak in the magical wintery atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of Las Vegas.

The Ice Rink is a yearly favorite on the Strip! In fact, it was named one of the ’10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America’ by USA Today.

While ice skating, don’t be surprised if it suddenly starts snowing! Light snow showers happen every 30 minutes during select times throughout the season.

Cost: $30 per person | $20 for locals, military & first responders with valid ID (Mon – Thurs)

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Indoor Activities In Las Vegas To Escape The Winter Chill

Explore AREA15’s Immersive Activities

When night falls, it’s time to get immersive at AREA15. AREA15 has got to be one of the coolest additions to Las Vegas, like ever!

This 200,000-square-foot immersive art collective is buzzing with all things creative and imaginative. Throw an ax or two, play games at an arcade bar, wander through a ‘supermarket’ that makes you question reality, take in high-tech / colorful art installations, or explore one of the many virtual reality experiences.

Omega Mart is the clear bestseller of AREA15, but with admission costs of nearly $50 per person, it’s not the most wallet-friendly. You can get way more bang for your buck at other attractions like Illuminarium or by opting for one of the experience passes.

Right now, there’s a fantastic 50% deal on the One-Day Level 2 Experience Passes, giving you access to 15 mind-bending attractions, which include:

• Alternate Realities: Birdly, Bot Breach, Particle Quest AR scavenger hunt
• Immersive Explorations: Brainstorm, Illuminarium, Laser Maze, Museum Fiasco, Origin Quest, and the psychedelic Wink World
• Ride & Play: Get your adrenaline pumping with AR Dodgeball, Asylum Arcade, Dueling Axes, Grand Prix Racing SIM, LIFTOFF Ride, and Vortex Rover

You can learn more about the current exhibits here.

Cost: $99 per person $49 per person on Groupon

Watch a comedy show

If you’re over the holiday-themed shenanigans, a super affordable entertainment option is a comedy show. Vegas has no shortage of amazing comedy clubs, including Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club (starting at just $20).

Comedy clubs in Las Vegas have different nightly showtimes and feature rotating comics, but you can expect all of them to be quite affordable, especially compared to other premium Las Vegas shows like Cirque du Soleil.

For an extra-late offering, check out L8NITE Comedy at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, a comedy presentation running midnight on Saturdays at the LINQ Promenade.

Cost: $20-25 per person

Catch a magic show

Vegas has some top-notch magic shows that are family-friendly, affordable, and actually good.

To save money, we recommend skipping the overpriced and over-the-top productions by ‘superstar magicians’ like David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

Opt for lesser-known shows like The Magic of Jen Kramer and Mac King’s Comedy Magic. These underrated shows mix laughs with illusions, keeping kids wide-eyed (and probably trying to guess the tricks for hours afterward).

Cost: $47-60 per person

The Lost City Show at Miracle Mile Shops

If you’re going to be spending time in or near Planet Hollywood, don’t miss their new (and totally free!) projection show.

This brand-new projection mapping spectacle captivates the imagination as elements come alive on the stone facade of V Theater and the surrounding cityscape.

The Miracle Mile Shops light show takes place daily, with dazzling displays running every hour from 10am to 11pm.

PRO TIP: PH and the Miracle Mile Shops are a haven for budget travelers! You’ll find tons of unbeatable breakfast specials, happy hour deals on food/drinks, and even cheap afternoon shows on rotation at V Theater. Discover all the fun stuff you can do at Planet Hollywood in our hotel guide.

Cost: FREE

Go museum hopping

Stay warm this winter by spending a day museum hopping in Las Vegas. Seriously, it’s a great way to kill a few hours without burning a hole in your wallet—these places cost way less than show tickets. Plus, there’s truly something for everyone in this city.

Car lovers can drool over iconic rides at Hollywood Cars Museum and the Liberace Garage. History buffs and entertainment fans can take a peek into Vegas’ colorful past at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. And if you’ve got kids/teens with you, the Museum of Selfies is perfect for snapping those IG-worthy pics and enjoying optical illusions.

Cost: $10-30 per person

Do a horror-themed escape room… Vegas-style

Vegas is so unapologetically over-the-top, which is why it’s been dubbed the entertainment capital of the world. Even their escape rooms are next level.

If you’re a horror movie lover, you can’t miss the ‘IT’-themed Escape Room or The Official SAW Escape Room. These immersive, multi-room escape experiences bring these movies to life–set, characters, and all. If you’re wondering what it’s like… yes, it’s both creepy and challenging!

By working together to combat your fears and solve puzzles, you can win your freedom from either the ‘IT’ clown (he really does make appearances within the game!) or Jigsaw’s twisted games.

Cost: $50 per person $39 per person on Groupon

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Outdoor Activities In Las Vegas Perfect For Cooler Weather

Explore Red Rock Canyon

If you’re looking for the perfect winter adventure that’s not too hot and not too cold, Red Rock Canyon is where it’s at. Red Rock Canyon is locally famous for its unique rock formations painted in shades of red and orange against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

Plus, with temperatures that reach the 60s during the day, you can explore to your heart’s content without worrying about overheating. During the winter months, Red Rock comes alive with both day hikers and rock climbers!

Cost: FREE

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Save Money On Las Vegas Attractions: Check For Groupon Deals

One of the easiest ways to find discounts on Las Vegas attractions and shows is to check Groupon. This site often has deals for popular activities, including shows, tours, and dining experiences.

You can snag discounts on popular restaurants, massages, spa days, and other fun things to do in town. It’s worth thoroughly browsing through their entire Vegas-specific section to find some off-the-beaten-path things to do in town, too!

Recently though, they’ve started adding Las Vegas attractions/shows on there that aren’t even discounted, so you’ll wanna be careful by looking for listings that have an “original price” crossed out.

Our rule of thumb is that if an activity is at least 15% off, the deal is likely worth it. In addition to some of the activities we featured above, here are some of the best deals we’ve recently found:

• High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ
• The STRAT – Unlimited Ride Wristband + Tower Observation Deck
• Flyover Las Vegas – Single ride tickets are a good deal compared to the retail price
• Number 1 Escape Room – Private escape room for up to 4 or 6 (their escape rooms are actually really fun!)
• ‘IT’ Escape Room The Sewers – General admission or Private VIP Admission

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Planning Your Trip To Vegas?

Here are some of our other Vegas travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:

• How To Snag Discounts On Las Vegas Attractions And Shows
• Here Are All The Absolute Must-Do’s In Las Vegas For First Timers
• 25+ Unique And Totally FREE Things To Do In Vegas
• Top Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
• 15 Fun Places To Eat On The Las Vegas Strip
• 15 Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
• 5 Cheaper Alternatives To Cirque du Soleil Shows In Las Vegas
• 10 Fun Rides and Roller Coasters In Las Vegas For Thrill Seekers
• 10 Secret Bars And Speakeasies On The Las Vegas Strip (+ Where To Find Them!)
• 20 Quirky And Fun Museums You’ll Only Find In Las Vegas

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