Top Things To Do In Las Vegas In January

January is a surprisingly fun time to be in Vegas. It’s a much quieter time to visit, which is perfect for people who need a break from the family gatherings and over excitement of the holiday season.

New Year’s, CES, last-minute winter activities, and Lunar New Year are just some of the things to get excited about and work into your Las Vegas itinerary!

Since it’s not quite pool season yet, you might find a lot more free time during your trip to Las Vegas compared to if you had visited in the warmer summer months. This extra time can easily be filled with all the cool things you can do in Vegas during the month of January.

From hiking at Valley Of Fire State Park to seeing the Glittering Lights drive through to enjoying all the spectacular Lunar New Year displays at various hotels, use this guide to discover all that the unsuspecting month of January brings to Las Vegas.

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January Weather In Las Vegas

• Average Temps in January: high of 59°F, low of 28°F
• Average Rainfall: 2 days, 0.6 inches
• Humidity: 31%

Contrary to what you’d think from watching all those movies that take place in the desert, the desert is not always blazing hot.

It can actually get quite cold, especially at night after the sun goes down and in the early mornings! You’ll definitely want to pack a jacket, a beanie, and even a scarf with you for your trip.

Top 5 Things To Do In January

There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas year-round, but here are our top 5 recommendations for January:

• See the Winter and Lunar New Year displays
• Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (until Jan 5)
• Janet Jackson at Resorts World (Jan 3-4, add’l dates in 2025)
• Eagles at Sphere (Jan 17-25, add’l dates in 2025)
• Afterlife Presents Anyma ‘The End Of Genesys’ at Sphere (Jan 1, 10, 11)

Special Concerts In January

• January 1: Anyma ‘The End of Genesys’, MSG Sphere
• January 3-4: Janet Jackson, Resort World
• January 4, 11, 18, 25: The Spazmatics, South Point
• January 9-12: Disney On Ice, Thomas & Mack Center
• January 11: The Temptations & The Four Tops, Smith Center
• January 15: Phantogram, Brooklyn Bowl
• January 15-19: Lionel Richie, Wynn
• January 17: The Isley Brothers, Palms
• January 17: Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Golden Nugget
• January 17-18: Collective Soul, The Venetian
• January 17-25: The Eagles, MSG Sphere
• January 11: Las Vegas Philharmonic: Michelle Merrill & Yevgeny Kutik – Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Smith Center
• January 18: Ambrosia, Santa Fe Station
• January 18: HOL!, Downtown Las Vegas
• January 19: Dru Hill, House of Blues
• January 22-25: John Fogerty, Wynn
• January 24: The Lovin’ Spoonful, Golden Nugget
• January 24-25: Pitbull, Fontainebleau
• January 24-31: Shania Twain, Planet Hollywood
• January 24-31: Styx, The Venetian
• January 25: Three Dog Night, Westgate
• January 25: Bonye James, Smith Center
• January 26: Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Live, Smith Center
• January 26: Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners, Palms
• January 29-31: Mecum Auto Auction, South Point
• January 31: Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live, Park MGM
• January 31: Tears For Fears, Fontainebleau
• January 31: Maria Jose, House of Blues
• January 31: Gary Puckett, Golden Nugget
• January 31: The Sacred Souls, Brooklyn Bowl

Comedy Shows In January

• January 4: Steve Hofstetter, Virgin Hotels
• January 8-11, 29-31: Nate Bargatze, Wynn
• January 11: Adam Ray Is Dr. Phil Live, Virgin Hotels
• January 17: Jeff Arcuri, The Cosmopolitan
• January 18: Chelsea Handler, The Cosmopolitan

Conventions and Conferences In January

• January 7-10: CES 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 10-13: 2025 IEEE Consumer Communications & Networking Conference (CCNC), Flamingo
• January 14-16: The PPAI Expo 2025, Mandalay Bay
• January 15-17: ANME Winter Trade Show 2025, Westgate
• January 16-20: Sin City Classic 2025, Flamingo / Horseshoe / The LINQ
• January 17-19: BCA 2025 US Regional Championship, CSN Performing Arts
• January 19-21: Fancy Food Show 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 21-23: World of Concrete Expo 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 21-24: Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Trade Show 2025, Caesars
• January 22-25: AVN Adult Expo 2025, Virgin Hotels
• January 22-26: National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference 2025, Rio
• January 26-29: Acumatica Summit 2025, Wynn
• January 26-30: Las Vegas Market – Winter 2025, The Expo at World Market
• January 28-30: The International Surface Event TISE 2025, Mandalay Bay
• January 28-30: UNR Urban Agriculture Conference 2025, South Point
• January 29-30: Advanced Breast Imaging: Current Diagnosis & Work Up of Problematic Breast Cases
• January 29-31: Total Products Expo 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 30 – February 1: The ARA Show 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 31 – February 2: Himalayan International Expo, Las Vegas Convention Center
• January 31 – February 2: Knowledgefest 2025, Paris

Winter or Lunar New Year displays at Bellagio

One must-see attraction in January is the rotating display at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. If you happen to be visiting in early January, you’ll get to witness their spectacular winter installation.

This year, the holiday season is brought to life by colorful plants and flower beds that exude holly jolly festiveness. The winter display runs from 11/16/2024 – 1/4/2025.

Then from the rest of January onto the first week of March, visitors get to enjoy a massive display of plants, flowers, and over-the-top decor built to honor the Lunar New Year.

In the past years, we’ve seen epic Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Dragon displays, and all of them are worth seeing with your own eyes. They are incredibly grand!

The display at the Bellagio typically runs into the first week of March before they swap it out for a new spring theme.

Attend CES (Consumer Electronics Show)

Known as the world’s largest technology trade show, CES takes place annually in Las Vegas during the first week of January.

While primarily geared towards industry professionals, CES does offer opportunities for general attendees to explore the latest innovations in consumer electronics.

Expect to see everything from smartphones and smart home devices to virtual reality and automotive innovations. One of the highlights of CES is the opportunity to experience hands-on demonstrations of new products and prototypes.

In past years, CES has featured some impressive attractions and experiences, including Future of Mobility (autonomous vehicles, electric cars), Smart Home Exhibits (connected devices, home automation systems), VR/AR, and Wellness Tech (wearable fitness trackers, digital health monitoring devices).

See Shin Lim’s all-new magic show

Shin Lim, the only person to win America’s Got Talent not once, but twice, has attracted nearly 1 million fans across more than 900 Las Vegas shows with no signs of slowing down.

Heralded as “one of the most astonishing illusionists ever” and “The #1 Sleight of Hand Artist in the World”, his show has been a hit over the years he performed at The Mirage (since 2019).

Despite the hotel’s recent shutdown, his show is still alive and well. He’s now performing his all-new show, Limitless, at The Venetian Resort.

We had the opportunity to attend the opening night of Limitless back in October and had a total blast. With a healthy mix of card magic, epic (and quite astonishing) sleight-of-hand, aerial acrobatics, and even some mentalism, we’re happy to say this show is 100% worth the hype.

Catch the Eagles at Sphere

For a limited time, Sphere becomes the home of Eagles, offering fans an incredibly epic live concert experience.

Known for their iconic hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy,” the band will deliver a residency show that combines their classic rock sound with impressive visuals and effects that only Sphere can produce.

Along with other dates from September 2024 to March 2025, Eagles are set to perform Jan 17-18 and Jan 24-25.

Don’t miss this limited opportunity to enjoy their timeless music in one of Vegas’s most unique venues. Get your tickets here while you still can.

Miss Behave’s Mavericks Show

If you missed your chance to watch this show when it debuted at Fremont Street’s Cheap Shot, get ready for your second chance this year — as of October 2024, Miss Behave’s Mavericks has found a new home at Plaza Hotel’s historic showroom!

This quirky variety show blends circus, comedy, burlesque, and vaudeville. Because of its always-changing acts and reliance on audience participation, no two shows are ever the same.

“It’s gonna be like the Muppet Show running riot round this beautiful ol’ Dame. We can’t wait,” said Miss Behave (Amy Saunders) in a media release. “It’s a marriage made in heaven. This beautiful showroom has been looking for an excuse to show off, and Mavericks is perfect for that. Let’s make Las Vegas Vegas again!”

Tickets range from $35 to $99 (no pesky ticket fees!).

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season like never before with Glittering Lights, a drive-through lights show in Las Vegas. Journey along a 2.5-mile course adorned with an array of dazzling light displays. Whether you prefer to drive at your own pace or hop aboard the Santa Tram for a guided tour, we think you’re sure to feel the winter magic regardless.

Hosted by the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 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 see Glittering Lights from November 8 to January 5. Tickets are per car, no reservations required.

Winter at The Terrace at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino

Experience the magic of Winter at The Terrace at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino, featuring cozy igloos, fire pits, twinkling lights, music, and plenty of winter-themed libations and bites.

For those who crave holiday drinks choose from fun signature cocktails like “Tis the Season” or “Warm and Cozy”. They also have a Hot Chocolate Cart Experience featuring elevated hot chocolates topped with crazy and colorful additions like marshmallow bombs and cotton candy.

Pair your drinks with the Winter Nights Charcuterie, Tis The Season Cheese Board, Camp Fire S’mores, or Profiterole Wreath with Eggnog Bavarian cream and salted chocolate.

Walk the Strip and see the iconic sights

Cooler weather means you’ll last longer when walking the Strip. After all, you won’t have 100-degree sunlight beating down on you during January!

This is the perfect time to see and do all the iconic Las Vegas attractions you’ve had on your list, such as seeing the Bellagio Fountain show, cruising on a gondola ride at The Venetian, ziplining on Fly LINQ, and more.

If you’re daring enough, head to the north side of the Strip to try out the hair-raising SkyJump at The STRAT. This heart-pumping open-air bungee jump will see you hurtling at speeds of up to 40mph from a height of 855 feet!

Experience the show at The Sphere

If you’ve driven on the highways of Las Vegas, chances are you’ve seen Sphere. The Sphere Experience is a two-part multi-sensory experience lasting approximately two hours. In all honesty, it’s two hours of immersive amazement.

Again, there are two parts to the experience. First, you’ll get to explore The Atrium. There’s a 360-degree avatar capture, a mesmerizing 50-foot holographic installation, and a few other cool tech features.

Then, brace yourself for an immersive cinematic experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen with Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Postcard from Earth.’ This specially commissioned film is a sci-fi portrait of our planet, leveraging Sphere’s cutting-edge technologies to transport you to new worlds without ever leaving your seat. 

See a Las Vegas show

Las Vegas has a world-class theater scene. From burlesque to magic, Cirque de Soleil to comedy, there is a show for every type of person and every sort of budget. And the best part is, there’s a show happening every single night in Vegas.

A few shows that we think are perfect for January include:

Awakening – The Wynn’s brand-new spectacular production featuring fantastical creatures, dazzling visuals, compelling narrative, and a touch of lighthearted comedy.

Colin Cloud: Mastermind – This new Las Vegas show features the America’s Got Talent star’s enticing blend of deduction, mentalism, and comedy in a jaw-dropping exploration of the human mind.

“O” at Bellagio: Another mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil show, “O” combines water, acrobatics, and theatrical performances to create a unique and romantic experience.

Explore Red Rock Canyon

If you’re looking for the perfect January 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 can warm up to the mid-60s during the day, you can explore to your heart’s content without worrying about overheating. During the month of January, Red Rock comes alive with both day hikers and rock climbers!

We like to go there for the hiking. There are both easy and challenging trails to choose from, making this a great option if you want to burn off all those Las Vegas buffet calories. Some of the most popular hikes here include the Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip), Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip), and Ice Box Canyon Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip).

If you’d rather not deal with the logistics of how to get there (or want to visit the park without hiking), there are tour companies that will take you there and show you the park in all its glory.

Go hiking at Valley of Fire State Park

Another otherworldly park to hike at is Valley of Fire State Park. If you can imagine yourself hiking among towering sandstone formations glowing with fiery hues of red and gold under the warm winter sun, this park is for you. Personally, this is one of my favorite parks in all of Nevada — I love it even more than the Grand Canyon!

It’s like walking through a natural wonderland straight out of a dream! Again, the weather in January is perfect for exploring miles of hiking trails and marveling at ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks.

If you only have time to do one hike, make it the 3.2-mile Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop. If you love hiking, make time to visit Valley Of Fire SP – you won’t regret it.

Visit a national park or two

If you’re open to venturing out further, you’ll be glad to know that there are at least three national parks within driving distance from Las Vegas.

From Vegas, you can easily visit Grand Canyon National Park and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the United States’ most recognizable natural monument.

If you’re up for a longer adventure, a 2.5-hour drive will bring you to the spectacular views of Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.

These two parks showcase the wild landscapes of Utah, complete with orange-y red canyons, mountains, hoodoos (spindly rock formations), the world-famous Narrows and Angels Landing hikes, and the famous Checkerboard Mesa.

Don’t have a car? Not a problem. There are lots of tour companies that’ll bring you out there as part of a full-day tour. They’ll take care of the driving and the itinerary so all you have to do is bring your camera, a comfortable pair of shoes, and your excitement.

Winter sports at Mount Charleston

Would you be shocked if we told you there was snow in the Las Vegas area? Yes! Despite being a flat desert for the most part, you will still find mountains in the area, perfect for all your winter sports adventures.

If hiking and rock climbing are not your thing, explore nearby Mount Charleston for snowboarding, skiing, or snowshoeing in the mountains. Lucky for you, the Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort at Mount Charleston is only 50 miles from the Strip.

The best months to hit the slopes at Mt. Charleston typically range from December to March, with January being an ideal time due to its consistent snowfall.

Tips For Visiting Las Vegas In January

• Although daytime temperatures can warm up to the 60s, evenings will be cold. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day and into the night, especially if you plan to be out late.
• Even though January in Vegas is considered winter, the sun is usually still shining brightly during the day. Sunscreen is a must, especially if you’re doing outdoor activities.
• The sun sets early in January (around 4:30-5 PM), so plan to start your days earlier if you want sunlight.
• Since January falls within Vegas’ slow season, hotel rates are typically lower if you avoid big shows like CES, World of Concrete, and SHOT Show.
• If you plan on doing a lot of paid attractions, Go City can save you money on multiple attractions with their All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.
• Las Vegas is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve and New Year. Book restaurants and shows WAY in advance if you plan to visi at the very beginning of the month. Many hotels and restaurants offer special packages and events for the New Year celebration
• Traffic on the Las Vegas Strip is usually bad at all times of the year, so plan to leave earlier if you have reservations that require you to be somewhere at a specific time.
• Getting around by rideshare and taxi are equally as popular in Vegas. A taxi can even be cheaper than Uber/Lyft during peak hours, while an Uber/Lyft is cheaper during off-peak hours.

Is January a good time to visit Las Vegas?

WEATHER: January weather in Las Vegas tends to be mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. While it can definitely be cooler in the evenings, the low amount of rain (or extreme heat) makes it pretty pleasant to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities.

HOTEL / FLIGHTS PRICES: Hotel and flight prices in Las Vegas are often more affordable in January compared to peak tourist seasons. With fewer visitors, you can find great deals on accommodations and airfare, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. Just make sure your trip doesn’t overlap with any big conference or convention like CES (unless you actually plan on attending).

THINGS TO DO: January kicks off with electrifying New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring fireworks displays, parties, and live entertainment across the city. The Strip is even closed down entirely for pedestrians! CES (Consumer Electronics Show), one of the world’s largest technology trade shows, takes place in early January, attracting industry professionals and tech enthusiasts from around the globe.

Many hotels and resorts on the Las Vegas Strip are showcasing their winter installations and Lunar New Year displays during January.

If you’re going to be indoors for most of your trip, then a visit during any time of the year will be nice since the temperature won’t matter too much to you. For outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing, November to March is the sweet spot. Sadly, pool parties are not taking place until March.

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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