Dec 11
18
Ask anyone who has chosen to travel to Las Vegas to celebrate Christmas, and I’ll bet nine times out of ten, they’ll rave about what a great time they had. Of course, most of them come to the city with their families, so its’ still a “family Christmas” for them. But I have spent Christmas solo in Las Vegas, and it was one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had. Why is Vegas such a great place to spend the holiday?
Palazzo at Christmas
It’s Solo-Friendly
Las Vegas is not one of those romantic, couples- or family-only kind of destinations where you’re going to feel out of place or awkward. This city is accustomed to solo travelers, so most people won’t bat an eye if you’re alone. Not everyone you see alone is traveling alone, either. Oftentimes, visitors to Las Vegas travel with family or friends, but split up for a couple of hours here and there to enjoy separate activities. Because people do that, no one will ever know that you’re traveling alone (unless you tell them). So if you’re worried that people will feel sorry for you, there’s no need.
It’s Cheap
Okay, airfare won’t be cheap, depending on where you’re traveling from. But once you’re in the city, you’ll find that you can have a terrific time without spending a fortune. Hotel prices spike a little on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but before and after aren’t bad (until you get closer to New Year’s). And even on the holiday, you can still find plenty of hotels under $100/night.
Yes, you can spend a lot of money on restaurants and shows and activities, but you don’t have to. There are plenty of free activities and inexpensive restaurants you can choose. I’ve tried pricing holidays to other destinations, and the only other place I’ve seen that compared to Las Vegas on the price scale was New Orleans. So many people travel during the holidays now that it’s hard to find a place where you can have a great time and get great bang for your buck. Vegas fits that bill.
Treat yourself to a nice restaurant--they're open on Christmas, too
You can still have a special meal
Some restaurants close for the holiday, but most are still open, so you can still splurge on a special meal. If you think dining at a table by yourself for the holiday is a little sad, try dining at the bar or at a table with a view, or seek out a buffet (but be aware that on Christmas Day, buffets are likely to be much more expensive than usual).
Two of my most memorable meals from my Christmas trip were Christmas dinner at the Chart House at the Golden Nugget, where I had a fantastic meal while seated next to the large aquarium and got to watch colorful, exotic fish swimming amongst the coral; and my dinner on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi, where I had a terrific view of the Bellagio fountain show, and was serenaded by a trio of violinists playing Christmas carols on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
If I had stayed at home, I would likely have spent those meals sitting in front of my laptop on the couch. Now that’s sad.
There’s so much to do, even on Christmas day!
If you’re in Las Vegas to escape the traditional Christmas scene, you can do that. Go sightseeing, go for a walk up and down the Strip, play some slots, go shopping, or go to a movie. But if you want to enjoy a little holiday cheer, you’ll find that here, too.
You’ll hear Christmas songs playing in casinos and shopping malls during the day, and the Bellagio fountains will be dancing to Christmas music. Don’t miss the holiday displays at the Bellagio Conservatory and the Palazzo. This year, you can go ice skating at the Venetian. Head on out to Ethel M. Chocolates to see their holiday lighting display or out to Sam’s Town for their holiday light show in the atrium.
Sam's Town Atrium at Christmas
While some shows may be dark, many are not. For instance, shows that are playing Christmas night this year include: The Lion King, David Copperfield, The Blue Man Group, Phantom, La Reve, Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere, Love, and O, Penn & Teller, Absinthe, Jubilee–and a whole lot more. You can even get into attractions like the CSI Experience on Christmas Day.
(By contrast, almost nothing in Vermont is open on Christmas Day. Even grocery stores close. It’s like a ghost town.)
Some people may think it’s sacrilegious for businesses to be open on Christmas Day, but if you think about it, things don’t shut down for Hanukkah, do they? For all those of other faiths, and for those of us who spend the holidays alone sometimes, it’s a godsend that there are places like Las Vegas where things are open on Christmas day and we can get out, have fun, and be around other people. May that never change.
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I like the way you describe Vegas and all that it offers. It sounds like the perfect place to celebrate X-mas solo. Makes sense to me. If were doing that, I might consider going there.
One of these days–maybe over Spring Break–I’ll check it out. Thanks for the great info!
If you should ever decide to ditch the family scene for Christmas, Lisa, it’s definitely a great place to be. Thanks for the comment!
When I started going to Vegas every year at Christmas time, I wasn’t solo, but for the past few years I have been. I do meet up with friends there several times during my stay, but I am mostly alone. You are right, it is a great place for the solo traveler and you will be treated well there, especially in the casinos. When you see a single guy in the poker room everyone assumes his wife his playing the slots or shopping. Yeah, I know that’s a stereotype. In fact, last night I played poker with a woman who comes to Vegas to play poker pretty much non-stop while her hubby golfs!
Only one time did I notice anyone every feeling sorry for me for being alone on the holidays. But that was at the Orleans, a locals casino. I was at a fast food place taking a break from playing and a single mom with three kids was there eating dinner before going to a holiday kids movie in the theater there. I told her I was meeting friends for a big Xmas eve dinner the next night (which was true, but she didn’t know that) and she seemed relieve. You won’t encounter this if you keep to the Strip tho!
So true, Rob. And yeah, it is a stereotype, but that is what people think…and in a way, it works to our advantage.
I have on occasion run into people who seemed perplexed that I would choose to spend the holiday alone, but that’s their issue, not mine. I’m not going to let it ruin my fun!
I love Las Vegas. Especially for holiday like Christmas and New Year. There are so much decoration that can be good targets of photography!
Here is one I took a while back.
http://outography.com/shopping-season/
You will never get tired of Las Vegas. So much you can do and see!
Happy Shopping Season, even I haven’t bought anything yet!
I agree, Terence. And that’s a great photo–pretty!