10 places to see holiday lights in Nevada

The Silver State shines brightly in the wintertime thanks to the festive array of holiday light displays.

There are so many lights brightening up the sky from Southern to Northern Nevada that Santa and his sleigh are sure to find the way. From drive-through light displays to ride-on holiday trains, and everything in between, here are 10 places to see holiday lights in Nevada this winter.

Glittering Lights – Las Vegas

When: Nov. 9-Jan. 6, 2024; Sunday-Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, 4:30-10 p.m.
Where: The Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Cost: Various prices
More info: glitteringlights.vegas

The Glittering Lights holiday experience has dazzled visitors with its animated and sparkling displays for over 23 years. You can drive your own vehicle (starting at $39) or take the Santa Tram (starting at $25) through a winter wonderland of 5 million LED lights intertwined along a 2.5-mile route with over 2,000 displays. Ticket sales support local charities, churches and schools. 

Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland – Las Vegas

When: Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 2024; holiday shows hourly, 4-10 p.m.
Where: Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Cost: Free
Info: samstownlv.boydgaming.com

Lasers and lights are among the main holiday attractions at Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town. An indoor park with a 10-story skylight, this area off the casino floor is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday decor like lights, garlands, wreaths and streamers, a nine-minute laser light show, snow, music and visits from Santa. 

The Magical Forest – Las Vegas

When: Nov. 24-26, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-31; 5:30-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Where: Opportunity Village
Cost: Starting at $24
Info: www.MagicalForest.com

Enjoy several colorful displays on the Magical Forest holiday lights walking path while supporting adults with disabilities in the Las Vegas community. This annual winter extravaganza also includes midway games, mini golf, rides like the Forest Express train, meetings with Santa, holiday food favorites, and shopping. 

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden – Las Vegas
When: Dec. 2-Jan. 7, 2024; 24 hours
Where: Bellagio Las Vegas
Cost: Free
Info: bellagio.mgmresorts.com

Every winter, Bellagio’s horticulture and engineering teams deck the 14,000-square-foot conservatory and botanical garden with an impressive holiday wonderland using more than 10,000 flowers, plants and trees. Past years have included a life-sized gingerbread house, giant nutcracker dolls, playful polar bears made from flowers and a towering Christmas tree.

Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden – Henderson

When: Nov. 3-Dec. 31; nightly, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Cost: $2 per person
More info: www.ethelm.com

The 3-acre cactus garden at Ethel M is a sight to see year-round, but it sparkles even more than usual during the holiday season. The more than 300 species of plants in Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden, including succulents, trees and shrubs, are decorated with over a million Christmas lights and holiday decor. Rounding out the experience are pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and quick bites from a food truck.

Rockin’ Christmas at M Resort – Henderson

When: Nov. 17-Dec. 31; Tuesdays-Sundays, 6-10 p.m.
Where: M Resort
Cost: Starting at $39 per car
More info: www.worldofillumination.com

Drive through a storybook of more than 1 million colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays with your family (and pets) during this 20 to 30-minute audio-visual experience, produced by World of Illumination. Described as a mile-long symphony of sight and sound, Rockin’ Christmas features immersive tunnels, holiday trees and glowing lights synchronized to music that plays through the speakers of your vehicle. 

Let it Glow – Reno
When: Dec. 1-Jan. 7, 2024
Where: MidTown Reno, Downtown Reno, Riverwalk District, Brewery District and along Wells Avenue
Cost: Free
Info: www.travelpineapple.com/letitglowreno

Let it Glow, Reno shines a light on local shops and stores in districts throughout Reno. The businesses work together to top one another in a friendly holiday light competition that practically makes the whole city glow while the community enjoys all the lit-up streets, and even votes for the winners in categories including Most Reno, Most Griswold, Most Creative, Best in District and Most Lit District.

Magical Holiday Lights – Reno
When: Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17; Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m., Sunday, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/sierranvzoologicalpark/

‘Tis the season to hang out with and feed displaced exotic animals, meet Santa Claus and sip warm winter drinks while enjoying the twinkling holiday lights at the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. You can even make your own ornament to take home and add to your tree.

Christmas on the Comstock – Virginia City
When: December
Where: Virginia City
Cost: Various
Info: visitvirginiacitynv.com

Virginia City lights up the sky with shimmering lights during an entire month of Christmas celebrations. On any given day, you’ll encounter events, giveaways, a parade, fireworks, performances, town-wide decorations and two Christmas-themed train rides: The V&T Candy Cane Express (by day) and The Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights (by night).

Nevada Neighborhood Light Displays
When: December
Where: Southern and Northern Nevada
Cost: Free
Info: See below

If you’re interested in driving around town to enjoy some of the best-decorated homes and neighborhoods in Southern Nevada, check out this guide from Nevada Moms or this one from Vegas Family Events. BoulderCity.com, meanwhile, put together its own listing of homes with the best Christmas lights in town. 

In Northern Nevada, you’ll find helpful resources for checking out neighborhood lights like this map of Reno-Sparks from the Reno Dads’ blog. This comprehensive guide from NV Moms covers well-lit neighborhoods in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Incline Village.