Las Vegas Events in December 2026
Avg Temp
55°F / 35°F
Crowd Level
High
Price Level
Above Average to Peak
Month
December 2026
December 2026 is the grand finale of the Las Vegas entertainment year — and it goes out with a bang. The National Finals Rodeo takes over the Thomas & Mack Center and transforms the entire city into a western-themed celebration. Barry Manilow closes out his record-breaking Westgate residency year. The Metallica Sphere experience rolls into 2027 with January dates selling now. Holiday shows, festive dining, and spectacular decorations make every resort on the Strip feel magical. And of course, New Year's Eve in Las Vegas is one of the biggest party nights on the planet, with a massive fireworks display visible from the Strip, world-class concerts, and every nightclub and restaurant hosting blowout celebrations. December is the most expensive month to visit, but it's also the most spectacular.
December Highlights
- ✦National Finals Rodeo at Thomas & Mack Center (Dec 3-12) — the biggest annual event in Vegas
- ✦Barry Manilow at Westgate Las Vegas (Dec 3-19) — massive December run
- ✦New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip — fireworks, concerts, and massive celebrations
- ✦Holiday shows and festive productions at every major resort
- ✦Las Vegas Raiders NFL games at Allegiant Stadium
- ✦Golden Knights hockey at T-Mobile Arena
- ✦Metallica: Life Burns Faster Sphere dates sell through to Jan 2027
- ✦Winter weather — 55°F days, 35°F nights — pack warm layers
Top Events in December 2026
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)
$100 – $2,500The Super Bowl of rodeo. The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in the world compete for the championship across 10 thrilling nights. NFR is the single biggest annual event in Las Vegas, drawing 170,000+ fans and transforming the entire city.
sportsBarry Manilow at Westgate Las Vegas
$65 – $400Barry Manilow's biggest December run — 12 shows across 17 days. The perfect holiday entertainment with Mandy, Copacabana, and the warmth of a true Vegas legend.
residenciesNew Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip
$50 – $5,000+The Las Vegas Strip shuts down to traffic and becomes the world's biggest New Year's Eve party. A synchronized fireworks display launches from the rooftops of eight major resorts, visible for miles. Every nightclub, restaurant, and venue hosts special NYE celebrations.
festivalsLas Vegas Raiders — NFL December Games
$100 – $3,000December NFL football at Allegiant Stadium. Late-season games often carry playoff implications, adding extra intensity to the already electric Vegas atmosphere.
sportsGolden Knights — Holiday Hockey
$60 – $800VGK holiday home games at T-Mobile Arena feature special themed nights and festive promotions. The Knights' game-day experience is one of the best in professional sports.
sports🌤️ Weather
December averages 55°F during the day and 35°F at night. Las Vegas gets genuinely cold in December — bring a real jacket, especially for outdoor NYE celebrations. Rain is rare but possible. The dry air makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
✈️ Travel Tip
December is the most expensive month for Las Vegas, driven by NFR (first two weeks) and New Year's Eve. Hotel rates can triple during NYE weekend. Book months in advance for the best selection. If budget is a concern, the week between NFR and Christmas (Dec 13-23) offers the best December value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest events in Las Vegas in December 2026?
December 2026 is headlined by the National Finals Rodeo at Thomas & Mack Center (Dec 3-12), Barry Manilow's massive December run at Westgate (Dec 3-19), New Year's Eve celebrations on the Strip, Raiders NFL games, Golden Knights hockey, and holiday shows across every major resort.
How much does New Year's Eve in Las Vegas cost?
NYE in Vegas ranges widely. Watching the Strip fireworks from a public viewing area is free. Nightclub tickets run $100-500+. Special dinner packages at celebrity restaurants range $200-1,000+ per person. Concert tickets vary by artist. Hotel rates are the highest of the year — expect $300-1,000+ per night for Strip properties.
What is the National Finals Rodeo (NFR)?
The Wrangler NFR is the championship event of professional rodeo, held annually at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The top 15 competitors in each event compete over 10 nights for the world championship. It draws 170,000+ fans and generates over $300 million in economic impact for the city.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas in December?
December averages 55°F during the day and 35°F at night. It's genuinely cold, especially after dark. Bring a warm jacket for outdoor activities including NYE fireworks viewing. Rain is possible but uncommon. Indoor activities and heated venues make the cold manageable.