December is already a busy month, especially when it comes to holiday cheer. But there’s even more seasonal fun if you’re down for a short road trip.
🚂 Boulder City
Distance From Vegas: 25 miles (30 minutes)
Dress your worst and do some buzzed holiday shopping with the Ugly Sweater Wine Walk between Downtown Boulder City’s boutiques and restaurants (Dec. 13). Meanwhile, the Nevada Railroad Museum is offering festive Santa Trains (through Jan. 4) and 40-minute North Pole Express rides (through Dec. 21). Travel the Colorado River on a motorized raft with Santa, courtesy of Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures.
☀️ Lake Havasu
Distance from Vegas: 155 miles (2.5 hours)
Arizona’s Lake Havasu City is famous for record-setting heat in the summer, but draws visitors for its annual Parade of Lights as decorated boats pass under the London Bridge on the Bridgewater Channel (Dec. 13). More fun arrives late in the season for Winterfest on Main Street (Feb. 1-2) and the Winter Blast Pyrotechnics Show (Feb. 12-15).
🎰 Laughlin
Distance from Vegas: 100 miles (1.5 hours)
Laughlin is already a great casino alternative to Vegas. Things pick up during the holiday season with a silent Christmas tree auction at the Aquarius and Edgewater (through Dec. 14), the Anaheim Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort (Dec. 11-14), and an illuminated boat parade on the Colorado River (Dec. 20).
⛳ Mesquite
Distance from Vegas: 80 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Mesquite is a popular golfing destination north of Vegas, so it’s no surprise the Palms Golf Club is hosting a holiday-themed Swing with Santa tournament for all skill levels (Dec. 21). Stop by the Casablanca’s poolside Splash Bar, which has been transformed into Splash of Cheer with jolly cocktails and decor (Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 26). Browse items by local artists at the annual Christmas Boutique inside the Mesquite Fine Arts Center (through Jan. 2).
⛷️ Mt. Charleston
Distance from Vegas: 50 miles (1 hour)
Get an instant snow fix by sledding, skiing, and snowboarding on the slopes of Mt. Charleston. Lee Canyon is expecting a powder-filled season with great rates on Dec. 24-25.
🏜️ Williams
Distance from Vegas: 220 miles (3.5 hours)
This cozy Arizona town (worth a visit alone for the dinosaur poop museum) has a timeless spirit that celebrates the Old West, Route 66, and road trip culture. Hop on board the Grand Canyon Railway for a 90-minute Polar Express experience — or a ride direct to Grand Canyon National Park.
