Las Vegas Holiday Shows 2026: Nutcracker, Concerts & More

Las Vegas over the holidays has two kinds of show: the seasonal ones that only run in December, such as The Nutcracker, and the resident shows that keep performing through the holidays, sometimes with dark days or extra New Year's Eve performances. This guide covers both.

How the dates work: this guide was checked on September 28, 2026. We give a 2026 date only when the show or venue has published it. Many holiday concerts and one-off shows are announced in the autumn, so check again in November.

2026 Holiday Show Dates Already Announced

Seasonal Holiday Shows

The Nutcracker (Nevada Ballet Theatre)

Nevada Ballet Theatre performs George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at The Smith Center downtown from December 12 to 27, 2026, with 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances. The Las Vegas Philharmonic plays the score live on December 12 and 13. It's a traditional holiday ballet and a good choice for families. Tickets are sold through The Smith Center; the weekends closest to Christmas go first.

A Very Vegas Christmas (Las Vegas Philharmonic)

The Philharmonic's holiday concert plays Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on lvphil.org. The Sunday matinee suits families and anyone planning an evening at the holiday lights.

Other holiday concerts

Touring holiday concerts and one-off seasonal shows are usually announced in the autumn. Check The Smith Center's calendar and the big resort theaters' listings from October onwards.

Resident Shows Through the Holidays

The resident shows keep playing through the season, but schedules shift around Christmas and New Year's. Always check the show's calendar for your exact dates.

• Mystère normally plays Friday to Tuesday at 6:30 and 9 p.m. For the holidays, Treasure Island lists a dark date on December 22 and special 4:30 and 7 p.m. shows on December 31, 2026.
• Penn & Teller play Thursday to Sunday at 8 p.m. in the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio.
• The other Cirque shows set their schedules with their resorts. Check the Cirque or resort ticket page for Christmas week and New Year's Eve.
• Adult shows such as Absinthe at Caesars Palace and Magic Mike Live at Sahara also run through the season; check their age rules before you buy.

Our Las Vegas shows guide and Cirque du Soleil guide compare prices, age limits and discounts.

Holiday Shows for Families

• The Nutcracker at The Smith Center, December 12–27.
• A Very Vegas Christmas, especially the Sunday 2 p.m. matinee on December 6.
• Mystère, the only Cirque show with no minimum age. Treasure Island advertises Family Nights on Monday and Tuesday 6:30 p.m. shows, with children saving up to 50%.
• Blue Man Group at Luxor, recommended for ages 3 and up.
• Mac King at Excalibur, clean comedy magic for every age.

Shows on New Year's Eve

Some shows move their times on December 31 so the audience is out before midnight: Mystère's 2026 New Year's Eve performances are at 4:30 and 7 p.m. rather than the usual 6:30 and 9 p.m. Expect other shows to do the same, and check your ticket time. After the show, the Strip's midnight fireworks are free; see our New Year's Eve guide.

Free Holiday Displays

• Bellagio Conservatory: has a holiday display in winter and is free to visit. Bellagio's site blocks our automated checks, so confirm the dates there.
• The Venetian and The Palazzo: The Venetian describes a gold snowflake tree surrounded by giant golden snowflakes in the Palazzo's Waterfall Atrium.
• Fountains of Bellagio and the Fremont Street Experience canopy shows run year-round. Fremont Street's 2026 holiday program hadn't been announced.

For the holiday lights, see our Christmas in Las Vegas guide.

Booking Tips

• Book early for Christmas week and New Year's Eve. Those dates sell first.
• Check the refund rules. Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas ticket sales are final, with no exchanges or refunds. Settle your dates before you buy.
• Buy from the official source (the show, the resort or The Smith Center) when you want a particular date and seat.
• Look for official offers. Treasure Island publishes Mystère discounts for military and children, and Cirque offers group discounts.
• Compare the total. Fees and Live Entertainment Tax can add a lot to the headline price.

Shows That Have Closed

Older holiday guides still list shows that have ended: The Beatles LOVE (closed with The Mirage in July 2024), Mad Apple at New York-New York, Zumanity, Le Rêve and Sirens of TI. Awakening at Wynn advertised its final performances through October 10, 2026.