NEVADA — Holiday cheer shines bright across Boulder City, Laughlin and Mesquite this winter season, as each destination features sparkling lights, festive parades and magical moments. From cozy train rides to riverside adventures, these destinations in Southern Nevada promise unforgettable holiday memories for everyone.
Upcoming seasonal events include:
BOULDER CITY
47th Annual Parade of Lights
Light up the night and celebrate the holidays at the Lake Mead Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:15 p.m. Bundle up with hot chocolate and cheer on the boats as you watch the parade from Boulder Beach on Lake Mead. Voting will take place between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to determine which boat earns Best in Show and the $500 prize.
Best Dam Wine Walk
The Best Dam Wine Walk returns to Historic Downtown Boulder City this winter with a festive twist. Guests are invited to sip, stroll and shop during the Ugly Sweater Wine Walk on Saturday, Dec. 13, while exploring the city’s charming boutiques and restaurants decked out for the holidays. Participants can enjoy a variety of wine tastings, extended shopping hours and plenty of holiday cheer from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Boulder City North Pole Express
Step aboard the North Pole Express from Saturday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 21 for a cozy evening adventure filled with holiday magic. This 40-minute ride features heartwarming storytelling, tasty hot chocolate and cookies, and a cheerful visit from Santa himself on Saturday and Sunday nights at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Community Tree Lighting
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the Boulder City community tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, featuring sparkling lights, live entertainment, hot chocolate and plenty of festive cheer at Frank T. Crowe Memorial Park.
Doodlebug Craft Bazaar
Held at the Boulder City Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec. 6, the Doodlebug Craft Bazaar features a wide selection of holiday gifts and goodies and is a one-stop shop for seasonal treasures.
Rafting with Santa
Lake Mead Mohave Adventures “Rafting with Santa” returns this holiday season, offering a festive 12-mile Colorado River tour aboard motor-assisted rafts from Wednesday, Dec. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 21 and on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Guests will enjoy a smooth-water ride, learn about the region’s history and wildlife, and end with music and photos at Willow Beach Marina. Each guest receives a boxed lunch, souvenir cooler bag and a collectible Christmas ornament. With Santa at the helm and elves providing ground transportation from Lake Mead RV Village, this three-hour adventure promises unforgettable holiday memories for all ages.
Santa Trains
Since 2002, this cherished family tradition brings Santa back for some holiday cheer aboard the Santa Trains. From Saturday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, passengers can enjoy a joyful 45-minute journey to Paradise Hills, featuring classic Christmas tunes, candy canes distributed by Santa’s helpers, and plenty of chances to grab a photo with the jolly man himself. Tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Santa's Electric Night Parade
Enjoy a dazzling display of floats, twinkling lights, marching bands, live performances and nonstop fun on Saturday, Dec. 6, as the parade makes its way through the Historic District. The route stretches from the corner of Nevada Way and Colorado Street to 5th St. and Avenue B starting at 4:30 p.m.
Santa’s Picture Party
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this free event at the Bicentennial Park Gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 invites children to meet Santa, take a festive photo, and receive a complimentary coloring book and goodie bag.
LAUGHLIN
14th Annual Christmas Tree Silent Auction
The 14th Annual Christmas Tree Auction, supporting the Feed A Family initiative, is lighting up the season at Aquarius Casino Resort and Edgewater Casino Resort now through Sunday, Dec. 14 with a festive silent auction featuring nine uniquely themed Christmas trees, each beautifully decorated with shimmering lights, ornaments and creative flair. This year’s tree themes include Patriotic, Red White & Silver Candy Cane, Retirement Village, Polar Express, A Coffee House Christmas, Wizard of Oz, Mickey Mouse, Bells & Balls, and Poinsettia.
Christmas on The Colorado Boat Parade
On Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m., the Colorado River will come alive for Christmas on the Colorado Boat Parade. Boats will be decked out in dazzling holiday lights and decorations, creating a magical scene on the water. Before and during the parade, guests can enjoy the Christmas Market at the Bullhead Area Chamber Event Center starting at 4 p.m., featuring local vendors, unique holiday gifts and cozy Christmas vibes.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Harrah’s Laughlin Fiesta Showroom transforms into a winter spectacle on Saturday, Dec. 13 with Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, a breathtaking fusion of world-class circus artistry and beloved holiday music. Audiences will be enchanted by gravity-defying aerialists, dazzling acrobatics, and festive stunts that celebrate the spirit of the season. Tickets are available for purchase here for performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
L.A. Comedy Club
L.A. Comedy Club at Edgewater Casino Resort is Laughlin’s go-to spot for laughs and unforgettable entertainment this holiday season. Weekly showtimes feature nationally touring headliners at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 6 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Upcoming holiday headliners include Roberto Rodriguez from Wednesday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 7; Landry featuring Lourdes Ayon from Wednesday, Dec.10 to Sunday, Dec. 14; and Brandon “Gooch” Hahn from Friday, Dec. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 28.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Thursday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 14, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino becomes a stage for holiday magic with the Anaheim Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker.” This timeless tale follows Clara and her beloved Nutcracker doll as they journey from a gloomy winter evening to a dazzling celebration in the land of sweets. Tickets are available for purchase here, ranging from $36 to $42 for adults and $18 to $20 for children 12 and under.
MESQUITE
Christmas Boutique
Now through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones at the VVAA Annual Christmas Boutique at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center, which will feature unique gifts, pottery, stationery, art and other handmade treasures created by local artists.
Coca and Camels with Santa
This season, celebrate the holidays in an unforgettable way at Camel Safari. On Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, capture a photo with Santa and his camel, explore the desert on a guided safari tram ride, handcraft personalized ornaments, and unwind fireside with hot chocolate and s’mores.
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About Boulder City
Boulder City is known as a green oasis in the desert. Located approximately 20 miles from the glitter and excitement of Las Vegas and just a few miles from the grandeur of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, the destination offers a quiet, relaxed living environment. Boulder City takes pride in its quality recreational facilities such as Bootleg Canyon mountain bike trails, Boulder City Golf Course and Boulder Creek Golf Club. For more information, visit www.visitbouldercity.com.
About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly 2 million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River boasts many options for water sports and boating activities, including eight resorts with stunning accommodations that offer fine dining, spa experiences, golfing, and a close proximity to the recreational paradise known as Heritage Trails. Laughlin has also become a leading special event destination in the Southwest. For more information, visit www.visitlaughlin.com.
About Mesquite
Close to home and yet a world away! Mesquite is located 90 miles north of Las Vegas and offers visitors an exciting laid-back experience. Choose from several fabulous championship golf courses; explore astonishing, nearby national and state parks; or lounge by a sparkling pool. If you’d rather play indoors, then unwind and be pampered at a luxurious day-spa, practice your skill at bowling, dance the night away, or try your luck at the tables and slot machines. For more information on the destination, visit www.visitmesquite.com.
