Best Cheap Holiday Attractions in Las Vegas

Out of all the holiday family destinations in America, Las Vegas is emerging as an unlikely champion. Over the years, this once red lined city is gradually becoming a treasured getaway for families. This trend is far from surprising, since multiple sectors of Sin City’s economy are experiencing promising growth.

As Las Vegas becomes a part of more vacation itineraries, its appeal as a holiday destination is steadily growing.

In an attempt to captivate more visitors, more attractions are being introduced for the holidays. From hotel promos to Christmas shows, there’s plenty of ways to experience the essence of the season without breaking the bank.

Las Vegas may not have snow, but this vibrant city is awash with intriguing holiday traditions. There’s plenty of cash to fund epic shows, which makes Vegas’ transition unavoidable. While this new era of holiday spirit is welcome, it puts visitors in an interesting conundrum.

Now that Las Vegas has evolved out of its seedy reputation, many families don’t know how to pass the holidays here. To help showcase what’s available, we compiled a list of the best things to do on Christmas in Sin City. All of these activities are easy on your budget, so discover how to have an unforgettable Christmas without spending a fortune!

Cheap Holiday Attractions in Las Vegas

Activity #3: Free Holiday Shows at The LINQ – When it comes to experiencing epic entertainment, few shows can compete with The LINQ. This is due to the fact that their spectacles are completely free, which allows everyone to enjoy them. Just because they don’t charge a premium doesn’t mean that their performances aren’t decadent.

Visitors get to see acrobats, dancers covered in LED lights and elves dance to traditional Christmas songs with a hip hop twist. These shows take places from Thursday to Saturday night, so don’t miss out on the action!

Activity #2: Visit Christmas Town – From November 29th to the end of December, Cowabunga Bay waterpark undergoes a dramatic transformation. Instead of submerging visitors in water rides, they inundate patrons with a fun dose of Christmas spirit.

This wide array of activities range from sledding down a 100 foot snow hill to riding a rendition of the Polar Express. Visitors can also play yuletide laser tag, battle in paintball tournaments and dive into a snowball pit. Their food and drink menus are just as diverse as their entertainment options, so treat the entire family for just $20 per person!

Activity #1: Indulge in the Bellagio’s Daily Holiday Extravaganza – Every day, over 30,000 people come to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. This mass migration isn’t an accident, since it’s one of the most luxurious holiday displays in the world. Their 42-foot tall Christmas tree is flanked by massive ornaments, polar bears, elves and intricate floral designs.

All this is complimented by epic light and water shows that are so intense they can dazzle the most jaded traveller. This impressive display of entertainment is completely free and runs from December 6th to January 4th. It doesn’t get more extravagant than this Christmas show, so come enjoy the perks of celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas!

More Free & Cheap Holiday Attractions in Las Vegas

1. Marvel at the Bellagio Fountains (Free)

The Bellagio Fountains are among the most breathtaking, and completely free shows in Las Vegas. This choreographed water spectacle dances to music ranging from classical pieces to modern pop hits, creating a mesmerizing display of sound and light.

Why Visit:

• It’s free entertainment at one of the city’s most luxurious resorts.
• Every show is unique, with songs and water patterns changing regularly.
• Nighttime performances are especially magical, set against the glittering Strip backdrop.

Shows run every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. For the best view, stand by the lakefront near the Bellagio entrance or across the street at Paris Las Vegas.

2. Walk the Las Vegas Strip (Free)

No trip to Vegas is complete without strolling along Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as The Strip. You’ll encounter dazzling neon signs, themed hotels, live street performers, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower replica and the Luxor Pyramid.

Why Visit:

• It’s the heart of the Vegas experience, and doesn’t cost a thing.
• You can visit multiple resorts, each offering free attractions and visual spectacles.
• Great for photography, sightseeing, and people-watching.

Bring a refillable water bottle, many casinos have free water stations, and walking The Strip can be long and hot, especially in summer.

3. Visit the Seven Magic Mountains (Free)

A short 25-minute drive from The Strip, Seven Magic Mountains is one of the most Instagrammable art installations in Nevada. This public art piece features seven towering stacks of neon-colored boulders rising from the desert landscape.

Why Visit:

• Completely free to visit.
• Unique photo opportunity in a surreal desert setting.
• Created by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, blending art and nature beautifully.

Go early in the morning or near sunset for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

4. Discover Fremont Street Experience (Free)

Downtown Las Vegas is home to the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall bursting with old-school Vegas charm and free nightly entertainment. Its main attraction is the Viva Vision Light Show, the world’s largest LED canopy screen stretching over five city blocks.

Why Visit:

• Free live music and entertainment every night.
• Incredible light and sound shows on the massive overhead screen.
• Street performers, classic casinos, and historic neon signs.

Don’t miss the ziplining on SlotZilla, a budget-friendly thrill if you want a bird’s-eye view of the crowds below.

5. Explore the Arts District (Low Cost or Free)

Just minutes from Downtown, the Las Vegas Arts District is a creative hub filled with galleries, vintage shops, and cool coffee spots. It’s one of the city’s most underrated areas, and exploring it won’t cost much at all.

Why Visit:

• Free art galleries and street murals.
• Affordable local dining and thrift shops.
• First Friday of every month features live music, food trucks, and art shows.

Check out the Art Factory or Recycled Propaganda galleries, they often host free exhibitions.

6. Hike Red Rock Canyon (Entrance $15 per car)

For a break from neon lights, head 30 minutes west of Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Its stunning red sandstone cliffs, scenic drive, and hiking trails make it one of the best outdoor attractions near Las Vegas.

Why Visit:

• Affordable nature escape ($15 per vehicle for a full day).
• Perfect for hiking, cycling, or scenic drives.
• 13-mile loop drive offers breathtaking views.

Best time to visit are morning hours or late afternoon to avoid desert heat. Bring water and snacks.

7. Pinball Hall of Fame ($1 per play)

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit museum where you can play vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games, most cost just 25 cents to $1 per game.

Why Visit:

• Cheap and fun indoor entertainment.
• Great for families and retro game enthusiasts.
• Proceeds go to charity.

8. Take a Selfie at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign (Free)

This iconic sign, standing since 1959, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. Located just south of Mandalay Bay, it’s a must-stop for your Vegas vacation photos.

Why Visit:

• Totally free.
• Short lines most mornings.
• Symbolic spot marking your arrival in Las Vegas.
• Go early morning or late evening to avoid long queues and harsh sunlight.

Go early morning or late evening to avoid long queues and harsh sunlight.

9. Enjoy Street Performances and Free Shows

Vegas is full of free performances if you know where to look. From acrobats outside Circus Circus to live bands at Fremont Street, there’s always entertainment in the air.

Popular Free Shows:

• The Mirage Volcano Show (temporarily paused but often returns during holiday seasons).
• Circus Acts at Circus Circus — free daily shows featuring acrobats and jugglers.
• Live DJs at hotel pools and bars with no cover charge during happy hours.

Check online schedules before visiting as many performances change daily.

10. Visit the Neon Museum ($20–$25)

Step back into old Vegas by exploring the Neon Museum, home to restored vintage signs from famous casinos and landmarks. It’s one of the best cultural attractions that remains affordable for visitors.

Why Visit:

• Historic and photogenic.
• Night tours light up the vintage signs for an unforgettable experience.
• Great insight into Vegas’ evolution.

Book tickets online. Note that daytime visits are cheaper, while night tours cost slightly more but look incredible.

Final Thoughts

Las Vegas might be known for its luxury resorts and high-rolling gamblers, but the truth is, you can have an unforgettable vacation here without spending a fortune.

From cheap holiday attractions in Las Vegas like the Bellagio Fountains and Fremont Street Experience to low-cost cultural sites like the Neon Museum or Red Rock Canyon, Vegas offers plenty for the savvy traveler.