How to Celebrate New Years in Las Vegas
- theleavers
- Apr 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, but when New Year’s Eve rolls around, it kicks into a whole new gear. The energy on the Strip is electric. If you're considering a few days in Las Vegas over New Years, this blog provides some insight into what we did as a family when we visited in 2024/2025.
Where to stay?
As it was New Years we wanted to stay on the 'strip' and as close to the action as possible. We booked The Horeshoe Hotel about 10 months in advance to get the best price and availability as possible. This hotel was across the road from the Bellagio, Paris and Flamingo hotels and was the cheapest option for its location. Parking was approximately $20 USD per day and resort fees were an additional $50 USD per night.
The benefit of staying at the Horseshoe was that there was a monorail station at the back of the hotel. And near the monorail station is a food court, souvenir shops and the Las Vegas sign.
What to do and see?
We were only in Las Vegas for 2 nights. This is what we managed to fit in:
Day 1
Las Vegas is a sensory overload, with so much to see and do. So before diving into the madness, take a stroll down the Strip. Stop by iconic resorts and take a peek inside the foyers like The Bellagio, Caeser's and Venetian. This time of year, they should still have their Christmas decorations and displays up.
Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, from celebrity chef eateries to hidden gems off the beaten path. If you’re a foodie, make a reservation at a place like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen or Joël Robuchon for a fine dining experience. For something a bit more casual yet delicious, try the amazing buffets or some local favorites like In-N-Out Burger. The Bellagio also a bakery with a 27-foot-tall chocolate fountain.
There are so many shows to choose from in Las Vegas. But for New Years - I would recommend booking tickets as early as possible. We saw KÀ™ by Cirque du Soleil® at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SHOW! It was a show that our whole family - from 6 to 18 year old really enjoyed and we would highly recommend.
For dinner on New Years Eve, we booked a table at The Paris Alexxa's. This restaurant offers both an inside and outside option with the outside right on the Strip and overlooking the Bellagio fountains. Once again, recommend booking a table for New Year's Eve here early to avoid disappointment.
The Strip shuts down to car traffic on New Year’s Eve, creating a massive street party with revelers pouring into the streets to take part in the fireworks display. Find a spot on the Strip or in your hotel to watch the fireworks. From our hotel floor we had great views of the Strip as well as the Sphere.
The fireworks on New Years Eve were not as amazing as we had expected for Las Vegas but the show was still spectacular. Everyone was well behaved with plenty of police presence, so we felt safe.
Day 2
Even though it was New Years Day we got up early to explore Las Vegas some more. On the Strip is a giant M&M store where we bought the obligatory giant bag of M&Ms. Next have dessert at Hershey World of chocolate, which is across the road from M&M store.
In the afternoon, we had tickets to The Sphere. Once again, I highly recommend this experience. We saw 'Postcards from Earth' at The Sphere, which is a groundbreaking, immersive experience that takes full advantage of the venue's state-of-the-art technology and massive scale. You can buy your tickets using this link.
The Sphere, a venue designed specifically for extraordinary, next-level performances, offers a visual and auditory experience that transports audiences on a breathtaking journey across the globe—and beyond. The show takes you on a sensory journey through various landscapes and environments, blending stunning visuals, dynamic soundscapes, and immersive effects. The narrative is designed to evoke both awe and reflection, inviting viewers to experience the beauty, diversity, and fragility of Earth. The Sphere's design, with its 360-degree screen (so in reality there are no 'bad' seats to choose) that wraps around the entire audience, allows you to feel as though you are truly part of the environment you're witnessing. From vast deserts and lush rainforests to bustling cities and serene oceans, the visuals create a fully immersive experience that places you inside the very heart of nature and human civilization.
In the evening, hop on the 'High Roller' ferris wheel - purchase your ticket using this link.
The High Roller is the world’s second-tallest ferris wheel and is in the center of the LINQ promenade. The ferris wheel takes around 30 minutes to go around and once you are at the top, you will see stunning views of Las Vegas. So try to do the ferris wheel at nighttime. The LINQ promenade has plenty of restaurant and food options to choose from.
At the end of the night, walk to the Bellagio to catch the stunning fountain and music show.
Other experiences and things to see / do (if you have time)
Whilst we only had 2 nights in Las Vegas over New Years, there are other things which we didn't get to do, such as:
explore Freemont Street
go up the Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
take a gondola ride at the Venetian
Close by to Las Vegas, there are also day-trip options such as:
explore Hoover Dam
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Las Vegas is a city that offers something for everyone, from high-energy entertainment to relaxing day spas and retreats. Whether you're into shows, fine dining, shopping, or outdoor adventures, there's always something exciting to do.
This article contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no cost to you
Comments