2023 Holiday Activities and Events in Henderson / Southern Nevada
2023.11.20
by: Jane Lubarsky
December 2023 is here and Henderson, Summerlin, and all of Southern Nevada will be having wonderful family activities and events throughout the month. In fact, there are so many things to do I cannot fit them into one article, so expect to see events and activities in my next few writings.
Let’s start with WinterFest 2023, Presented by Nevada State Bank. This has its tree lighting on November 30 at 5 PM. The Lights Parade is on December 1 and starts at 6:30 PM at the Water Street Plaza. And it’s FREE to attend.
This annual tradition returns to the City of Henderson. The first night is the tree lighting ceremony and drone show. The second night is the Lights Parade! will be plenty of winter cheer along with many types of holiday entertainment including the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, and festive illumination of holiday décor at the Water Street Plaza. This is a non-miss event as it’s the biggest holiday event in Southern Nevada.
Another annual event in Henderson is Ethyl M’s Chocolate Factory with the Holiday Cactus Garden.
This is Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden and every year is decorated with over a million Christmas lights and Holiday decor!
The Holiday Garden is open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from November 3rd until December 31st, 2023. No reservations are required for the Holiday Cactus Garden this year!
Plus you can take pictures with Santa, enjoy the famous hot chocolate, and grab a quick bite from our food truck. Visiting the beautiful garden is FREE!!
Located at: 2 Cactus Garden Drive Henderson, NV 89014
Now to the other side of town to Downtown Summerlin
Downtown Summerlin has so many events going on throughout December and some going through into January. First on the list is the Holiday Parade, presented by WestDeck & Nevada General. The parade runs from November 17, 2023 – December 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM on Park Centre Drive
You can celebrate the holiday season in a very big way every Friday and Saturday as Downtown Summerlin lights up the streets with the return of the annual holiday parade. There are festive floats inspired by your favorite holiday movies, dancers and characters, snow, and of course the SANTA himself.! All shows are free and open to the general public.
Another great event running from November 10 through January 25, 2024, is the The Rock Rink, Presented by Live Nation. Located at The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin.
Downtown Summerlin is proud to announce the return of Rock Rink. The signature 8,000-square-foot real-ice skating rink is located near The Pavilion at The Lawn. You can skate under the stars set to the backdrop of festive holiday music and an impressive 40-foot glittering holiday tree overlooking the rink. Skate rentals start at $16, and all ages are welcome. You can stay warm with signature holiday beverages and snacks sure to please.
Don’t forget to ride the festive holiday train that runs through January 16 circling the ice-skating rink and holiday tree. Rides are $5.00 per adult and child.
Cashless payment accepted at skate shop.
Then on the Macy’s Promenade is Santa’s Mailbox from November 10, 2023 – December 22, 2023, Supporting Goodie Two Shoes Foundation. All kids (naughty and nice!)are invited to stop by Santa’s Chalet and drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox to get to him at the North Pole! Make sure you put a return address for a personalized letter from Santa himself. Letters are accepted through December 22.
For every letter from a child received, Howard Hughes and Downtown Summerlin will donate $1 to Goodie Two Shoes Foundation up to $2,500.
There are a lot more important activities to let you know about. Look for my next article.