Congratulations. You've managed to plan your trip for the traditionally slowest (least expensive and least crowded) weekend of the year. After you experience the lack of traffic and lines, booked-up hotels and restaurants, and sold-out shows; the good rates for rooms and rental cars; and the relaxed friendly atmosphere and holiday spirit of the place, you might never come to Las Vegas at any other time of the year.
And yes, there's plenty going on throughout December. True, there isn't an abundance of headliners and some shows go dark (no performances) for an extended period, but vacation schedules tend to be staggered throughout December and early January, so there’s always a good choice.
Every year in the December Las Vegas Advisor, we publish all the dark days for shows. Last year, for Dec. 15-20, only a handful of shows (that still exist) were dark: O (Bellagio); Mac King (Harrah’s); Barry Manilow (Hilton); Mamma Mia! (Mandalay Bay); La Femme (MGM Grand); all the shows at the Riviera; Folies Bergere (Tropicana); and Le Reve (Wynn Las Vegas).
That still leaves upwards of 50 shows and events to choose from. And a good way to get a great deal on shows that are performing is to go to one of the Strip outlets that sell half-price tickets to shows for that day.
The four big headliners during your dates include: Donny Osmond’s Christmas Show (Orleans); Paul Revere and the Raiders (Suncoast); the New Cars (Mandalay Bay); and Robert Schimmel (Monte Carlo). Lounge acts and smaller shows are in abundance, and all the free spectacles continue with no pause for the holidays.
Have fun, good luck with seeing what you want, and let us know how you like the dog days of December in Las Vegas.
