Las Vegas has claimed the top spot as the No. 1 warm-weather winter holiday destination in the U.S. for 2025, according to WalletHub.
Vegas has done it again, this time not just on the Strip, but on the national stage. From mild December temps to diverse entertainment options, the city is living up to its sparkle in holiday style.
Why Las Vegas Clinched the Top Winter Holiday Destination Title
WalletHub analyzed 69 major U.S. metropolitan areas across six categories. These include attractions, weather, travel costs, activities, safety, and local costs. Las Vegas outperformed nearly every competitor in almost every metric. The city’s abundance of amusement parks, shopping, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment secured its upper hand on the attractions meter.
Winter travelers will also find some of the lowest rates for three-star hotel rooms, averaging $64 per night during the season. While airfare isn’t always low-end, the reward comes in the value you get once you arrive. Flights from major hubs are priced around $349 and often involve an average of 0.17 connections.
When it comes to outdoor and warm-weather opportunities, Las Vegas doesn’t disappoint. It ranks among the top in the country for parks, bike rentals, public golf courses, and recreation facilities per capita. Throw in a food scene packed with high-quality, affordable restaurants, and the city’s winter appeal becomes hard to beat. Even the weather backs the hype with December high temperatures averaging 57 to 61 °F, and evenings dipping into the 38 to 42 °F range.
Winter Events Add Festive Spark to Vegas
Ranking first is one thing, but Las Vegas is pulling out all the stops this season with marquee events and holiday spectacles. One of the biggest draws? Mariah Carey’s “Christmastime in Las Vegas” residency, set for November 28 through December 13 at Dolby Live in Park MGM. The run of ten performances promises glitter, holiday hits, and authentic Mariah magic.
To complement her shows, Carey is also bringing her Holiday Bar pop-up to Vegas for the first time. Launching at On The Record at Park MGM, the immersive experience features holiday décor, themed cocktails, photo ops, and a soundtrack that includes “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing every 30 minutes.
Beyond Carey’s residency, the Strip will glow with seasonal décor, themed hotel packages, live shows, and pop-up experiences. All of these will be transforming the city into a full-blown winter wonderland with a Vegas twist.
Why Las Vegas Is the Ultimate Winter Getaway
What makes Las Vegas the ultimate winter holiday destination isn’t just its mild weather or endless entertainment. It’s the way the city combines both factors into one dazzling experience. The balance of affordability, accessibility, and excitement keeps travelers returning year after year.
Even in WalletHub’s recreation index, Las Vegas ranks No. 1 for recreation facilities. This showcases an unmatched array of music venues, parks, and entertainment options. Combine that with December sunshine, celebrity residencies, and signature Vegas flair, and it’s clear why the city sits at the top of the winter travel charts.
