December is a lovely time to visit Vegas, with cooler temperatures that remain mild compared to much of the country (with an average high of 58 F, low 34 F and .38” of rainfall). Special events and decorations abound thanks to the holidays, and Vegas celebrates some wonderful annual events — like the Las Vegas Marathon and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
The cooler temperatures may encourage you to stay indoors, and this is a great time of year to spend some quality time having fun in the Riviera casino, or seeing our great shows (more on that below). For the hardier souls, you might try a day trip to Mt. Charleston.
At The Riviera Casino and Hotel in December
Jamey Johnson
December 14, 2012 at 10 p.m.
We’ll be highlighting Jamey Johnson in an upcoming post on our blog, but let us just emphasize how thrilled we are to host the acclaimed country singer-songwriter on his tribute tour to the legendary Hank Cochrane. Get tickets here.
Trace Adkins
December 15, 2012 at 10 p.m.
Our excitement to see Jamey Johnson is matched only by our enthusiasm for Trace Adkin’s upcoming performance on his “Songs and Stories Tour.” He’ll be performing both classics from his ten studio albums and thirty chart singles, and newer songs his latest album “Proud To Be Here.” Get tickets here.
Boogie Nights
December 29, 2012
The Boogie Nights is a 70s Disco Cover Band, performing music by KC & The Sunshine Band, Rose Royce, The Bee Gees and more. The party begins at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10 plus taxes and fees. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Public Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support public education through initiatives, programs and promising practices. In support of teachers in the Clark County School District, anyone with a CCSD ID will gain free entry into the Boogie Knights concert.
MC Hammer
December 30, 2012
Two highly entertaining rappers from the 1980s and 90s take the stage as MC Hammer, whose smash hits include “U Can’t Touch This,” “2 Legit 2 Quit” and “Pray,” is joined by Tone Loc, with his distinct voice and chart-topping hits, “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina.” Special guest Jimmie “JJ” Walker from Good Times will emcee the event.
Strip At Night: The Las Vegas Marathon ($)
December 2, 2012
Marathon at 3 p.m., Half Marathon at 4:30 p.m.
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/las-vegas/event-details
Running along the Strip and through downtown, the Las Vegas Marathon presents one of the few opportunities to see the Strip closed to traffic. The course is mostly flat, making it ideal for runners of all levels. The race starts at the Luxor Festival Lot. For downloadable maps and information on entering the marathon, visit the website.
2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
December 6 − 15, 2012
Thomas & Mac Center, 4505 Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV
http://www.nfrexperience.com/
Thousands of rodeo enthusiasts descend on Vegas each December for this 10-day event; it’s also the reason you find so many country music stars performing in town, like Trace Adkins and Jamey Johnson. Meanwhile, the rodeo showcases the top 15 contestants in fun and strenuous events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
The NFR is a huge event each year. In fact, if you don’t already have tickets, you might find them hard to come by. Luckily, their website has a ticket exchange system that allows people to sell and buy tickets.
Las Vegas Gun Shows in December
The Las Vegas Gun Show
December 15–16, 2012
Sport Center of Las Vegas
http://www.lasvegas.com/event/las-vegas-gun-show/19511/
Map
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
December 29–30, 2012
Cashman Center, 850 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
http://crossroadsgunshows.com/venues.php#cashman
Map
Vegas hosts two different gun shows this month, each showcasing an incredible selection of guns from popular manufacturers like Colt, Beretta, Glock, Sig Sauer and more. They also present excellent opportunities to buy, sell or trade high quality used guns and supplies. Visit the websites for more information and ticket prices.
First Friday Art Celebration (Free)
Friday, December 7, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Downtown Arts District
http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/faq.htm
Vegas celebrates its arts community the first Friday of every month. It’s a fun and family-friendly event that includes artists, vendors and activities. It’s also free, but you may want to bring along some cash if you plan on purchasing any art or taking advantage of the many, many food trucks. The celebration also usually features multiple live bands and live performance “paintings.” It’s one of our favorite events to take the family, get away from the Strip for an evening and discover a cornucopia of artisans specializing in all kinds of media, like painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and more.
For more information about getting there and what it includes, visit their website.
Bank of America Museums on Us® (Free)
December 1 & 2, 2012
Various museums
http://museums.bankofamerica.com
Are you a Bank of America debit or credit cardholder? Then you have automatic free admission the first full weekend each month to several museums and attractions in the Las Vegas area.
Participating museums in the BofA program include:
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum
- Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
- Springs Preserve
