Thanksgiving In Las Vegas Things To Do

Why spend Thanksgiving in Las Vegas?

Imagine the aroma of roasted turkey blending with the neon lights of The Strip. That’s Thanksgiving in Las Vegas for you! 

Las Vegas is Thanksgiving reimagined!

As a Vegas local originally from Virginia, I can tell you that Las Vegas reimagines Thanksgiving with both festive charm and vibrant entertainment! The city offers a plethora of dining experiences that turn the traditional holiday meal into an event of culinary wonder. Thanksgiving in Vegas is a good idea for anyone wanting to create fresh family traditions with a sparkling twist. Here, the holiday spirit dances hand in hand with the thrill of high-stakes games and awe-inducing shows. 

You get to swap your typical backyard football for a dazzling parade of lights and shows and the kitchen chaos for stellar dining options that cater to every palate. Because Vegas thrives on its ability to transform the traditional into the exceptional. And Thanksgiving is no exception. 

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas is where holiday warmth meets the sizzle of The Strip. And let me tell you, there’s something almost rebellious about digging into a Thanksgiving dinner with a view of the Bellagio Fountains or under the glittering lights of Fremont Street. 

My home city offers an escapade from the norm, redefining the festive season with a sprinkle of Las Vegas pizzazz you won’t find anywhere else on Earth!

Las Vegas Thanksgiving dinner

Let me spill the gravy on the feast of dining experiences you can have in Vegas this Thanksgiving! 

Get ready to loosen your belt and dive into options that go way beyond your Grandma’s green bean casserole. Think grand hotel buffets that put the ‘extra’ in extravagant, where you can pile your plate high with everything from turkey to sushi. 

Ready for a twist on tradition? Some of The Strip’s swankiest spots serve up seasonal menus that can make taste buds do the turkey trot! I’m talking five-star chefs crafting dishes that blend holiday flavors with gourmet flair. And let’s not forget the smaller joints tucked away from the neon lights. They dish out Thanksgiving dinners that can make you feel right at home, even if home is thousands of miles away.

Does Vegas stay open on Thanksgiving?

Thinking about not cooking this Thanksgiving? 

Good! Because Las Vegas doesn’t take a holiday break from indulgence! And Thanksgiving is no exception. I’ve got the scoop on eateries that turn up the heat on this family-focused day. 

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Know of a restaurant serving dinner on Thanksgiving?

In Vegas, there are plenty! Expect gourmet spreads at places like The Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon, where the carving station becomes a siren call for turkey aficionados. 

• STK Steakhouse inside The Cosmopolitan will offer a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day and a few days after.
• Over at The Buffet at Bellagio, the feast meshes classic holiday fare with an upscale twist. 
• For those who favor a la carte luxury, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand stays open, ready to redefine Thanksgiving with a French flair. 
• If panoramic views complement your meal, Top of the World at The STRAT pairs stunning sights with memorable bites. 
• Yardbird inside The Venetian offers an upscale menu with dine-in and take-out specials. Dine-in customers can try melted leek potato gratin, herd roasted turkey, lobster mac and cheese, Charleston she-crab soup, and brown butter bourbon pumpkin pie. All dishes are a la carte. 
• And for families seeking familiar comfort, Cracker Barrel near The Strip dishes out home-style meals, so you feel like you’re at Grandma’s table – Vegas style, of course!
• ARIA’s Proper Eats Food Hall is hosting The Ultimate Tailgate Experience on Thanksgiving Day!

Each spot fills up faster than my viral sweet potato pie recipe disappears at a family gathering, so you’ll want to book reservations early! 

With an array of options, your Thanksgiving in Vegas promises plates piled high with pleasure and a taste of tradition, all with a Sin City spin.

Best places to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in Las Vegas

How will you spend the Thanksgiving holiday in Las Vegas?

For starters, at the buffet! Thanks to our many casino buffets, Las Vegas has always been synonymous with endless plates. So, why not celebrate Thanksgiving and indulge in one of Vegas’ world-famous all-you-can-eat buffets?

Who is serving Thanksgiving in Las Vegas?

Featured Vegas buffet

The Pepper Club’s Thanksgiving seasonal menu offers the best deal for a Vegas Thanksgiving Day dinner buffet! Located in The English Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) Arts District, this $30 all-you-can-eat buffet promises delicious chef-prepared food via buffet only on Thanksgiving Day.

The Pepper Club holiday-only special feast will include prime rib carving stations, sushi stations, shrimp cocktail, short-rib tacos, crispy duck, oxtail fried rice, salads, fresh veggies, specialty desserts, and more! Enjoy globally inspired Thanksgiving dishes alongside American classics. Plus, bottomless drink packages because – you are in Vegas! 

Las Vegas Thanksgiving buffets

• Palms’s A.Y.C.E. Buffet – “All you can eat,” including lobster, snow crab, and prime rib dinners. So, reservations are a must!
• The Buffet at Wynn – One of the best buffets remaining on The Strip, The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas offers a gourmet take on Thanksgiving with a cornucopia of choices.
• The Buffet at Bellagio – Feast on carving stations with traditional turkey and all the trimmings.
• The Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon – Known for unique dishes that give a twist to classic holiday fare.
• Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet – Serves up a sumptuous spread worthy of Roman royalty.
• MGM Grand Buffet – Brings a hearty all-you-can-eat experience with holiday favorites, seafood favorites, shrimp, and crab legs.
• Texas De Brazil Las Vegas – Off The Strip and open on Thanksgiving with its culinary traditions in an upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside with a vast South American-inspired salad bar.

Things to do in Vegas on Thanksgiving

Let me tell you, Thanksgiving in Vegas is no small fry! The city rolls out a spectacular array of shows and events that’ll toss your holiday into a tizzy of excitement. Kid-friendly spectacles light up the day, with magicians, acrobats, and even a few ice-skating turkeys turning heads on The Strip. 

LOL, no turkeys are skating on ice. It’s just folks being silly at The Cosmopolitan’s The Ice Rink. Each holiday season, the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan transforms into a winter wonderland high above The Las Vegas Strip, which usually opens the week after Thanksgiving.

Two-stepping into the night, the curtain rises for adults craving a juicy slice of Las Vegas entertainment. Picture a banquet of ballet, the high-octane allure of musicals, or the spellbinding wonder of Cirque du Soleil. The hardest task you’ll have is choosing which one to savor!

Thanksgiving best shows to see in Vegas and things to do

• Awakening
• O by Cirque du Soleil 
• Meow Wolf Omega Mart
• Enchant Las Vegas
• The Sphere Experience
• Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
• Tournament of Kings ‘Twas The Knight
• Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden Lights

But let’s keep it real here. These tickets sell faster than Grandma’s sweet potato or pumpkin pie. So, snatch ’em up quick if you fancy a Thanksgiving garnished with Vegas flair!

Is November a good time to go to Vegas?

People often ask, “Is Vegas worth it in November?”

Las Vegas is more than just flashing lights and casinos. It’s a playground for all ages, especially during Thanksgiving, and a great place for families and kids. Come to town in November for the Las Vegas Grand Prix Formula One Race, and stay for the Thanksgiving holiday shopping, shows, and feast!

Las Vegas weather is perfect holiday-sweater-weather. Ideal to take the family for a spin on the High Roller at The LINQ and soak in panoramic views of The Strip. You’ll feel like you’re floating, except with your feet safely inside an enclosed pod. 

A visit to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay opens an underwater world of aquariums and exotic life, making learning about marine life a blast for the kiddos.

Seek out thrills at the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, where rides cater to adrenaline-seekers and little ones alike. I love watching the kiddos’ faces light up on the carousel before braving the roller coasters! 

Then, capture the essence of the holidays with a leisurely stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Their seasonal display is stunning and perfect for family photos.

Wrap up your Thanksgiving evening with a family-friendly dinner and a show. Vegas offers a variety, from magic to acrobatics. Tournament of Kings at Excalibur brings a medieval feast, jousting knights, and holiday cheer to your table. Cheers, laughter, and a sense of togetherness – that’s Thanksgiving in Vegas for the family.

Has anyone been to the Sphere Postcard from Earth show?

In the heart of this dazzling entertainment oasis, an unprecedented marvel arises – Sphere Las Vegas, promising to redefine not just Las Vegas entertainment but the essence of how we experience it.

Inside, Sphere is a Vegas show and event area – the first of its kind! With its 18,000 seats, it will focus on hosting award shows and music concerts with the next level of experience thanks to its cutting-edge technology. A must-see inside is Sphere’s show postcards from Earth. Sphere is worth visiting while in Las Vegas, even if only from the exterior.

Why You Should Visit The Sphere Las Vegas

Is Thanksgiving a good time to go to Las Vegas?

All-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feasts of fun, sweater weather, and maybe a light jacket at the most, and the shopping deals are a can’t-miss!

And the best part? 

Brace yourselves, fellow shopaholics! Black Friday in Vegas is a retail extravaganza that rivals The Strip’s dazzling lights! 

Grab your comfortable shoes because top shopping hotspots like Fashion Show Las Vegas mall, The Forum Shops at Caesars, and The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian offer deals that’ll make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot!

Plan your attack like a pro gambler scopes out the high-stakes tables. Keep your eyes peeled for early-bird specials at major outlets – i.e., Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.

Premium retailers often have doorbusters, and if you’re anything like me, getting there early means scoring the best loot! Trust me, the early morning wake-up call pays off with discounted designer goods that’ll make your wardrobe thank you later.

Vegas Black Friday holiday shopping pro tips

• Snatching up the best Black Friday deals also requires a strategy. 
• Download store apps and join mailing lists in advance to get that first-hand scoop on exclusive deals. 
• Remember to check out the off-Strip malls like Town Square Las Vegas and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets, where lower prices can mean bigger bargains. 

Happy hunting!

Travel tips for Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Only have two days in Las Vegas? Or a short holiday visit?

Book hotels and flights early

Las Vegas is a hotspot during Thanksgiving for locals and tourists alike. You’ll want to lock in reservations well ahead of time. Aim to book at least a few months to snag better rates and avoid the last-minute scramble.

Las Vega hotel recommendations

Check Las Vegas travel deals HERE!

Transportation smarts

The Strip gets busy, and rideshares and taxis can be pricey during holidays and special events. Consider booking ahead in ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft for a more budget-friendly experience. If you’re staying on The Strip, think about monorail passes for an easy hop between spots.

Vegas weather prep

November brings cooler desert temps. Days can be mild, but nights can be chilly! Pack layers for Vegas to adapt to the changing temperatures, and maybe throw in a cozy sweater for evening strolls. Comfortable shoes are a must for all the walking you’ll do.
I talk more about Vegas outfits in my post HERE.

Avoid peak travel days 

Flying in and out on peak days can be an airport hassle. If possible, travel on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and return the following Monday or Tuesday after the holiday for smoother transits.

What is happening in Vegas Thanksgiving week?

Well, my friends, we’ve come to the end of our Vegas-style Thanksgiving adventure. And what a spectacular ride it’s been, preceding Thanksgiving in Las Vegas with the F1 race on The Strip!

Are you ready to dine on decadent feasts that rival Grandma’s best? 

Experience shows that’ll dazzle your eyes brighter than a holiday parade?

And even have time to snag some Black Friday deals that would make any shopper’s heart sing? 

Vegas is a city that’s brimming with lights and festivities and truly redefines what a holiday getaway can be.

Let me share a secret: If you sink your teeth into a Thanksgiving vacation here in the spirit of The Entertainment Capital of the World just once, you might find yourself craving a Vegas holiday with every passing year. 

So, why not make it a new tradition? 

Start planning your Thanksgiving 2024 Vegas trip now, and trust me, we’ll pull out all the stops to make sure it tops the last! 

Here’s to making memories that will glitter long after The Strip’s lights dim!

“When you visit any of these featured Las Vegas attractions, mention that you heard about them from Vegas Right Now!“

Thank you!
—Shaunda Necole

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