10 Genius Ways To Explore Vegas For Less This Winter

Winter in Vegas might be the best-kept secret for scoring big on savings. With pool parties in hibernation mode and people busy getting ready for the holiday parties at home, Vegas sees a sizable dip in tourist crowds.

You know what that means: plenty of seasonal deals and cheap hotel rates!

The word ‘winter’ can be daunting (thanks, Game of Thrones), but in Las Vegas, winters are pretty mild compared to the rest of the USA.

Winter in Vegas is a great time to visit, with daytime temps hovering around the 50s-60s °F and nights dipping into the 30s-40s °F—cold, but manageable! Plus, with most attractions indoors, you’ll only ever feel the chill when taxiing around or enjoying outdoor experiences like winter ice skating or holiday light shows.

If you’re considering a trip to Las Vegas this season, get excited because you can experience all the goodness Vegas has to offer without breaking the bank.

From rock-bottom room rates to discounted holiday events, here’s how to make your winter Vegas trip totally epic and budget-friendly.

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1. Book Off-Season Hotel Deals

This one’s an obvious one — just come during the slow season.

Winter is one of the slower seasons in Vegas, so hotels often drop their prices significantly. This means you can stay at top-tier resorts like The Venetian or Wynn Las Vegas for a fraction of the usual rate.

Check for special newsletter promotions and weekday rates to save even more.

Since accommodations are often the biggest cost for travelers who come to town, winter offers you the chance to see the city without spending an arm and a leg for your hotel stay.

Pro Tip: Avoid big weekends like New Year’s Eve or major conventions. Rates can spike to insane levels. Instead, aim for the week right before Christmas (I’ve yet to find cheaper rates than during this time), January (except CES event days), or early February for the best deals.

2. Enjoy Free + Cheap Limited-Time Winter Attractions

Many of the best winter-themed activities in town are free or pretty cheap.

The Bellagio Conservatory has a seasonal display that’s always free, and the LINQ Promenade sets up a holiday village with lights, carolers, and affordable activities.

The Venetian Resort’s holiday lights and decor are noteworthy, as is ARIA’s decked-out lobby, full of cutesy festive decorations.

Head over to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson, where the cactus garden is transformed into a holiday wonderland you can stroll through for just $3 per person. (FREE for children under 2 and seniors 65+)

3. Grab Yourself A Coupon Book While Exploring Las Vegas

As you explore Vegas, look out for handy coupon booklets—you’ll spot them at the airport, in hotel lobbies, and even in newspaper bins on the sidewalks.

Sure, there are some ads to skip through, but these booklets are also packed with ideas for things to do and discounts/promo codes on activities and show tickets.

4. Use Groupon To Find Steep Discounts On Things To Do

We love using Groupon to score discounts on activities and dining. Because Vegas is PACKED with things to do, you’ll find even more traveler-friendly deals than most cities.

Some of our best finds so far include the High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ (60% off), AREA15’s One-Day Level 2 Experience Passes (50% off), Flyover Las Vegas (one of Vegas’ newest attractions for 20% off), and more.

While you’re browsing, take a peek at the restaurants section — there are usually restaurant deals both on and off the Strip.

PRO TIP: Groupon is also a great way to find giftable experiences for the holiday season! If you know someone planning a Vegas trip themselves, gifting a deal on a unique activity or top-rated restaurant is a thoughtful way to make their trip even better. Better yet, invite them on your trip and experience the savings together.

5. Skip The Pricier Hotel Spas And Head Off-Strip Instead

Skip the pricey hotel spas on the Strip and venture off-Strip for a way more affordable spa day.

Spas on the Strip charge top dollar. At luxury spas like The Venetian’s Canyon Ranch Spa and Spa at Encore, expect to pay anywhere from $180-$250 for a 50-minute massage… with an additional 20% service charge often required on top of that.

Spas off the Strip are cheaper. Places like The Spa at Palms and eforea Spa at Hilton offer similar services at a slightly better value, with massages typically priced $30-$40 less than the Strip spas.

For even bigger savings, check Groupon—some of the best deals can be found there!

We love massages, so we’re always on the lookout for budget-friendly spa treatments without the sky-high spa prices. We’ve found amazing massage deals at places like Serenity Spa at Westgate and Spa Ravella at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

New offers pop up all the time, so check the site every so often and keep your eyes peeled for new deals.

6. Hunt For Discounted Show Tickets

Winter is a slower time for shows, which can mean big discounts. Websites like Tix4Vegas and StubHub offer day-of-show tickets at reduced prices, and you’ll often find discounts for Cirque du Soleil shows or other big acts.

Pro Tip: If you’re flexible, aim for early weekday shows, as these tend to be the least expensive due to lower demand. And if you see a show package that includes dinner, it’s often cheaper than booking separately.

7. Skip The Shows, Explore The Museums Instead

Are those discounted show tickets still too much for your budget? Skip ‘em and dive into some of Vegas’ coolest museums instead.

You can stay warm this winter while exploring some seriously unique indoor museums that won’t break the bank.

For a taste of history, check out the Mob Museum or the ARTE Museum for some immersive digital art. If you’re in the mood for family fun, the Museum of Selfies is the place to go for IG-worthy moments.

8. Seek Out The Free Attractions

Some of the most quintessential Vegas experiences are completely free.

You can watch the Bellagio Fountains (which are extra fun at night), enjoy the animatronics at the Fall Of Atlantis Show at Caesars, or take the kids to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.

These attractions run all year round and offer a fun, no-cost way to sightsee.

Pro Tip: Venture off the Strip for more free experiences too. Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town is a great family-friendly spot for a walk-through during the day, and if you’re into art, check out the public murals in the Arts District.

9. Skip Taxis and Ubers — Use The Free Tram Or Bus Instead

There are several FREE trams connecting different hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, which make getting around a breeze.

Aria Express Tram: This elevated electric tram connects ARIA, Bellagio, Vdara, Park MGM, and The Shops at Crystals.

Mandalay Bay Tram: This elevated tram connects Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. While these trams won’t take you across the entire Strip, they’re perfect for cutting down the distance between hotels in each area.

For longer trips up and down the Strip, check out the Deuce bus. Running 24/7, the Deuce makes stops all along the Strip and goes as far as Fremont Street downtown.

Rides cost $6 for a 2-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass, and $20 for a 3-day pass—great options if you’re looking to save on transportation and don’t mind a bit of extra travel time.

10. Head Outdoors

Cooler weather in Vegas means it’s the perfect time to take on the great outdoors without worrying about heat stroke or dehydration. Outdoor enthusiasts, now’s your chance to get your nature fix!

Head to Red Rock Canyon for hikes, or explore the fiery beauty of Valley of Fire State Park. Lake Mead offers serene water activities and trails, while Mount Charleston and Lee Canyon provide fresh mountain air and a peaceful escape from the city.

For a real desert adventure, make the drive to Death Valley National Park to see its otherworldly landscapes.

Trust me, these spots are all extra special when the temps drop! Plus, outdoor adventures are essentially a whole day of free/cheap entertainment, so add ’em to your itinerary while the weather is still cool.

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Planning Your Trip To Vegas?

Here are some of our other Vegas travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:

• How To Snag Discounts On Las Vegas Attractions And Shows
• Here Are All The Absolute Must-Do’s In Las Vegas For First Timers
• 25+ Unique And Totally FREE Things To Do In Vegas
• Top Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
• 15 Fun Places To Eat On The Las Vegas Strip
• 15 Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
• 5 Cheaper Alternatives To Cirque du Soleil Shows In Las Vegas
• 10 Fun Rides and Roller Coasters In Las Vegas For Thrill Seekers
• 10 Secret Bars And Speakeasies On The Las Vegas Strip (+ Where To Find Them!)
• 20 Quirky And Fun Museums You’ll Only Find In Las Vegas

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