Explore These Under-the-Radar Attractions in Vegas This Winter
When people think of Las Vegas, they often picture pool parties, yard-long margaritas and the searing desert sun, and for two out of the four seasons, they would be absolutely correct. But as temperatures begin to dip and winter rolls into town, many find themselves wondering, “What is there to do in Vegas during the winter?” While it’s true that pool parties and walking the strip are definitely not as fun during the chilly high desert winter, travelers and locals can breathe easy knowing there is so much fun to be had in the “entertainment capital of the world,” even during its coldest months. So grab your coats and call up the squad—here’s our tips and tricks for how to spend an amazing winter weekend in Las Vegas.
Where to Stay
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Located just off the strip is the stunning Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This newly revamped resort is located right at the intersection of some of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions. This unique property features all the classic amenities one would expect from a premier Las Vegas destination: a sprawling casino, five-star dining options, multiple entertainment venues and event spaces—many of which are constantly booked for both legendary and groundbreaking artists—and, of course, a sparkling pool area. But they take it a step further by also offering luxurious rooms, villas and suites to suit any and all types of travelers. Furthermore, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is acclaimed for their ability to capture the buzz and ambiance of their neighboring on-strip resorts while allowing guests to skip out on all the hassle, traffic and claustrophobia that comes with being on Las Vegas Boulevard—a feat that was once thought to be impossible. So with all the in-house entertainment, luxurious amenities and a carefully crafted ambiance, it’s easy to see why Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is our top pick for the perfect winter weekend.
What to Experience
Lady Like – A Retro Modern Burlesque Show
Lady Like – A Retro Modern Burlesque Show live at 24 Oxford inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is for those looking for indoor entertainment close by. A little bit cheeky, a tad risque and a whole lot of fun, this modern take on vintage burlesque shows captures all the glitz and glamor of the ‘50s and ‘60s while injecting a healthy dose of modern humor and tech-savvy pizazz to create a show that is hilarious, tantalizing and captivating.
The Sphere Experience: Darren Aronofsky’s “Postcard From Earth”
As mentioned earlier, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is located at the crossroads of some of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions, with one of those being the brand-new Las Vegas Sphere: a state-of-the-art entertainment venue marked by its breathtaking 516-foot wraparound LED screen, which is the largest in the world. This 17,600-seat venue has only been around a short time but is already home to some of the most visually breathtaking events; however, Darren Aronofsky’s “Postcard From Earth” might just top them all. The Academy Award-winning director’s multi-sensory experience allows guests to explore space and all its hidden mysteries, using a 360-degree panoramic screen and advanced surround sound to fully immerse viewers, making them feel as though they are actually walking with astronauts. So escape the cold and step inside The Sphere this winter for an unforgettable experience.
Shaq’s Fantasy Lab
From the mind of hall-of-fame athlete and entertainer Shaquille O’Neal himself, Shaq’s Fantasy Lab is perfect for those looking to escape the cold and enter a world of magic and mystery. At the Fantasy Lab, guests are able to experience a series of multi-sensory walkthrough exhibits that aim to enchant and entertain with dazzling displays of color, light and sound. To say anymore would spoil some of the surprises, but we will say that the cocktails and food located inside their equally trippy restaurant and bar are as mesmerizing as they are delicious.
The Ski Lodge
Of course, no Las Vegas itinerary would be complete without a hearty dose of top-tier nightlife, and The Ski Lodge at The Cosmopolitan delivers all of this neatly gift-wrapped in a wintery bow. Inspired by the chic aprés-ski bars of Aspen and the Alps, The Ski Lodge is a vivacious year-round party, making guests feel as though they are taking a break from the slopes and enjoying some of the best cocktails, music and atmosphere that any mountainous winter destination has to offer. While well hidden, a little bit of Googling is all it takes to locate this one-of-a-kind lodge-style speakeasy, making it perfect for those cold winter nights.
Where to Dine
Brunch at Kassi Beach House
For those seeking a boujie brunch experience, a staple of Las Vegas’ star-studded dining landscape, look no further than Kassi Beach House—one of the crown jewels of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ array of delicious dining options. Kassi Beach House transports guests to the sun-soaked shores of Italy’s Mediterranean coastline, making winter visitors forget all about the chilly high-desert temperatures. Once inside, partake in all of your favorite brunch activities, including specialty cocktails, bottomless rosé and delicious Italian pizzas and charcuterie. At Kassi Beach House, a beachside brunch in the desert is more than achievable.
Upside Down Tea Party at The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Of course, a discussion about a Las Vegas experience would be incomplete without recommending Upside Down Tea Party at The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. At this swanky, vintage-style lounge, Upside Down Tea Party offers up a deliciously fun afternoon option for those seeking eats and entertainment. Featuring live performances by Elise Victoria on Sundays from 12-4 p.m. as well as boozy tea pots and endless amounts of light bites and hors d’oeuvres, this immersive experience combines the raucous fun of Las Vegas live entertainment with the intrigue and elegance of novelty food and drink options.
The Sundry Food Hall
Having trouble deciding on a particular cuisine or a specific dining experience? We recommend checking out the Sundry Food Hall. This unique food hall features 14 different dining options and experiences, each showcasing the work and passions of acclaimed chefs from all over the world. Additionally, the food hall itself sits within a gorgeous multi-level space that is enclosed, so there’s no shivering while you dine. Whether you feel like indulging in some authentic Mexican food or exploring unique multicultural fusion cuisine, the Sundry Food Hall has you covered.
What to Do
Wu-Tang Clan at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
The Iconic hip-hop group recently announced its first-ever residency at The Theater which will begin during The Big Game Weekend (Feb. 9 and 10). More shows will take place during March Madness (March 22 and 23), and tickets can be purchased here.
Coming off a sold-out worldwide arena tour, Wu-Tang Clan will take the stage, giving Las Vegas locals and visitors an opportunity to see the most storied group in hip-hop history.
Waking up in Vegas Recovery Facial at The Spa at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
After a night of dining, drinking and dancing, it’s not unnatural to find yourself missing out on a good night’s rest—it is Vegas, after all. But fret not. The acclaimed The Spa at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has a solution: the Waking Up in Vegas Recovery Facial. This unique blend of botanicals, creams and masks is designed with Vegas nightlife in mind, curated specifically to rejuvenate and replenish what minimal sleep may have neglected, allowing guests to continue to enjoy their evenings guilt-free while looking and feeling their absolute best.
Punk Rock Museum
Finally, rounding out our list is none other than one of the coolest and most iconic attractions in all of Las Vegas: the Punk Rock Museum. Paying homage to the city’s illustrious rock-star roots, the Punk Rock Museum houses one of the largest and most impressive collections of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, artifacts and exhibits on the planet. Featuring everything from hand-written original copies of lyrics to some of your favorite songs to the actual instruments used by rock legends to bring them to life, this museum is a must-see attraction for music fans.
