Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Start at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign for the classic photo stop—allow about 30 minutes, including a possible queue. The small parking lot is free but fills quickly; a rideshare drop-off is often easier than trying to park. December can be chilly and breezy, so bring a layer. From the sign, it’s a short drive or rideshare to Mandalay Bay; walking is possible, but the route is less pleasant than it looks on a map.
Spend about 1.5 hours at Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay. It generally opens late morning and runs into the evening, but check the schedule and buy tickets ahead—budget roughly $30–$40 per adult. Then head to Border Grill for Mexican-inspired lunch; plan on about $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip. One important check before you go: Border Grill’s Las Vegas location has had changing operating status, so confirm it’s open and taking reservations for your day rather than counting on a walk-in.
From Mandalay Bay, take a rideshare or taxi north to the Fountains of Bellagio; the walk is around 2 miles, mostly along the Strip. Leave about 45 minutes to watch a show and enjoy the scene. Performances are typically every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening, with schedules varying by season and weather, so check the Bellagio schedule that day. The show is free; arrive a little early for a spot along the lake.
Start at The Mob Museum in Downtown, near Stewart Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. Give yourself 2–3 hours for the exhibits; general admission is typically around $35, with special experiences costing extra. Check the museum’s current hours and book ahead if you want a timed add-on. The building is a former courthouse, and the exhibits are detailed enough that it’s worth taking your time.
Walk or take a short rideshare to Evel Pie in Fremont East for New York–style slices and a casual lunch. Budget about $10–$20 per person. It’s a relaxed stop, and you can usually order by the slice, which makes it easy to keep lunch brief or linger over another one.
From Fremont East, take a rideshare north to the Neon Museum—usually a short drive, though traffic can slow things down. Allow about 1.5 hours to explore the outdoor collection. Book a timed admission in advance, especially for an evening or illuminated tour; tour times and availability vary. December evenings can be cold and breezy, so bring a warm layer.
Head back downtown to the Fremont Street Experience for the canopy light show, street performers, and people-watching. Plan on 1.5–2 hours, but leave room to wander between the casinos and side streets. The canopy shows run after dark on a repeating schedule; check the day’s listings when you arrive. It’s lively and crowded at night, so agree on a meeting spot if your group splits up.
Head west to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for the 13-mile Scenic Drive and a short walk—allow about 2.5–3 hours on site, plus roughly 30 minutes each way from the Strip. The one-way loop is an easy way to take in the sandstone cliffs; for a gentle leg-stretch, try the short Calico Hills trail. In winter, the drive typically closes earlier than in summer, and weather can affect access. Timed-entry reservations may be required during daytime hours, so check the official site before setting out; expect a vehicle fee of around $20. Bring water and a warm layer, and leave time for the return drive to Summerlin.
Continue to Honey Salt in Summerlin for a relaxed, seasonal lunch; budget about $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip. It’s a good place to slow down after the canyon, and reservations are sensible if you have a specific time in mind. From here, AREA15 is roughly a 20–25-minute drive, depending on traffic; a rideshare is convenient if you’d rather not deal with parking.
Give AREA15 an hour or two to browse its immersive spaces and shops, then head to Omega Mart, the surreal, interactive art experience inside the complex. Plan another 1.5–2 hours there, and book timed admission ahead—popular entry slots can sell out. The experience involves lots of exploring and visual surprises, so comfortable shoes help; check current ticket prices and opening hours before you go, as both can vary.
If you have time before checkout, have brunch at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. Ask for a patio table if the weather is comfortable—the sidewalk seating is ideal for people-watching, though December can be cool. Plan on about $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip; brunch hours can vary, so check the restaurant’s schedule and reserve if you’re set on a particular time. Afterward, walk across to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for its elaborate seasonal display. Admission is free, and about 45 minutes is plenty; leave a little extra time if it’s busy.
Take a rideshare or taxi to the Pinball Hall of Fame, south of the main resort corridor. Allow 1–1.5 hours to browse and play; entry is generally free, but bring small bills or a card for the machines. From there, continue by car to Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson—typically around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Set aside 1–1.5 hours for the chocolate exhibits and garden, and check current visitor access before making the trip. The garden is a nice, unhurried way to wrap up; if you’re heading to the airport afterward, collect your bags first or allow time to return to your hotel.
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