Las Vegas December 2026 Festival and Rodeo Schedule Announced
Las Vegas has released its December 2026 event calendar, featuring the Downtown Hoedown on 2 December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from 3‑12 December, and the Jackpot Festival on 26‑27 December, targeting music fans, rodeo enthusiasts, families and holiday shoppers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- New lineup of free and ticketed events announced for December 2026
- Timing
- Events run throughout the first half and end of December 2026
- Who is affected
- Visitors planning trips to Las Vegas in December 2026
The details
- Announced by
- Travel And Tour World
Event Calendar Overview
The city will host a series of public and ticketed events from early December through the end of the month. Highlights include a downtown street party, a major rodeo championship, holiday marketplaces, and a late‑night music festival.
Key Dates and Venues
The Downtown Hoedown opens the month on 2 December at Fremont Street Experience. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo runs from 3‑12 December at the Thomas and Mack Center, accompanied by Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Country Christmas at the Rio Hotel and Casino. The Jackpot Festival concludes the month on 26‑27 December at Llama Lot near Fremont East.
- Downtown Hoedown – 2 Dec, Fremont Street Experience, free entry
- Tamales and Mariachi Festival – 5 Dec, Las Vegas Civic Center, free entry
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – 3‑12 Dec, Thomas and Mack Center
- Cowboy Christmas – 3‑12 Dec, Las Vegas Convention Center, ticketed
- Country Christmas – 3‑13 Dec, Rio Hotel and Casino, free entry
- Jackpot Festival – 26‑27 Dec, Llama Lot, 18+ age restriction
Visitor Experience and Access
Many of the events are free and open to the public, providing accessible options for families and budget travelers. Ticketed events such as the rodeo and Cowboy Christmas offer additional entertainment and shopping opportunities. All venues are located within easy reach of hotels and transportation links.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can add the Downtown Hoedown on 2 December to early‑month itineraries
- Families may schedule a visit to the Tamales and Mariachi Festival on 5 December for daytime activities
- Rodeo fans should book accommodation near the Thomas and Mack Center for 3‑12 December
- Nightlife‑oriented visitors can plan to attend the Jackpot Festival on 26‑27 December
Cost and documents
- Free events (Downtown Hoedown, Tamales and Mariachi Festival, Country Christmas) require no ticket purchase
- Ticketed events (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Cowboy Christmas) involve standard admission fees
- No additional travel documents or visas are required beyond normal entry requirements for the United States
What you need to do
- Check event dates and venues when finalising travel dates for December 2026
- Purchase tickets for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Cowboy Christmas if attending
- Confirm age eligibility for the Jackpot Festival, which is 18 years and older
- Monitor official event pages for any updates to line‑ups or schedules
Who this affects
-
Music festival attendees
The Jackpot Festival on 26‑27 December offers live music and nightlife after Christmas
What to do Plan to attend after 5 pm and verify age restriction
-
Rodeo enthusiasts
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo runs from 3‑12 December as the championship event
What to do Book tickets and accommodation near the Thomas and Mack Center
-
Families with children
Free daytime events like the Tamales and Mariachi Festival and Country Christmas are family‑friendly
What to do Include these dates in travel plans for daytime activities
-
Holiday shoppers
Cowboy Christmas and Country Christmas provide extensive retail options from 3‑13 December
What to do Allocate time for shopping visits and consider ticket purchase for Cowboy Christmas
-
General tourists
The overall December schedule adds a variety of cultural and entertainment options
What to do Review the full event calendar to enhance travel itinerary
Frequently asked questions
What events are happening in Las Vegas in December 2026?
Las Vegas hosts a series of events in December 2026 including the Downtown Hoedown on 2 December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from 3‑12 December, Cowboy Christmas and Country Christmas shopping shows, the Tamales and Mariachi Festival on 5 December, and the Jackpot Festival on 26‑27 December.
When does the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo take place?
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo runs from 3 December to 12 December 2026 at the Thomas and Mack Center.
Is the Downtown Hoedown free to attend?
Yes, the Downtown Hoedown on 2 December 2026 at Fremont Street Experience is free and open to the public.
What are the age restrictions for the Jackpot Festival?
The Jackpot Festival on 26‑27 December 2026 is for attendees aged 18 years and older.
Where is the Country Christmas event held?
Country Christmas takes place at the Rio Hotel and Casino from 3 December to 13 December 2026 and is free to the public.
Do I need tickets for Cowboy Christmas?
Cowboy Christmas, running from 3‑12 December 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a ticketed event and requires admission purchase.
