Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas - The Complete Guide - 2025
Written by Dan Raaf, Editor in Chief - Vegas Linqs
Every December, Las Vegas shifts into full Western mode as the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to town.
This stretch is normally a slower period before the holidays, but NFR turns it into one of the most profitable weeks of the year for local businesses.
Cowboy Christmas is the daytime centerpiece of that surge.
What Is Cowboy Christmas
Cowboy Christmas is the official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
The 2025 event runs December 4 to December 13 inside the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
The show covers 500,000 square feet and hosts 375 plus exhibitors.
Expect western apparel, boots, hats, leather goods, home decor, art, ranch equipment, and holiday gifts from across the country.
Many vendors launch limited collections exclusively for this event.
Live demos, gear shaping, and autograph sessions give the entire show floor nonstop activity.
What To Wear
Visitors usually choose western inspired outfits that can handle long days:
• Jeans or comfortable denim
• Cowboy boots
• Layered tops and warm jackets for cold December nights
• Western accessories like turquoise jewelry, belts, or cowboy hats
NFR performances at the Thomas and Mack Center lean dressy, so evening outfits tend to stand out.
Getting the Best Experience
The best time to show up is earlier in the day or right when the doors open at 9am. because the aisles are quiet, the good merchandise hasn’t been picked over, and parking or rideshare traffic is lighter.
Parking at the LVCC is paid and fills fast, so most locals skip it and park for free at places like Westgate or Sahara (though Westgate will likely charge because they’re not as cool as they used to be), then walk or take a quick rideshare to the South Hall.
The Monorail is another solid trick since you can often park free or cheap at a connected casino and ride straight into the Convention Center.
Bring a comfortable bankroll since prices range wildly from small gifts to big purchases like boots, tack, art, and furniture. A couple hundred covers casual shopping and food. A thousand plus is normal for boots or custom pieces.
Dress for walking, plan a rideshare pickup on Paradise or Convention Center Drive to avoid traffic traps, and give yourself at least two hours inside because the show is massive.
Notable People
These appearances vary by day, but Cowboy Christmas traditionally features:
• Top NFR qualifiers including world champions in saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, and tie-down roping
• Influential western lifestyle creators and brand ambassadors such as Dale Brisby, Fallon Taylor, Hailey Kinsel, and Stetson Wright
• Major sponsor talent including Wrangler, Resistol, and Ariat endorsed athletes
Appearance calendars are usually released closer to the event, but these are the names fans consistently line up for.
Major Sponsors
Key partners and exhibitors help anchor traffic and daily programming:
Wrangler, Ariat, Cinch, YETI, Resistol, Durango Boots, Coors Banquet, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Their booths regularly host meet and greets, product drops, and giveaways.
Cowboy Christmas Las Vegas
Before NFR arrived in 1985, December was one of the city’s slowest tourism months. Cowboy Christmas helps reverse that trend by driving high daytime attendance and encouraging visitors to explore the Strip, Downtown, and surrounding attractions. Retailers, restaurants, clubs, and casinos all benefit from a crowd that stays multiple days and spends heavily.
Things To Do Outside Cowboy Christmas
South Point Hotel, Casino and Arena
A major hub for rodeo fans with the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale, daily country themed events, and a full equestrian center.
southpointcasino.com
Silverton Casino and Bass Pro Shops
Old-0towny casino with a huge Bass Pro with western apparel, boots, outdoor gear, and an indoor shooting range. A natural stop if you are south of the Strip.
silvertoncasino.com
Fremont Street Experience
Packed during NFR, loud, energetic, and great for people watching. Expect music, bars, daiquiris, and big crowds.
vegasexperience.com
Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas
One of the busiest adult nightlife spots during NFR with heavy VIP traffic and late night crowds.
https://spearmintrhinolv.com/
The Neon Museum
A nostalgic, photogenic stop showcasing restored neon signs. Best enjoyed at night.
neonmuseum.org
The Mob Museum
Crime history, legendary artifacts, Prohibition stories, and a basement speakeasy.
themobmuseum.org
Oscar’s Steakhouse at The Plaza
Classic Vegas dining tied to mob lawyer Oscar Goodman. Big steaks and a view over Fremont.
plazahotelcasino.com
Cowboy Christmas anchors one of the biggest weeks of the year for Las Vegas, blending western culture with the city's signature nightlife, dining, and attractions. The combination of NFR performances, top rodeo personalities, sponsor activations, and citywide events makes early December one of the most energetic and profitable stretches on the calendar.
