Las Vegas is not just about music and entertainment; it’s also home to the annual Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.
This Christmas attraction features millions of lights, a variety of rides, and diverse food choices. All the proceeds support programs for people with disabilities.
In this guide, you’ll find all the essential details, like unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening hours, and what to expect.
Christmas in Las Vegas merges the city’s glitz with the season’s spirit. Supporting charity events like the one at Opportunity Village enlivens your holiday experience and contributes positively to local communities.
Opportunity Village Christmas 2024
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village features sparkling lights and decorations and provides a variety of activities for all ages.
You can enjoy theme park rides, an escape room, midway games, and even a visit with Santa for a photo op.
Uniquely, every dollar you spend here directly benefits programs for over 3,000 people with disabilities at Opportunity Village.
Dates and Location
Opportunity Village Christmas dates: 23rd to 25th, 29th and 30th November. 1st and 2nd, 6th to 9th and 13th to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Opportunity Village, 6300 West Oakey Boulevard, Las Vegas.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 5:30pm to 9pm. Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Starting at $22.
Santa: Yes.
Rides: Carousel, Avalanche Slide, Forest Express Passenger Train, Mini Golf.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Millions of lights, charity impact, diverse activities, Santa visits, 31st season.
Specialities: Hot cocoa from Frostbites, food trucks, diverse holiday treats, seasonal beverages.
Where to stay: Club Wyndham is a popular hotel, a short drive from Opportunity Village.
Hotels near Opportunity Village
To be near Opportunity Village for their Christmas event, staying in the West Las Vegas area is a practical choice. The location provides straightforward access to the venue and is a reasonable distance from the Las Vegas Strip.
For proximity and comfort, I recommend Club Wyndham Desert Blue, well-situated for both the event and other city attractions.
For more information on where to go these holidays, read my guide to the best Holiday markets in the US.
Village Location Map
Christmas at the Magical Forest
Local Specialties
Frostbites Hot Cocoa: You’ll find Frostbites serving up hot cocoa that not only warms your hands but also your heart. The proceeds go directly to Opportunity Village’s programmes, allowing you to enjoy your drink with a side of goodwill. It’s a simple, classic hot chocolate, but knowing your purchase makes a difference adds an extra layer of satisfaction.
Santa’s Sandwiches: A truck called Santa’s Sandwiches offers a variety of sandwiches using local ingredients. One of the popular choices includes a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich. It’s as close to a holiday dinner in a bun as you can get, and you’ll appreciate the twist on traditional Christmas flavours.
Nevada Nibbles: Here, you’ll find finger foods with a distinctly Nevadan flair. Think along the lines of jalapeño poppers and other bite-sized delights that incorporate local produce and spices. The truck itself supports local farmers, creating a delicious cycle of community support.
Reindeer Refreshments: This truck specialises in non-alcoholic beverages, including sparkling apple ciders and fruity mocktails. These drinks come in holiday-themed cups, which you can keep as a memento of your visit. Each cup has the Opportunity Village logo, reminding you of the cause you’re supporting.
GingerSnack Bakery: GingerSnack Bakery is the place to be for those with a sweet tooth. They specialize in gingerbread cookies baked to perfection using a traditional recipe. The cookies make for excellent gifts and are often bought in batches because one is seldom enough.
Snowflake Slushies: In a nod to the desert climate, Snowflake Slushies gives you the chance to enjoy a cold treat. They offer a range of flavoured slushies that provide a quick, refreshing break from wandering around the stalls and attractions. A small percentage goes to Opportunity Village for every slushie sold, making it a treat you can feel good about.
Candy Cane Coffee Cart: Espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos come with a hint of peppermint when you order from this special cart. You’ll enjoy the subtle notes of candy cane in every sip, giving classic coffee drinks a seasonal twist. The cart uses coffee beans sourced from local roasters, so you’re supporting more than just one good cause with your purchase.
Holiday Hummus Stand: This unique stand serves a variety of hummus flavours that you might not find elsewhere. From pumpkin-spiced to cranberry-infused, the options bring a holiday twist to a classic snack. Paired with locally-made pita chips, it’s a healthy and delicious option to balance out the other holiday indulgences.
Consider using Visit Las Vegas to help plan your visit to the city; it features the latest listings of events and a plethora of suggestions for things to do, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Sustainability Ideas
Reducing Food Waste: When sampling the many culinary delights at the Christmas event, remember only to purchase what you can consume. This helps to minimise food waste, a significant issue at large events. Many stalls serve smaller portions upon request, making it easier to try a variety without wasting food.
Ethical Consumption: It’s easy to get carried away with the variety of gift products available at the shops, especially at a charity event. However, conscious consumerism involves buying only what you need or will genuinely use. This approach saves resources and supports the vendors who put effort into their craft.
Sustainable Diets: Alongside traditional festive treats, the Christmas market in Opportunity Village also provides several plant-based options. Occasionally, choosing these options will support a more sustainable food industry.
If you would like to leave a review of Opportunity Village Xmas, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Opportunity Village, Las Vegas. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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