6 Festive Day Trips from the Strip This December | GoCar Tours
Las Vegas is known for its neon lights, epic shows, and round-the-clock energy. But step just outside the Strip this December and you’ll find a festive mix of desert landscapes, holiday lights, and small-town charm—all perfect for a quick half-day adventure. With GoCar, you can explore these spots on your own terms: no tour buses, no parking stress, just you, your friends, and the open road.
Here are 6 festive day trips worth adding to your Vegas holiday itinerary:
- Red Rock Canyon Winter Hikes
???? ~30 minutes from the Strip
Trade neon lights for fiery sandstone cliffs. In December, the desert cools to perfect hiking temps, making the 13-mile Scenic Loop Drive an easy escape. Short trails like Calico Tanks or Ice Box Canyon glow with winter light—and you might even catch dustings of snow on the peaks.
GoCar Tip: Arrive early to enjoy golden-hour views and fewer crowds.
2. Hoover Dam Lookouts & Lights
???? ~45 minutes from Vegas
The Hoover Dam is awe-inspiring year-round, but December brings crisp skies and stunning light shows from nearby Boulder City. Pair your dam visit with an evening drive through their holiday displays for a festive twist on a classic Vegas road trip.
GoCar Tip: Stop at the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for epic photo ops.
3. Boulder City Holiday Train
???? ~40 minutes from Vegas
Boulder City transforms into a holiday hub in December. Families love the Nevada Southern Railway’s Holiday Express Train, complete with festive decorations and hot cocoa. Combine it with a stroll through historic downtown for small-town cheer.
GoCar Tip: Book train tickets ahead—they sell out fast.
4. Fremont Street Holiday Light Shows
???? ~15 minutes from the Strip
Closer to home, Fremont Street puts on nightly light shows under its massive LED canopy. In December, the themes turn festive, with music, neon snowflakes, and seasonal street performers. It’s the kind of over-the-top holiday magic only Vegas can deliver.
GoCar Tip: Time your visit after sunset for the best effect.
5. Seven Magic Mountains Photo Ops
???? ~25 minutes from the Strip
Those neon-painted boulders in the desert? They pop even brighter against crisp winter skies. December is ideal for photos here—cool weather, fewer crowds, and soft lighting perfect for Instagrammable shots.
GoCar Tip: Go early morning for clear skies and quiet moments.
6. Local Holiday Markets
???? Various Locations
From Downtown Container Park to artisan pop-ups in Arts District, December is packed with seasonal markets. Think handmade crafts, warm drinks, and live music. These are great spots to snag unique holiday gifts and soak in a different side of Vegas.
GoCar Tip: Use your GoCar to hop between markets and nearby murals in the Arts District.
Your Holiday Adventure, Upgraded
Vegas doesn’t slow down in December—it just gets more festive. With a GoCar, you can break free from the Strip and build your own holiday adventure, whether
that means desert trails, twinkling lights, or small-town charm.
✨ Book your GoCar ride today and make this holiday season one to remember.