Welcome to the first monthly guide of 2025. You may still be recovering from New Year’s Eve, but it’s important to get the new year off on the right foot. While January is relatively quiet by Vegas standards, it’s still packed with cool things to do and new places to check out 👍
🧘 Live Your Best Life, Be Your Best Self
New year, new you. January traditionally brings New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, prioritize health and get into better shape. Maybe you’ll go vegan, switch to mocktails, or kick that smoking habit? Take time for yourself with a wellness session inside an art gallery, meditation at a winery, yoga in a library, or a sound bath that defies gravity.
😋 New Restaurants
There’s a sudden rush of new high-profile restaurants hitting Vegas in time for the new year.
- Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons
- A series of openings at the suddenly-cool-again Flamingo: Pinky’s by Vanderpump, the second Gordon Ramsay Burger in Vegas, and Havana 1957, a Cuban cafe by way of Miami Beach with the adjacent Cortadito Coffee House for a quick caffeine fix.
- Caspian’s Cocktails and Caviar in the old Cleopatra’s Barge space in Caesars Palace.
- Caramella for throwback vibes and upscale Italian cuisine at Planet Hollywood.
- Gjelina, mixing SoCal spirit, sustainability, and global flavors, at the Venetian.
- Petite Boheme, the first phase of James Trees’ latest Arts District concept, focusing on art and cocktails with French bites.
👀 Eye-Opening Trade Shows
Convention season gets off to a strong start with the Consumer Electronics Show — a preview of the futuristic tech that promises to change how we live. It’s an industry-only affair, but City Cast Las Vegas promises to file a report during an upcoming episode — including how the Sphere factors in this year 🤯 The AVN Expo is a trade show on the saucy side, showcasing the best in adult entertainment. The annual event is one of those only-in-Vegas things, capping off with the annual AVN Awards. Think of it as the Oscars of adult entertainment. And unlike CES, the general public is invited.
🔥❄️ Fire and Ice Winter Festival
Hit the road and head north to Ely for the Fire and Ice Winter Festival Jan. 17-19. The annual celebration of art and entertainment includes ice sculptures, live music, mural walks, sports competitions, and museum tours that showcase the Old West identity of the city. The festival also hosts the only fireworks display in the world that shoots off a moving train.
- In between all that fun, see what the great outdoors is all about in Ely. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
🎈 Big Balloon Shows
Okay, here’s another excuse for a road trip. Two, actually. The Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair unfolds over four days (Jan. 9 - 12) along the water in Lake Havasu City with dozens of hot air balloons soaring above the London Bridge and Bridgewater Channel. Just two weeks later, Mesquite throws its own three-day hot air balloon festival. Flights at the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival (Jan. 24 - 26) take off outside the Casablanca resort with a “Balloon Glow” showcase after dark.
🎉 King Week Parade
Las Vegas celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a holiday parade through Downtown. Floats, marching bands, dancers, and other performers will gather at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20 near 4th Street and Hoover Avenue to honor the civil rights icon.
🎥 Jewish Nevada Film Festival
The Jewish Nevada Film Festival continues to grow every year, now running from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 across three different movie theaters. A total of 15 films will be screened with a heavy focus on documentaries. Each one is $15 to view or you can opt for a $136 pass for all showings.
- There’s more! City Cast Las Vegas co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman welcome longtime contributor Vogue Robinson to discuss their top picks for January fun in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
