A Las Vegas local shares how the city is handling holiday festivities during the pandemic
A city usually known for bright lights and booming nightlife is a lot quieter this holiday season due to COVID-19. Last year, according to Statistica, Las Vegas welcomed 43 million visitors. But this year, for the start of the holiday season in October, tourism occupancy was down to just under 2 million for the month.
With less tourism and a new convention and visitors bureau motto of "Stay Safe, Stay Open," you may be wondering what practices Las Vegas has implemented to keep its tourism-dependent economy open for business this holiday season.
Here's an overview of what safety measures you can expect in Las Vegas for the holidays.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
In November 2020, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced a statewide "pause" due to rapidly growing COVID-19 numbers and certain restrictions -- like a 25% cap on bar and restaurant capacity -- will be in effect until at least January 15. But, there are currently no restrictions for travelers entering the state of Nevada.
Related: 9 ways Las Vegas is different in the age of COVID-19
Lower capacity for key holiday attractions
For the holiday season and beyond, visitors can expect lower capacity at popular holiday attractions. Among the most popular are rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan, themed holiday pop-up bars, hotels and resorts on The Strip with fun holiday displays, the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and an "out-of-this-world" experience at the brand-new shopping and dining complex, AREA15, which is two miles off The Strip. At AREA15 you can "hang glide" indoors, attend an immersive sound-and-light show, watch an ax dual, strap into a flight simulator and more.
Open attractions are operating at 25% capacity and the best way to secure a spot is to book in advance if possible. Otherwise, many of the attractions are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Most can be booked either online or by phone, which allows the guest to choose a timeslot and visit when there are fewer people. Other no-fee attractions allow you to wait in a capacity-controlled line. Many hotels and resorts that host holiday-themed displays are operating in the same manner.
Related: 10 things no one tells you about Las Vegas
Lower capacity for dining and hotels
Dining and hotel capacity all over Las Vegas is limited to 25%. In addition, no more than four people may dine together at the same table, and guests must book a reservation for all restaurants.
In addition, amenities at many of the hotels have been limited to only accommodate activities and services that allow for mask-wearing and/or social distancing. Hotel casino floors are also at 25% capacity.
On the upside, guests will notice much stricter cleaning protocols by hotel staff and plexiglass shielding at casino tables, the concierge desk and other public areas. Many hotels and casinos have stations for temperature checks and thermal scanners upon entry and some are providing PPE kits at check-in that include hand sanitizer and masks for the safety of guests.
fewer shows
Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment. Unfortunately, there has been a pause in shows and entertainment since April. As of December 2020, shows have just started to reboot with limited seating.
While show openings are still very limited, Vegas.com is a great place to get reliable information about what shows are available for your visit. The same as any other Las Vegas attraction, the best practice is to call or book show tickets as early as possible to secure a spot.
behavior reminders and signage
With the increase of COVID-19 numbers and the implementation of health and safety protocols, there is an increased sense of responsibility for both locals and visitors that we did not see present in the city before.
Everyone is expected to wear face masks in all public areas unless eating or drinking while stationary.
Patrons are expected to remain six feet apart. Guests will frequently find floor markings and labels in public areas of hotels and attractions to help them maintain social distance.
Patrons are also expected to frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizer. There are reminder signs as well as hand sanitizing stations
Guests who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 are expected to adhere to the honor system and quarantine in isolation, as there are no current travel restrictions or test requirements for entering the state.
The good news is that there is still plenty to see and do while remaining socially distant in Las Vegas. Locals will tell that some of the best Las Vegas attractions are located both on and off The Strip.
Here are some top picks from a local's perspective that allow for social distancing.
- Linq High Roller: Take a ride on the world's tallest observation wheel at 550 feet tall. This ride allows modified spacing of groups in individual pods.
- Glittering lights at The Las Vegas Speedway: This North Las Vegas attraction allows you to view Christmas lights from inside your vehicle.
- Ice skating in Downtown Summerlin: This ice-skating attraction is lesser known than the rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan, which means fewer crowds. Also, it's an outdoor activity.
- Christmas shopping: The Las Vegas Premium Outlets North, Downtown Summerlin and The District at Green Valley ranch are all open-air.
- Cactus Garden at Ethel M. Chocolate Factory: View more than a 500,000 Christmas lights and holiday displays outside.
- Linq Promenade: Explore the Linq promenade holiday decorations and its live-music scene.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.