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
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.