From dawn to last call, here’s how the insiders ride out 10 days in Las Vegas.
Every December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo takes center stage in Las Vegas, Nevada, attracting hundreds of thousands of cowboys to experience endless rodeo action. The NFR moved to Las Vegas in 1985, making the Thomas and Mack Center its home arena. Aside from a one-year relocation to Texas in 2020, the rodeo has remained in Las Vegas ever since, celebrating 40 years in the city. With so many events to attend, it can feel overwhelming to plan a trip that covers all the bases, so we’ve called in the experts. Gathering tips from NFR veterans, we’re laying out the tried-and-true spots to stay, eat, shop and more. With their tips in hand, you’ll be ready to navigate the city and make the most of your NFR experience.
MORNING:
Coffee and Cowboy Christmas
By sunrise, the hotel coffee shops are buzzing with cowboys, cowgirls and fans alike, vying for a caffeine fix to start the day. Inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, Cowboy Christmas is waking up, too. Rows and rows of booths stretch across two levels, packed full with everything from turquoise jewelry to Western clothing, tack and more. For many rodeo fans, this is where the day begins. Don’t forget your wallets on your Vegas trip — the Western gift shows are your one-stop shop for unique gifts and gear you’ll want to take home.
Veteran attendees know the trick to shopping is timing.
“Cowboy Christmas has everything you could want to buy in the Western industry, and it’s hard to narrow down where to look,” says Katy Berg of The Cowboy Channel. “Instead of telling you which booth to check out, I’ll give you this tip: get up early and shop in the mornings. Everyone and their dog is at Cowboy Christmas after lunchtime, so shop early if you want to avoid the crowd.”
If shopping is not your forte, and you would prefer to check out rodeo action outside the Thomas and Mack, don’t miss your chance to see other Western events around Las Vegas.
The World Series of Team Roping keeps South Point buzzing December 5-14, drawing thousands of ropers competing for millions in prize money.
To catch the younger generation, visit the Junior National Finals Rodeo, held December 4-14 at the Wrangler Arena in the Platinum Lot, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center in downtown Las Vegas. The event showcases the next generation of rodeo, giving young athletes their chance to shine.
Where To Shop
AFTERNOON:
Recharge Between Round
By midday, Las Vegas slows down enough for cowboys and visitors to catch their breath. Tourists check into hotels and plan outfits for an evening of rodeo action or a night out on the town.
Choosing a hotel is a strategic decision — do you want to be near the arena, close to events, or within easy reach of concerts and restaurants?
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association breakaway roper Josie Williams shares her insider tips.
“My favorite place to stay is the South Point,” Williams says. “However, if you’d rather stay downtown, the Golden Nugget has a great viewing room for the rodeo. If you’re looking for action, I love Mandalay Bay. If you prefer something a little quieter, The Virgin Hotel and Casino is another one of my favorite places to stay.”
If you’re looking for a slower pace to kick your feet up between performances, consider an Airbnb rental.
“As a media professional during the NFR, I tend to plan my Vegas trip a little differently,” Western Horseman editor Kristen Schurr says. “Last year, I flew Allegiant direct, booked an Airbnb and used services like BabyQuip and DoorDash. Having groceries delivered saved money and kept our sanity while traveling with a 7-month-old.”
Meals out in Vegas are just as strategic as finding lodging. Some cowboys, like bulldogger Bridger Anderson, get their fine dining in before the chaos of NFR begins.
“My favorite place to eat in Vegas is Piero’s Italian Cuisine,” Anderson says. “We try to go before the week starts because once the rodeo begins, it’s hard to find time for a good meal.”
Where To Eat
EVENING:
Big Screens and Buckle Dreams
When it comes to the NFR, all of Las Vegas is invested, which translates to great watch parties, drink specials and events all over The Strip and beyond. Fans hoping to watch the NFR in person can purchase tickets directly through the official websites. Be sure to look early, as seats sell out quickly each year.
For those who don’t need a reserved seat, the popular NFR Access ONLY ticket offers a flexible way to experience the atmosphere at the Thomas and Mack Center. Priced at around $75, it grants entry to the concourse-level fan zones, including Cowboy Corral, The Cowboy Channel Bar, Bull ‘N Barrel Saloon and the ProRodeo Zone, where big screens keep the action front and center. While you won’t have an assigned seat inside the arena, the Access ONLY option is perfect for fans who want to mingle, catch interviews, shop for merch and soak up the electric rodeo vibe.
At the South Point Hotel and Casino, fans can settle into the Grand Ballroom to catch each round on the big screen. Over at Gilley’s Saloon at Treasure Island, you’ll find a lively, family-friendly atmosphere until 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the Palms Casino Resort delivers its own rodeo flavor with free parking, nightly giveaways and entertainment.
And if you want to make the most of it all, heed the advice of longtime rodeo journalist Kendra Santos.
“If you’re headed to the rodeo, I highly recommend hopping on the NFR shuttles that run to and from so many hotels around town. I can’t stand to leave the rodeo before the last bull bucks, and that’s the best way to avoid the Thomas and Mack traffic in both directions,” Santos says.
Where To Watch
LATE NIGHT:
Rodeo Nights, Vegas Lights
After the last bull bucks, it’s time to hit the town with friends. If you don’t have plans for the night, consider jumping on the shuttle bus or catching an Uber to the South Point Hotel and Casino for the Gold Buckle Presentation.
“Don’t miss the Montana Silversmiths Go-Round Buckle presentations at the South Point,” Judy Wagner of Montana Silversmiths says. “Fans and friends can meet the champions of each go-round, their families and hear the rest of the story about their rides and runs.”
Seats fill fast, so head straight from the arena if you want to be close to the stage.
Don’t forget, the desert air hits harder after a long night out. PRCA photographer Click Thompson swears by bringing a humidifier. “The moment you hit the Strip, your body is under attack,” Thompson says. “The more moisture you can keep in your system, the better time you’re going to have — I can guarantee it.”
While you’re at the South Point, take a photo with the iconic bronze Benny Binion statue, the load up for a quick drive down the road to the Silverton Hotel and Casino. Although the mermaid swim wrap up by 8 p.m., the Mermaid Lounge stays lively with late-night cocktails and occasional live music or DJs. Starting at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and running through 7 a.m., Sundance Grill serves its $10.99 steak-and-eggs special along with other comfort food favorites — a perfect stop after the rodeo or a late night on the casino floor.
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This article was originally published in the November 2025 issue of Western Horseman.
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