LAS VEGAS — As 2025 winds down, Las Vegas remains one of the busiest entertainment capitals in the world. With visitors arriving for holiday travel, end-of-year concerts, and last-minute residencies, venues across the Strip are reporting some of their strongest fourth-quarter numbers in recent years. At the same time, resorts are preparing for 2026 with new production announcements, refreshed staging, and expanded residency calendars.

This late-2025 guide outlines what’s running now, what’s ending soon, and what audiences can expect moving into the new year.

For additional coverage, see the Las Vegas Entertainment News hub.

Major Shows Still Running in Late 2025

The final weeks of the year typically bring a mix of holiday productions, extended residencies, and limited-run appearances. In 2025, demand remains strong as both locals and visitors seek end-of-year performances.

Active Residencies Through December

Several major performers continue multi-date runs through the end of 2025, with some artists already announcing January and February 2026 extensions due to high ticket demand.

Seasonal and Holiday Shows

The Smith Center, select Strip theaters, and certain resort venues are offering holiday musicals, orchestral performances, comedy acts, and family-friendly programs through New Year’s Eve. These shows tend to sell out early.

What Is Already Planned for 2026

Hotel operators across the Strip expect a strong start to 2026. Several residency announcements are pending, with Resorts World, the Sphere, and Dolby Live positioned to introduce the largest production changes.

Early confirmations and entertainment industry guidance suggest continued interest in immersive, technology-driven shows, expanded sound-stage offerings, and upgraded concert visuals across multiple venues.

Cirque du Soleil: Year-End Strength and 2026 Changes

Cirque du Soleil continues to be one of the strongest performers in Las Vegas, with multiple shows maintaining consistent attendance throughout the year.

Current Cirque Shows Running in Late 2025

• O at Bellagio
• KÀ at MGM Grand
• Mystère at Treasure Island
• Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay

These productions remain among the most popular attractions on the Strip.

Anticipated Updates for Early 2026

Sources indicate that Cirque may introduce creative revisions to select shows in the coming year, including new choreography, wardrobe enhancements, and expanded performance blocks.

A full Cirque-specific guide (A3) can be linked once published.

Concerts and Limited Engagements

Las Vegas remains a high-demand market for single-night concerts and touring headliners. T-Mobile Arena, Dolby Live, Resorts World Theatre, and the Colosseum often host major events during December, particularly leading into New Year’s Eve.

DJs, electronic artists, and club performers also remain active at venues including Omnia, XS, Zouk, and Hakkasan, with New Year’s week drawing some of the highest attendance of the year.

Key Las Vegas Show Venues in Late 2025

A number of premier venues continue to anchor the city’s entertainment lineup during the holiday season.

The Sphere

Known for its immersive visuals and large-format LED environment. The venue is expected to announce 2026 residencies shortly.

Resorts World Theatre

A preferred space for modern residencies with strong acoustics and advanced stage design.

Dolby Live at Park MGM

Hosts several major residencies and smaller concerts, featuring strong sound engineering and premium seating layouts.

Smith Center for the Performing Arts

A reliable location for touring Broadway productions, holiday performances, and family-oriented shows.

Finding the Best Ticket Prices in Late 2025

With December being one of the busiest months in Las Vegas, ticket prices are at their seasonal peak. However, certain strategies still help reduce costs.

Tips for Late-2025 Savings

• Avoid December 23 through January 1, when prices are highest.
• Choose Monday through Thursday for lower demand and softer pricing.
• Check resale platforms on the day of the show for potential price drops.
• Book January 2026 dates if flexibility allows; early January historically offers some of the lowest prices of the year.
• Look for resort-direct promotions that bundle hotel rooms with tickets.

Best Seating Options by Venue

• Sphere: The middle-level balcony generally offers the best balance between immersive visuals and comfort.
• Dolby Live: Center seating provides the cleanest sound projection.
• Resorts World Theatre: Lower balcony sections are considered optimal for performance visibility and acoustics.
• T-Mobile Arena: Lower-bowl seats are the most cost-effective for large concerts.

Planning Around Late-2025 and Early-2026 Crowd Patterns

Late December brings the highest visitation of the year, especially during the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Travelers planning ahead for 2026 can benefit from choosing specific windows to reduce crowding and cost.

Lowest-Cost 2026 Windows

• January 8 to February 12
• Early March
• Late April
• Early September

Highest-Demand Periods

• December 23 to January 1
• CES Week
• Super Bowl LVIX Weekend
• Spring Break Season

Visitor Tips for December Travel

• Arrive early to Strip venues due to increased holiday traffic.
• Review bag policies; many venues do not allow large purses or backpacks.
• Dress warmly for nighttime temperatures.
• Expect rideshare surcharges near major venues during peak times.

Las Vegas Entertainment links

Curated useful links on Las Vegas entertainment, show and concerts in Las Vegas.

• Las Vegas Entertainment News Hub
• Las Vegas Residencies Guide
• Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas
• Cheap Las Vegas Shows Under $50
• Las Vegas Concerts and Festivals
• Las Vegas Nightlife Guide
• Las Vegas Events and Things to Do Guide