NFR Las Vegas, from a 24-year local: the dates, the free shopping, the watch parties and where to stay when the city trades its sequins for cowboy hats for 10 nights.
December 3–12, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center
Ten performances, one each night at 5:45 p.m. Free shopping at Cowboy Christmas every day. Book your room now, since NFR fills the city.
Going to the rodeo
- Plan your ride to the Thomas & Mack
- Use the free NFR Express shuttle
What NFR Week Feels Like in Las Vegas
Every December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo takes over Las Vegas for 10 nights, and the whole city changes. Rodeo isn’t really my thing, but I love this week anyway. Suddenly everyone on the Strip is in boots, big buckles and cowboy hats, and it’s genuinely fun to see. The city feels lively and different from any other time of year, friendly and full of people who are clearly having the trip of their year.
You don’t need a rodeo ticket to feel it, either. Between the free shopping at Cowboy Christmas and watch parties all over town, NFR week is one of the easiest big events to enjoy without spending a fortune.
NFR 2026 Dates and Schedule
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, December 12, 2026 |
| Performances | 10, one each night at 5:45 p.m. |
| Venue | Thomas & Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, on the UNLV campus |
| Cowboy Christmas | December 3–12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Las Vegas Convention Center South Halls, free |
NFR Tickets: Buy Official, and Buy Early
Tickets sell through the official NFR ticketing channels, and the best seats and multi-night packages go fast. Prices change by seat and by night, so check the official NFR site for this year’s prices instead of trusting a number you saw online. If you’re buying resale, stick to the official resale exchange so you know your ticket is real.
No ticket? No problem. Many fans skip the arena entirely and watch the live broadcast at a casino watch party instead, with drinks, dancing and the same crowd energy.
Cowboy Christmas: Free Western Shopping All Week
Cowboy Christmas is the official NFR gift show, and it’s free. It fills Levels 1 and 2 of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Halls from December 3 to 12, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Think boots, hats, leather, jewelry, western art and home decor from hundreds of vendors, plus live entertainment.
The easiest way there is the Las Vegas Monorail, which has its own Convention Center station. Our convention center parking guide covers the lots, and our Monorail guide lists the hotels at every stop.
NFR Watch Parties: The Rodeo Without the Ticket
Casinos all over town host NFR watch parties every night, showing the live rodeo on big screens, often with live country music and dancing afterward. Many are free. Venues change from year to year, so check the official NFR Experience schedule before you go.
Getting to the Thomas & Mack Center
The Thomas & Mack Center sits on the UNLV campus, east of the Strip. You can drive and park, take a rideshare or ride the free NFR Express shuttle. There’s no tailgating. For lots, shuttle stops and game-night timing, see our full Thomas & Mack Center parking guide.
Local tip: Every performance starts at 5:45 p.m., right in the middle of rush hour. Leave earlier than you think you need to, especially on the weekend nights.
Where to Stay for NFR Las Vegas
NFR fills the city for 10 nights, so book as early as you can. A few smart picks:
Near the convention center: Westgate Las Vegas is next door to the convention center, with its own Monorail station, so Cowboy Christmas is a short walk.
Center Strip on the Monorail: Horseshoe and Flamingo both sit near Monorail stations, one ride from the convention center. I’ve stayed at both. Our Flamingo vs Horseshoe comparison breaks down which fits your trip.
South Strip: Park MGM is smoke-free, which a lot of guests appreciate after a night in a packed arena.
Book Your NFR Trip
Rooms near the Monorail and the convention center go first during NFR week.
What to Wear to NFR
Wear the boots. Wear the hat. Honestly, the outfits are half the fun of NFR week, and you’ll fit right in. Just layer up: December nights in Las Vegas get cold, and you’ll be walking between the parking lot, the arena and the casino.
NFR Las Vegas FAQ
When is NFR 2026 in Las Vegas?
The 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo runs December 3 to 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center, with 10 performances, one each night at 5:45 p.m.
Where is the NFR held?
At the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, east of the Strip.
Is Cowboy Christmas free?
Yes. Cowboy Christmas, the official NFR gift show, is free and open to the public December 3 to 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, in the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. You don’t need a rodeo ticket.
Can I watch the NFR without a ticket?
Yes. Casinos around town host NFR watch parties each night, and many are free. Check the official NFR Experience schedule for this year’s venues.
Where should I stay for NFR?
Book early, since NFR fills the city for 10 nights. Staying near a Monorail station makes it easy to reach Cowboy Christmas at the convention center, and the free NFR Express shuttle runs from select hotels to the Thomas & Mack.