The Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and Las Vegas has proven to be a top spot to spend the Thanksgiving holidays once again. Those who are not traveling to meet family are going to Vegas, and it's as popular as sunny places like Florida, California, New York, and Hawaii. Best of all, room rates remain low.

Southern Nevada is bustling with activity as Thanksgiving weekend follows closely on the heels of the high-octane Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Well-known for its dazzling entertainment, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas has emerged as a top Thanksgiving destination for travelers seeking a holiday escape.

Las Vegas among top travel hotspots

According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel a minimum of 50 miles during Thanksgiving week. While many journey to reunite with family and friends, others are choosing to celebrate the holiday in iconic destinations, with Las Vegas firmly securing its spot as a favorite.

AAA's 2024 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast highlights a shared theme among the most popular domestic travel locations: warm weather and abundant attractions. Alongside Las Vegas, cities like Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are attracting travelers for their sun-soaked climates and holiday offerings.

Hertz emphasizes Las Vegas's appeal, reporting high demand for vehicles in the city during the holiday period. The busiest car pickup day is anticipated to be the day prior to Thanksgiving, with peak return days falling on the Monday and Tuesday after the festivities.

Affordable accommodation options

Despite the strong travel demand, Las Vegas offers accommodation options to fit a range of budgets. Midweek rates for some of the Strip's most prominent resorts remain surprisingly reasonable, even with Thanksgiving approaching. For instance, for stays from Wednesday to Sunday, room rates start as low as $65 at Harrah's. Other budget-friendly options include the Excalibur at $71 and Luxor at $74. Mid-tier resorts like Resorts World and Park MGM are available for $105 and $111 per night, respectively.

Those seeking a more luxurious experience can consider properties like Wynn/Encore at $268, The Venetian at $326, and Bellagio at $221. Travelers are advised to account for resort fees, which can add $50 or more per night to their final bill.

Dining extravaganza on the Strip

Las Vegas is pulling out all the stops to ensure visitors enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving feast. Casino resorts are providing a wide variety of Thanksgiving dining specials ranging from extravagant buffets to curated prix-fixe menus. For example, at Caesars Palace, the Bacchanal Buffet offers an indulgent Thanksgiving spread for $95, while Carmine's provides a plated turkey dinner with seven sides for $50. For those dining at Bellagio, roasted turkey and traditional fixings are available for $58.

MGM Grand's Crush features a $39 special that includes turkey with sausage and bacon, mashed potatoes, root vegetable stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Meanwhile, Bouchon at The Venetian boasts a three-course meal with entree choices such as short ribs, scallops, or turkey, priced at $120.

La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn offers a $74 spread featuring turkey, sides, and a dessert selection that includes seasonal pies. Other notable offerings include Bugsy & Meyer's at Flamingo, serving a three-course meal for $100, and Barry's Downtown Prime, where a holiday prix-fixe meal is priced at $79.

Travel tips and timing

For those traveling by car to Southern Nevada, AAA recommends avoiding peak traffic hours between 1pm and 5pm on Wednesday. The best time to hit the road is in the morning to minimize delays. With millions of Americans expected to travel, early planning and strategic timing can make the journey smoother.

Whether visitors come to indulge in Las Vegas's renowned dining, enjoy the warm weather, or escape traditional family gatherings, the city is ready to deliver a Thanksgiving experience like no other. From affordable accommodations to culinary delights, Las Vegas continues to shine as a prime holiday destination.