For those seeking the latest and greatest in Cowboy Christmas gifts, this is the ultimate destination. The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the sole official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, has been a cherished Las Vegas tradition since 1986. Spanning over 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, this event hosts over 350 exhibitors hailing from every corner of the United States.
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas
- December 7 – 16, 2023
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- South Halls – Levels 1 & 2
- Las Vegas, NV 89109
- FREE ADMISSION
- December 7 – 16; Open Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique products, from bespoke jewelry and western attire to finely crafted boots, spurs, handcrafted furniture, original artworks, and delightful handmade crafts and home goods. Elevating the experience are interactive attractions like the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage and the thrilling YETI Junior World Finals.
Don’t miss your chance to find the perfect gift for family and friends, as well as the surprise appearances and autograph sessions with your favorite cowboy stars!
- Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon: Every exceptional “rodeo” experience deserves a saloon, and the Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon perfectly fits the bill. Situated near the eastern end of Cowboy Christmas, this lively spot offers specialty drinks served in souvenir collectible cups. Plus, enjoy video screens replaying the previous night’s thrilling Wrangler NFR performance. Its strategic proximity to the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ensures you’ll be right in the heart of the action.
- Ariat Rodeo Live Stage: This year, the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage has undergone a comprehensive transformation. The daily program kicks off with The RMEF Calcutta, followed by “Outside the Barrel,” hosted by the charismatic Flint Rasmussen, and Cowboy Revival, hosted by Shane Minor. The Cowboy Channel NFR Tailgate Party keeps the energy soaring as you gear up for each exhilarating Wrangler NFR performance, featuring a 2+ hour high-energy show.
- Bites & Brews presented by Total Feeds: Indulge your taste buds with the all-new vendors at this year’s Bites & Brews. Located on the second floor of the Convention Center, adjacent to Santa, you’re guaranteed to discover delectable delights while enjoying a live feed of all the action from the YETI Junior World Finals.
- Wrangler NFR After Dark: Experience a larger-than-life NFR After Dark, much like the bustling Las Vegas Strip! Explore this interactive space and discover how it can guide you to the top entertainers, restaurants, viewing parties, and other NFR Experience activities taking place at each of our host hotel properties throughout the entire 10-day Wrangler NFR extravaganza.
- Wrangler Rodeo Arena: Witness the future of rodeo in action at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, where emerging talents compete for the coveted Montana Silversmiths Championship Buckle and a staggering $1 million in cash and prizes during the YETI Junior World Finals. Offering both general admission and VIP seating for over 1,000 fans, this arena is located on the second floor of the South Hall, right in the heart of the RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo.
- Junior World Finals presented by YETI: Las Vegas hosts the Junior World Finals presented by YETI for the fourth consecutive year, previously known as the Junior NFR. This thrilling event features qualifiers and finals in nine events, each catering to various age groups, showcasing the remarkable talent of young rodeo stars.
Everything you need to know about Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas
What to Get A Cowboy (or Cowgirl!) for Christmas
- A big ol’ steel tow chain
- Bubba Rope
- Carharrt Coat
- Deerskin Work Gloves
- Muck Boots
- Cowgirl Swank Custom Caps
- Resistol felt hat
- A good, solid pocket knife
Cowboy Christmas Songs
- Geronimo’s Cadillac (1972)
- Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir (1973)
- Michael Murphey (1973)
- Blue Sky – Night Thunder (1975)
- Swans Against the Sun (1976)
- Flowing Free Forever (1976)
- Lone Wolf (1978)
- Peaks, Valleys, Honky Tonks & Alleys (1979)
Clear Bag Policy
To enhance safety and efficiency, we have implemented a clear bag policy for the comfort of all our fans. You are welcome to bring one (1) clear bag, provided it does not exceed the dimensions of 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or alternatively, a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. Each fan is limited to one clear bag per person. Additionally, you may carry a small clutch bag for privacy, as long as it does not exceed the dimensions of 4.5″ x 6.5″.
Todd and Sheila Thorp, hailing from Leawood, Kansas, decided to take a break, enjoy an adult beverage, and find a comfortable spot during their first visit to Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“It’s overwhelming,” remarked Todd, with Sheila echoing his sentiment: “You really need to be here for all 10 days.”
Indeed, this 32nd edition of the event features nearly 350 vendors showcasing their products across a sprawling 444,000 square feet of space, equivalent to approximately seven and a half football fields, within the LVCC’s South Halls. Opening day brought a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude, as attendees could be heard making comments such as:
“This place seems to go on forever.”
“There’s so much to take in, it’s incredible.”
And of course, the familiar refrain: “We haven’t even covered a fraction of it yet.”
What makes it even better, as the Thorps pointed out, is that entry is free, although a $10 parking fee applies.
Cowboy Christmas, an event running through Saturday, might just be the best entertainment value in town at the moment. It’s a vibrant spectacle of colors and dazzle, often bustling with activity, and it attracts a diverse crowd of around 230,000 attendees, spanning from babies in strollers to seasoned folks leaning on canes.
While you’ll encounter plenty of city dwellers, you’ll also find a hearty contingent of cowboys and cowgirls. There are rodeo stars graciously signing autographs, dads shouldering their sons’ saddles with ease, and conversations overheard, like the intriguing one about barrel racing.
While the holiday spirit is undeniably present with festive displays, decorations, and the sweet strains of country singers’ carols over the speakers, it’s important to note that this show leans more towards cowboys than Christmas. Even if you’re not shopping, there’s an abundance to take in. However, if you are shopping, and your heart belongs to the cowboy lifestyle, you’ll likely find everything you desire right here. Consider:
An array of horse accessories, from bridles and bits to tools, vibrant custom-tailored blankets complete with matching fly masks, waterers, slow feed hay nets, flexible rein keepers, saddles ranging from simple to intricately tooled leather or adorned with silver trim and crystals, Impact Gel saddle pads, leather straps featuring bronze bells in various sizes, elaborate bell boots for hoof protection (including glittery options), steel corral components, and an assortment of feed and medical supplies.
Cowboy Christmas truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned rodeo enthusiast or just looking for a taste of the cowboy way of life.
Whether you’re dressing a cowboy or cowgirl, the options here are endless. You’ll find a vast selection of boots in every imaginable color, even daring ones like purple and teal, in various sizes. There are cowboy hats aplenty, along with custom hat-making shops, hat-steaming stations, and travel-friendly hat cases. Explore handbags, including concealed-carry options, a dazzling array of jewelry, and clothing that spans from casual T-shirts to finely tailored leather attire. Don’t forget to check out oilskin dusters, scarves, belts, holsters, work gloves, spurs, fox tails, and a wealth of materials for Christian ropers and barrel racers. For the ultimate cowboy accessory, consider a camo or purple beer belt capable of holding an entire six-pack.
For those looking to outfit a ranch, whether it’s a suburban home or a sprawling Texas spread, Cowboy Christmas has you covered. Discover everything you need for a cowboy-themed Christmas tree, from ornaments to denim or bandanna-print garlands. Add a touch of elegance with accents like a hand-pieced cowhide tree skirt. Explore a range of tooled leather furniture and accessories, including chairs, ottomans, stools, benches, buckets, and wall hangings. Admire Nevada wild-horse photography, Western-themed artwork, paintings, and posters. You can even find bronze statuary, including an impressive $65,000 stag. Explore exercise machines, pendulum swings with canopies, barrel smokers, humidifiers (a desert essential), tableware, kitchen tools with ornate Western-style embossed handles, rugs of all sizes, delectable Tennessee Moonshine cakes, jams, honey, and hot sauce. Add a rustic touch with large metal ranch signs and amusing indoor signs that proclaim fun phrases like “Live every day like it’s Taco Tuesday” or “Shopping with your husband is like hunting with the game warden.” You’ll even find DIY kits to craft your own bourbon, whiskey, Scotch, or rum. And let’s not forget vintage coin-operated horse rides, reminiscent of those outside every corner grocery store. There are also roping dummies in action, giving kids a chance to test their skills. And for collectors, there are NFR 60th anniversary commemorative firearms.
Maureen Frank from Parker, Colorado, sporting her regulation NFR jacket, shared that she’s attended this annual event 15 to 20 times, mainly because her favorite jeweler, Ornaments, is an exhibitor.
Veronica Ambriz, co-owner of Ambriz Jewelry in Fredericksburg, Texas, alongside her husband, Adolfo, has been a regular attendee since 2000, showcasing their silver, leather, and wood creations. She mentioned that the show is like a mosaic of mini-cultures, often distinguishable by their attire. Stetson-wearing folks are likely from Texas or the Southwest, while those from Montana prefer rounded hats and silk scarves—differences dictated by the climate. As Ambriz aptly put it, “We love the show. Where else can you find such a diverse gathering of cowboys from all corners of the United States? Each state has its unique culture, but together, it forms one rich cowboy tapestry.”