Las Vegas NFR Trip

A Memorable Las Vegas Trip During the National Finals Rodeo

Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is electric—a perfect blend of cowboy culture, holiday magic, and vibrant Vegas energy. From luxurious stays at the Bellagio to savoring fine dining and closing down saloons to live music, our five-day adventure was nothing short of unforgettable. If you’re planning a similar trip, buckle up! Here’s a detailed look at our experience, complete with tips, highlights, and memories.

Day 1: Arrival and First Taste of Vegas

The journey began with a sense of excitement buzzing in the air. As we stepped into the Delta Lounge at Austin Airport, I could already feel the anticipation building. A smooth Old Fashioned in hand, we toasted to the adventures that awaited us. Flying into Las Vegas is always a thrill, but this time, knowing the NFR was in town, the city’s energy felt even more alive.

Check-In at the Bellagio

Arriving at the Bellagio was like stepping into a dream. The iconic fountains greeted us as we pulled up, and soon we were settling into our King Resort Tower room. The space felt like a haven—luxurious yet cozy, with stunning views of the Strip to remind us we were in the heart of it all.

First Evening Adventures

After freshening up, we decided to dive straight into the Vegas experience:

Gambling Fun: The slot machines were calling, and though we didn’t hit the jackpot, the thrill of watching those spinning reels was irresistible.
Dinner at Harvest: The real highlight of the evening was dinner. Sitting across from my husband at Harvest, sharing plates of salt and pepper shrimp and creamy carbonara, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. The food was divine, the ambiance warm and inviting, and the Old Fashioned we ordered—perfection.

Day 2: Football, Food, and Celebrations

The next morning, we woke up to the promise of another unforgettable day. Breakfast at Saddle’s Cafe was the perfect start—a Bloody Mary for me, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit that tasted like a little piece of heaven. My husband’s omelet and hash browns disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived.

Bellagio’s Christmas Conservatory

Wandering through the Bellagio’s Christmas Conservatory felt like stepping into a storybook. The oversized ornaments, glittering lights, and festive displays were pure holiday magic. It was impossible not to feel the spirit of the season.

Football and Celebratory Dinner

UT vs. Georgia at Caesars Palace: By mid-afternoon, we found ourselves at Caesars Palace, surrounded by cheering fans as we watched the game. The camaraderie and energy were infectious, even as we nervously watched the scores climb.
Birthday Dinner at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: That evening, we celebrated a birthday in style. The meal at Joe’s was a feast fit for royalty. From the briny perfection of oysters to the crispy onion straws and buttery stone crab, every bite was a delight. Sharing stories and laughter over dinner reminded me that these moments—surrounded by loved ones—are what trips like this are all about.

Day 3: Rodeo, Slots, and Live Music

By December 8th, we had settled into the rhythm of Vegas. After a morning exploring, we headed to New York-New York Casino for lunch at Tom’s Watch Bar. The combination of prime rib sandwiches and wall-to-wall football screens was a match made in heaven.

Gambling and Drinks

After lunch, we couldn’t resist the slots at New York-New York. The Bar at Times Square, with its lively piano tunes, kept us entertained as we soaked in the Vegas vibes.

Evening at Resorts World – Dawg House Saloon

The main event of the day was the Rodeo viewing party at Dawg House Saloon in Resorts World. It felt like stepping into a slice of Americana, with wings, charcuterie boards, and plenty of cocktails fueling the excitement. The real magic, though, came after the Rodeo. As country singer Justin Andrews took the stage, we danced until the saloon closed, the music carrying us through the night.

A late-night Uber back to the Bellagio, and a few more spins at the casino, capped off a day packed with memories.

Day 4: Shopping, Fine Dining, and Blackjack

December 9th started on a relaxed note. After a leisurely morning, we made our way to Cowboy Christmas, a must-visit event during NFR. The food trucks didn’t disappoint—Polish dogs and pierogies were just what we needed to keep us fueled as we browsed booths filled with Western-inspired treasures.

Gambling at Bellagio

Back at the Bellagio, we tried our luck once more at the slots. While the machines didn’t shower us with winnings, the experience was still a fun way to pass the afternoon.

Dinner at Prime Steakhouse

Our final dinner in Vegas was one for the books. At Prime Steakhouse, we indulged in:

Fresh-baked bread and Caesar salads
Decadent sides: truffle mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and a cheese souffle
Tender short rib with green beans—a dish so good it almost made us forget the rest of the meal (almost!).

The evening ended with friends, blackjack tables, and the glow of slot machines—a quintessential Vegas night.

Day 5: Farewell to Vegas

The final day always comes too soon. After checking out of the Bellagio, we enjoyed a last hurrah at the Bellagio Buffet. The spread was impressive, offering everything from freshly made omelets to decadent desserts.

A quick limo ride brought us to the airport, where we made one last stop at the Centurion Lounge. With snacks, cocktails, and a quiet moment to reflect, it was the perfect ending to an incredible trip.

Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo is truly a bucket-list experience. From decadent meals and festive holiday decor to late-night dancing and Rodeo excitement, every moment was packed with fun. If you’re thinking about making the trip, my advice is simple: Go for it! You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

Have you been to Vegas during NFR? I’d love to hear your tips, stories, and favorite spots—drop them in the comments below!

Final Thoughts and Tips for Visiting Las Vegas During NFR
If you’re planning a trip to Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo, here are my top tips:
Book early: Hotels fill up fast during NFR, so plan ahead.
Try the local food spots: From upscale restaurants like Joe’s to casual Cowboy Christmas food trucks, there’s no shortage of great eats.
Embrace the energy: Whether it’s live music, rodeo parties, or cheering at a sports bar, let yourself enjoy the moment.
Balance your itinerary: Mix gambling, dining, and events like Cowboy Christmas for a well-rounded trip.