Cowboy Christmas opens Thursday with expanded presence | National Finals Rodeo | sport

More than 375 exhibitors bring their western wares to the annual gift show during the National Finals Rodeo in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Dec. 14, Cowboy Christmas includes two stages, a boot shine, an NFR historical exhibit, a rodeo saloon and other activities.

“With the renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center now complete, we have been able to consolidate the east entrance areas into Cowboy Commons – Where Friends Gather, a new 25,000 square foot area,” said Bo Gardner, vice president of corporate marketing for Las Vegas Events it in a press release. “This energetic new area will include the Cowboy Channel Stage and Rodeo Deep Dive panels, as well as the Cinch Stage, which will host the RumpChat Podcast. Additionally, there will be new interactive exhibitors, NFR merchandise, numerous tables and the Rodeo Saloon for our attendees to enjoy with friends.”

Every day, the Cowboy Channel Stage will host programs such as the Luke Branquinho Show and Rodeo Deep Dive Panels approximately every hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

Other stages throughout the mall will feature podcasters, NFR reruns, cowboy discussions and more. A Christmas village will be set up on the second level of the South Hall with daily Santa appearances from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also new this year is the location for the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, home to the Yeti Junior World Finals. Daily rodeo performances for contestants ages 19 and under take place in a large tent area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Bronze Parking Lots. The new space can accommodate 900 spectators to watch youth competitors compete in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, girls and boys breakaway, team roping, tie-down roping, pole bending and barrel racing can.

Other shopping events in Las Vegas during the NFR include the Western Gift Show at South Point, the Downtown Christmas Expo at the Plaza and Country Christmas in Rio.

Contact McKenna Ross at [email protected]. Follow @mckenna_ross_ on X.