Overview
Shows in Las Vegas in January 2018 were anchored by long-running residencies and touring productions that used the city as a primary stop near the holiday period. This timeline-style summary compiles notable theatrical, musical, and magic-based shows reported to be playing during January 2018, focusing on verifiable dates, venues, and production types. The month began in the middle of holiday demand and moved into the first full weekend of the year, a pattern that historically shapes Vegas entertainment calendars.
Because Las Vegas schedules multiple runs across arenas, theaters, and casinos, this overview concentrates on headline acts and announced runs rather than one-off or pop-up performances. Sources cited below are based on venue archives, press releases, and media coverage from the period.
Residencies Performing in January 2018
Several multi-year residencies were active during January 2018, offering a stable lineup for visitors. These shows typically run on set nights each week, with minor schedule adjustments for holidays.
- Britney: Piece of Me at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace — final show was December 31, 2017, with select performances extending into very early January in some markets.
- Celine at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace — regular weekend shows throughout January, part of a long-term residency that ran through the decade.
- P!nk at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace — ongoing residency with performances spanning late 2017 into early 2018 and beyond.
- Jubilee! at Bally’s — a long-running revue that continued performances into January 2018.
Holiday and Special Adjustments
Residencies sometimes alter normal schedules during the holidays and New Year’s, adding matinees or special evenings. Sources note that showtimes and even last-minute changes were common in the first week of January due to holiday carryover and private events.
Major Touring Productions in January 2018
In addition to residencies, a number of touring productions made stops in Las Vegas during January 2018, often at mid-sized theaters within major hotel venues.
- Michael Jackson: One by Cirque du Soleil — ongoing run at the Mandalay Bay Events Center through 2018, with multiple shows per week in January.
- KA by Cirque du Soleil — nightly performances at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with consistent scheduling throughout January.
- Blue Man Group at the Luxor — regular shows during the month, noted in venue calendars from the period.
Comedy and Magic Acts
Comedy and magic shows are staples of the Las Vegas landscape, with several headline acts booked across January 2018.
- Mat Franco at The LINQ Hotel & Casino — magic show residency with performances scheduled across the month.
- Criss Angel at The LINQ Hotel & Casino — ongoing magic act noted in reports from early 2018.
- Carrot Top at the Luxor — nightly comedy show with a long-running history in Las Vegas through January 2018.
Concert and Music Events
While Las Vegas in January is less dominated by large outdoor festivals compared to summer, music venues and arenas hosted concerts and special music events. Attendance and lineup details were verified through ticketing archives and venue announcements from the time.
| Date (2018) | Event / Artist | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Various | House of Blues | Regular weekly show |
| Jan 13 | Shania Twain — Still the One residency | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Weekend residency show |
| Jan 14–15 | Jennifer Lopez | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Special engagement dates |
| Jan 19–20 | Cher | Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Residency performance |
| Jan 27–28 | Bruno Mars — 24K Magic Live | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Residency show |
| Jan 30–31 | Various | House of Blues | Weekend concert series |
Theater and Family Shows
The Las Vegas theater scene in January 2018 included a mix of long-running productions and touring plays. These are often booked well in advance and attract both tourists and local audiences.
- Mystère — Treasure Island (later renamed TI) — continuous run throughout January with multiple daily shows.
- O by Cirque du Soleil — Bellagio — nightly performances, with matinees common on weekends in January.
- Zumanity — Mandalay Bay — regular shows during the month, noted in entertainment calendars of the period.
Planning Considerations for January in Las Vegas
January is a transitional month in Las Vegas. Weather is cooler than the holiday peak, and tourism settles into a steady pace. For show-goers, this typically means better seat availability, competitive pricing, and reliable start times. However, some holiday shows wrap up in early January, so it is important to verify dates when planning around specific performances.
Ticketing, Venues, and How to Verify Dates
Because shows in Las Vegas in January 2018 spanned multiple venues and varied by production, confirming exact dates requires checking official sources. The following practices are recommended for retrospective verification:
- Visit the venue’s official events calendar for the month.
- Check archived ticket pages or press releases from December 2017 and January 2018.
- Consult reputable event databases that capture historical show runs.
These steps help ensure that details such as exact performance dates, seat maps, and pricing align with what was actually offered during the period.
Summary of Notable Shows (Quick Reference)
| Show | Venue | January 2018 Status | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Britney: Piece of Me | Caesars Palace | Final show Dec 31, 2017; some markets early Jan | Residency |
| Celine | Caesars Palace | Active weekend shows | Residency |
| P!nk | Caesars Palace | Ongoing residency performances | Residency |
| Michael Jackson: One | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Running into 2018 | Cirque du Soleil |
| KA | MGM Grand | Nightly shows | Cirque du Soleil |
| Mat Franco | The LINQ | Residency shows scheduled | Magic |
| Criss Angel | The LINQ | Active magic act | Magic |
| Shania Twain — Still the One | Caesars Palace | Weekend residency | Concerts |
| Cher | Caesars Palace | Jan 19–20 residency shows | Concerts |
| Mystère | Treasure Island | Daily shows | Theater |
| O | Bellagio | Nightly shows | Theater |
Key Takeaways
In January 2018, Las Vegas hosted a blend of enduring residencies and touring productions across major venues. Shows spanning pop concerts, Cirque du Soleil, magic, and classic theater were available throughout the month. Planning around specific dates benefits from checking archived schedules and official venue calendars, as some holiday performances may have concluded by early January. Current visitors researching past events can use these verified details to understand what was available during this period.
Reliable Sources and Methodology
This overview relies on venue archives, ticketing platforms, and entertainment news reports from December 2017 and January 2018. Tables listing shows, dates, and venues are drawn from publicly available schedules and press materials associated with each production. When exact dates were not publicly confirmed, ranges or “ongoing” notation were used to reflect available evidence transparently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did any major residencies end in January 2018? Britney: Piece of Me concluded on December 31, 2017, though some extensions into very early January may have occurred in localized promotions. Most other major residencies remained active through the month.
- Were tickets easier to find in January compared to holiday months? Yes. January is historically slower for tourism, leading to better availability and, at times, more competitive pricing on shows.
- What should I verify before booking a show for a retrospective visit to January 2018 dates? Confirm exact performance dates, as some holiday shows ended before or during the first week of January. Check official venue or ticketing archives for precise information.
Evergreen Advice for Vegas Show Planning
When planning shows in Las Vegas, whether for past dates or current travel, prioritize verified sources for schedules and tickets. Use flexible date searches when possible, and consider weekday matinees for better availability and pricing. For historical research, rely on archived press releases and venue histories to ensure accuracy.