Happy (belated) New Year! ✨
Can you believe we’re already cruising through January? I swear life hit the fast-forward button the moment the clock struck midnight. New year, new me… LOL. Or maybe it’s just new calendar, same beautifully human us. 😉
I read something recently that really stuck with me the idea that winter isn’t actually meant for massive overhauls or pressure-packed goal setting. Instead, it’s considered our season of rest. A time to slow down, reflect, conserve energy, and gently dream. Spring, on the other hand, is when our bodies and brains are naturally wired for rebirth, momentum, and big shifts.
And honestly? That makes so much sense. No wonder January resolutions feel so heavy sometimes , we’re trying to bloom when we’re still meant to be hibernating. 🌱
So if you’re easing into the year instead of charging out of the gate… you’re not behind. You’re right on time.
A Gentle Start: My 1% Better Philosophy
That’s where my 1% Better philosophy comes in. No drastic changes. No all-or-nothing energy. Just tiny, intentional improvements — like one minute of morning gratitude before you grab your phone, or doing 10 air squats every hour (yes… that’s actually what I’m doing right now 😅).
Small, doable shifts in how we move, how we think, and how we care for ourselves. It’s simple, it’s realistic, and over time, those little choices add up in a powerful way.
Alright, now that we’ve officially set the vibe… let’s get into what’s happening around Las Vegas this week.
Las Vegas Events & Things to Do This Week
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas this week, you’re in luck. From local favorites to unique winter experiences, there’s something for everyone. Many of these events are free or low-cost ~ just be sure to check official event pages, as dates, times, and availability can change.
👉 Scroll down to see the full weekly event list
(You’ll find everything from family-friendly activities to live music, markets, and wellness events.)
LAS VEGAS EVENTS ~ CLICK HERE
Las Vegas Day Trip Spotlight: Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival 🎈
Save the date ~ this one is absolutely worth the early wake-up call.
Just about 90 minutes northeast of Las Vegas, the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival returns January 23–25, 2026, and it’s the perfect winter day trip. The festival takes place at the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino grounds in Mesquite, Nevada, where dozens of colorful hot air balloons take to the sky just after sunrise.
Morning launches typically begin around 7:30 AM (weather permitting), and arriving just before sunrise is part of the magic. Watching the desert sky fill with vibrant balloons is one of those moments that feels both peaceful and exciting all at once.
The best part? It’s free to watch and open to all ages, making it a great family outing or spontaneous weekend adventure.
But the fun doesn’t stop in the morning.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the festival hosts a Night Glow Candlestick Show, where tethered balloons illuminate the evening sky like giant glowing lanterns — perfect for photos and soaking in that festival energy. On Saturday afternoon, adults 21+ can enjoy a Champagne Tasting before the evening glow events begin.
Between the balloons, the open desert views, and the easy drive from Las Vegas, this is one of those experiences that feels special without feeling complicated. If you want to make a full weekend out of it, Mesquite also offers cozy places to stay, local dining, and scenic spots along the Virgin River Valley.
What I’m Loving This Week: GlowFest Las Vegas ✨
If you’re craving something magical without leaving the city, GlowFest Las Vegas is absolutely worth checking out.
Running through February 22, 2026, GlowFest is an immersive, walk-through winter light festival located at 2600 Paradise Road, just minutes from the Strip and right by the Sahara Las Vegas Monorail Station — making it incredibly easy to get to.
GlowFest is more than just pretty lights. It’s a multi-sensory experience that takes you through five themed realms — Reality, Nature, Ocean, Celestial, and Exotic Lands — all connected by a whimsical storyline about a baby dragon discovering Earth.
As you wander the grounds, you’ll find:
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Giant illuminated sculptures
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Interactive light installations
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Roaming performers
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Endless photo-worthy moments
The festival typically runs Thursday through Sunday evenings from 5:00–10:00 PM, with extended hours on select nights. There’s also a Night Market featuring rotating food vendors, drinks, and local artisan booths, making it ideal for date night, family outings, or a girls’ night glow-up.
Whether you pop in after work or make an evening of it, GlowFest truly feels like winter magic right here at home.
Las Vegas Real Estate Market Update
Here’s a quick snapshot of the Las Vegas housing market as we kick off the first full week of 2026:
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569 new listings
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359 homes under contract
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418 homes sold
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55 days on market (average)
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Median single-family home price: $480,000
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Interest rates: ~6.3% national average, mid-5% range locally
The market is starting the year at a calm — but telling — pace. These numbers still reflect a post-holiday environment where mostly serious buyers were active. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, and inventory remains higher than what we’d consider a fast-paced market.
One notable shift is pricing. The median home price has climbed back to $480,000, though early January data often reflects year-end contracts rather than a true surge in demand.
Buyer urgency hasn’t fully returned yet — and that’s completely normal for this time of year. Buyers still have options and negotiating power, while sellers need to price and position carefully to stand out.
You’ll likely hear a lot of predictions right now about 2026 being the year buyer demand surges back. Maybe it will — but the real story will unfold over the next several weeks, not in one January snapshot.
And as always, remember: Las Vegas isn’t one single market. Every neighborhood, price point, and property type is moving at its own pace. That’s why personalized, hyper-local data matters far more than headlines.
If you’re planning a move this year — or just keeping an eye on things — I’m always happy to help you read between the lines.
Before You Go 🤍
As we step into this new year together, my biggest wish for you is ease. Not pressure. Not perfection. Just a little more presence, a little more joy, and a few intentional choices that make life feel lighter and more aligned.
Maybe that looks like pausing for a minute of gratitude in the morning, moving your body in small but consistent ways, saying no when you need rest, or saying yes to something that brings you joy — even if it’s a spontaneous day trip or an evening under glowing lights.
Winter doesn’t ask us to rush. It invites us to reflect, restore, and gently prepare for what’s coming next.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for letting me share this little corner of life, community, and intention with you.
Until next week — stay warm, stay curious, and keep choosing 1% better.
~ Dorthy
Your Go-To Girl for Las Vegas Real Estate
