The 10 Best Magic Shows in Vegas That Will Shock and Amaze You

Performance
magician demonstrating a trick with his hat

Heading to Vegas? Everyone likes a good magic show, but there are so many to choose from. Before buying your plane tickets to Las Vegas, consider what types of shows and entertainment you want to enjoy. We've put together a diverse, carefully considered list of the best magic shows in vegas to provide a helpful guide you can count on for genuine value. 

Magic shows are typically family-friendly, and many offer superb entertainment that's worth every penny. Whether you are looking for magic shows with an injection of laugh-aloud stand-up comedy or you are into more fantastical- or mystical-themed performances, this list will surely guide you in your pursuit to find the best entertainment while visiting Las Vegas.

Product FAQ

1. ​What Elements Typify the Best Magic Shows in Vegas?

​2. Can Children Attend Las Vegas Magic Shows?

3. How Long Do Magic Shows Last?

4. ​Aren't All Las Vegas Shows Similar?

​How Often Do Magic Shows in Las Vegas Occur?

doing card magic tricks

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How We Reviewed the Top Magic Shows in Vegas

The following magic shows were reviewed based on the quality of performance, ticket prices, audience age restrictions, use of imagination, and authenticity. We value showmanship and high reviews from audience members, and this helped us rate and review these best magic shows in Vegas. Ultimately, all fans and visitors will have their own perspective and taste in magic shows.

Overall Price Range

Most of the best magic shows in Vegas typically run $$ per individual ticket. The best magic shows in Vegas are high quality and provide loads of entertainment value. Higher-priced shows will typically have more sound and lighting effects, while lower-budget shows will be oriented around audience participation and a stand-up comedy-like routine.


​What We Reviewed

  • Paranormal Mind Reading Magic
  • Criss Angel Mindfreak
  • David Goldrake: Imaginarium
  • Piff the Magic Dragon
  • The Mac King Comedy Magic Show
  • Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream
  • Adam London's Laughternoon
  • Penn & Teller
  • The Mentalist
  • Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show

Paranormal Mind Reading Magic

Performance Style & Venue

The Paranormal Mind Reading Magic show stars Frederic Da Silva, a self-taught magician who has the "power" to read minds. This show is consistently rated one of the best magic shows in Vegas. If you appreciate the arts of hypnosis and mind reading, prepare to be amazed as Frederick Da Silva reads your mind, calling out details ranging from what's in your pocket to the name of someone special in your life.

 

This show takes place at Bally's in Las Vegas. The production is about seventy minutes long and tickets run about forty dollars. The premise of the show requires audience participation, so be prepared to step on stage if that helps enhance the experience for you. This show is ideal for families and generally OK for kids six years and up. As we write, performances are staged around four in the afternoon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

PROS

  • Highly rated among many reviewers.
  • Fun, family-friendly entertainment
  • Budget-friendly

CONS

  • Requires audience participation
  • Show runs in the afternoon

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for families and couples who are seeking fun, lighthearted entertainment. Attending an afternoon performance is a perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy fun entertainment. Both kids and adults will enjoy this show and talk about it afterward.

Criss Angel Mindfreak

Performance Style & Venue

Many have watched Criss Angel's Mindfreak television show. but the best way to enjoy magic in action is live at the Criss Angel Theatre inside Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Mindfreak is considered one of the best magic shows in the world; and perhaps one of the best of all time. This show caters to the tastes of older teenagers and adults.

 

Again, from dangerous magic stunts to genuinely mind-bending illusions, this show is one of the most favored magic performances in the world. Shows run twice per night on most evenings, but be aware that tickets sell out fast. Criss Angel is a worldwide celebrity known for his mind-bending illusions that shock and entertain older audiences. This show is a great date-night event or ideal for a night out with a group of friends or colleagues.

PROS

  • One of the most popular live shows in the world, bar none
  • Staged in a comfortable location
  • Multiple evening show times

CONS

  • Tickets sell out fast
  • Tickets are (justifiably) more expensive than many other magic shows in Vegas
  • Not suitable for young children, as audience members must be at least 13 years old to enter
  • Some illusions take on a serious undertone and can cause anxiety for some sensitive audience members

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for date nights, a business outing, or amusement for families with older teens. The performance takes place in the evening. For those who prefer staying out late, this show will work for you.

David Goldrake: Imaginarium

Performance Style & Venue

David Goldrake hosts one of the best magic shows in Vegas. This accomplished, internationally renowned performer is known for speaking seven languages fluently and his excellence in the art of magic. This show includes a variety of tricks and illusions that will leave audience members questioning their reality.

 

Goldrake has won many awards for his showmanship and continues to gain popularity throughout the world. His shows are performed in a variety of locations throughout Vegas, but he tours often throughout the world as well. The show's theme is structured around dreams and fantasy, striking a beautiful balance between aesthetic elements and pure wonder. Imaginarium is a show that includes beautiful imagery and 3-D displays. A typical performance runs around 75 minutes in duration.

PROS

  • Aesthetically pleasing imagery and art
  • Family friendly

CONS

  • This show is not always in Vegas due to Goldrake's intensive touring schedule
  • Tickets sell out fast

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for kids and families or a date night. The show runs for a little more than an hour and is perfect for light and friendly entertainment, breaking up your evening and giving you plenty to talk about.

Piff the Magic Dragon

Performance Style & Venue

Piff the Magic Dragon is a family-friendly entry on our list of the best magic shows in Vegas, and it contains a lot of comedy. The premise of the show is skits and tricks with "Piff," a comedian/magician wearing a dragon costume. The show is also enhanced by Mr. Piffles, a small Chihuahua who is billed as the first chihuahua to perform in a magic show; and yes, Mr. Piffles also wears a dragon costume.

 

Jade Simone, a/k/a "The Girl with the Dragon To-Do List," joins the performance to add more comedy and excitement throughout the show. Performances are staged in a variety of locations, but your best bet is a show at the Flamengo on the strip. Piff the Magic Dragon is, without question, one of the best magic shows in Vegas because of its versatile and unique angle on illusions.

PROS

  • Family friendly
  • Fun costumes worn by performers will appeal to all
  • Comedy-infused magic makes for a super-fun experience

CONS

  • Tickets are priced on the higher end for Vegas shows
  • The show tours often, so it is not always available in Vegas

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for families with kids. The show is also great for young adults or people who want to enjoy a date night.

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show

Performance Style & Venue

The Mac King Comedy Magic show is one of the best magic shows in Vegas because of its high energy performance and comedy. This performance will astonish and entertain audiences of all ages. Mac King has been performing magic since childhood, and he adds his unique flair to veer away from the traditional magic show.


The show generally runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays, early in the afternoon, at Harrah's Showroom at Harrah's Las Vegas. This show is sure to bring smiles and laughs for a variety of audiences.

PROS

  • Family friendly
  • Magic show infused with comedy.
  • Tickets cost less than many other high-value magic shows

CONS

  • Show not available on Mondays or Sundays
  • High-stakes risks and stunts are not part of the fare

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is ideal for families with young kids. Performances are usually held in the early afternoon, leaving plenty of time for meals and other activities later in the day.

Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream

Performance Style & Venue

Xavier Mortimer is a magician whose performance roots stem from Cirque du Soleil. He integrates comedy, fantasy, and illusion into one entertaining show, leveraging skills that have won him magic performance awards such as the Gold Star at the L'Eaud'Olle in Europe. They typically hold Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream at Bally's in Las Vegas. The performance is ideal for families and couples. Xavier Mortimer hosts one of the best magic shows in Vegas.

PROS

  • Perfect for families
  • Held in a comfortable, welcoming location
  • Tickets are affordable

CONS

  • Shows sell out on most peak travel days

Where to Learn More

Best For:

Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream is suitable for all ages and ideal for date nights.

Adam London's Laughternoon

Performance Style & Venue

Adam London's Laughternoon is an easy pick as one of the best magic shows in Vegas because it strikes a great balance between a comedy show and a magic performance. This show is energizing and encourages audience participation. Adam London has entertained a variety of audiences and even earned awards for "The Best Entertainment in Southern Nevada" and "Best Family Friendly Show."

 

Laughternoon is usually staged in the D Las Vegas Showroom on the strip, an ideal location accessible to those who want to stay in the heart of the city. This show is funny, entertaining, and lighthearted, and it leaves most audience members feeling thoroughly entertained.

PROS

  • Enjoyable for families of all ages
  • Tickets are moderately priced

CONS

  • Venue is not as luxurious as some others
  • Children are encouraged to attend, so "adult-only" get-togethers may want to consider another option

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for families with small children or casual dates.

Penn & Teller

Performance Style & Venue

Penn & Teller is one of the most accomplished and well-known magic acts in the world, making their show an easy choice as one of the best magic shows in Vegas. Penn and Teller use superb comedy routines while creating fascinating illusions. This show is rated highly among many audience members and is one of the most popular shows of any variety staged in Vegas.

 

This cohesive team centers the show's premise on revealing how their magic tricks work, but there always seems to be a twist when the best-kept magic secrets come to light. Through the use of comedy, lighthearted humor, and audience engagement, this show earns its spot as one of the best magic shows in Vegas. Typically the performance takes about an hour-and-a-half, and shows run Saturday through Wednesday. Tickets sell out fast!

PROS

  • Great for all ages
  • Rated highly among many audience members

CONS

  • Tickets sell out fast.
  • Age restriction is five years and older, so families with babies or toddlers will need to consider that

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for families with children over the age of five and makes for a fun date night. Try and buy tickets as early as possible to avoid missing out!

The Mentalist

Performance Style & Venue

The Mentalist takes illusion to a whole new level. This show is rated one of the best magic shows in Vegas because of its high-stakes tricks that leave audiences gasping. Some of these tricks may terrify audience members, but keep your eyes open! These tricks will entertain and amaze you.


From stunts as extreme as drilling a hole in his head to building a human postcard, this show embraces originality and imagination. Typically, The Mentalist's show is performed at the Planet Hollywood Theatre and runs just over an hour. This show is ideal for couples or families with teenagers.

PROS

  • High-stakes magic tricks are always a draw
  • Affordable tickets
  • Comfortable venue

CONS

  • Not suitable for young children
  • Tickets sell out fast
  • Some anticipation of "gore" is involved in some illusions

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show features some adult-oriented humor, and it is best for groups composed of adults and more mature teens 

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show

Performance Style & Venue

The Nathan Burton Comedy show features beautiful showgirls, witty comedy routines, and fascinating illusions. Nathan Burton, a performer featured on E! Entertainment's "The Entertainer" and CBS, uses unusual and funny props along with stories from his personal childhood to create an eccentric and entertaining show.


They typically hold the performance in the Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood. Ticket prices are relatively cheap for people looking for budget-friendly entertainment. Nathan Burton's Comedy Magic Show is one of the best magic shows in Vegas due to its unique approach and broad appeal.

PROS

  • Budget-friendly tickets
  • Comfortable venue
  • Family friendly, literate and fun performance

CONS

  • Tickets sell out fast, making planning in advance a necessity in most cases

Where to Learn More

Best For:

This show is best for families and younger couples looking for budget-friendly, high-value entertainment.

The Verdict

Ultimately, our review team rated Paranormal Mind Reading Magic the finest single performance among the array of the best magic shows in Vegas. The performance is clever, and it features unusual tricks and illusions to entertain audiences. Mind reading is no easy task, and we think Frederick hosts a superb performance that has many audience members questioning how he can pull off his tricks. Through the use of hypnosis and other techniques, Frederick captivates his audiences with mystery leaving them asking "how did he know that?" 


Is he really reading your mind, or should he be working in the FBI? One of the many great things about this show is that it is kid-friendly, and all ages can enjoy it. If you are heading to Vegas, be sure to check out Paranormal Mind Reading Magic and get your fill of magic and enchantment from the many other outstanding entries on our list!

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