Best Magic Shows in Las Vegas 2024: Ultimate Guide to Top 10 Performances

In a city known for phenomenal entertainment options, the magic shows in Las Vegas are truly spectacular. Pushing boundaries and adding elements far more extreme than traditional shows, the magic scene in Las Vegas lights up The Strip. From the addition of storytelling from David Copperfield to Criss Angel electrifying the world of magic with his iconic show MINDFREAK, the city offers something for every interest and all ages when it comes to magic shows.

Las Vegas is the ultimate destination for magic enthusiasts. This guide highlights ten of the best magic shows in Las Vegas, highlighting the unique aspect of each that will leave you with you questioning everything.

David Copperfield

You may have heard David Copperfield referred to as one of the best magicians of all time. Through decades of performing, he has truly perfected his show. Copperfield has 21 Emmy awards from his television show, 11 Guinness World Records, and a knighthood from the French government. While most magic shows focus on magic and tricks, Copperfield has found a way to personalize his show through storytelling and personal charm. He brings personal aspects into his show, including talking about his personal life. This aspect of the show makes it much more than just a magic show, but an intimate and personal experience.

When it comes to magic, David Copperfield’s show has a large focus on the art of illusion. Copperfield includes the audience in his show, in one of his tricks he has disappearing audience members, who later show up in unexpected places. Including the audience and his touch of storytelling creates a truly theatrical experience for the audience, making one of the best magic shows in the city.

David Copperfield performs every single day at the MGM Grand. From Sunday to Friday he has two daily shows starting at 7:00 pm and 9:30pm. On Saturday he performs 3 times, at 4:00pm, 7:00pm, and 9:30pm. You can purchase both regular tickets or a meet and greet package. His shows are family friendly but children under 5 years old are not permitted to the show and minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Penn & Teller

Penn & Teller are a legendary duo in the world of magic. Their show is unconventional, and while they pull off incredible illusions, something unique about Penn & Teller is that in their show they actually reveal their secrets. Penn & Teller’s unconventional approach has made them a big name in the world of magic, constantly surprising their guests. Between their dynamic, Penn has proved himself as a narrator of the show while Teller puts on the show nearly silent. This dynamic duo has been through a lot, with 49 years of magic together and many awards including an Emmy and a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

The unique approach to their show pairs incredible deceptions with complete transparency. A signature trick in Penn & Teller’s performance involves the duo catching bullets in their mouths, surprising the audience with a sense of adrenaline. Their show is constantly changing and evolving, making them a hit for repeat guests.

You can find Penn & Teller live at The RIO Las Vegas. They perform one show a night Thursday through Sunday. The duo is known for fan interactions and they can often be found in the lobby after their show signing autographs and chatting with their fans. You can book your tickets for the show directly from the box office or from their website, but booking in advance is recommended.

Piff the Magic Dragon

Piff the Magic Dragon definitely falls under a not so ordinary magic performance, mainly thanks to his big green dragon costume. Piff the Magic Dragon, known offstage as John van der Put, has a sense of impassive humor and incredibly clever magic tricks. His character, which he showcases as a big grump dragon, is accompanied by his sidekick Mr. Piffles, his chihuahua in a matching dragon costume. Mr. Piffles brings a sense of light and comedy to Piff’s show.

The show is equal parts jaw dropping magic tricks and hilarious, dry, British humor. His show is truly one of a kind. A highlight of the show is watching Mr. Piffles, “The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua”, as he performs some incredible tricks, including levitating and being shot out of a cannon. A huge factor to the show is the comedic factor added by Piff, often having magic tricks go wrong along the way and creating a performative journey with each section of his show.

While many magic shows on the Las Vegas Strip have huge audiences, Piff the Magic Dragon keeps his setting more intimate. The smaller venue allows for him to have more interaction with the crowd. Even though he does put on a family friendly show, his dry humor is typically favored more so by the adults in the crowd. You can find Piff’s performance multiple times a week at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. You can purchase tickets online or at the Flamingo box office and booking in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons.

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic

Nathan Burton is a star on the Las Vegas Strip as he seamlessly blends humor with traditional magic. He has a background in both stand up comedy and the act of illusions, which makes for a show that you truly can’t look away from. Burton has always had this dream, as he has been performing since he was just 4 years old for his kindergarten class. He started the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show in 2008 and it has been a staple in Vegas ever since. Burton has performed on countless TV shows, including The Food Network’s Last Cake Standing and NBC’s Miss USA Pageant.

The show is full of nonstop action and comedic relief. His show is amazing for an audience of all ages as he leaves both adults and children laughing and amazed. Burton is big on audience participation, so if you attend a show don’t be surprised if you become part of the show. His charismatic personality and fast paced visual tricks truly make the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic show unforgettable. He makes it truly interesting as he combines personal stories into his jokes and tricks, adding a personal touch to the show.

A true family affair, the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic show is produced by Nathan, his mother, and his sister. It is the number one “Afternoon Magic Show in Las Vegas”. Performing in the afternoons makes the show a perfect activity for families not looking to have a late night in the city. Additionally, he puts on one of the most affordable magic shows in the city, with tickets starting at only 22 dollars. The 70 minute show is most days at 4:00 pm at the Nathan Burton Theater, conveniently located in the heart of the Strip next to Hard Rock Cafe and M&M World.

Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly

Mat Franco, a passionate magician, has been performing magic shows since before he was 10 years old and he has his first debut in Las Vegas at just 15 years old. As the winner of “America’s Got Talent”, Franco quickly became one of the top magicians in Las Vegas. His touch of personal flare makes his show both relatable and hilarious. Throughout his performance, you can truly tell that he is a down to earth guy and this combined with his fresh and modern take on traditional magic has earned him a loyal fanbase. Not only adored by his fans, Franco is truly loved by the city of Las Vegas, which was proven when they created the official holiday on July 10th named “Mat Franco Day” and granted him the keys to the Las Vegas Strip.

Mat Franco has “reinvited magic” by taking traditional tricks and adding a modern twist to them. Unlike most magicians, he incorporates quite a bit of technology into his performance, often using screens and digital effects. He has a very genuine demeanor and loves inviting guests onstage with him during his performance. Franco’s show is different from most magic shows in a sense that he has a more lighthearted approach than a standard magician does.

Franco’s shows take place at the Mat Franco Theater in the LINQ Hotel and Casino. He performs 6 nights a week, excluding Thursdays, at 7:00 pm. His show is suitable for all ages and leaves both children and adults with a memorable evening. Given the popularity of Mat Franco’s shows, it is advised to book your ticket in advance. Tickets can be bought both from his website as well as at the LINQ Hotel and Casino’s box office.

Criss Angel- MINDFREAK

Unlike any magic show you have ever seen before, Criss Angel’s show MINDFREAK pushes the boundaries of traditional magic. His show is loud, intense, and full of fire and explosions. He is truly a master illusionist with mind blowing illusions and intense sound and visual effects. His show is meant to completely overload your senses and has been called the “number one magic show of all time” by the Las Vegas Sun. After starting out performing on the streets of New York City, Cris Angel grew an electric following and has now been named the “Magician of the Decade” in 2009 and the “Magician of the Century” in 2010 by the International Magicians Society.

His show is truly breathtaking, mixing illusions and magic tricks with pyrotechnics and sound technologies. He showcases iconic illusions, including his most famous “flying levitation” which was named the “greatest illusion of all time” by Vanish Magazine. His show is very immersive, often including audience members for demonstrations. The dramatic atmosphere of MINDFREAK will keep you on the edge of your seat and is much, much more than just a magic show.

MINDFREAK, one of the most amazing shows in Las Vegas, happens Wednesday through Sunday. Due to the mature nature of the show, it is recommended for audience members to be 10 years or older. Criss Angel performs the show at the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. Tickets can be purchased from the Criss Angel Theater Box Office, from Ticketmaster, or by calling 855-234-7469. It is advised to reserve your tickets in advance as it is an incredibly popular show in Vegas.

Awakening

In order to stand out in Las Vegas, you have to bring a brilliant twist to traditional magic performances, and Awakening genuinely does just that. This immersive theatrical experience will take you through a journey where magic serves as a tool to drive the story forward. The show features live actors, elaborate actors, cutting edge effects, and intricate set designs. The show is performed on a 360 degree stage and a glass mirrored floor, and the performers are still able to pull off phenomenal illusional feats.

Aside from storytelling through the use of elaborate performances and illusions, Awakening also features puppetry from the visual character director of Broadway’s “The Lion King”. With a diverse cast of characters, throughout the performance the heroine must face the forces of Light and Darkness in an effort to save the world.

This family friendly performance happens at the Wynn Las Vegas twice a night on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The circular stage and 360 degree seating makes it a very intimate experience for guests as every member in the audience has a spectacular view of the show. Tickets and packages can be purchased online.

The Magic of Jen Kramer

In a world dominated by male performers, Jen Kramer is a refreshing and iconic addition to the Las Vegas magic scene. Her show is intimate and interactive. She has a charm that gives her a unique ability to connect with her audience and her sleight of hand tricks and ability to read your mind will have you questioning everything. Kramer’s phenomenal act has earned her “Female Magician of the Year” by the International Magicians Society, “Best Magician” from the 2024 Best of Vegas Awards, and 40 under 40 honoree by VEGAS INC.

The Magic of Jen Kramer focuses on clever tricks, engaging storytelling, and truly charming her audience. Including the audience is a huge part of her show, and she will often incorporate their names into her tricks or call members of the crowd to participate. Her phenomenal stage presence truly makes the show one you don’t want to miss in Las Vegas.

The magic of Jen Kramer is performed in a smaller, more intimate theater making the feel of her show much more personal. Her show is wholesome and family friendly, making it a suitable option for all ages. The performance happens Friday through Sunday at 5:00 pm at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

David Blaine- Impossible

David Blaine’s show “Impossible” makes you feel like what he is doing is just that- impossible. He performs daring and seemingly dangerous stunts that leave the audience’s jaws dropping. He pushes limits and blends the line between magic and physical challenge. His extreme stunts paired with mind blowing illusions will truly leave you shocked.

With not only sleight of hand tricks, but also psychological manipulation and physical endurance, David Blaine performs extreme feats. In his show Impossible, you will watch as he holds his breath for an extended period of time and swallows dangerous objects before regurgitating them while remaining completely unharmed. His show is not for the faint of heart, but it is for those who wish to witness something extreme that will leave you on the edge of your seat. His high risk stunts will have you questioning human limits.

David Blaine’s show Impossible takes place at the Encore Theater inside the Wynn Las Vegas. The dates of his shows vary, but he will be in Las Vegas through December 31st. You can get tickets for his show online. Impossible has a reputation for selling out shows, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.

Absinthe

Absinthe is a one of a kind magic show in Las Vegas. Combining elements of magic, circus, and burlesque, the show features mind blowing acrobatics and shocking illusions. Absinthe is by no means a standard magic show, but instead one that has created an immersive experience both shocking and amazing the audience. The show is truly an “only in Vegas” experience and has been named the “Number One Greatest Show in Las Vegas History” by Las Vegas Weekly.

Absinthe, hosted by The Gazillionaire- who is quite a raunchy character, leads the audience through daring, hilarious, and shocking acts. The combination of magic, acrobatics, and comedy has created a truly unpredictable show. The show has the feeling of a 19th century cabaret and is an incredible spectacle. From acrobats defying gravity to sleight of hand tricks, Absinthe is constantly keeping the audience on their toes.

The show is meant for a mature audience with the humor typically being quite risque and provocative. It is performed in a tent in the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace. Absinthe is performed twice a day Sunday through Thursday and three times a day on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased through the Caesars Palace box office or online.

Las Vegas truly is the magic capital of the world. With the intimate charm of The Magic of Jen Kramer, the spicy acrobatic addition from Absinthe, and the hilarious duo of Piff the Magic Dragon and his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles, every show in Vegas is truly so uniquely one of a kind. No matter which performance you decide on, it will leave you with an unforgettable experience in Las Vegas. Each of these ten shows would genuinely be an incredible addition to your Las Vegas itinerary.