Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders don’t just play football—they build traditions, and nowhere is that more evident than during the holiday season. For decades, even as the franchise moved from Oakland to Los Angeles to Las Vegas, it has maintained and evolved holiday rituals that connect the team to its fans, community, and history. These traditions—rooted in gratitude, giving back, and shared joy—go beyond game days, turning holidays into opportunities to strengthen the “Raiders Nation” bond. From Thanksgiving turkey drives to Christmas toy collections and New Year’s fan gatherings, the Raiders have turned holiday moments into lasting memories. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key holiday traditions the team upholds, how they’ve adapted to their Las Vegas home, and why these rituals remain central to the franchise’s identity.

Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders starts with the team’s longest-running holiday tradition: the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which dates back to the 1970s when the Raiders were in Oakland. What began as a small effort to donate turkeys to local families has grown into a week-long community event, now in partnership with Las Vegas’ Three Square Food Bank. Each year, players, coaches, and cheerleaders gather at distribution sites across Clark County to hand out turkeys, complete meal kits, and handwritten notes of thanks. This year, the drive served over 3,000 families, with standout players like Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams spending hours chatting with recipients and posing for photos. “This tradition isn’t just about food—it’s about letting families know they’re part of our Raiders family too,” said head coach Josh McDaniels, who has participated in the drive every year since joining the team. The turkey drive also includes a “Gratitude Wall” where fans and players share what they’re thankful for, turning a simple donation event into a celebration of community. For long-time fans, the drive is a reminder that no matter where the Raiders play, their commitment to giving back stays the same.

Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights the team’s Christmas tradition: the “Toys for Tots” Collection, a partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that began when the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020. Each December, the team transforms Allegiant Stadium into a toy drop-off hub, inviting fans to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to children in need. Players and cheerleaders greet fans at the stadium gates, helping collect toys and posing for photos with kids who come to donate. This year, the collection brought in over 10,000 toys, which were distributed to local hospitals, shelters, and community centers. The tradition also includes a “Christmas Visit” where players visit children at University Medical Center’s pediatric ward, delivering toys and spending time with kids who are hospitalized during the holidays. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when we walk in— that’s why we do this,” said defensive end Maxx Crosby, who has led the hospital visits for three years. “Christmas is about joy, and if we can bring a little of that to kids who need it most, we’re living up to what it means to be a Raider.” The Toys for Tots drive has quickly become a beloved Las Vegas holiday tradition, blending the Raiders’ new home with their long-standing commitment to community.

Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the team’s New Year’s Eve tradition, which has become a fan favorite since the move to Las Vegas: the “Raiders New Year’s Bash” at Allegiant Stadium. Unlike typical New Year’s events, this family-friendly gathering invites fans to celebrate with the team, featuring live music from local bands, food trucks serving Las Vegas-style cuisine, and a countdown to midnight led by players and coaches. This year, the bash included a “Legends Corner” where former Raiders players like Jim Plunkett and Tim Brown signed autographs and shared stories with fans. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the New Year’s Bash is more than a party—it’s a way to celebrate the past year with the community and look ahead to the season to come. “New Year’s is about fresh starts, and we want to share that with our fans,” said team president Sandra Douglass Morgan. “This bash lets us connect with Raiders Nation in a fun, relaxed setting, away from the pressure of game days. It’s a chance to say ‘thank you’ for their support and get excited about what’s next.” The bash also includes a charity component, with proceeds from food and merchandise sales going to local youth football programs, ensuring the tradition gives back to the community that supports the team.

Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how the Las Vegas Raiders have adapted their holiday traditions to honor their new home while respecting their history. When the team moved to Las Vegas, it didn’t abandon old traditions—it reimagined them to fit the city’s unique culture. For example, the Thanksgiving turkey drive now includes local Las Vegas staples like green chile stuffing in meal kits, and the Christmas toy drive partners with Las Vegas-based resorts to collect additional toys. The New Year’s Bash, meanwhile, incorporates elements of Las Vegas’ iconic entertainment scene, with live performances that reflect the city’s diverse music culture. “We wanted our traditions to feel like they belong in Las Vegas, but still have that Raiders heart,” said Douglass Morgan. “Adapting these rituals wasn’t about changing who we are—it was about letting Las Vegas become part of our story.” The team also invites local Las Vegas families to help plan holiday events, ensuring the traditions reflect the community’s needs and values. This collaboration has made the Raiders’ holiday traditions feel authentic to Las Vegas, strengthening the team’s bond with its new home.

Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with why these holiday traditions matter to the Las Vegas Raiders and their fans. For the team, traditions are a way to stay connected to its roots while building new memories in Las Vegas. They remind fans that the Raiders are more than a football team—they’re a part of the community’s fabric. For fans, the traditions provide opportunities to engage with the team in meaningful ways, creating memories that last beyond a single game or season. “These traditions make me feel like I’m part of something bigger,” said long-time fan Maria Gonzalez, who has attended the turkey drive and toy drive every year. “Whether I’m donating a toy or celebrating New Year’s with the team, I feel connected to the Raiders and to other fans. That’s what Raiders Nation is all about.” Looking ahead, the Raiders plan to add more holiday traditions, including a Halloween “Trick-or-Treat with the Raiders” event for kids, ensuring their commitment to community and connection continues to grow. In the end, Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of continuity, adaptation, and community—proving that no matter where the Raiders play, their holiday traditions will always be about bringing people together.