The NFR Experience: Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas

Marcella was on the ground at the WNFR in Las Vegas, Nevada. She enjoyed experiencing everything the massive event has to offer. Even though the event has wrapped up, she’s still giving us an inside look on all the event has to offer (and you can plan next year’s trip).

The Cowboy Channel is an American television network that showcases western programs and rodeo sports. It was founded in 1979 as the National Christian Network, became FamilyNet in 1988, and in 2017 rebranded to the name we know now, The Cowboy Channel. In November of 2024, Teton Ridge purchased The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and their live streaming and on-demand service, Cowboy Channel+.

Starting in 2020, The Cowboy Channel signed a multi-year agreement with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to televise and stream their major events, including the National Finals Rodeo. At this point, the Cowboy Channel became a pay-TV only offering. In 2023, The Cowboy Channel signed a multi-year agreement with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and now cover their major events including the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

The iconic Cowboy Christmas, Christmas tree. Photo by Lisa Bushmire

Cowboy Christmas is the official trade show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas vendor extravaganza has been a tradition in Las Vegas since 1986. Located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it features more than 500,000 square feet of show and 350+ exhibitors. Products you’ll easily be able to obtain include, but are not limited to, custom-made jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and home goods. The show runs from December 5 – 14, 2024 from 9:00AM – 4:00PM daily.

Found my new ride at one of the booths. Photo by Lisa Bushmire

This trade show was absolutely insane. There is absolutely no way a person can get through all the vendors in one day. When you walk in, you can’t even see the end of it — and there are two floors! So many amazing businesses were here, and we had the opportunity to speak with some of them. We’ll share their interviews in this article, but first, here’s a glimpse of the show.

@go_riding Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center #nfr #horsesoftiktok #rodeo #cowboychristmas #lasvegasconventioncenter #nfrfashion #horses ♬ i want it i got it – Official Sound Studio

One of my favorite parts of The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas was talking to and interviewing some of the vendors. Many of the vendors made handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. All of them were so friendly, welcoming, and grateful for the business.

Tailor Hats was one of the great businesses I had the opportunity to chat with. This company is owned by two gentlemen and specializes in fitted western hats. The goal of the company is to make a quality hat with a mid-point price range. Hats come in all colors and if you don’t see what you like, the two are custom hat makers and can create what you’re envisioning. It was lovely to speak with Jono and hear about the growth of their company and their pride in the hats they create. Check out their products here.

Trying on a Tailor Hat to match my outfit. Photo by Lisa Bushmire

@go_riding @Marcella interview with Jono of Tailor Hats at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas! #cowboychristmas #nfr #nfrfashion #horses #horsesoftiktoktok #goriding #cowgirl #cowgirllifestyle #western #westernstyle #tailorhats ♬ original sound – go_riding

Another wonderful person and business I had the opportunity of interviewing was Brit West. This genuine woman started her business making hat bands out of worn latigos that were going to be thrown out. Trying to make ends meet after a divorce that forced her from the ranch, she prayed to find a way to make ends meet. From there she grew into one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the industry. Her mission is to produce quality, classic, and timeless western art that can be passed down thru generations. Check out her products here.

@go_riding @Marcella interview with Brit of Brit West at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas! #cowboychristmas #lasvegasconventioncenter #nfr #nfrfashion #horses #horsesoftiktoktok #goriding #cowgirl #cowgirllifestyle #western #westernstyle #britwest ♬ original sound – go_riding

Yet another fantastic business owner we met was Kari of 7 Devils Leather. Based out of Boise, Idaho, Kari makes custom chaps, horse tack, purses, guitar straps, and purse charms. Kari’s chaps are bold and beautiful. They’re inspired by the cowgirls wearing them. Kari states her chaps are strong yet soft, bold, protective, tough, and equally feminine and a bit flirty. You can check out her beautiful chaps here.

@go_riding @Marcella interview with Kari of 7 Devils Leather at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas! #cowboychristmas #lasvegasconventioncenter #nfr #nfrfashion #horses #horsesofinstagram #goriding #cowgirl #cowgirllifestyle #western #westernstyle #7devilsleather ♬ original sound – go_riding

Lastly, I had the opportunity to chat with Josh Andrews of Josh Andrews Saddles. Josh is a competitor and horseman who spends a lot of time in the saddle. He aims to make a comfortable saddle that fits both the rider and horse. His saddles give you the opportunity to ride your best and after hearing positive testimonies confirming this from some of the customers at the booth, these saddles are on my radar for my next big purchase. Check out Josh’s saddles here.

@go_riding @Marcella interview with Josh Andrews of Josh Andrews Saddles at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas! #cowboychristmas #nfr #nfrfashion #horses #horsesoftiktoktok #goriding #cowgirl #cowgirllifestyle #western #westernstyle #joshandrewssaddles ♬ original sound – go_riding

Overall, if you like tons of shopping options, you could easily spend DAYS browsing all the items at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. It was a special experience not only because of all the special handmade items, but also because of the experience of talking to the craftsmen that pour their hearts and souls into each product. If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, I urge you to stop at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas!