Santa Fe Aura at Christmas Time

A Reflection of Historical Diversity
The blend of Native American, Hispanic and Western culture and tradition create a style of holiday celebration that exists nowhere else in the country. Santa Fe refreshingly dismisses the excessive commercialization of the holiday season in favor of down-home festivities. It’s a celebration time of brilliant color, music, dance, caroling, storytelling and a continuous flow of events for adults and children alike.

Christmas and the holiday season is beautiful in Santa Fe. The snow-covered areas outside Santa Fe sparkle under sunshine and blue skies and glisten as evening arrives. Frequently the town of Santa Fe is dusted with fresh falling snow adding to the aura of the season. Daytime temperatures in sunshine are comfortably in the low 40s (F) to the low 20s (F) at night fitting of cozy bundling while awing the sights and sounds of festive times.

Farolitos Light the Way
When evening arrives the “Farolitos” are lit and softly glow everywhere in Santa Fe creating an elegant ambiance to the spirit of the season. Farolitos are votive candles placed in bags symbolically leading the three wise men to Mary and baby Jesus.

The glow against the clear star-studded nights accents homes and businesses, define walking paths and hang from trees. People gather around small bonfires where carolers sing and storytellers captivate the audience.

Ski Santa Fe
By Christmas the 43 ski-runs and slopes of Ski Santa Fe are usually open with world-class powder providing endless winter fun and recreation only 16 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza. Here it averages 225 inches of snow each year against an in creditably beautiful backdrop of mountainous forest. If you love to ski, you’ll love this place. Many just come to soak-up the scenery of awe-inspiring views that add to the nostalgia of the season.

It’s Posole and Chili Time
The holidays are a special time for Santa Fe Restaurants and a great time to enjoy the distinctive style of New Mexican Food with its homegrown chili. The food is always excellent year-round but at Christmas time the restaurants prepare specialties of the season. Don’t miss trying the “posole” a thick soup of hominy corn, red chili and pork. You won’t want to quit eating this stuff. Legend has it that when one eats posole on New Year’s Eve, he or she will have good luck throughout the next year.

A Great Time to Visit Santa Fe
Holidays are an uncrowded time of year in Santa Fe where the views, celebrations and festivities reflect rich history of diverse cultures and traditions that make Santa Fe so special during Christmas Time. Come join the residents for great times and great experiences. Make your hotel reservations in Santa Fe right here and choose the style of accommodation.

Special Holiday Events in Santa Fe
The following groups and organizations generally schedule events that begin in December. Contact them directly or visit their websites for dates, times and program productions. Also visit the Santa Fe Tourism website for up to date event times.

Canyon Road Lights & Festivities
The brilliantly colorful Canyon Road is adorned with Christmas lights as it plays hosts to hundreds of strollers on Christmas Eve. Sing carols around bonfires and experience the sight of flying Farolitos.

Christmas at The Palace (505) 476.5100
Held at the Palace of the Governors an historical building, families will enjoy caroling, storytelling, music and dance traditions of Hispanic and Native Americans.

Las Posadas Outdoor Play
An outdoor Spanish themed play is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room on Christmas Eve. The procession play begins at the Palace of Governors winding around the Santa Fe Plaza.

The Santa Fe Plaza on Christmas Eve
The brilliantly decorated plaza features thousands of glowing Farolitos as carols are sung on Christmas Eve beginning in the evening. Stroll the walk to the nearby Cross of the Martyrs.

Winter Spanish Market
Organized by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, the market features the work of over 100 Hispanic artists. The Winter Spanish Market also includes storytelling, music and entertainment. The event is held at the Sweeny Convention Center.

Winterfeast (505) 476.1250
Held at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Winterfeast afternoon features Native American foods from different regions of the Southwest.

Holiday Open House (505) 476.5100
Held at the Museum of Fine Arts, this Gustave Baumann Marionette Show features storytelling, picture taking with a marionette Santa Claus and refreshments.

Christmas & Holiday Music Performances
The following organizations regularly schedule special holiday performances. Check with them directly or visit their websites for holiday performance schedules.

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (505) 988.1234
Santa Fe Concert Association (505) 984.8759
Santa Fe Desert Chorale (505) 988.2285
Santa Fe Pro Music (505) 988.4640
Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble (505) 954.4922