Santa Fe is a perfect winter holiday getaway! The City Different never looked prettier dressed in all her holiday color and lights! Plus, our beloved historic traditions and annual celebrations are open for all to enjoy. Interested in bright blue skies with crisp, frosty air and a ski-ready landscape? Got it. Love world-renowned regional cuisine? Try it here. Relish holiday music and the performing arts? Santa Fe has it all.
Ski Santa Fe
You’ll find some of the best places to ski in the Southwest right here in Santa Fe! (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)Locals will tell you that Santa Fe is a wonderful place to visit year-round, but during the winter months there’s always something extraordinary in the air.
Take the scenic 16-mile drive that leads from the historic Santa Fe Plaza into the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains—and you’ll find yourself at the base of Ski Santa Fe—an event in its own right.
High above The City Different, topping out at 12,075 feet in elevation, Ski Santa Fe has a wonderful range of terrain (83 trails in all), from welcoming beginner slopes to long cruisers, some heart-thumping bump runs, cool glades and tree runs, and even a few short chutes and small bowls. After a day on the mountain, return to Santa Fe for a hearty New Mexican meal or a drink by the fire. Be sure to take advantage of the Blue Bus or 255 Mountain Trail Bus that provides service through downtown Santa Fe to Fort Marcy Park and then up Hyde Park Road to recreational areas and business along NM 475, including Ten Thousand Waves, continuing into the Santa Fe National Forest and then Ski Santa Fe.
Pueblo Feast Days and Dances
The time to rejoice in our culture is felt year-round, but December can give us the time to pause and behold the wonderful tradition of Native American Feast Days and dances at our Eight Northern Pueblos. Please confirm dates and follow proper etiquette.
2nd Annual Canyon Road Fireside Artist Chat Series
Welcome the winter season in celebration of art. Stroll Canyon Road to the many galleries hosting an artist or two from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, December 2, 2022 for intimate conversations about art. Expect piñon-wood bonfires and farolitos, libations and music. Find out more through one of the participating galleries, which include Ahmyo River Gallery, Barbara Meikle Fine Art, Canyon Road Contemporary Art, Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Kay Contemporary, Susan Eddings Perez Gallery, and Tierra Mar.
Winter Indian Market
If you did not make it to the summer market, the Winter Santa Fe Winter Indian Market might be your next best bet with 150+ juried artists selling jewelry, pottery, paintings, weavings, and more. Also, there’s a silent auction, live entertainment, and a raffle! Join the fun December 3 & 4, 2022.
Entreflamenco
You will see these dancers perform up close.
Enjoy the thrill and passion of Flamenco dancing this holiday season in an intimate dinner theater setting. This special Spanish cabaret at Entreflameno runs nightly December 9–31, 2022.
Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series
(Courtesy of the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble)
Experience the world premiere of A Christmas Telling of St. Bride of the Isles, by award-winning composer, Sarah Jaysmith, performed by the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series December 10 & 11; 17 & 18, 2022. Also enjoy carols and seasonal favorites.
Open House at the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art
Enjoy music, crafts, holiday cheer at the annual holiday Open House, December 10, 2022, hosted by the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art. Complimentary admission to both museums on this special day.
40th Season of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Desert Chorale)
It's all about the carols this 40th season with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale! In addition to Benjamin Britten’s iconic work, A Ceremony of Carols, the crowning jewel of this year’s Winter Festival with all 24 professional artists bringing this work to life (December 10–22, 2022), there’s the intimate Carols & Cocktails event on December 15, featuring a singalong with the artists.
Las Posadas
Join Mary and Joseph in this candlelit reenactment of their search for shelter to give birth to baby Jesus. On December 11, 2022 Las Posadas begins on the Plaza and ends at the Palace of the Governors courtyard with carols and refreshments.
The Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus
(Photo courtesy of The Santa Fe Symphony)
On December 11, 2022, The Santa Fe Symphony presents its annual holiday pops concert Sounds of the Season with Maestro Guillermo Figueroa leading The Nutcracker Suite, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Hanukkah Festival Overture, and two pieces alongside The Santa Fe Youth Symphony, and more! Remember free Preview Talks are back. And on December 13, treat yourself to the free Carols & Choruses led by Choral Director Carmen Flórez-Mansi, for some of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time.
Performance Santa Fe
(Photo courtesy of Performance Santa Fe)
This holiday season, Performance Santa Fe presents The Boston Camerata, a distinguished vocal ensemble performing A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est in the historic Cristo Rey Catholic Church on December 18, 2022. And December 21, Broadway star Jessica Vosk will perform Broadway tunes and holiday favorites with live musical accompaniment in support of PSF’s education programs. Great for the whole family!
Santa Fe Pro Musica
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Pro Musica)It’s pretty much all about baroque Bach December 21–24, 29 & 30, 2022 with Santa Fe Pro Musica—his sonatas, partitas, concertos. And new artistic director, acclaimed violinist, and composer Colin Jacobsen is featured on the violin. The New York Times calls him “born to the instrument and its sweet, lyrical possibilities."
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Walking Canyon Road is sight to behold on this special night. One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who stroll the iconic road on Christmas Eve. While touring Christmas lights is a tradition everywhere, the experience is totally unique in Santa Fe. After all, how many towns commit hours of preparation to creating an awe-inspiring display for just one night? The annual walk tours historic neighborhoods on the Eastside. This night is a truly magical and breathtaking experience you do not want to miss. The event takes place on December 24, 2022.
New Year’s Eve on the Plaza
Ring in 2023 on the historic Santa Fe plaza! Santa Fe is set to ring in 2023 at the 7th Annual FREE New Year's Eve on the Plaza! Join us as we countdown to a peaceful and prosperous new year. In recognition of Santa Fe’s signature status as The City Different, nothing dropsǃ When the traditional countdown ends, a Zia symbol crafted by a traditional Spanish colonial artisan will be raised at the stroke of midnight. We'll welcome the New Year to Santa with the age-old songs, Auld Lang Syne and Las Mañanitas, sung in a spirit of unity to say Bienvenidos 2023! Live entertainment, food trucks, hot cocoa, and stationary heaters and cozy piñon bonfires will delight and warm your evening.
Discover December and the holidays in Santa Fe—they are truly filled with magic and good cheer. December is one of the most festive times to visit Santa Fe. Bring a friend or family, or just give yourself the unique gift of a Santa Fe holiday that’ll be a heartfelt memory.
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