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
November 27–early April 2026
Should we receive enough snow by Thanksgiving, add Ski Santa Fe to your itinerary. 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 (90 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.
Entreflamenco
November 28–January 3, 2026
You will see 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 select nights for the festive season November 28–January 3, 2026.
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 call or visit websites to confirm dates and follow proper etiquette.
5th Annual Canyon Road Fireside Artist Chat Series
December 5
Welcome the winter season in celebration of art. Grab your coat and stroll Canyon Road to the many galleries hosting an artist or two from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 for intimate conversations about art. Expect piñon-wood bonfires and farolitos, libations, and music.
Winter Spanish Market
December 6 & 7
Get your holiday shopping done all weekend long at the Winter Spanish Market, held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, December 6 and 7, where 75 juried Traditional Spanish Market artists and talented mentored youth artists feature their handmade, museum-quality works in a variety of media—including santos, precious metals jewelry, weaving, ironwork, woodcarvings, straw appliqué, pottery, tinwork, furniture, and more. Also enjoy artist demonstrations, traditional New Mexican music, entertainment, and food.
Las Posadas
December 7
Join Mary and Joseph in this 49th annual Hispanic candlelight processional reenactment of their search for shelter to give birth to baby Jesus. On December 7, 2025, Las Posadas begins on the Plaza at 5 pm and ends at the Palace of the Governors courtyard with carols and refreshments.
Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series
December 13 & 14
(Courtesy of the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble and Roland Pabst Photography)
With the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series, December 13 & 14, enjoy the 13-voice cadre accompanied by a saxophonist and percussionist for an inspired repertoire of holiday faves titled Love Above and Beyond--Winter at the glorious First Presbyterian Church. To name a few, you might know the rollicking Mary Had a Baby or Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Snowflakes showcases a haunting sax melody and the traditional carol I Saw Three Ships will surprise you. Get your tickets in advance for this special holiday event!
The Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus
December 7 & 27
(Photo courtesy of The Santa Fe Symphony)
On December 7, 2025, The Santa Fe Symphony presents its annual holiday pops concert Sounds of the Season with Maestro Guillermo Figueroa on the baton. Or rejoice in Nosotros joining forces with The Santa Fe Symphony on December 27. The Santa Fe Symphony season continues through May 10, 2026.
Santa Fe Desert Chorale
December 13–21
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Desert Chorale)
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale presents Carols & Lullabies through this magical week of December 13–21. Led by artistic director Joshua Haberman, this year’s concert combines the warm familiarity of beloved carols, such as Angels We Have Heard on High and White Christmas with less-oft-heard musical gems, such as Nesciens Mater and Lullaby Mine Liking. Join pianist Nathan Salazar and our twenty-four professional vocal artists from across the nation for this celebration of light, joy, and hope. Most concerts are held at the majestic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Open House at the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art
December 13
Enjoy holiday crafts and cheer, music from Santa Fe Pro Musica, performances by The Santa Fe Symphony Jazz Project, marionette performances with Teatro Duende and the Baumann replica marionettes, and the Gustave Baumann themed archives at the annual Open House, December 13, 2025, hosted by the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art. Complimentary admission to both museums on this special day.
The Nutcracker
December 13 & 14
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker at The Lensic Performing Arts Center, December 13 & 14. ASFB’s own Mexican Folklorico dancers team up with ballet stars Haley Schwan and Patrick Yocum of Boston Balletto to lead this stellar cast of performers.
Santa Fe Pro Musica
December 18–21, 24, 28–30
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Pro Musica)You have plenty to choose from with the festive Santa Fe Pro Musica Bach Goldberg Variations, Baroque Christmas, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Bach and Beyond, December 18–21, 24, 28–30. All concerts held at the inviting St. Francis Auditorium in the New Mexico Museum of Art.
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
December 24
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 (December 24). 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.
New Year’s Eve on the Plaza
December 31
Ring in 2026 on the historic Santa Fe Plaza! Santa Fe is set to ring in 2026 at the 11th 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 2026! 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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