Christmas and New Year’s Eve may be over, but Santa Fe’s winter wonderland is still going strong. Just a gaze to the east and you will see the Sangre de Cristo Mountain’s gorgeous snowcap! Here are 5 happenings you’ll want to take advantage of while you visit our historic city this February. For inspiration, see the excitement that Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford generates on the TODAY Show about Santa Fe being a top destination to travel in 2026!
Embrace the Snow
Winter continues to wear her whites up high at our local “hill” with a base elevation of 10,350 feet and a peak elevation of 12,075 feet! Just 16 miles from downtown, Ski Santa Fe offers some of the finest ski slopes in the Southwest, and some of the fluffiest snow. AND some of the most expansive vistas, plus terrain for every skill level with 90 trails and a new high-speed lift to access them. The rental shop is well equipped, as is the onsite retail shop. Choose from two eateries with outdoor decks for soaking in the rays while refueling with delicious regional dishes, BUT if you want to rock out and groove while you eat and regain your energy, try Totemoff's. On weekends, local craft beer makers takeover the taps at the tram car and local musicians play live music for all to hear in the basin. For more ways to enjoy the snow, try one of these five winter adventures.
Celebrate National Margarita Day (2/22/26)
Yes, there is a day set aside to pay homage to the tasty cocktail, whose main ingredient—TEQUILA—is distilled from the extracted sugars of the heart of the blue agave plant! Conveniently, The City Different can offer an easy way to celebrate. Taste 50+ of the best margaritas in the world along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail (now in its 10th year!) at The City Different’s most popular bars and restaurants. Each locale has created an original margarita, steeped in story for the Trail. Track your progress with the paper Passport, available for purchase at any of the four Visitor Information Centers in Santa Fe or at participating restaurants or by downloading the app today! If you don't happen to be in Santa Fe, but are intrigued, set aside a few minutes to learn about the origins of the starring ingredient and its main squeeze, the margarita, here.
Hang Out at the Railyard
(Photo courtesy of El Museo de Cultural de Santa Fe)
The Santa Fe Railyard is an incredible draw on the weekends, even in the winter! Come in from the chill to peruse the illustrious winter mercado at El Museo de Cultural de Santa Fe Winter Market and its array of Americana, international folk art, vintage Western memorabilia, tribal and global fine art, as well as Native American jewelry and art, vintage and antique American and Western furniture and collectibles, books, textiles, clothing, and works of local artists. Add on a trip to the Santa Fe Farmers' Market on Saturdays, where organic producers still purvey tasty and fresh foods. And on Sunday in the same building, shop at the Railyard Artisans Market, which hosts dozens of makers and designers who take pride in showcasing and selling their original work, including fine art, crafts, jewelry, health & beauty items, and home goods.
Fall in Love with the Arts
Our legendary and beloved performing arts center, The Lensic, built in 1931, is an 800-capacity Spanish-Moorish-style theater just off the Plaza and it ALWAYS hosts a range of events from dance to comedy from rock to classical music. It's well worth a look at their February calendar to see if your interests might align with what the Lensic is offering!
Take a Class or a Tour
It can be very relaxing and edifying to be led by an instructor or a guide, Hand over the reins to someone trained and excited to share their craft and knowledge about cooking, history, painting, etc. with you! View our wealth of classes and workshops or tours to spark some ideas.
Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.
