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 call or visit websites to confirm dates and follow proper etiquette.
3RD ANNUAL CANYON ROAD FIRESIDE ARTIST CHAT SERIES
DECEMBER 1
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 1, 2023 for intimate conversations about art. Expect piñon-wood bonfires and farolitos, libations, and music.
WINTER SPANISH MARKET
DECEMBER 2 & 3
Get your holiday shopping done all weekend long at the Winter Spanish Market, held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, December 2 and 3, where adult and youth artists, who carry on the traditional work of Spanish Colonial New Mexico, 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.
ENTREFLAMENCO
NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 31
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 nightly November 24–December 31, 2023.
SANTA FE WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE WINTER CONCERT SERIES
DECEMBER 10 & 12, 16 & 17
(Courtesy of the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble)
With the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble Winter Concert Series, December 10 & 12, 16 & 17, enjoy an inspired repertoire for all: the Huron Carol, the Spanish carol Riu, Riu, Chiu, and a collection of texts by Harold Thurman, I Will Light Candles and the Work of Christmas, and December Lights by May Sarton. Gloria in altissimis Deo, by Chiara Margarita Cozzolani. Eight Days of Lights celebrates Chanukah and some Celtic flair lifts spirits with Red and Green.
SANTA FE DESERT CHORALE
DECEMBER 9–22
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Desert Chorale)
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale offers Candlelight Carols nightly through this magical week of December 9–22.
LAS POSADAS
DECEMBER 10
Join Mary and Joseph in this candlelit reenactment of their search for shelter to give birth to baby Jesus. On December 10, 2023 Las Posadas begins on the Plaza and ends at the Palace of the Governors courtyard with carols and refreshments.
THE SANTA FE SYMPHONY & CHORUS
DECEMBER 10, 12, & 24
(Photo courtesy of The Santa Fe Symphony)
On December 10, 2023, The Santa Fe Symphony presents its annual holiday pops concert Sounds of the Season with Maestro Guillermo Figueroa. Rejoice in other seasonal and holiday favorites through December, including Carols & Choruses on December 12 and Nochebuena Clásica! on December 24.
PERFORMANCE SANTA FE
DECEMBE 1 & 15
(Photo courtesy of Performance Santa Fe)
In its 87th season, Performance Santa Fe continues to present “the world’s best music, dance, and theater.” Don’t miss Broadway star Jessica Vosk on December 1 and the raucous Winter Wassail on December 15.
OPEN HOUSE AT THE NEW MEXICO HISTORY MUSEUM AND MUSEUM OF ART
DECEMBER 16
Enjoy music, crafts, holiday cheer at the annual holiday Open House, December 16, 2023, hosted by the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art. Complimentary admission to both museums on this special day.
THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 16 & 17
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker at The Lensic Performing Arts Center, December 16 & 17. New York City Ballet stars Brittany Pollack and Robert Fairchild join a stellar cast of performers from around the country.
SANTA FE PRO MUSICA
DECEMBER 20–23, 28 & 29
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Pro Musica)
Check out Santa Fe Pro Musica‘s Baroque Series and its famous Holiday Bach Festival, December 20–23, 28 & 29.
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 2024 on the historic Santa Fe plaza!
Santa Fe is set to ring in 2024 at the 8th 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 2024! 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.