9 Magical December Events in Santa Fe for an Unforgettable Holiday Season

Experience December like never before in Santa Fe, The City Different. Adorned in festive lights and holiday colors, this historic gem nestled in tradition offers snow-dusted landscapes, world-class cuisine, and vibrant celebrations. With bright blue skies, crisp air, and thrilling events, Santa Fe delivers the ultimate winter holiday escape.

Ski Santa Fe

Santa Fe shines year-round, but winter brings an extra sparkle. Discover why Travel + Leisure named it one of America's Best Cities for Winter Travel. Take the scenic 16-mile drive from Santa Fe Plaza into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to Ski Santa Fe.

Enjoy diverse terrain: beginner slopes, long cruisers, bump runs, glades, tree runs, chutes, and bowls. After skiing, savor a hearty New Mexican meal or unwind by the fire. Use the 255 Mountain Trail Route for easy access from downtown to Ski Santa Fe.

Christmas at the Palace

Home to the oldest continuously operating public building in the U.S., the Palace of the Governors hosts Christmas at the Palace on December 8, 2017, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the Santa Fe Plaza. Celebrate Pueblo and Spanish holiday traditions with hot cider, music, and merriment. Enter at 105 W. Palace Ave.; museum closes at 3 p.m. for prep.

Las Posadas

Visitors are invited to join the candle-lit procession following the young couple around the plaza. (Photo courtesy of the New Mexico History Museum)

Hosted by the New Mexico History Museum, this re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's journey occurs on December 10, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. Join the candlelit procession around the Plaza, ending with cookies and cider at the Palace of the Governors. Dress warmly!

GLOW

Join the Santa Fe Botanical Garden for one of the most unique lighting shows in Santa Fe! Dham Khalsa Photography @dkhalsaphotography

Thousands of lights illuminate the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, including the new Ojos y Manos section. Enjoy holiday music, food, drinks, shopping, and a laser light show. Kids 12 and under free. Runs December 15-30, 2017.

Santa Fe Winter Indian Market

Meet the artists and view their creations! (Photo courtesy of SWAIA)

Shop with 150 Native artists at the SWAIA Winter Indian Market, December 16 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 17 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), 2017, at La Fonda on the Plaza. Features demonstrators, performances, and a fashion show.

A Baroque Christmas “;an effortlessly rich voice worthy of any professional stage in the industry, with charisma to match.”; (Avery Amereau) –; Opera Today
“;agile both vocally and physically, leaving vapor trails with her lyric gymnastics. (Deborah Domanski) –; Naples Daily News

Santa Fe Pro Musica's 30+ year tradition returns to Loretto Chapel, December 20-24, 2017. Features Bach, Handel, Telemann, carols, and vocalists Avery Amereau (contralto) and Deborah Domanski (mezzo-soprano).

Lighting of the Menorah

The City of Holy Faith encompasses all religions. (Photo courtesy of City of Santa Fe)

The Genoveva Chavez Center and Chabad Jewish Community Center light the menorah on December 17, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. on the Downtown Plaza. Enjoy speakers, refreshments, and entertainment for 90 minutes.

Canyon Road Farolito Walk

Walking through Abeyta Street is a sight to behold on this special night. (Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico)

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2017, stroll Canyon Road's iconic farolito-lit path from the Plaza through historic neighborhoods—a magical Santa Fe tradition.

New Year's Eve on the Plaza

Ring in 2018 on the historic Santa Fe Plaza! (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

Ring in 2018 with live entertainment, a digital countdown, hot chocolate, biscochitos, and a Kiwanis Club memorial banner. Details at New Year's Eve.

December in Santa Fe sparkles with magic. Download the official 2017 Santa Fe travel guide and check Deals and Specials for your perfect getaway.