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Capture Santa Fe's Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection

Santa Fe's cherished holiday tradition features enchanting lights that embody the season's warm spirit. Farolitos line streets, rooftops, and adobe walls of homes and businesses, glowing against snow-dusted landscapes—a photographer's dream and some of the city's most iconic scenes. During your Santa Fe holiday stay, discover endless photo opportunities. Past contests like "My Santa Fe Holiday" even offered getaways for top shots. First, explore the traditions behind farolitos and luminarias. Camera ready?

Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection

In Santa Fe and northern New Mexico, "farolitos" (small lanterns made from paper bags, sand, and votive candles) differ from "luminarias" (small bonfires of piñon branches). Rooted in the region's Catholic heritage, they symbolize guiding the Holy Family on Christmas Eve.

Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection

These lights also welcome Las Posadas, a nine-night reenactment of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter, complete with singing, prayers, and traditional foods.

Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection

Santa Fe Christmas by Jack Parsons

#MySantaFeHoliday Contest

Capture Santa Fe s Magical Holiday Lights: Farolitos, Luminarias & Instagram Perfection

Capture Santa Fe's winter magic on Instagram! Follow @cityofsantafe, post your favorite holiday photo tagged with @cityofsantafe and #MySantaFeHoliday. Encourage likes from followers—the grand prize went to the most-liked entry!

Prizes included:

The City Different offers countless photo gems. Relive the fun with the Santa Fe travel guide and check deals & specials for your getaway.

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