10 Magical Santa Fe Holiday Events to Spark Your Festive Spirit
Santa Fe captivates visitors year-round, but winter infuses the air with unmistakable magic. Travel + Leisure named it one of America's Best Cities for Winter Travel—here's a curated selection of 10 enchanting December events to immerse you in the holiday cheer.
Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival
The nation's largest and oldest recycled art market, Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, celebrates its 18th year with art crafted from discarded materials. Highlights include Friday night's Trash Fashion and Costume Contest, a vibrant art market, juried exhibits for adults and students, and hands-on art activities. Attracting thousands of art enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers, it runs December 2-4 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
New Mexico History Museum Celebrates Holiday Traditions
On December 9, Christmas at the Palace unites the community at the Palace of the Governors with hot cider, cookies, live music, piñatas, crafts, an antique printing press demo, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This free family event welcomes non-perishable food donations. Enter at 105 W. Palace Avenue.
On December 11 from 5:30–7:00 pm, join Las Posadas, a candlelit reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey. Follow the procession around the Plaza, boo the devils, then gather for carols, cookies, and cider. Dress warmly!
Santa Fe Film Festival
The Santa Fe Film Festival showcases over 40 programs, including features, documentaries, shorts, tributes, and local New Mexico talent. Experience cinematic excellence amid Santa Fe's beauty from December 7-11.
GLOW – A Winter Lights Event
The Santa Fe Botanical Garden hosts GLOW, featuring illuminated domes, a sparkling light tunnel, festive drinks, live entertainment (select nights), and Santa photos. Open nightly 5:00–8:00 pm from December 16 through January 1 (closed December 24-25). Bundle up for family fun!
Santa Fe Winter Indian Market
Shop unique holiday gifts from 150 Native artists at the SWAIA Winter Indian Market on December 17-18 at historic La Fonda Hotel. Enjoy artist demos, live performances, a silent auction, raffle, and Native fashion.
A Baroque Christmas
In the iconic Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase, Santa Fe Pro Musica presents A Baroque Christmas. Nightly concerts December 19-24 feature mezzo-sopranos Deborah Domanski and Avery Amereau performing Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, and carols. Limited seating—book now!
Lighting of the Menorah
The Genoveva Chavez Community Center and Chabad Jewish Center host a free Menorah lighting on the Plaza, December 25 from 3:00–5:00 pm, with refreshments and entertainment.
The Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Santa Fe's unique Christmas Eve Farolito Walk transforms Canyon Road with thousands of luminarias, starting from the Plaza on Christmas Eve.
New Year's Eve on the Plaza
Ring in 2017 on the Santa Fe Plaza starting 9:30 pm December 31 with bonfires and hot chocolate (donations benefit local nonprofits).
Embrace Santa Fe's holiday wonders this December. Visit santafe.org for details, deals, and our travel guide.
