Santa Fe's Magical Holidays: Festive Events, Music, and Traditions in the City Different
Imagine swapping Bing Crosby's nostalgic croon for the vibrant holiday spirit of Santa Fe. From the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 28, with church bells echoing through the air, to a cappella carolers wandering Canyon Road on Christmas Eve, Santa Fe delivers a season filled with historic celebrations and joyful songs.
Hearts are alight in Santa Fe when the holidays arrive. (Photo Credit: Hannah Abelbeck, courtesy of the New Mexico History Museum)
Deck the Halls at the Palace
Delight your family at Christmas at the Palace on December 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palace of the Governors. Enjoy free activities like operating an antique printing press, live music, piñatas, hot cider, and cookies. Follow up with a visit to the New Mexico History Museum's exhibit, Gustave Baumann and Friends: Artist Cards from Holidays Past, featuring festive cards by renowned New Mexico artists.
Christmas crafts are part of the fun when families celebrate Christmas at the Palace. (Photo Credit: Hannah Abelbeck, courtesy of the New Mexico History Museum)
Two days later, on December 14 at 5:30 p.m., join Las Posadas on the Plaza—a traditional re-enactment of the Holy Family's search for shelter. Volunteers in a candlelit procession circle the Plaza, facing playful devils at each stop. The celebration ends in the Palace of the Governors' courtyard with cider, carols, and a bonfire.
Silent Nights? Not in Santa Fe
Santa Fe's holiday music scene shines brightly. On December 14 at 4:00 p.m., the Santa Fe Symphony and Chorus, led by guest conductor Jason Altieri, performs holiday favorites at the Lensic Theater—from White Christmas to Brazilian Sleigh Bells. Sing along on December 15 at 7:00 p.m. with the Santa Fe Concert Band's annual Christmas Concert, conducted by Greg Heltman.
You never know who might show up at the Santa Fe Concert Band’s Christmas Concert! (Photo Credit: Santa Fe Concert Band)
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale presents Carols and Lullabies on December 16 and 18-20 at 8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. Catch their Christmas + Cabaret: The Lighter Side of Christmas on December 9 at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. End the year with Voasis's Endings and Beginnings from December 27 through New Year's Eve at the Lodge at Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Pro Musica's Baroque Christmas at the Loretto Chapel (December 19-24 at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.) features authentic baroque instruments amid flickering candles. Don't miss Aspen Santa Fe Ballet's Nutcracker on December 20-21 at the Lensic.
Santa Fe Pro Musica goes for baroque in their annual holiday appearance at the Loretto Chapel. (Photo Credit: Santa Fe Pro Musica)
Dashing Through the Snow and Lights
Santa Fe's Christmas Eve Farolito Walk transforms the Plaza and historic neighborhoods into a glowing wonderland. Brown paper bags filled with sand and votive candles become farolitos, lighting the path for the Christ Child—a tradition of timeless beauty.
Celebrate a Holly Jolly Holiday in Santa Fe
Whether you prefer Feliz Navidad or Joy to the World, Santa Fe creates unforgettable holiday memories worth repeating year after year.
Santa Fe adobes share wall space with farolitos and colored lights alike! (Photo courtesy of the Inn of the Governors)
