2010 Holiday Cheer and Savings (subscribe to rss feed)
Santa Fe's most loyal visitors know a secret--the holiday season in this 400-year old, multi-cultural town is intimate, welcoming, joyful, beautiful, and affordable. Historic adobe buildings are frosted with snow, and the mountains that tower above the city are gleaming white and beckoning to skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. The city is decked with evergreens and lights, and there is a festive mood in the air. Visitors never feel like strangers. They can sing carols and join local residents in a candlelight procession on Christmas Eve, watch a traditional Spanish outdoor play, experience a Native American ceremonial dance, or participate in many other events that are a unique part of Santa Fe's cultural heritage. There is an abundance of holiday music, and of course, the world-class shopping and dining the city is known for.
Santa Fe hotels go out of their way for holiday guests. The pace is slower than the crowded summer months. Crackling fireplaces, holiday décor, special menus, and a desire to share the season's best are the norm. Best of all, holiday prices are among the lowest of the year.
HOLIDAY HOTEL SPECIALS
Look for details of these and other holiday deals on www.santafe.org. All packages have rules and restrictions.
Bishop's Lodge. Located in the countryside just north of Santa Fe, Bishop's Lodge offers family packages with a daily resort credit of $100, a Twelve Days of Christmas celebration, and much more. 800-732-2240, www.bishopslodgre.com
The Inn and Spa at Loretto. The ski package at the Inn and Spa at Loretto includes a $20 dining credit and is valid through the end of March. Girlfriends Adventure features a fun, geo-caching treasure hunt, and the Plan Early package brings savings of 15% if booked by November 30. 877-857-5685, www.innatloretto.com
Santa Fe Sage Inn. The Ski Getaway package includes two nights of accommodations plus two single-day lift tickets for only $199! Book now for November or December and receive discounts of up to 20% on weekends and 25% on weekdays (must mention "Holiday Savings"). 866-433-0335, www.santafesageinn.com
Inn on the Alameda. As part of their 25th Anniversary, the inn is offering a $25 rate for the third consecutive night of any stay in any room or suite. The rate applies only to the third consecutive night but is also offered on the 6th, and 9th, and 12th consecutive nights. 888-984-2121, www.innonthealameda.com
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. The inn celebrates its 20th anniversary with a very special deal. Through March, a package that includes accommodations, museum passes, massages, food and beverage credits, and some special treats begins at $480. There are blackout weeks. Also, New Mexico residents receive 20% off food at the Anasazi Restaurant on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through March. 800-688-8100, www.innoftheanasazi.com
Hotel Plaza Real. This small hotel, right in the center of downtown Santa Fe, features a Fall Special with savings of up to 30%. Use booking code PROHMAF30. 877-901-7666, www.hhandr.com
Hotel Saint Francis. The historic Hotel Saint Francis has a deluxe bed and breakfast package for winter that includes a deluxe room, breakfast for two, and waived parking fee. Use booking code PKGBBPKG. 800-529-5700, www.hotelstfrancis.com
The Lodge at Santa Fe. Have fun at the Lodge and get a S'Mores kit, free daily breakfast, and specials on the newly decorated Kiva Suites. Use booking code PKGSMORE. 888-563-4373, www.thelodgeatsantafe.com
Spirit of Giving Holiday Package. Stay at the Hotel Plaza Real, Hotel Saint Francis, or The Lodge at Santa Fe between November 13 and January 2 and 10% of your package proceeds will be donated to a local charity. Packages range from $119 to $329 and include free parking and a special gift. Each hotel will also host a toy or food drive. 800-529-5700, sfreservations@hhandr.com
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
These are but a sample of the many winter events in Santa Fe. Many more will be added. Check www.santafe.org for updates.
Ski Santa Fe. Santa Fe's ski area, just 30 minutes from downtown, opens on Thanksgiving, weather permitting. Expect plenty of Rocky Mountain powder with seven chairlifts, 73 named trails, and lots of fun for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. www.skisantafe.com
Winter Indian Market. This is a smaller version of the popular summer market featuring 175 Native American artists selling their handmade work. There is also music, storytelling and food. November 26-28, Santa Fe Community Convention Center. www.swaia.org
Winter Spanish Market. Spanish Colonial arts are featured at this market, which is also a smaller version of the summer event. There are carvings, paintings, textiles, silver, and tinwork with many small pieces, like Christmas tree decorations that make perfect gifts. December 4-5, Santa Fe Community Convention Center. www.spanishcolonial.org
Christmas at the Palace. Celebrate the season in one of the oldest buildings in the United States, the Palace of the Governors. Kids love this free event with hot cider, music, entertainment, and the appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. December 10. www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Las Posadas. This traditional Spanish outdoor play on the Plaza tells the story of Mary and Joseph searching for a room on Christmas Eve. It begins with a candlelight procession and audience members are encouraged to participate. Stay for cookies and carols at the Palace of the Governors. www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Noche Bueno. Midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi commemorates a folk story about the animals in the manger on Christmas Eve. According to the story, they were dismayed that no humans came to see the Christ Child, so one old rooster flew to a high place and announced the birth for all the world to hear.
Farolitos. These are candles in paper bags, humble materials that become magical amber lights. Hundreds of them will line streets, sidewalks, steps, and roofs. There are 1,000 of them on the Plaza on Christmas Eve and a procession to a spectacular view of the city decked in holiday light from the hilltop Cross of the Martyrs. www.santafe.org
Music. There is a wealth of holiday music in Santa Fe. Look for concerts by New Mexico Pro Coro, Musica da Camera, Santa Fe Concert Association, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Santa Fe Symphony, Santa Fe Women's Ensemble, and more. Check the calendar at www.santafe.org for times and locations.
Native American Dances. Many ceremonial dances are held at the Native American pueblos near Santa Fe during the holiday season. These feature elaborate traditional garments and are beautiful to watch. Winter dances often honor animals, such as the deer dance at Taos Pueblo. There are sundown torchlight processions of the Virgin on Christmas Eve at Picuris, Nambe, and Okay Owingeh Pueblos. Matachinas dances with their dramatic headdresses take place on Christmas Day at Picuris, Okay Owingeh, Santa Clara, and San Ildefonso Pueblos. There is a turtle dance on December 26 at Okay Owingeh Pueblo and Holy Innocents and children's dances at Picuris and Santa Clara Pueblos on December 28. New Years Day and the days following are also days for dances marking changes in tribal governments. Dances usually happen on set days, but not at set times. Be prepared to wait patiently. It is important to remember that dances are religious in nature and to behave respectfully. Checking ahead is advised. www.indianpueblo.org.
Weather in Santa Fe in December is typically in the low 40s during the day and 20s at night. The snow stays mainly in the mountains, but there is intermittent snow in town and occasionally big storms. There are frequently days when it is sunny and warm enough for golf.
The Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau provides tourist information and a free visitors guide. 505-955-6200, 800-777-2489, www.santafe.org
For further press information contact:
Steve Lewis
505-473-9002
steve.lewisnm@comcast.net
