Fall 2010
SFCVB FALL NEWSLETTER
Like magic, the air turns cool in Santa Fe in early September. There is a sense of expectation--soon the aspen leaves will turn gold, the scent of roasting green chiles will waft everywhere, and the best season of the year will be just around the corner.
Longtime visitors to Santa Fe know that fall is simply glorious. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is sunny and cool, and Mom Nature paints the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains with a swath of shimmering yellow. It is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, biking, golf, or just a leisurely stroll. The city's museums and galleries are filled with art, restaurants are serving the best of local fall produce, and there is a full performing arts calendar.
Chairlift Rides For a not-to-be-missed celebration of fall, ride the Super Chief 4-person chairlift at Ski Santa Fe for the best view of the turning leaves in the vast mountain aspen stand. At the top, a great picnic spot, you'll find a spectacular view of the entire Rio Grande Valley. The chairlift operates daily during the peak of fall colors and so does the ski area outdoor grill, serving burgers, soups, and snacks. Dates are approximately mid-September through mid-October, but depend on the timing of the leaves. Watch the website for updates, www.skisantafe.com
Ski Santa Fe is only 30 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, at the end of Artist Road/Hwy 475, a New Mexico Scenic Byway. The drive alone is spectacular, but along the way, you'll pass several of the area's best hiking trails--the Dale Ball Trail System with its single track beloved by mountain bikers, the Borrego Trail near Hyde Memorial State Park, Aspen Vista trail running right through the thickest of the aspen trees, and the Windsor Trail leading into the Pecos Wilderness. Spend an entire day or just an hour on any of them for a memorable fall experience.
Balloon Fiesta World-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 2 through October 10, draws thousands of visitors to watch the colorful hot air balloon events and races. Visitors staying in Albuquerque can watch the balloons in the morning and ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train to Santa Fe in the afternoon. The Santa Fe Pick Up provides free shuttle service between the railyard and historic downtown Santa Fe. Schedules and tickets are available at www.nmrailrunner.com Balloon Fiesta info is at http://www.balloonfiesta.com
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta Gourmet dining, fine wine and fall in Santa Fe are the ingredients for a perfect recipe. This year's event, from September 22 through September 26, features guest chefs, tours, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars, special dinners and more. Check it out at www.santafewineandchile.org
Native Treasures Collectors Sale This new event on September 26 is sure to spark the interest of those who love fine Native American art. It will feature an auction of highest quality art from private collections. A broad range of pottery, jewelry, weaving, and more in both traditional and contemporary styles will be sold. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The auction takes place at the Laboratory of Anthropology's Meem Auditorium on Museum Hill. The Museum Hill Café will feature a special Native American inspired menu that day. www.nativetreasuressantafe.org
Waste/Not This exhibit of art created from at least 50 percent recycled materials takes place September 24 through November 14 at the Community Gallery in the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Look for other events as part of the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, www.recyclesantafe.org
Harvest Festival The annual Harvest Festival at Rancho de las Golondrinas, October 2 through 3, captures the season the way it was during Spanish Colonial times in New Mexico. The ranch itself is a living history museum with its own farm in a serene setting just south of Santa Fe. Chile roasting, wine making, blacksmithing, and traditional food are just a few of the many activities. Enjoy a quiet stroll or bring the entire family. www.golondrinas.org
Santa Fe Farmers' Market The Farmers' Market is the best place in town, except for the Plaza, for people watching. Held every Tuesday and Saturday morning and Thursday evenings from 3:00 to 7:00 into October at the Railyard, there is always a festive atmosphere. Learn from the best during Cook With the Chef events on Thursdays, 5:30-6:30. Even if you can't take fresh produce home, there are fall fruits and cheeses for snacking, jams, jellies, vinegars, and soap for gifts, plus local crafts. www.santafefarmersmarket.com
St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day The Nambe Pueblo, located north of Santa Fe, will hold its annual St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day on the saint's traditional day of celebration, October 4. The day honors St. Francis' love of all creatures and is a traditional community festival including food and dancing. As always, visitors should remember that ceremonies are religious and respect them accordingly. Nambe Pueblo, 505-455-2036.
Murray Perahia The famed pianist plays Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms on
October 25 at the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts. It's one of many fall performances, including popular live HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. www.lensic.org
Dia de Muertos The Museum of International Folk Art marks the Latin American holiday that honors the deceased on October 31. There are art projects for kids, sweet treats, and music. www.moifa.org
Santa Fe Film Festival The popular and growing film festival moves to fall this year, October 20-24. Many interesting films will be screened at various venues and there will be awards and workshops. Actor Val Kilmer is honorary chairman of the event. www.santafefilmfestival.com
San Diego Feast Day Tesuque Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe honors its patron saint on
November 12. There will be ceremonial dances and a gathering of the community. Tesuque is one of the oldest pueblos in the Southwest, established around 1250. 505-983-2667.
Winter Indian Market This smaller version of the huge summer event, November 26 through 28, features 175 Native American artists selling their handmade work. There will also be music, storytelling, and demonstrations. Santa Fe Community Convention Center. www.swaia.org
Ski Santa Fe The ski area is scheduled to open on Thanksgiving weekend, conditions permitting. Only a 30-minute drive from downtown, Ski Santa Fe boasts Rocky Mountain powder, seven chairlifts, 73 named trails, and plenty of fun for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities.
This is but a sampling of fall events in Santa Fe. Check www.santafe.org for more. For a hip, insider's take on happenings, people, and places around town, visit our new e-zine, http://www.vibrantsantafe.com Learn about local art and artists, green living, nightlife, and the offbeat. Read what others are saying and join the conversation.
Holidays
Fall in Santa Fe is spectacular, but the holidays are charming and intimate. This is when cultural traditions are most evident, the weather is crisp with both sunny and snowy days, and the city's legendary hospitality shines. While chile is the year-round king of local food, it is especially important in traditional seasonal dishes like tamales and posole, a stew made of dried corn, meat, and chile. Many restaurants have special holiday menus.
Winter Spanish Market The winter market, December 4 through 5, like the larger summer one, showcases traditional Spanish colonial arts. They flourish in Santa Fe like nowhere else, including Spain. Besides the carvings, paintings, textiles, silver and tinwork for sale, there are small pieces, like Christmas tree decorations that are perfect mementos or gifts. www.spanishcolonial.org
Christmas at the Palace On
December 10, celebrate New Mexico's Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions in the stately building that is the oldest seat of government in the United States, the Palace of the Governors. This is a free event with hot cider, music, entertainment, and the magical visit of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. www.nmhistorymuseum.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.
Las Posadas This traditional Spanish play, on December 12, depicts the search by Mary and Joseph for a room on Christmas Eve. It is held outdoors and begins with a candlelight procession at the Palace of the Governors. All are invited to participate and follow the journey around the Plaza area. Stay for carols and cookies in the courtyard at the Palace of the Governors. www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Feast of Guadalupe The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas and patron saint of Pojoaque Pueblo. The annual feast day, December 12, includes traditional ceremonial dances. Visitors may be invited to dine with pueblo families, but are advised not to linger, as many other guests will be fed. Pojoaque Pueblo, 505-455-3549.
Farolitos These are candles in paper bags, humble materials that transform into hundreds of glowing amber lights that line streets, sidewalks, steps, roofs, and even hang from trees. On Christmas Eve there are more than 1,000 of them on the Plaza. You will also find them at the Cross of the Martyrs and on Christmas Eve in some neighborhoods. Luminarias are small bonfires that provide a warm respite on a cold evening walk. www.santafe.org
Noche Buena 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 the night of Christ's birth. They were dismayed, so the story goes, that no humans had come to see the child, so an old rooster flew to a high place and announced the birth of the Messiah for all to hear.
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
Coming up in February - Santa Fe Winter Fiesta Celebrate everything Santa Fe has to offer during the winter with a special week of activities, February 18-27, 2011 Daily events, nightly parties, and saving specials are all planned in this first annual winter extravaganza. There will be alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, special museum days, a culinary day, performing arts, and a fine arts day all winding up with one of the city's most popular winter weekends during ARTfeast, February 25-27 Look for more at www.santafewinterfiesta.org
For further information about visiting Santa Fe and for a free Santa Fe Visitors Guide, contact the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau; 505-955-6200, 800-777-2489, www.santafe.org
Like magic, the air turns cool in Santa Fe in early September. There is a sense of expectation--soon the aspen leaves will turn gold, the scent of roasting green chiles will waft everywhere, and the best season of the year will be just around the corner.
Longtime visitors to Santa Fe know that fall is simply glorious. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is sunny and cool, and Mom Nature paints the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains with a swath of shimmering yellow. It is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, biking, golf, or just a leisurely stroll. The city's museums and galleries are filled with art, restaurants are serving the best of local fall produce, and there is a full performing arts calendar.
Chairlift Rides For a not-to-be-missed celebration of fall, ride the Super Chief 4-person chairlift at Ski Santa Fe for the best view of the turning leaves in the vast mountain aspen stand. At the top, a great picnic spot, you'll find a spectacular view of the entire Rio Grande Valley. The chairlift operates daily during the peak of fall colors and so does the ski area outdoor grill, serving burgers, soups, and snacks. Dates are approximately mid-September through mid-October, but depend on the timing of the leaves. Watch the website for updates, www.skisantafe.com
Ski Santa Fe is only 30 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, at the end of Artist Road/Hwy 475, a New Mexico Scenic Byway. The drive alone is spectacular, but along the way, you'll pass several of the area's best hiking trails--the Dale Ball Trail System with its single track beloved by mountain bikers, the Borrego Trail near Hyde Memorial State Park, Aspen Vista trail running right through the thickest of the aspen trees, and the Windsor Trail leading into the Pecos Wilderness. Spend an entire day or just an hour on any of them for a memorable fall experience.
Balloon Fiesta World-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 2 through October 10, draws thousands of visitors to watch the colorful hot air balloon events and races. Visitors staying in Albuquerque can watch the balloons in the morning and ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train to Santa Fe in the afternoon. The Santa Fe Pick Up provides free shuttle service between the railyard and historic downtown Santa Fe. Schedules and tickets are available at www.nmrailrunner.com Balloon Fiesta info is at http://www.balloonfiesta.com
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta Gourmet dining, fine wine and fall in Santa Fe are the ingredients for a perfect recipe. This year's event, from September 22 through September 26, features guest chefs, tours, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars, special dinners and more. Check it out at www.santafewineandchile.org
Native Treasures Collectors Sale This new event on September 26 is sure to spark the interest of those who love fine Native American art. It will feature an auction of highest quality art from private collections. A broad range of pottery, jewelry, weaving, and more in both traditional and contemporary styles will be sold. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The auction takes place at the Laboratory of Anthropology's Meem Auditorium on Museum Hill. The Museum Hill Café will feature a special Native American inspired menu that day. www.nativetreasuressantafe.org
Waste/Not This exhibit of art created from at least 50 percent recycled materials takes place September 24 through November 14 at the Community Gallery in the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Look for other events as part of the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, www.recyclesantafe.org
Harvest Festival The annual Harvest Festival at Rancho de las Golondrinas, October 2 through 3, captures the season the way it was during Spanish Colonial times in New Mexico. The ranch itself is a living history museum with its own farm in a serene setting just south of Santa Fe. Chile roasting, wine making, blacksmithing, and traditional food are just a few of the many activities. Enjoy a quiet stroll or bring the entire family. www.golondrinas.org
Santa Fe Farmers' Market The Farmers' Market is the best place in town, except for the Plaza, for people watching. Held every Tuesday and Saturday morning and Thursday evenings from 3:00 to 7:00 into October at the Railyard, there is always a festive atmosphere. Learn from the best during Cook With the Chef events on Thursdays, 5:30-6:30. Even if you can't take fresh produce home, there are fall fruits and cheeses for snacking, jams, jellies, vinegars, and soap for gifts, plus local crafts. www.santafefarmersmarket.com
St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day The Nambe Pueblo, located north of Santa Fe, will hold its annual St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day on the saint's traditional day of celebration, October 4. The day honors St. Francis' love of all creatures and is a traditional community festival including food and dancing. As always, visitors should remember that ceremonies are religious and respect them accordingly. Nambe Pueblo, 505-455-2036.
Murray Perahia The famed pianist plays Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms on
October 25 at the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts. It's one of many fall performances, including popular live HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. www.lensic.org
Dia de Muertos The Museum of International Folk Art marks the Latin American holiday that honors the deceased on October 31. There are art projects for kids, sweet treats, and music. www.moifa.org
Santa Fe Film Festival The popular and growing film festival moves to fall this year, October 20-24. Many interesting films will be screened at various venues and there will be awards and workshops. Actor Val Kilmer is honorary chairman of the event. www.santafefilmfestival.com
San Diego Feast Day Tesuque Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe honors its patron saint on
November 12. There will be ceremonial dances and a gathering of the community. Tesuque is one of the oldest pueblos in the Southwest, established around 1250. 505-983-2667.
Winter Indian Market This smaller version of the huge summer event, November 26 through 28, features 175 Native American artists selling their handmade work. There will also be music, storytelling, and demonstrations. Santa Fe Community Convention Center. www.swaia.org
Ski Santa Fe The ski area is scheduled to open on Thanksgiving weekend, conditions permitting. Only a 30-minute drive from downtown, Ski Santa Fe boasts Rocky Mountain powder, seven chairlifts, 73 named trails, and plenty of fun for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities.
This is but a sampling of fall events in Santa Fe. Check www.santafe.org for more. For a hip, insider's take on happenings, people, and places around town, visit our new e-zine, http://www.vibrantsantafe.com Learn about local art and artists, green living, nightlife, and the offbeat. Read what others are saying and join the conversation.
Holidays
Fall in Santa Fe is spectacular, but the holidays are charming and intimate. This is when cultural traditions are most evident, the weather is crisp with both sunny and snowy days, and the city's legendary hospitality shines. While chile is the year-round king of local food, it is especially important in traditional seasonal dishes like tamales and posole, a stew made of dried corn, meat, and chile. Many restaurants have special holiday menus.
Winter Spanish Market The winter market, December 4 through 5, like the larger summer one, showcases traditional Spanish colonial arts. They flourish in Santa Fe like nowhere else, including Spain. Besides the carvings, paintings, textiles, silver and tinwork for sale, there are small pieces, like Christmas tree decorations that are perfect mementos or gifts. www.spanishcolonial.org
Christmas at the Palace On
December 10, celebrate New Mexico's Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions in the stately building that is the oldest seat of government in the United States, the Palace of the Governors. This is a free event with hot cider, music, entertainment, and the magical visit of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. www.nmhistorymuseum.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.
Las Posadas This traditional Spanish play, on December 12, depicts the search by Mary and Joseph for a room on Christmas Eve. It is held outdoors and begins with a candlelight procession at the Palace of the Governors. All are invited to participate and follow the journey around the Plaza area. Stay for carols and cookies in the courtyard at the Palace of the Governors. www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Feast of Guadalupe The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas and patron saint of Pojoaque Pueblo. The annual feast day, December 12, includes traditional ceremonial dances. Visitors may be invited to dine with pueblo families, but are advised not to linger, as many other guests will be fed. Pojoaque Pueblo, 505-455-3549.
Farolitos These are candles in paper bags, humble materials that transform into hundreds of glowing amber lights that line streets, sidewalks, steps, roofs, and even hang from trees. On Christmas Eve there are more than 1,000 of them on the Plaza. You will also find them at the Cross of the Martyrs and on Christmas Eve in some neighborhoods. Luminarias are small bonfires that provide a warm respite on a cold evening walk. www.santafe.org
Noche Buena 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 the night of Christ's birth. They were dismayed, so the story goes, that no humans had come to see the child, so an old rooster flew to a high place and announced the birth of the Messiah for all to hear.
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
Coming up in February - Santa Fe Winter Fiesta Celebrate everything Santa Fe has to offer during the winter with a special week of activities, February 18-27, 2011 Daily events, nightly parties, and saving specials are all planned in this first annual winter extravaganza. There will be alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, special museum days, a culinary day, performing arts, and a fine arts day all winding up with one of the city's most popular winter weekends during ARTfeast, February 25-27 Look for more at www.santafewinterfiesta.org
For further information about visiting Santa Fe and for a free Santa Fe Visitors Guide, contact the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau; 505-955-6200, 800-777-2489, www.santafe.org
