Whether you’re snowshoeing the majestic terrain of the Santa Fe National Forest or strolling amidst the magical farolitos during our annual celebration of light, wintertime in Santa Fe is an experience of a lifetime. The City Different offers so much for a well-deserved break from the busy holiday season. Here are some of our holiday offerings to those who need a true escape and rejuvenation of body and soul.
Snowshoeing in Santa Fe
(Photo courtesy of Outspire)
The snowy mountains of Santa Fe are truly a winter wonderland! Why not immerse yourself in the quiet, snow-white alpine surroundings and go on a snowshoeing trek? [blog_link url="http://www.outspire.com/snowshoeing.html" text="Outspire Hiking & Showshoeing's tours" date="2016-11-08"] are designed for all skill levels and are an irresistible temptation to bundle up and venture out into the forest. Outspire provides you with snowshoes, poles, daypacks, water, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide. Participants should bring a camera, warm layered clothing, gloves, hat, sturdy waterproof boots and a desire for fun!
A Festival of Lights: A Feast for the Eyes
(Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
If you were to ask us what makes Santa Fe so special during the holiday season, we’d have to say it’s the lights of the season. Be it a farolito glowing in the night or a luminaria burning in the distance, the lights truly add to the magical sense of our being. Release the stress of the day and let your eyes and mind take you on a well-lit journey.
[blog_link url="https://santafebotanicalgarden.org/events/glow/" text="GLOW" date="2016-11-08"] is a wonderful family event at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden featuring illuminated domes, a glittering tunnel of lights, festive beverages (the adult ones being a little more festive!), live entertainment (on select nights) and visits and photos with Santa himself! Dress warmly and bring the family for this wonderful Santa Fe holiday tradition. GLOW is open nightly from 5-8 pm from December 16 - January 1 (closed December 24 & 25).
Another spectacular feast for the eyes is one of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions—the [blog_link url="http://www.farolitowalk.com/" text="Canyon Road Farolito Walk" date="2016-11-08"]. On the evening of December 24, thousands of paper bags are illuminated with votive candles, placed in decorative rows all over Canyon Road, and left to shimmer merrily through the night.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes and warm clothing because this is an outdoor walk, with many local streets closed to vehicles. Just picture it: hot chocolate, carols ringing out, and thousands of farolitos a-glow.
The festival of lights continues on December 31 when Santa Fe rings in the New Year on the Santa Fe Plaza. Farolitos and luminarias will once again dot the landscape. There will be live entertainment, food truck vendors and youth organizations selling hot chocolate and hot apple cider. The festivities begin at 9:30 pm.
Relaxation In The City Different
(Photo courtesy of Inn and Spa at Loretto)
Did you know that three of [blog_link url="http://www.travelocity.com/inspire/top-10-luxury-hotel-spas-u-s" text="Travelocity's Top 10 Luxury Hotel Spas" date="2016-11-08"] are right here in Santa Fe? Here’s the chance to treat yourself during the holidays.
Nestled in the high mountain foothills, [blog_link url="http://www.fourseasons.com/santafe/spa/" text="The Spa at Rancho Encantado " date="2016-11-08"] is uniquely designed to reflect the sacred kiva rooms of the indigenous Pueblo Indians. The spa is comfortable, simple and serene. You’ll notice the spa's pared-down Southwest style in regionally inspired treatments, massages and bodywork.
[blog_link url="https://www.destinationhotels.com/inn-at-loretto/spa" text="The Spa at Loretto" date="2016-11-08"] takes a holistic approach to the art of massage therapy and well-being. The Spa at Loretto is the only Santa Fe spa that has the distinction of creating its very own custom crafted oil blends that are used to improve overall health and relieve tension.
[blog_link url="http://www.laposadadesantafe.com/spa" text="The Spa at La Posada de Santa Fe" date="2016-11-08"] is nestled among six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The spa offers eight treatment rooms, hydrotherapy room and plus a full-service salon. One of their popular treatments is the chocolate chile wrap which combines handmade Mayan chocolate and Chimayo red chile, algae base.
Take A Break From Cooking
(Photo courtesy of The Compound Restaraunt)
There are many reasons to get away from the kitchen during the holiday season in The City Different. Let our world-renowned chefs take the hassle out of holiday meal preparation. Remember, we want you to have a stress free holiday, so plan on dining at one of our Santa Fe restaurants.
[blog_link url="http://osteriadassisi.com/" text="Osteria D'Assisi" date="2016-11-08"] will be serving a three course menu on Christmas Eve. You'll be able to choose from a selection of five appetizers, five entrees and three desserts.
[blog_link url="http://www.lafondasantafe.com/christmas-buffet" text="La Plazuela" date="2016-11-08"] at La Fonda on the Plaza will be serving a Christmas Day Buffet from 11 am to 3 pm.
[blog_link url="http://www.compoundrestaurant.com/" text="The Compound Restaurant" date="2016-11-08"] is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will offer a la carte specials and a three course prix fixe menu. [blog_link url="https://santacafe.com/" text="Santacafé" date="2016-11-08"] and [blog_link url="https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/inn-of-the-anasazi-santa-fe/dining" text="the Anasazi Restaurant" date="2016-11-08"] will also be serving on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We highly suggest you call and make your holiday reservation in advance.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy holidays. Take time to make this a “holiday different” in The City Different and you will be rewarded with relaxation, wonder and well-being.
Whether you are ready to visit us this December or want to plan for a trip next year, be sure to request a free [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="Santa Fe travel guide" date="2016-11-08"]. Be sure to check out [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2016-11-08"].
