Santa Fe is a perfect winter holiday getaway! The City Different never looked prettier dressed in all her holiday color and lights! Plus, our beloved historic traditions and annual celebrations are open for all to enjoy. Interested in bright blue skies with crisp, frosty air and a ski-ready landscape? Got it. Love world-renowned regional cuisine? Try it here. Relish holiday music and the performing arts? Santa Fe has it all.
Ski Santa Fe
November 23–early April 2025
Due to an early and productive storm, Ski Santa Fe opens early this season on November 23! Take the scenic 16-mile drive that leads from the historic Santa Fe Plaza into the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains—and you’ll find yourself at the base of Ski Santa Fe—an event in its own right.
High above The City Different, topping out at 12,075 feet in elevation, Ski Santa Fe has a wonderful range of terrain (90 trails in all), from welcoming beginner slopes to long cruisers, some heart-thumping bump runs, cool glades and tree runs, and even a few short chutes and small bowls. After a day on the mountain, return to Santa Fe for a hearty New Mexican meal or a drink by the fire. Be sure to take advantage of the Blue Bus or 255 Mountain Trail Bus that provides service through downtown Santa Fe to Fort Marcy Park and then up Hyde Park Road to recreational areas and business along NM 475, including Ten Thousand Waves, continuing into the Santa Fe National Forest and then Ski Santa Fe.
Entreflamenco
November 29–January 5, 2025
You will see dancers perform up close.
Enjoy the thrill and passion of Flamenco dancing this holiday season in an intimate dinner theater setting. This special Spanish cabaret at Entreflameno runs select nights for the festive season November 29–January 5, 2025.
Pueblo Feast Days and Dances
The time to rejoice in our culture is felt year-round, but December can give us the time to pause and behold the wonderful tradition of Native American Feast Days and dances at our Eight Northern Pueblos. Please call or visit websites to confirm dates and follow proper etiquette.
4th Annual Canyon Road Fireside Artist Chat Series
December 6
Welcome the winter season in celebration of art. Grab your coat and stroll Canyon Road to the many galleries hosting an artist or two from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 for intimate conversations about art. Expect piñon-wood bonfires and farolitos, libations, and music.
Winter Spanish Market
December 7 & 8
Get your holiday shopping done all weekend long at the Winter Spanish Market, held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, December 7 and 8, where 75 juried Traditional Spanish Market artists and talented mentored youth artists feature their handmade, museum-quality works in a variety of media—including santos, precious metals jewelry, weaving, ironwork, woodcarvings, straw appliqué, pottery, tinwork, furniture, and more. Also enjoy artist demonstrations, traditional New Mexican music, entertainment, and food.
Las Posadas
December 8
Join Mary and Joseph in this 48th annual Hispanic candlelight processional reenactment of their search for shelter to give birth to baby Jesus. On December 8, 2024, Las Posadas begins on the Plaza at 5 pm and ends at the Palace of the Governors courtyard with carols and refreshments.
Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series
December 8 & 10, 14 & 15
(Courtesy of the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble and Roland Pabst Photography)
With the Santa Fe Women's Ensemble Winter Concert Series, December 8 & 10, 14 & 15, enjoy the 13-voice cadre accompanied by a saxophonist and percussionist for an inspired repertoire of holiday faves titled Connect! Winterscapes at the glorious First Presbyterian Church. To name a few, you might know the rollicking Mary Had a Baby or Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Snowflakes showcases a haunting sax melody and the traditional carol I Saw Three Ships will surprise you. Get your tickets in advance for this special holiday event!
The Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus
December 8, 10 & 24
(Photo courtesy of The Santa Fe Symphony)
On December 8, 2024, The Santa Fe Symphony presents its annual holiday pops concert Sounds of the Season with Maestro Guillermo Figueroa on the baton. Rejoice in other seasonal and holiday favorites through December, including the free community event Carols & Choruses on December 10 and Time for Three on December 24 with nods to such legends as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Led Zeppelin, and holiday faves, such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Hanukkah MashUP, and so many more! The Santa Fe Symphony season continues through May 22, 2025.
Santa Fe Desert Chorale
December 13–22
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Desert Chorale)
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale presents A Rose in Winter nightly through this magical week of December 13–22. Imagine something as miraculous as a flower blooming during the cold of December and you have the mystery and hope this series is intended to present! Led by artistic director Joshua Haberman, with Elizabeth Young on violin and Nathan Salazar on piano, the 24 professional vocal artists of the Chorale rejoice at this festive time of year with familiar carols you know and love, such as Silent Night and What Child Is This? alongside new musical treasures to add to your collection of favorite seasonal tunes. Most concerts are held at the majestic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Open House at the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art
December 14
Enjoy holiday crafts and cheer, music from Santa Fe Pro Musica, performances by The Santa Fe Symphony Jazz Project, and marionette performances with Teatro Duende and the Baumann replica marionettes at the annual Open House, December 14, 2024, hosted by the New Mexico History Museum and Museum of Art. Complimentary admission to both museums on this special day.
The Nutcracker
December 14 & 15
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker at The Lensic Performing Arts Center, December 14 & 15. Hometown flamenco artist, La Emi and ASFB’s own Mexican Folklorico dancers team up with ballet stars Chyrstyn Fentroy from the Boston Ballet and Gian Carlo Perez from the Houston Ballet to lead this stellar cast of performers.
Santa Fe Pro Musica
December 20–23, 28 & 29
(Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Pro Musica)Check out Santa Fe Pro Musica's Baroque Series and its famous Holiday Bach Festival, December 19–23, 28 & 29. All concerts held at the inviting St. Francis Auditorium in the New Mexico Museum of Art.
Performance Santa Fe
December 21
In its 88th season, Performance Santa Fe continues to present “the world’s best music, dance, and theater.” Don't miss Emmy® and Tony® Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth on December 21!
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
December 24
Walking Canyon Road is sight to behold on this special night. One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who stroll the iconic road on Christmas Eve (December 24). While touring Christmas lights is a tradition everywhere, the experience is totally unique in Santa Fe. After all, how many towns commit hours of preparation to creating an awe-inspiring display for just one night? The annual walk tours historic neighborhoods on the Eastside. This night is a truly magical and breathtaking experience you do not want to miss.
New Year’s Eve on the Plaza
December 31
Ring in 2025 on the historic Santa Fe Plaza! Santa Fe is set to ring in 2025 at the 9th Annual FREE New Year's Eve on the Plaza! Join us as we countdown to a peaceful and prosperous new year. In recognition of Santa Fe’s signature status as The City Different, nothing dropsǃ When the traditional countdown ends, a Zia symbol crafted by a traditional Spanish colonial artisan will be raised at the stroke of midnight. We'll welcome the New Year to Santa with the age-old songs, Auld Lang Syne and Las Mañanitas, sung in a spirit of unity to say Bienvenidos 2025! Live entertainment, food trucks, hot cocoa, and stationary heaters and cozy piñon bonfires will delight and warm your evening.
Discover December and the holidays in Santa Fe—they are truly filled with magic and good cheer. December is one of the most festive times to visit Santa Fe. Bring a friend or family, or just give yourself the unique gift of a Santa Fe holiday that’ll be a heartfelt memory.
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