Whenever I think of winters in New Mexico, I always imagine chilled, dark nights illuminated by twinkling stars and glowing farolitos (or luminarias, if you prefer). Seeing long rows of those vibrant paper lanterns lining sidewalks, fences, and rooftops is an enchanting sight and reminds me of my childhood. In New Mexico, you’ll find displays of these all over the state: in the yards of homes, along the rooftops of local businesses, and even in parks.

One particularly fascinating place to see glowing farolitos each winter? At the Jemez Historic Site, located in Jemez Springs.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
A quick note: we're not going to get in that debate over whether farolitos or luminarias is the correct term. That's a whole separate article and even the experts bounce back and forth. For now, we're going to call them farolitos since that's how the historic site refers to them.
The historic site is about 500 years old consisting of the old Gíusewa Pueblo and the San Jose de los Jemez Mission. During the day, it's a stunning view.
I Am New Mexico/Flickr
But at night? The entire site glows from hundreds of farolitos.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Light Among the Ruins has been a tradition for over 20 years. Starting in 1996, community members lined the walkways with farolitos and it has grown ever since.

Related Stories

Let Your Christmas Be Merry And Bright On This Enchanting Boat Ride In New Mexico

Let Your Christmas Be Merry And Bright On This Enchanting Boat Ride In New Mexico

 Thousands Of Sandhill Cranes Invade The City Of San Antonio In New Mexico Every Winter And It's A Sight To Be Seen

Thousands Of Sandhill Cranes Invade The City Of San Antonio In New Mexico Every Winter And It's A Sight To Be Seen

 The Geminids Meteor Shower Just Might Be The Best Thing To Happen In 2020 In New Mexico

The Geminids Meteor Shower Just Might Be The Best Thing To Happen In 2020 In New Mexico
Light Among the Ruins takes place on one night every December. It's quite the task for volunteers to set up all those farolitos!
Jemez Historic Site/Facebook
But, as you can see, that effort is well worth it.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Along with the farolitos, bonfires blaze for warmth and to illuminate dancers from Jemez Pueblo.
TreyF34/TripAdvisor
The Jemez Historic Site is located in Jemez Springs, about one hour north of Albuquerque.
Google Maps

The historic site will be decorated on December 14, 2019 year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10.50 for children 3 to 16. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. You can do so via Facebook or their website.

Website: nmhistoricsites.org
Facebook: Jemez Historic Site
Address: 18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Phone: (575) 829-3530

Looking forward to another great New Mexico winter tradition? You don’t want to miss seeing the River of Lights in Albuquerque! Read more in Even The Grinch Would Marvel At The River Of Lights At Albuquerque BioPark In New Mexico.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Mexico

Featured Addresses
18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA