9 Winter Festivals In New Mexico That Are Simply Unforgettable
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Juliet White
Author
Some places slow down in winter and go into hibernation mode. Not New Mexico. Cold temperatures and snow don’t deter us from getting out there and having some fun. In fact, there are so many annual events this season that we can’t list every single one. That being said, here are 9 festivals and celebrations (in chronological order) where you’re sure to have a blast this winter.
The Jemez Historic Site is something of a hidden gem. However, you’ll never forget the sight of the pueblo and mission illuminated by the glow of farolitos. It’s free to attend the celebration, which takes place on December 10th between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For more info.
Rio Rancho’s Winterfest features free ice skating, an arts and crafts fair, and an appearance by Santa Claus at the Santa Ana Star Center. The event is capped off with a parade through the city center. This event takes place on December 17th 2016. For more info.
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On Christmas Eve, the Mesilla Plaza is decked out with luminarias. Carol singing begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m..
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On Christmas Eve in Santa Fe, everyone congregates on Canyon Road for the annual Farolito Walk. The street is lined with farolitos and small bonfires. The event is free and no tickets are required. For more info.
Torchlight parades are always dramatic, but Ruidoso’s stands out because torchbearers ski to the beat of Native American drumming, and the celebration culminates in a fireworks display. Earlier in the day (December 28th 2016), there’s a competition that involves launching dummies off a ski jump! This event takes place at Ski Apache. For more info.
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There are traditional dances at New Mexico’s 19 pueblos throughout the year, but on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, January 1st, and January 6th, numerous pueblos have celebrations. Call the specific pueblo you intend to visit for details. For more info.
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This adults-only beer festival is held on January 7th 2017 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Head to Taos Ski Valley, to Tenderfoot Katie's and the Martini Tree Bar (at the base of Lift #1) to sample different brews. For more info.
You don’t have to follow football to appreciate the Souper Bowl. The Santa Fe Community Convention Center hosts this event, where you can sample the city’s best soups and vote for a winner. It takes place on January 21st 2017 at 12:00 p.m.. The money raised benefits the Santa Fe Food Depot. For more info.
What’s better than cross country skiing in Red River? Cross country skiing interspersed with dessert stations. That’s right. Goodies such as 18 layer chocolate cinnamon torte, pies, and an assortment of cheesecakes wait for you in the Enchanted Forest (pictured is one of the dessert stations). This event takes place on February 25th 2017, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more info.
Have you been to any of these?
Looking for more fun things to do this season? Check out our Christmas lights road trip through New Mexico.
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