This winter’s New Mexico holiday events are blending timeless traditions with cozy resort escape — that you’re going to love! From snowy mountain adventures and holiday markets to festive farolitos and lavish Christmas dinners, there are countless ways to celebrate. This roundup brings together the best holiday happenings across the state, perfect for families, couples, food lovers and winter wanderers alike.

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Need more? Read more: 5 must-have travel gifts for jetsetters and roadtrippers

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New Mexico holiday experiences to inspire your winter getaway

These handpicked events and resort happenings showcase the very best of holiday magic across the Land of Enchantment.

Angel Fire Resort (Angel Fire, New Mexico)

Festivities: Angel Fire Resort transforms into a snowy playground each winter, offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing and family-friendly winter adventures across its scenic mountain landscape. With night skiing, Nordic trails and cozy après-ski moments, it’s an ideal resort escape for holiday travelers seeking both thrill and relaxation.

• Festivities: Winter Season — Skiing & Snowboarding: Enjoy more than 560 acres of terrain suited for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
• Winter Season — Night Skiing: Experience the rare magic of skiing under the stars on select evenings throughout the season.
• Winter Season — Tubing, Sledding & Nordic Activities: Families can enjoy tubing lanes, sledding hills, snowshoe trails and Nordic skiing.
• Winter Season — Resort Relaxation: Unwind after a day on the slopes with warm drinks, scenic views and the cozy winter atmosphere that Angel Fire is known for.

Website: angelfireresort.com

Hotel Glorieta (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Festivities: Hotel Glorieta brings festive charm to Santa Fe this season with its first annual Winter Holiday Market and a limited-time Ski Santa Fe package. From locally crafted treasures to snowy mountain adventures, guests can enjoy a warm, boutique-style holiday escape complete with festive cocktails and cozy comforts.

• Festivities: 12/14 — Winter Holiday Market: Hotel Glorieta transforms its ballroom into a cozy holiday marketplace featuring local makers, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind goods. Guests can enjoy festive drinks and holiday specials at Lady Duff’s Lounge while shopping. Vendor details available at Ski Santa Fe.
• Winter Season — Ski Santa Fe Package: Embrace snowy adventures with up to 20% off room rates plus 20% off Ski Santa Fe full-day lift tickets.* After a day on the slopes, unwind in the hotel’s hot tub or sip cocktails overlooking the mountains from Lady Duff’s Lounge. *20% Ski Santa Fe discount applies to full-day lift tickets only and is redeemable exclusively on their website. Discount code provided in the confirmation email.

Website: hotelglorietasantafe.com

La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Festivities: Ideal for those seeking new traditions this holiday season, La Fonda on the Plaza brings a Southwestern spin to yuletide in the heart of vibrant Santa Fe. A New Mexico landmark dating back more than 100 years, the renowned hotel offers boutique accommodations, elevated amenities and a museum-quality art collection featuring more than 800 distinct works. Guests can enjoy complimentary art and history tours, browse dozens of shops on the hotel’s first floor in search of the perfect gift, and admire the majestic gingerbread replica of the adobe hotel displayed in the lobby, complete with traditional farolitos illuminated with LED lights.

• Christmas Day — Holiday Buffet at La Plazuela: Enjoy a buffet-style feast featuring traditional holiday fare and Southwestern-inspired dishes like sweet and spicy deviled eggs, Caesar salad with queso cotija dressing and hot honey garlic roasted carrots.
• Holiday Artist Market: New this year, La Fonda hosts a weekend-long market showcasing artisan gifts and fine art from participants in the hotel’s artist-in-residence program.

Website: lafondasantafe.com

La Luz de las Noches at Santa Fe Botanical Garden (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Festivities: This December, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden glows with La Luz de las Noches, a sparkling celebration of light, community and nature. Farolitos and dazzling holiday displays guide guests through an evening of live music, festive drinks, seasonal bites and star-filled winter magic. Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance December 20–23.

• December — La Luz de las Noches: Enjoy a festive nighttime stroll through illuminated garden paths featuring holiday lights, farolitos and artful seasonal installations. Perfect for families, date nights or friends’ outings.
• Select Nights — Food & Drinks: Laura Nunez of Nunez Catering serves seasonal dishes, while As Above So Below Distillery offers craft beverages for purchase. Complimentary hot chocolate and cider are available nightly.
• Select Nights — Live Music & Native Art: Experience performances from artists including Alma, the Jacob Shije Trio, The Young Voices of Santa Fe Opera and Rachel Kelli. Explore handcrafted works by Native American artists, ideal for holiday gifting.
• 12/20–12/23 — Santa & Mrs. Claus Appearances: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus during their joyful multi-night visit to the garden.

Website: visitsfbg.org/explore/laluz

Luminaria at The Inn & Spa at Loretto (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Festivities: Discover winter in New Mexico with up to 20% off the best flexible rate at The Inn & Spa at Loretto, an AAA Four Diamond resort embodying the artistry and intrigue of northern New Mexico. Located steps from the Santa Fe Plaza, the Loretto Chapel and world-class museums, Luminaria offers seasonally inspired dining and festive holiday menus in a warm and elegant setting.

• 12/24 — Christmas Eve Dinner: Enjoy a three-course holiday menu from 5–9 p.m. $95 per person plus tax and 22% gratuity. Reservations required via phone or OpenTable.
• 12/31 — New Year’s Eve Dinner: Ring in the new year with an exquisite three-course holiday menu from 5–9 p.m. $155 per person plus tax and 22% gratuity. Reservations required via phone or OpenTable.

Website: hotelloretto.com/eat-drink/luminaria-restaurant

Rail Yards Holiday Market (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Festivities: One of Albuquerque’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Rail Yards Holiday Market brings together local artisans, makers, artists and food vendors for two festive weekends of community shopping and seasonal cheer. It’s the perfect spot to find unique Southwest gifts and enjoy the spirit of the season.

• 12/13–12/14 — Holiday Market Weekend One: Shop handmade goods, artisanal foods, holiday décor and gifts from local vendors inside the historic Rail Yards.
• 12/20–12/21 — Holiday Market Weekend Two: A second weekend of festive fun featuring even more makers and seasonal offerings.
• 12/15–12/19 — Indoor Winter Extension: Enjoy additional weekday shopping opportunities with an indoor lineup of local creators and small businesses.

Website: railyardsmarket.org/holiday-market

River of Lights (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Festivities: Celebrate the season at New Mexico’s largest and most beloved walk-through holiday light show. River of Lights transforms the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden into a glowing winter wonderland, featuring hand-crafted sculptures, dazzling light displays and millions of twinkling lights along a magical one-mile path.

• Festivities: Select Dates — River of Lights: Wander through over 700 one-of-a-kind hand-welded light displays, animated sculptures and immersive scenes at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. The event features more than 800 intricately designed sculptures and millions of lights created by the New Mexico BioPark Society. Hours: 5–10 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.) / Closed: December 24 & 25

Website: riveroflights.org

Sawmill Market (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Festivities: Heritage Restaurant Group hosts the second annual Sawmill Winter Experience from November 28 to December 31, transforming Albuquerque’s bustling Sawmill Market into an immersive winter wonderland. The indoor–outdoor celebration features seasonal food and drink, enchanting décor, countless family photo ops, live performances and festive programming throughout the month.

• 11/28–12/31 — Sawmill Winter Experience: Explore an immersive holiday market filled with seasonal culinary offerings, festive decorations and interactive winter moments for families and friends.
• 11/28–12/31 — The Old Fashioned Cocktail Experience: Sip Sawmill Market’s newest themed cocktail experience, perfect for holiday toasts and gatherings.
• 11/28–12/31 — Festival of Trees: The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation brings its annual Festival of Trees to the Winter Experience. Proceeds from the expertly decorated trees benefit the Foundation.
• Holiday Movies, Santa Photos, Scavenger Hunt & NYE Fun: Additional programming will be announced on sawmillmarket.com, including holiday movie showings, photos with Santa, a kids’ scavenger hunt and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

Website: sawmillmarket.com/happenings/celebrate-at-sawmill

Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Festivities: Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado celebrates the season with elevated holiday dining, festive specials and Southwestern-inspired culinary traditions set against the serene high-desert landscape of Santa Fe. From Christmas feasts to Hanukkah highlights and New Year’s celebrations, guests can savor chef-driven seasonal menus all month long.

• 12/24 — Christmas Eve Dinner: Enjoy a full à la carte dinner menu complemented by festive holiday specials from 5:30–9 p.m. Reservations recommended.
• 12/25 — Christmas Day Brunch: Celebrate with a seasonal brunch buffet from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. $135 per adult; USD 65 for children ages 6–12 (tax and gratuity not included).
• 12/25 — Christmas Day Prix Fixe Dinner: Terra offers a festive prix fixe menu with holiday classics and a Southwest twist from 6– 9:00 pm. $155 per adult; $78 for children ages 6–12 (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations required.
• 12/31 — New Year’s Eve Dinner: Ring in the New Year with a coursed dinner from 5:30–9:00 p.m., followed by live music in Terra Bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. $190 per adult; $95 for children ages 6–12. Includes a glass of Champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
• 01/01 — New Year’s Day Brunch: Welcome 2026 with a seasonal buffet brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $135 per adult; $65 for children ages 6–12 (tax and gratuity not included).
• 12/14–12/22 — Hanukkah Celebration: Terra and Terra Bar offer traditional holiday menu highlights throughout the eight-day Festival of Lights

Website: fourseasons.com/santafe/hotel-news/2025/holiday-season

The Grand Hacienda (Abiquiú, New Mexico)

Festivities: The Grand Hacienda offers a serene, soul-restoring holiday escape overlooking the iconic landscapes of Abiquiú. With discounted winter stays, festive photo opportunities and calming seasonal experiences, guests can unwind, reset and savor the magic of Northern New Mexico.

• Festivities: December–February — Winter Stay Discounts: Enjoy special reduced rates all season long when booking direct at thegrandhacienda.com.
• Winter Season — On-Site Holiday Photography Sessions: Capture the perfect holiday card with professional photography sessions available for guests (additional cost applies).
• Winter Season — Holiday De-Stresser Experience: Step away from the holiday rush and into pure tranquility. Reserve soothing massages, soak in a luxurious hot tub and enjoy peaceful moments designed to restore energy and melt seasonal stress.

Website: thegrandhacienda.com