New Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and festive atmosphere, particularly during the holiday season. Below is an overview of the events you’ll find in Placitas, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque during December.
The charming village of Placitas offers unique holiday events and traditions during the December season.
1. Placitas Holiday Market -- held at the Placitas Community Center, this holiday market is a great opportunity to purchase handmade goods from local artisans. It features crafts, jewelry, art, and other unique gifts, perfect for the holiday season. It's a fantastic way to support local creators and find one-of-a-kind presents.
2. Placitas Christmas Eve Luminaria Walk -- similar to the farolito tradition in Santa Fe, Placitas hosts a luminaria walk on Christmas Eve. The village streets and pathways are lit by hundreds of luminarias (small paper lanterns), creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. It's a lovely event for families and visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit.
3. Holiday Lights Display at the Placitas Library -- the Placitas Community Library often decorates its grounds with festive holiday lights. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors who may want to enjoy the lights while picking up a book or simply taking in the sights of the season.
4. Christmas Eve Services at Placitas Presbyterian Church -- for those who enjoy celebrating Christmas in a traditional way, Placitas Presbyterian Church offers special Christmas Eve services. These services often include Christmas carols, candlelight, and a reflection on the meaning of the season. It’s a peaceful and spiritual way to mark the holiday.
6. Placitas Artists Open House -- local artists in Placitas open their studios to the public during the holiday season. This event allows visitors to view and purchase artworks directly from the artists, offering a more intimate and personal holiday shopping experience.
7. Winter Hiking and Outdoor Activities – while not a formal event or even specific to December, the beautiful surrounding landscape of Placitas offers many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring during the winter months. Many residents and visitors take advantage of the crisp December air and scenic trails in the area.
8. Holiday Storytime for Kids -- the Placitas' community center and library host special holiday story times for children, where they can listen to festive stories, make crafts, and enjoy holiday snacks. This is a great family-friendly event to share the magic of the season with younger generations.
Santa Fe celebrates a variety of events during December that capture both its unique southwestern charm and traditional holiday spirit. Here are some of the notable holiday events in Santa Fe:
1. Santa Fe’s Annual Farolito Walk (December 24) -- this iconic event takes place on Christmas Eve. Thousands of small, glowing farolitos (paper lanterns) line the streets, walkways, and rooftops of Santa Fe. The walk begins in the downtown area, creating a magical atmosphere. Participants stroll through the historic district, enjoying the warmth of the candlelight and the festive spirit.
2. Winter Indian Market -- held during the holiday season, the Winter Indian Market showcases Native American artists and their creations, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and paintings. The market offers an opportunity to find unique and handcrafted gifts while learning about indigenous cultures.
3. Holiday Lights at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden -- the Santa Fe Botanical Garden lights up with beautiful holiday displays, featuring thousands of lights decorating trees, pathways, and the surrounding landscape. The event is a wonderful way to experience the garden’s natural beauty while enjoying festive decorations.
4. The Nutcracker Ballet by the Santa Fe Ballet -- a traditional holiday classic, The Nutcracker is performed by local dancers at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. This is a family-friendly event that brings the magic of the holiday season to life with beautiful costumes and scenery.
5. Christmas at the Palace -- the Palace of the Governors, a historic site in Santa Fe, celebrates the holiday season with traditional Christmas decorations, including a Christmas tree and cultural events such as musical performances and crafts.
6. Holiday Shopping at Canyon Road -- Canyon Road is famous for its art galleries, and during the holidays, many of these galleries host special events, receptions, and festive shopping opportunities. It’s an excellent place to find unique gifts, from art pieces to handmade jewelry.
7. Santa Fe Opera’s "Holiday Concerts" -- the Santa Fe Opera presents holiday-themed concerts featuring local talent and opera singers. These performances often include festive music, carols, and other seasonal songs.
8. Ski Santa Fe -- while not an "event" in the traditional sense, Santa Fe offers skiing and snowboarding at Ski Santa Fe. December marks the start of the ski season, and the slopes are a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
9. Luminarias on Canyon Road -- Canyon Road, famous for its art galleries, also hosts a luminaria walk in December. This event features glowing lanterns lining the road, accompanied by festive music, artists’ receptions, and seasonal treats.
10. Festival of the Crèche -- this is a special holiday event showcasing hundreds of nativity scenes (crèches) from around the world. The festival allows visitors to admire the artistry of these displays, which include unique interpretations from different cultures.
11. Holiday Craft Fairs -- several craft fairs take place in December, where local artisans display their handmade items, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles. These fairs are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts.
12. Santa Fe Farmers Market Winter Market -- even in winter, the Santa Fe Farmers Market remains open, offering seasonal produce, handmade goods, and artisanal products. The market is a great place to pick up holiday treats and local gifts.
Albuquerque offers a variety of festive events during December, showcasing its unique blend of cultural heritage, holiday spirit, and southwestern traditions. Here are some of the top holiday events you can enjoy in Albuquerque:
1. River of Lights at the BioPark Botanic Garden -- one of Albuquerque's most popular holiday attractions, the River of Lights is a spectacular display of holiday lights set along the scenic Bosque (riverfront). This event features over 500 light displays, including sculptures of animals, flowers, and festive scenes. It’s a family-friendly event that includes activities, food vendors, and train rides.
2. Old Town Holiday Stroll -- Albuquerque’s historic Old Town lights up for the season with its annual Holiday Stroll. The event features festive decorations, live music, carolers, and special shopping opportunities at the local galleries and boutiques. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring the historic district.
3. The Nutcracker Ballet – a beloved holiday classic, Albuquerque’s The Nutcracker Ballet is performed by the New Mexico Ballet Company. The performance, which features beautiful choreography, costumes, and a live orchestra, is a perfect family-friendly event to enjoy during the holiday season.
4. Winterfest at Civic Plaza -- Winterfest transforms Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza into a winter wonderland with ice skating, food trucks, holiday music, and light displays. The event typically includes free activities, including ice skating (weather permitting), visits with Santa, and holiday performances.
5. Luminarias in Albuquerque -- luminarias (small lanterns made of paper bags filled with sand and lit with candles) are a beloved holiday tradition in Albuquerque. On Christmas Eve, many neighborhoods, including Old Town and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park, are adorned with thousands of luminarias. Some locations also have processions or community gatherings.
6. Festival of Trees -- the Festival of Trees is a charitable event where beautifully decorated Christmas trees are displayed and auctioned off to raise funds for local causes. Visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere while supporting community projects and organizations.
7. Christmas Eve at the Albuquerque Museum -- the Albuquerque Museum celebrates the season with holiday-related exhibits, musical performances, and themed activities for children and families. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the arts and culture of the season.
8. Holiday Ballooning Events (Balloon Fiesta Park) -- while the Balloon Fiesta itself happens in October, Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park remains active during the winter with some holiday-themed balloon events. The holiday ballooning events might include "Glow" events where balloons are illuminated at night, and other balloon-related activities.
9. ABQ Trolley Co. Holiday Lights Tour -- the ABQ Trolley Co. offers a special Holiday Lights Tour that takes guests on a guided ride through the city’s best holiday light displays. This is a fun way to see the festive decorations while learning about the city’s history and traditions.
11. Winter Wine Festival -- Albuquerque’s wine scene comes alive in December with the Winter Wine Festival, where local wineries and vineyards showcase their seasonal wines. The event includes tastings, music, and food pairings, offering a cozy experience for wine enthusiasts.
12. Holiday Performances at the KiMo Theatre -- the historic KiMo Theatre hosts a variety of holiday performances throughout December, including classic films, musical performances, and local theater productions. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a night out while soaking in the holiday spirit.
13. Albuquerque's Holiday Shopping Events -- various shopping events and craft fairs take place during December, allowing visitors to shop for unique, locally-made gifts. Events like the Holiday Market at the Expo New Mexico or local artisan fairs offer an opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind items for holiday gifts.
These events reflect New Mexico’s rich cultural diversity, from its vibrant arts scene to its southwestern holiday traditions. Whether you're exploring the luminous streets of Albuquerque, attending a performance in Santa Fe, or enjoying outdoor activities in Placitas, there’s plenty to see and do within a short drive from Diamond Tail during the holiday season.
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