Holiday Happenings In and Around Santa Fe
December 9, 2016
There are plenty of ways to have fun in the Santa Fe area, even during winter and especially during the holidays.
Glow at Santa Fe Botanical Garden
The Santa Fe Botanical Garden organizes a light show with music, hot drinks and food, and a fire. This year there is also a special laser lights show.
Dec. 16 to Jan. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 and 25.)
Tickets $6-$9 (Children free)
https://santafebotanicalgarden.org/events/glow/
Christmas at the Palace
The New Mexico History Museum partners with the Palace of the Governors for the annual Christmas at the Palace. There will be hot cider, cookies, piñatas, live music, craft making, an antique printing press, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Dec. 9, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free.
http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/calendar.php?year=2016&month=12#2632
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Museums frequently have activities and events during the holiday season.
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is hosting an event discussing the botanical science of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden – maybe check this out before the Glow.
Science Café: Wacky, Weird, and Wild: Plant Stories You Don’t Know: Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Free.
https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/event/science-cafe-santa-fe-botanical-garden/
ABQ BioPark River of Lights
The Albuquerque BioPark celebrates the largest walk-through light show in New Mexico, a fundraiser with holiday nature crafts, model trains and a polar bear express.
Nov. 26 to Dec. 30 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 and 25.)
Adults $12; children $6, babies free.
http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/events/river-of-lights
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
On Christmas Eve at dusk and into the evening, hundreds of farolitos line the downtown area, and especially on Canyon Road. It is beautiful and warming, listening to carolers and sipping hot chocolate.
Santa Fe Ballet Nutcracker
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents The Nutcracker. The website states, “Children of all ages will marvel at this whimsical interpretation of a seasonal classic. With ballet, flamenco, a Chinese ribbon dance, and even an aerialist, allow the cast of 60 dancers, actors, and circus artists to create lifelong memories for you and your loved ones.”
Dec. 17 and 18.
Tickets: $25 – $94
Winter Indian Market
La Fonda hosts Winter Indian Market, featuring pieces by award-winning artists, American Indian music and dance groups, a contest, and a silent auction.
Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dec. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
http://www.lafondasantafe.com/specials/hotel-offers/swaia-2016-11th-annual-winter-indian-market
Souper Bowl
The Food Depot hosts the annual Souper Bowl, where local businesses and restaurants donate their staff and talent plus hundreds of gallons of soup.
Jan. 21
https://www.thefooddepot.org/event/souper-bowl-2017/
Winter Beauty Outdoors
For outdoorsy types, there are several options.
Ski Santa Fe is about a 30-minute drive up to Hyde Park. Opening day was Dec. 3.
Hiking and biking trails are very popular in Santa Fe. The Atalaya Mountain, Sun Mountain, Nambe Lake, and Hyde Park trails are just a few.
Tent Rocks, about 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, can be a great day.
https://www.blm.gov/publish/content/nm/en/prog/NLCS/KKTR_NM.html
Bandelier National Monument and Tsankawi National Monument, located about an hour from Santa Fe, are also beautiful and interesting.
https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm
Heavenly Holiday Food
There are so many incredible restaurant options in this foodie town. The most popular, according to locals, include Maria’s, Tomasita’s, The Pantry, Palacio Cafe, La Choza, The Shed, El Parasol, Horseman’s Haven, Tecolote Café and Posa’s. Some traditional foods, especially around the holidays, include green chile stew, stuffed sopapillas, pinon, posole, tamales, enchiladas and bizcochitos.
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