*Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most local holiday events have been postponed in 2021. Please check back with us next year, and have a very Merry Christmas!
Like the city itself, Christmas in Santa Fe has a vibe all its own. It might feel like we’re a world away from the snowy North Pole, but that just means we have to let our holiday spirit shine more than ever! That’s why this year Santa Fe has more great Christmas parades, light displays, and events than ever before.
Ortega’s Guide to Christmas in Santa Fe
The best part about spending Christmas in Santa Fe is that there’s no shortage of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some of this year’s best.
Christmas at the Palace
This wonderful community event is held at the legendary Palace of the Governors and features live music, hot cider, delicious desserts, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause. There will also be old-fashioned activities for guests of all ages to enjoy including the opportunity to use an antique printing press. Non-perishable food items and donations are welcome.
- Where: Palace of the Governors
- When: December 13, 2019, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
- Admission: Free
- More Details
Los Posados
History and tradition are an important part of life in Santa Fe, and the annual Las Posadas candlelight procession reminds us of the origins of this sacred holiday. Watch a powerful reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn in Bethlehem, and join in on the procession. Hot cider and biscochitos will be served after the reenactment in the courtyard of the Palace of the Governors.
- Where: Santa Fe Plaza
- When: December 9, 2019, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Admission: Free
- More Details
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
For a visual display like nothing you’ve ever seen, don’t miss this unforgettable holiday event. The Canyon Road is lined with beautifully illuminated farolitos which draw thousands of visitors every year. Join them this year and walk along the lighted path singing Christmas carols and celebrating with family and friends.
- Where: Canyon Road and neighboring streets
- When: Starts at dusk on December 24, 2019
- Admission: Free
- More Details
GLOW Cosmic Nights
Christmas in Santa Fe is the season of lights, and there’s no better place to see them than GLOW Cosmic Nights. Explore a botanical garden filled with large-scale light installations with thousands of lights, live music, holiday-themed food and beverages, and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself. This is one holiday event that you should not miss out on!
- Where: Santa Fe Botanical Garden
- When: Weekends throughout December from 5 pm – 8 pm
- Admission: General admission – $10, Children under 12 – Free
- More Details
Christmas Open House at the New Mexico Museum of Art
For over 30 years, the New Mexico Museum of Modern Art has held its open house event for guests of all ages. Children seem to love it most though thanks to an entertaining show featuring marionettes made in the 1930s by notable artist Gustav Baumann. A treasure hunt will be held in the museum right after the puppet show, and kids will have the opportunity to make their own puppets and take a picture with Santa.
- Where: New Mexico Museum of Art
- When: December 22, 2019, 12 pm – 4 pm
- Admission: Free
- More Details
With so many amazing activities to choose from this year, Christmas in Santa Fe is sure to be great. A broken appliance is one of the only things that can ruin it though, so call Ortega’s Appliance Santa Fe for any home appliance emergency over the holidays.
