How to Properly Spend Christmas in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is nothing short of spectacular. If you enjoy good food, art, nature, or history, there will be no shortage of adventures that can occupy your time. Nestled in the Mountains of New Mexico, Santa Fe provides a unique charm that is unlike anything else in the United States. The Christmas holiday can be short, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed with everything that Santa Fe has to offer. We have compiled a list of the must-do activities during your time in Santa Fe.
The Tree Lighting in The Central Plaza
The Christmas season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving in Santa Fe. You and your family will be whisked away in an overwhelming display of lights and festive cheer. The entire central square and surrounding streets will be draped in lights. As you wait for the tree lighting, take a stroll down the historic streets and window shop at the charming shops. As you make your way back to the square, be sure to grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and gather around the central square with the rest of the crowd.
The Nutcracker
It wouldn’t be officially Christmas without seeing the renowned play The Nutcracker. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet company puts on a magical rendition of this Christmas classic. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. However, it wouldn’t be Santa Fe if they didn’t add a unique twist to the play. During the second act, the play twists into a circus with dozens of performers, including an aerialist that performs gravity-defying acts. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company rendition of The Nutcracker is the perfect solution if you are looking for an activity the whole family would be able to enjoy.Midnight Mass at The Church of St. Francis of Assisi
You do not have to be Catholic or even religious, for that matter, to enjoy the historical charm of the cathedral basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This historic church, with its Romanesque architecture, acts as a beacon in a town full of Mexican and Native American influenced buildings. The doors open for mass at 10:30, but it is highly recommended that you arrive much earlier as seats tend to fill fast. As you are waiting for mass to start, you can enjoy the enchanting Carols that begin at 11. If carols are not your thing, you can take a stroll to the Conquistadora Chapel, which is the last remaining room of the original church built-in 1886.
Glow Light Event at Santa Fe Botanical Garden
If you want to enjoy some nature this Christmas season, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden has you covered. Glow is an annual event that begins the first week of December and runs until the first week of January. As you walk through all the native plants of New Mexico, you will have your breath taken away by the splendid use of thousands of lights. Christmas lights, LED, kinetic lights, and floodlights are all used to paint a beautiful landscape. We recommend that you arrive just before sunset so you can enjoy the famous sunset of the high desert.
The Shed
It wouldn’t be the Christmas holidays without proper food, and it wouldn’t be Santa Fe without spicy Mexican food. The Shed is a famous Mexican restaurant located near the central square. In an old Pueblo house, the Shed provides a quirky and unique spin on traditional Mexican food. As you are waiting for the famous enchiladas, you can enjoy complimentary garlic bread that is given to all the tables. The Shed is a great restaurant, but be warned that this place was made for the spicy enthusiast.New Mexico Museum of Art
Finding ways to keep children entertained can be difficult even for the most seasoned parents. The New Mexico Museum of Art has you covered with its annual Open House. As you peruse the museum, your children will enjoy an enchanting puppet show. The Baumann Marionettes were made by the famous woodwork artist Gustav Baumann in the 1930s. These puppets are only brought out once a year. After the puppet show, your children will then go on a treasure hunt to find Freckles in the museum.
Enjoy Good Drinks and Fine Art at The Palace
The Friday before Las Posades, the Palace of the Governors opens its door for a night of Christmas activities enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike. As you walk through the various rooms, you will be delighted to see festive lights as well as a beautiful collection of Spanish Colonial Art. For the kids in your family, they will be able to enjoy holiday cookies and hot chocolate in the courtyard. It is rumored that both Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus like to make an appearance to hear the Christmas wishes of the kids.Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Before heading over to the cathedral basilica of St. Francis of Assisi for the midnight mass, take in the sights of Santa Fe. Farolitos—small paper bags filled with sand and topped with a candle—line the main streets of Santa Fe. As you walk, local vendors and shops will offer small snacks or hot drinks. It has also been known for caroling among those walking to break out. The walk begins at 5pm and ends at 10pm, although feel free to join the walk whenever you would like.
Comments
Post a Comment