Whether you’re searching for sunny skies or a festive ambiance, Santa Fe Christmas events offer both, making it a prime destination during this time of year. Enjoy outdoor adventures, fine dining, holiday shopping, and entertaining events in our iconic Southwestern city. Here’s our guide to Santa Fe Christmas events for a getaway to remember.
Holiday Shopping in Santa Fe
Holiday shopping in Santa Fe offers something unique you won’t find in any other Christmas market. The city has long been the seat of culture in the American Southwest. These one-of-a-kind holiday markets and art festivals reflect the long and colorful history of our region:
Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival
Eco-conscious holiday shoppers will want to experience the country’s oldest and largest recycled art market! Located at the Santa Fe Convention Center, this weekend’s event showcases art created from discarded materials by over 100 artists from around New Mexico and surrounding states.
Winter Indian Market
Discover authentic and unique gifts when you do your holiday shopping with Native artists at La Fonda on the Plaza. This festive environment is a downtown Santa Fe landmark! The Winter Indian Market is organized by the non-profit organization SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts), “bringing Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships.”
Holiday Shopping in Downtown Santa Fe
The handmade artwork, clothing, jewelry, toys, and decor you’ll find in the many shops around Santa Fe make for excellent, one-of-a-kind gifts. The eclectic boutiques around town are guaranteed to have something for everyone on your list.
Holiday Events & Attractions in Santa Fe
Christmas in Santa Fe is a time when the city is absolutely packed with holiday events and attractions. Our city offers traditional events, such as holiday concerts and New Year’s celebrations, but many events, such as the Entreflamenco performances and Farolito Walk, are entirely unique to Santa Fe. We recommend avoiding the holiday traffic by going without a car and exploring our walkable city on foot!
Christmas Lighting on the Plaza
Kick off the holiday season with music, entertainment, tasty treats, and hot chocolate at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the Plaza. Moreover, you can watch Mr. and Mrs. Claus ride around the plaza in a vintage fire truck. After that, head over to The Shop to take pictures with Santa. Finally, attend the farolito and tree lighting ceremony at dusk.
Entreflamenco Christmas Season
This unique Christmas experience is a series of holiday performances by the accomplished Entreflamenco dance company. You can enjoy dinner with the show or show-only tickets. Entreflamenco Spanish Cabaret performs at its own El Flamenco Cabaret at 135 W. Palace Avenue.
Chanuka on the Plaza
Join the annual Chanukah on the Plaza event, which includes the lighting of the grand menorah, live entertainment, dancing, Chanukah gelt, traditional potato latkes, and doughnuts. The event is free and hosted by the Santa Fe Jewish Center.
The Santa Fe Symphony
Enjoy traditional holiday music packed with winter favorites at The Sounds of the Season program with the Santa Fe Symphony. We also encourage guests to attend the FREE Carols & Choruses community concert at the Cathedral.
Santa Fe Pro Musica
Experience the enchanting and unique sounds of the holidays with live performances by the Grammy-nominated Santa Fe Pro Musica. Their holiday lineup includes their annual Holiday Bach Festival and A Baroque Christmas, which features principal keyboardist and co-owner of the Inn, David Solem!
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Perhaps the most beloved of all Santa Fe holiday traditions is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk. Firstly, stroll amongst thousands of farolitos as they illuminate the adobe walls and gardens. Farolitos are traditional lights made of paper bags, sand, and tea light candles. The lights, street musicians, and piping hot chocolate will enchant you during this magical Christmas Eve event.
News Year’s Eve on the Plaza
Bundle up and say adios to the year at the fun and free New Year’s Eve on the Plaza. Celebrate with delectable food and dance along to festive music. Afterward, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display as the Zia rises to ring in the new year!
Holiday Lodging in Santa Fe
After a day of celebrating at any of these exciting Santa Fe Christmas events, retire to your cozy accommodations at Inn of the Turquoise Bear. Snuggle up by a traditional wood-burning Kiva fireplace and sip a warm beverage. Afterward, settle into your plush bed for a peaceful night’s sleep. Our beautiful and historic adobe inn is open all holiday season.
