With its rich history and iconic adobe architecture, intriguing museums, and boundless art, Santa Fe is a great place to visit any time of year. But during the holiday season, The City Different lights up in new ways. From snow-dusted streets and twinkling trees, to magical art walks and legendary miracles, here are a few ways to experience Christmas in Santa Fe.
On Christmas Eve, though many Santa Fe businesses close, the Canyon Road district shines for the Farolito Walk. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the half-mile walk, filled with trees, cafes, and art galleries, lights up with thousands of farolitos, or “little lanterns,” which cast a warm glow along the popular path. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or roast s’mores at a fire pit along the way.
Many of the eight Native Pueblos in the north Santa Fe area celebrate the Christmas season with dances and other rituals. On December 12, the Pueblo of Pojoaque celebrates its annual Feast Day with a mass followed by buffalo and butterfly dances, while the Pueblo of Jemez perform historic dance-dramas called Matachines. On Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo celebrates the procession of the Virgin Mary with a religious service followed by bonfires. Check with the Pueblos directly for more details.
Spend some time on the slopes at Ski Santa Fe, a popular destination about 30 minutes northeast of the main Plaza. With an elevation of just over 10,000 feet, the region sees an average snowfall of 225 inches. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers will love the area, too.
Stop by the small Loretto Chapel to learn about the legend of the “Miraculous Staircase.” As the story goes, the Sisters of Loretto prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, for nine days, to help them build a staircase to the chapel’s choir loft, which was left unfinished when the chapel’s original architect passed away. On the ninth day of prayer, a carpenter appeared and built a stunning spiral wooden staircase with simple tools. After completing the staircase, the carpenter disappeared, without thanks or payment, leaving behind a mystery that lives on today.
Art is an important part of Native American culture and heritage, from handmade jewelry and pottery to clothing and more. It can be found all around the city, from historic hotels to galleries, and several important museums. While downtown, stop in the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, a leading cultural institution showcasing and supporting the works of contemporary Indigenous artists. Also, pay a visit to the historic San Miguel Chapel, one of the oldest churches in the U.S., to peruse some of its famous artworks.
Native and local art is a focal point of Santa Fe year round, but the annual Santa Fe Winter Indian Market showcases jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other works of local artists just in time for gift-giving season. Another great place to stop by for some handmade wares is The Palace of Governors. Part of the New Mexico History Museum, the Palace dates to 1610 and is one of the oldest public buildings in town. Walk along the portal, a full block of stalls featuring works by dozens of Native American artists, and snag some great gifts for friends and family back home.
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