SINCE 1815, San Francisco de Asís church in Taos has hosted Las Posadas, a nine-night ritual leading up to Christmas Eve. The procession-meets-pageant, which includes portrayals of Mary and Joseph, parades from the church to homes nearby as participants sing “Vamos Todos a Belén,” a call-and-response hymn that asks the homeowners for shelter. “Night after night, they go from one place to another,” says Guadalupe Tafoya, the church historian for more than a decade. “At each stop they are rejected, until the last stop where they are welcomed.” San Francisco de Asís’s mayordomos plan the route, set out farolitos, and build little bonfires along the way. “The church is decorated with farolitos. They are placed all over the exterior walls, and inside is decorated with Christmas trees and wreaths,” Tafoya says. “It’s really beautiful. It’s magical when it’s snowing.” Here are three terms to know if you’re attending.
Las Posadas. Meaning “inns” in Spanish, Las Posadas represents Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before baby Jesus was born.
Novena. From the Latin word novem meaning “nine,” novenas are special times for Christians, when believers pray and ask for grace from God.
Ocote. Also known as fat wood, this pine, thick with resin, makes a good fire starter. “The logs are specially cut and are piled in a square with specific spacing between them,” Guadalupe Tafoya says.
Cranes take off for their feeding grounds.
Photograph by Pam Dorner.
FESTIVAL OF CRANES
December 11–15
The sight of thousands of sandhill cranes taking off each morning from the wetlands at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge feels almost primal, a reminder of what it means to be alive. The 35th annual Festival of the Cranes celebrates these ancient creatures, with 85 birding and photography workshops, guided hikes, lectures, and an opening ceremony and photography expo at the Socorro Convention Center.
More than 90 homes decorate with lights and themed displays for Christmas on the Pecos.
Photograph courtesy of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
TAOS FOLK 2024 WINTER HOLIDAY POP-UP
November 18–December 24
The pop-up at Stables Gallery, in Taos, features creations by more than 60 artists.
CHRISTMAS ON THE PECOS
November 29–December 31
Take a boat ride along the glittering Pecos River in Carlsbad.
NOCHE DE LUMINARIAS
December 1
Eyes are aglow in Las Cruces during the annual evening of cheer as New Mexico State University is decorated with more than 8,000 luminarias.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
December 3–7
Benefiting Presbyterian Medical Services, this holiday fest fills the Farmington Civic Center with Christmas trees decorated by community members.
Don't miss the classic cars parade in Ruidoso.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Ryan Wallace,
OLD TOWN HOLIDAY STROLL
December 6
Local businesses stay open late for this jolly event featuring local performers on Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque.
LIGHTING LEDOUX
December 6
Bonfires and farolitos make Taos’s Ledoux Street merry and bright during this annual tradition.
LOS ALAMOS WINTERFEST
December 6–8
A parade, holiday costumes, decorations, local shopping, and a visit from Ol’ Saint Nick are on the nice list during this multiday shindig in Los Alamos.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE
December 7
A parade of classic cars covered in holiday lights and merry community floats celebrates the season in Ruidoso with an after-party in Wingfield Park.
Warm up with hot chocolate amid thousands of luminarias and carolers on Mesilla Plaza and Canyon Road in Santa Fe.
T OR C’S OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
December 13
Shops in Truth or Consequences stay open late, the Christmas tree at Renfro Park is lit, and holiday treats are aplenty during this annual celebration.
HOLIDAY SEASON FESTIVAL
December 13–15
Pianist Gleb Ivanov kicks off a set of Taos Chamber Music Group holiday concerts at the Harwood Museum of Art.
A ROSE IN WINTER
December 13–22
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s 24-member ensemble is joined by violinist Elizabeth Young and pianist Nathan Salazar for this holiday concert series.
ELEPHANT BUTTE’S HOLIDAY LUMINARIA BEACHWALK & FESTIVE CHEER
December 14
Say hello to Santa and stroll the sandy beach decorated with more than 3,000 paper lanterns and 25 bonfires at this annual festival.
ABQ HOLIDAY MARKET
December 14–15
Celebrating its 10th year, this Albuquerque Rail Yards Market ensures your money goes right back into the local community, as makers sell handmade crafts, specialty chocolates, ornaments, greeting cards, and more great gifts.
Celebrate the New Year and New Mexico's iconic crop at the Las Cruces Chile Drop.
Photograph courtesy of Visit Las Cruces.
A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS
December 21–23The Santa Fe Pro Musica Bach ensemble performs songs by Bach, Handel, and Telemann.
NYE AT TAOS SKI VALLEY
December 31
Fireworks, a torchlight parade, live music, and a buffet dinner make New Year’s Eve at Taos Ski Valley a fun way to start a new year.
NYE ON THE PLAZA
December 31
A twinkly light-covered Zia rises into the sky at midnight, welcoming 2025 with holiday fireworks and little bonfires on the Santa Fe Plaza.
LAS CRUCES CHILE DROP
December 31
A 19-foot green chile adorned with 2,500 sparkly lights drops over the Plaza de Las Cruces at midnight to celebrate the new year and the quintessential New Mexican crop.
JOE ILLICK & THE NYE ORCHESTRA CONCERT
December 31
Ring in the New Year with music as Joe Illick and his orchestral group play a robust roster of holiday favorites at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, in Santa Fe.
