If you’re dreaming of a holiday filled with charm and plenty of southwest authenticity, you’ll find that Christmas in Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else. The City Different transforms into a wonderland of lights, traditions, and celebrations that blend centuries-old customs with cozy holiday cheer. Picture yourself walking along adobe-lined streets, the aroma of piñon fires drifting through the air, and thousands of glowing farolitos lighting your path. Christmas in Santa Fe embodies the spirit of the Southwest, alive with festive energy, bright lights, and joyful holiday cheer.
This city’s unique mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions creates a Santa Fe Christmas experience that feels timeless and vibrant. While there are many things to do in Santa Fe during the holidays, one of the most enchanting events is the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road, where flickering lanterns guide you along historic streets filled with art galleries, music, and laughter. Spend your Christmas in Santa Fe browsing holiday markets, watching the local tree lighting, or listening to timeless holiday classics. With the abundance of cheer and festivities, Santa Fe in winter is a truly enchanting time of year.
For your holiday home base, consider staying at our welcoming Santa Fe Lodging with historic charm and unmatched hospitality. Just a short walk from the plaza, our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast offers the convenience of being close to not only the top Santa Fe museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, but also the many holiday festivities. With its comfortable rooms, cultural flair, and central location, our Santa Fe lodging has the feel of a private retreat. Book your stay today and make Christmas in Santa Fe your new favorite holiday tradition.
Christmas in Santa Fe is the Perfect Way to Spend the Holidays
Christmas in Santa Fe is the best way to spend your holiday. The city embodies a magical atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The mix of old-world traditions and artistic flair makes it a perfect place to celebrate. The highlight of a Santa Fe Christmas is the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road. The Farolito Walk takes place every Christmas Eve at sundown, transforming this historic street into a glowing corridor of lanterns and light.
A farolito is a small paper bag filled with sand and a candle, creating a soft, warm glow that illuminates pathways, walls, and rooftops. This Christmas tradition dates back to Spanish colonial times, when lanterns guided villagers to celebrations. Today, the Farolito Walk continues that legacy, with thousands of farolitos lighting the night while carolers sing, fires crackle, and visitors wander among art galleries and adobe homes, enjoying hot cocoa and holiday treats from businesses that stay open late. It’s free to attend and typically runs until around 9 or 10 p.m.
If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Santa Fe during the holidays, here are some can’t-miss events:
- Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on Friday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. for the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Santa Fe Plaza. This joyful community celebration features live music, hot drinks, and the twinkling lights of the city’s most beloved tree.
- Visit the Winter Indian Market. Held November 29-30, this event features over 160 Native artists showcasing jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. It’s the perfect place for holiday shopping and discovering authentic art.
- Don’t miss the Winter Spanish Market on December 6 and 7. Explore traditional Spanish colonial art and culture, where you can meet artists preserving centuries-old crafts.
- Another event that makes Christmas in Santa Fe special is Las Posadas on the Plaza. On Sunday, December 7, join this candlelit procession reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter. It’s a moving and beautiful community tradition.
- Witness the Farolito Tree Lighting and browse the Holiday Market. On Friday, December 12, at Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Collection, experience another glowing celebration with lights, food, and crafts.
- Catch the beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Performances are December 13-14. Enjoy world-class dancing right in the center of Santa Fe.
- Visit Glow at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Known as the La Luz de Las Noches, this dazzling exhibit runs from December 18-31. See the garden transformed with thousands of lights, live music, art, and festive food and drinks.
- Throughout December, savor the sounds of the season with holiday concerts and performances by the Santa Fe Symphony, Desert Chorale, and Pro Musica Bach Ensemble.
With so many festive things to do in Santa Fe, every night feels like a celebration. Whether you’re walking along Canyon Road or admiring the lights of the Plaza, Santa Fe in December is filled with warmth, community, and joy. A New Mexico Christmas has a charm that’s one-of-a-kind, and Christmas in Santa Fe is at the heart of it all.
Stay at the Best Santa Fe Lodging This Holiday Season
After a festive day celebrating Christmas in Santa Fe, there’s nothing better than coming back to the comfort of our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast. Our Santa Fe Lodging is a charming retreat that combines art, history, and warmth in every detail. With six beautifully decorated rooms inspired by Native American, Mexican, Spanish Colonial, and turn-of-the-century design, guests experience the cultural richness that makes Santa Fe so unique.
Located on a quiet street just off the Plaza, our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect blend of peace and proximity. You’ll be just steps from the city’s best museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as the many holiday festivities happening throughout downtown. Whether you’re attending the Farolito Walk, browsing the Santa Fe Christmas Market, or enjoying live music, our Bed and Breakfast places you in the center of the fun.
Every guest room features plush robes, high-quality linens, private bathrooms, and comfy sitting areas. Enjoy complimentary coffee service and start your day with a hearty breakfast that includes fresh fruit, yogurt, home-baked goods, and savory dishes like quiche. It’s the perfect fuel for discovering Santa Fe’s enchanting seasonal festivities.
Make your Christmas in Santa Fe extra special by adding thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, champagne or wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries to your room. Our convenient location, thoughtful details, and genuine hospitality make us the perfect home away from home during the holidays. Celebrate the season, soak in the festive atmosphere, and discover why Christmas in Santa Fe is best enjoyed with a stay at our Santa Fe Lodging. Book your holiday getaway today!
