Christmas at the Palace 

Did you know Santa Fe has its own Palace? The Palace of the Governors that is, which distinguishes Santa Fe as having the oldest continuously operating government building in the United States. On December 7, 2018, the annual celebration, Christmas at the Palace, takes place in the magical setting of this venerable historic compound on the Santa Fe Plaza from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The Palace welcomes revelers to an old-fashioned holiday party that honors the holiday traditions of the Pueblo people and the Spanish settlers. Settle in with a cup of hot cider for the music and merriment of the evening. The History Museum and Palace will close at 3 p.m. to prepare for this event. Enter through the Palace at 105 W. Palace Ave. The History Museum will remain closed during the event.

Las Posadas

Hosted by the New Mexico History Museum, Las Posadas is a re-enactment of the legendary journey of two exhausted travelers on their way to Bethlehem. Visitors are invited to join the candle-lit procession following the young couple around the Plaza as they seek shelter for the night. At the conclusion, everyone comes together at the Palace of the Governors for cookies and cider before heading back to their own beds for the night. Don’t forget to wear warm clothing! This time honored event takes place on December 9, 2018 at 5:30 pm.

Santa Fe Artists in Residence

All winter long, artists create their masterpieces in our hotels and galleries. Get a first-hand look at their creative process and be sure to take a piece home with you!

GLOW

Light up your holiday season with GLOW – Cosmic Nights! This annual event features thousands of twinkle lights and beautiful large scale light installations all aglow throughout the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Enjoy live music, festive beverages, and meet Santa with the kiddos (12 and under get in free!). GLOW opens on December 14 and runs through December 31, 2018.

Santa Fe Winter Indian Market

Do your holiday shopping with native artists, in a festive environment at a downtown Santa Fe landmark. The SWAIA Winter Indian Market is an annual holiday art show that will be held on December 15, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and December 16, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at La Fonda on the Plaza hotel. This year the Winter Indian Market includes 150 Native artists selling jewelry, pottery, paintings, weavings and much more; a fabulous silent auction; live music and dance round out the festivities.

Desert Chorale Winter Festival

The renowned choir presents a series of concerts, including carols and lullabies from South and Central America. Concerts take place December 15 – 23, 2018 at the United Church of Los Alamos, Immanuel Presbyterian Church of Albuquerque, Cristo Rey church, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

A Baroque Christmas

For over 30 years Santa Fe Pro Musica has performed “A Baroque Christmas” which is a Santa Fe favorite during the holidays. The Santa Fe tradition returns to the beautiful Loretto Chapel and will have performances from December 19 through  December 24, 2018. Clara Rottsolk, soprano and Deborah Domanski, mezzo-soprano will be the featured vocalists.

Canyon Road Farolito Walk

One of Santa Fe’s most beloved December events, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who stroll the iconic road on Christmas Eve. While touring Christmas lights is a tradition everywhere, the experience is totally unique in Santa Fe. After all, how many towns commit hours of preparation to creating an awe-inspiring display for just one night? The annual walk leads you from the Santa Fe Plaza to the surrounding historic neighborhoods. This night is a truly magical and breathtaking experience you do not want to miss. The event takes place on December 24, 2018.

Christmas Eve at Picuris Pueblo

Embrace the region’s rich Native American culture at sundown on Christmas Eve with a torchlight Procession of the Virgin at Picuris. Learn more about the holiday season events at the Northern New Mexico Pueblos here.

New Year’s Eve on the Plaza

Santa Fe is set to ring in the new year on the Santa Fe Plaza! There will be live entertainment, and a digital media display will countdown to 2019. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe will provide hot chocolate and biscochitos, along with a memorial banner for all to write down their hopes and dreams for a Prospero Año Nuevo. Check out New Year’s Eve for more information.