Santa Fe knows how to celebrate the holidays. While many cities deck their halls with standard sparkle, Santa Fe lights the season with a glow that feels older, deeper—and more meaningful. From ancient Pueblo traditions to warmly lit adobe walkways, the City Different transforms during the holidays into a place of reverence, joy, and cultural richness.
If you’re planning a visit—or lucky enough to live here—these are some of the most unforgettable holiday events in Santa Fe that should be on your seasonal calendar.

1. Feast Days at Nearby Pueblos
New Mexico’s Pueblo communities celebrate Feast Days throughout the year, but winter brings especially moving ceremonies. These are public events rooted in centuries-old traditions, often including traditional dances, drumming, food, and communal gatherings.
During the holiday season, nearby pueblos like Tesuque, Pojoaque, and San Ildefonso welcome visitors to observe these spiritual and cultural celebrations. Respect is key—no photography or cell phone use is allowed—but the experience of being invited into these living traditions is unforgettable.
📍 Find a Pueblo Feast Day Calendar

2. Tree Lighting on the Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza Tree Lighting, held the day after Thanksgiving, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. Locals and visitors gather as the historic Plaza is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. There’s music, caroling, warm drinks, and plenty of cheer.
You’ll want to arrive early to grab a good spot and soak in the atmosphere as the city’s center glows into the evening.
📍 Santa Fe Tree Lighting Event Info

3. Farolito Walk on Canyon Road
This is Santa Fe at its most magical. On Christmas Eve, Canyon Road becomes a glowing river of farolitos—small paper lanterns traditionally lit with candles—lining adobe walls, sidewalks, rooftops, and fences.
As you stroll the historic road, you’ll encounter carolers, luminarias (small bonfires), live music, and the warm smiles of locals who’ve turned this into a generations-old tradition. The Farolito Walk is not a commercial event—it’s a deeply cherished community experience.
📍 More on the Farolito Walk

4. Holiday Cooking Classes at the Santa Fe School of Cooking
Take a break from the cold and learn how to prepare traditional New Mexican holiday dishes with professional chefs and local cooks. The Santa Fe School of Cooking offers themed classes throughout the season—including tamale workshops, chile-based stews, and holiday desserts with a Southwest twist.
Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned foodie, these classes offer both skill and soul.
📍 Browse Classes & Reserve

5. Bonus: Christmas at the Cathedral Basilica
Step into the spiritual heart of Santa Fe at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses include candlelight, music, and reverence in one of the most iconic settings in town. Even for non-Catholics, attending a holiday service here can be a powerful, peaceful experience.
📍 Visit the Cathedral Website

Make the Season Shine
Holiday events in Santa Fe are never just for show—they’re part of the city’s living heritage. Whether it’s the quiet glow of a farolito or the beat of drums echoing through a Pueblo plaza, each tradition here invites you to slow down, look closer, and celebrate in ways that feed the spirit.
So grab a warm scarf, charge your camera (but leave it tucked away at the pueblos), and let Santa Fe show you what the holidays can feel like when community, history, and light come together.