Personally I found out about Santa Fe during the Christmas season when I saw a special Christmas performance of Mariachis on national TV back in the 1980s.
I saw the farolitos (brown bags originally with candles that are lit at night decorating the buildings and walkways of public buildings and private homes) all around Santa Fe and in the plaza. The Chile lights on the Christmas trees were a unique Santa Fe decoration that I saw on many Christmas trees. I also saw the Indian ceremonial dances which are a unique combination of the Pueblo and Catholic traditions of Christmas. It was a beautiful depiction of Christmas I was unfamiliar with.
You too can visit Santa Fe during the Christmas season and see the diversity of celebrations and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of this Blessed time.
Personally I found out about Santa Fe during the Christmas season when I saw a special Christmas performance of Mariachis on national TV back in the 1980s.
I saw the farolitos (brown bags originally with candles that are lit at night decorating the buildings and walkways of public buildings and private homes) all around Santa Fe and in the plaza. The Chile lights on the Christmas trees were a unique Santa Fe decoration that I saw on many Christmas trees. I also saw the Indian ceremonial dances which are a unique combination of the Pueblo and Catholic traditions of Christmas. It was a beautiful depiction of Christmas I was unfamiliar with.
You too can visit Santa Fe during the Christmas season and see the diversity of celebrations and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of this Blessed time.
Because the community has such rich cultural history the celebrations that can be found around town are unique.
You can see the beautiful farolitos around town at the Plaza, Cross of the Martyrs and Canyon Road.
Christmas at the Palace - A celebration of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American Christmas traditions with carols, story telling, Santa and his elves, music, cider and cookies. Don’t miss the fun. Christmas at the Palace is Friday, December 15 from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M.
www.palaceofthegovernors.org
Las Posadas The traditional re-enactment of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter celebrated in a traditional Hispanic play. Ends at the Palace of the Governors. Las Posadas is Sunday, December 17 beginning at 5:00 P.M.
At the pueblos Dec. 24 – 29 there is the great opportunity to see traditional Christmas Indian dances.
www.nmmagazine.com/NMGUIDE/nativeam.html
Dec 24 is the walk on Canyon Road where carolers and decorations galore can be seen and heard. You can experience open houses in many of the galleries where hot cider and treats are available too.
A beautiful musical experience is the Baroque Christmas performed by Pro Musica at Loretto Chapel.
Santa Fe Pro Musica Baroque Ensemble: A Baroque Christmas - A French Noel featuring music by Rameau, Rebel, Boismortier and traditional carols, December 20 through December 24, 6pm & 8pm at Loretto Chapel.
Tickets Dec. 20 through 23 ~ $15-$40Christmas Eve Tickets ~ $15-$50
Winter Spanish Market, December 2-3, 2005. - The annual winter market put on by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. This group is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Spanish Colonial artwork such as tin work, straw appliqué and Santos carving; art forms that really are not found anywhere else in the country in this quantity. Furniture and silver work are also found at the market. Held in early December it is a Christmas season tradition here, and is a great place for getting gifts that truly reflect Santa Fe's roots. For more information, contact: Spanish Colonial Arts Society, www.spanishcolonial.org.
The Santa Fe Southern Railroad has many festive train rides during the holiday season.
Dec 19, 22 & 23 is the Polar Express ride where the book itself is read, hot chocolate and cookies are served and everyone wears their PJs. Dec 16 through to the 24 is the Caroling and Santa train where you can sing carols with Santa. A Hanukkah train is also planned for the evening of Dec. 21 with light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The 15th of Dec. is the Holiday Starlight Train where you view the holiday Lights from the train and refreshments are available. Even Dec 26th is a family Holiday ride called Holiday Afternoon Scenic Lamy Train. Check for reservations and prices:
http://www.thesantafesite.com/MiniWeb/santafesouthernrailway.html
Winter Nights under Lights Package
With the clear crisp winter skies, the starlit evenings are a marvel to see. Package includes accommodations for two, two 60-minute spa treatments per room per day, full breakfast each morning, a three course dinner for two at Las Fuentes Restaurant each evening, daily resort fee, and all applicable taxes and gratuities. Ask about one of our many rooms with fireplaces!
They also feature a Stay 3-Ski Free Package which includes accommodations for two, two 3 day passes to The Santa Fe Ski Basin and complimentary shuttle transportation to and from the ski area. This package also includes taxes, gratuity and Resort fees. Wow!!
These are some of the great ideas and deals going on in Santa Fe during the holiday season. I hope you come and take in the scents of pinon burning in the fireplaces and taste the festive foods of the area this season.
Feliz Navidad
Eileen Richardson
