Plan your perfect holiday in South Valley with our guide. Discover all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're a resident or a traveler, our guide helps you explore the holiday magic of South Valley.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is the Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll, where the historic plaza is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with lights and local artisan markets. Additionally, the Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets offer a unique shopping experience with handcrafted goods and festive food options. And the Ruidoso Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing stunning light displays that capture the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Valley
- Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll (Albuquerque)
- Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets (Santa Fe)
- Ruidoso Festival of Lights (Ruidoso)
- Christmas on the Pecos (Carlsbad)
- Yuletide in Taos (Taos)
- Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Tree Lighting (Mescalero)
- Annual Festival of Lights Parade (Ruidoso)
- Christmas in the Park (Ruidoso)
- White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch (Ruidoso)
- Ski Apache Party on the Mountain (Ruidoso)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Valley Holiday Light Displays
Ruidoso Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive floats with a charity toy drive.
Description:
The Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade features beautifully lit floats and a theme of "Celebrate a Journey of Hope and Resilience." The event includes a parade through Midtown Ruidoso, followed by an after-party at Wingfield Park with food, drinks, winter activities, and an outdoor movie. Participants are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Ruidoso Festival of Lights
Christmas on the Pecos
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with holiday tunes.
Description:
Christmas on the Pecos offers a variety of festive activities, including a 26ft musical Christmas tree, Light Maze, and Elf Town. Enjoy holiday entertainment, shopping, and dining in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Christmas on the Pecos
Annual Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday parade with Toys for Tots toy collection.
Description:
The Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade is a community event featuring beautifully lit floats and festive activities, with a focus on holiday giving through Toys for Tots. The parade culminates in an after-party at Wingfield Park with food, drinks, and winter activities.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Annual Festival of Lights Parade
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, tree lighting, and festive treats.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Christmas in the Park at Wingfield Park. Enjoy pictures with Santa, the lighting of the tree, and treats provided by Cornerstone Bakery.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Christmas in the Park
Christmas Drone Show & Drive In Movie Night
What to Expect:
Drone light show synchronized with holiday movie.
Description:
Watch "Arthur Christmas" on a drive-in movie screen at White Mountain Complex, followed by a spectacular holiday drone light show.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Christmas Drone Show & Drive In Movie Night
South Valley Holiday Markets and Shopping
Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Beautifully illuminated streets with local performers and holiday shopping opportunities.
Description:
The Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll is a festive event where local performers fill the streets, and you can check off your holiday shopping list while discovering new stores and visiting familiar staples in beautifully illuminated Old Town.
Where: Albuquerque | More Info: Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll
Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets
What to Expect:
Immersive cultural experience with top Native American artists.
Description:
The Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets offer a unique opportunity to experience exceptional Native American art, chat with top artists, and acquire distinguished gifts. This event showcases a diverse array of traditional and contemporary Native American art, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings, and sculptures.
Where: Santa Fe | More Info: Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets
South Valley Holiday Shows and Entertainment
White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Western stage show and cowboy-themed activities.
Description:
Celebrate the American West with the Flying J Wranglers in a festive holiday setting, featuring a Western stage show, chuckwagon supper, and cowboy-themed activities.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
Come Let Us Adore Him Brunch & Praise Event
What to Expect:
Traditional breakfast fare and Christmas carols.
Description:
Join the Come Let Us Adore Him Brunch & Praise Event at Inn of the Mountain Gods for a Christmas celebration featuring a full brunch menu, fabulous caroling, and a special worship service.
Where: Alamogordo | More Info: Come Let Us Adore Him Brunch & Praise Event
South Valley Other Holiday Activities
Yuletide in Taos
What to Expect:
Traditional New Mexican holiday celebrations with bonfires and farolitos.
Description:
Yuletide in Taos is a month-long holiday celebration in northern New Mexico, featuring unique New Mexican traditions. It includes events like the Taos Folk pop-up shop, the 37th Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting, and the Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo with large bonfires and farolitos.
Where: Taos | More Info: Yuletide in Taos
Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with festive activities and Santa photos.
Description:
The Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Christmas Tree Lighting features a Barnes & Noble pop-up store, photos with Santa, cookies, and hot cocoa, culminating in a spectacular tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Mescalero | More Info: Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Tree Lighting
Ski Apache Party on the Mountain
What to Expect:
Free family event with diverse outdoor activities.
Description:
Ski Apache Party on the Mountain is a free family event featuring live entertainment, bounce houses, discounted gear rates, gondola services, hiking, zip line activities, mountain biking, golf ball drives, and outdoor games.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Ski Apache Party on the Mountain
Ruidoso Winter Park
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art mountain coaster with 360-degree helix and collision avoidance system.
Description:
Ruidoso Winter Park offers thrilling activities like the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster, year-round tubing, and a family zipline. The park is nestled at the bottom of Sierra Blanca in Alto, NM, and features a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system for safe rides. Kids under 3 ride free every day.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Ruidoso Winter Park
Sleigh Rides at Grindstone Stables
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn sleigh ride through historic Upper Canyon with draft horses.
Description:
Experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride through historic Upper Canyon, adorned with jingle bells and draft horses. The ride offers a crisp winter evening atmosphere, even without snow, thanks to hidden wheels that ensure smooth travel on dry pavement. Blankets are furnished for all riders.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Sleigh Rides at Grindstone Stables
Ice Skating at Wingfield Park
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with varying session times.
Description:
The outdoor ice skating rink at Wingfield Park offers a fun winter activity with daily and weekend sessions. Skate rentals are available, and admission fees vary by residency.
Where: Ruidoso | More Info: Ice Skating at Wingfield Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Albuquerque (5 miles)
- Enchanted Hills (23 miles)