Happy Holidays! Santa Fe as you know is always magical…… however, during Christmas time it is sparkling with magic 🙂

Santa Fe has so much to offer during the holidays, fun things to do for all ages. A great place to escape and relax under the sky full of glowing stars with the most amazing smell of wood burning fires. A smell you will never forget or smell anywhere else but Santa Fe!

Here is a list of some ideas on what to do during your visit to the Land of Enchantment 🙂

Candles in Bags – Known locally as ‘farolitos’, these small bags filled with sand and lit from within by votive candles are Northern New Mexico’s version of traditional Christmas decorations. They can be found all around the city outlining buildings and, in certain areas on Xmas eve, they are in trees, on walls, along sidewalks, etc. Luminarias are small bonfires said to have lit the way for the 3 Wise Men to Mary and the baby Jesus but are less common. These terms are interchangeable within the region. On Christmas Eve the Santa Fe Plaza, which is considered to be the heart and soul of the city, is decorated with 1,000 farolitos bringing a warm glow to the city center. Everyone parades down Canyon Road for cider, carols and socializing!

Winter Spanish Market – 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. Santos are either retablos, saints painted on wood typically, or bultos which are 3 dimensional carved figures of saints. Furniture and silver work are also found at the market. Held in early December and a Xmas season tradition in Santa Fe, it is a great place for getting gifts that truly reflect Santa Fe’s roots.

Food – Chile is king all year ’round in Santa Fe and Christmas time is no exception. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner is tamales and posolé – dried corn, like hominy, fixed in a thick soup or stew with chiles. Check out From the Daughter’s Kitchen…… food can be made per your request and delivered right to your door! Great way to relax and enjoy some yummy local food in the comfort of your own home!

Native American Dances – Many of the animal dances go on throughout the winter at Northern New Mexico’s Indian Pueblos. Inquire this year to see what dances they are offering and the time schedule for each one. New Year’s Day is also a time of dancing and the Transfer of the Canes ceremony celebrating the tribes’ new leaders coming to power.

Christmas Eve – the midnight Mass of the Rooster, commemorating the folk story of the animals in the manger which were dismayed that no humans had come to see the Christ child so an old rooster flew to a high point and announced the coming of the Messiah. St. Francis Cathedral, 505-982-5619.

Music – throughout December the following organizations will be performing: New Mexico Pro Coro, Musica da Camera, Santa Fe Concert Association, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe Symphony, and Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble. Listings can be found in the calendar at www.santafe.org

Many of the restaurants will have holiday specials and hotels do Christmas events featuring music, storytelling, craft demonstrations, etc. all reflecting the diverse cultures of the region.

Temperatures in December are normally in the low 40’s during the day and low 20’s at night. However, the sun still shines 300 days a year which means it is comfortable outside and golfers can even get in a round at the city’s very fine course.

Next year, come stay with us in Santa Fe! As you can see we have so much to offer and would love to welcome you! Check out our website at www.adobedestinations.com for more information and to reserve your house for Christmas 2013!

As always,
Have a beautiful Santa Fe Day