Activities and Attractions
Things To Do:
Holiday Annual Events
Thanksgiving Tree Lighting on the Plaza
About: Every year, Santa Fe begins its Christmas anticipation the day after Thanksgiving. People gather to watch as a vintage fire truck parades Santa and Mrs. Claus around the Plaza, eventually stopping to greet everyone and spread some cheer.
When: The day after Thanksgiving at 3:00-8:00 pm
Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road About: One of Santa Fe's most wonderful traditions for Christmas Eve. Thousands of farolitos cast a glow on the gardens, courtyards, and adobe walls of the century-old buildings lining the Canyon Road. Both spirit and senses will be enriched by the aroma of piñon logs, the sounds of street musicians playing traditional holiday songs, and consuming traditional holiday sweets.
When: Christmas Eve at 5:00-8:30 pm
New Years Eve Plaza EventAbout: Join us as we countdown to a peaceful and prosperous new year. In recognition of Santa Fe’s signature status as The City Different, nothing drops When the traditional countdown ends, a Zia symbol crafted by a traditional Spanish colonial artisan will be raised at the stroke of midnight along with fireworks and music!
When: December 31st, 11:30-12:00 am
Pancakes on the Plaza
About: For the past 45 years, this local tradition has become a day full of fun for the whole family! The smell of delicious pancakes fills the air, while local vendors, classic cars, and unique art surround the plaza. Be a part of the Santa Fe tradition, where the cost of a ticket will not only get you a plate of delicious pancakes, but the proceeds of which will have a positive impact on the community.
When: Every 4th of July
NM Annual Traditions
About: The Santa Fe Opera is known renowned worldwide for its contribution to a living art form, and for the passion, it inspires in performers and audiences alike.
When: July 1st- August 27th
Santa Fe Spanish Market
About: On the Historic Santa Fe Plaza and the surrounding streets! The celebration includes festivals, music, and cultural events and hundreds of artists showcase their work.
When: July 30th-July31st
About: For the past century, Santa Fe Indian Market has brought together the most gifted Native American artists from the U.S. with millions of visitors and collectors from around the world. The extended weekend of beauty and celebration ranks as the world’s largest and most highly acclaimed Native American art show and as New Mexico’s largest attended annual weekend event.
When: August 20th- 21st
About: Created to market the Santa Fe restaurant community as a world-class destination, the Santa Fe Wine And Chile Fiesta will feature 90 wineries pouring tastes and 35 restaurants serving samples of their signature cuisine. The rest of the festival is filled with wine seminars, cooking demos, guest chef luncheons, a reserve tasting, a live auction, and nightly wine dinners hosted at participating Santa Fe restaurants.
When: September 21st-25th
.jpg)
The Burning of ZozobraAbout: The Burning of Zozobra is a unique cultural event staged annually by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe on the Friday of Labor Day weekend as an exciting and fiery finale to the last days of summer.
When: Always the Friday of Labor Day
Fiestas de Santa FeAbout: The Santa Fe Plaza is filled with arts & crafts and food booths, and mariachis play throughout the city. Fiestas concludes with mass at the St. Francis Cathedral followed by a candlelight procession to the Cross of the Martyrs.
When: First weekend of Labor Day
About: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than four decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.
When: First week of October
Santa Fe Day Activities
Loretto Chappel Come visit one of the most special places in all of New Mexico. At The Loretto Chapel, we take pride in our unique history and joy we have brought into the lives of many a bride and groom. Those who step foot inside our holy sanctuary find it hard to leave. The chapel and its miraculous staircase are a historic phenomenon that must be witnessed during your travels.
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf began in 2008 as an informal DIY collective of Santa Fe artists. These collaborative roots lay the foundation for Meow Wolf's distinctive style of immersive, maximalist environments that encourage audience participation. They have mastered an immersive and interactive experience that transports audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration..jpg){kind=spacer}
The Lensic Performing Arts Center The Lensic Performing Arts Center enriches lives by bringing diverse art and people together in the historic Lensic Theater, a cornerstone of downtown Santa Fe since 1931. The Lensic presents and supports local, national, and international artists and serves as a center for education, community events, and youth events through its accessible and affordable programming.
The Lensic is Santa Fe’s year-round home for the performing arts, offering a variety of performance, education, and community programs to enrich the lives of everyone.
New Mexico River Adventures
New Mexico River Adventures offers River Rafting, Kayaking, and Canoeing all over New Mexico. You can choose from our short single-day excursions, multiday adventures, or customize your own trip! New Mexico River Adventures specializes in Outdoor Adventures including Whitewater River Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Camping, Outfitting, and Peak Climbing in the New Mexico area and around the world.We are recognized within the Santa Fe rafting and Taos rafting community as being the swift water safety specialists and in fact, provide the area’s river rescue and whitewater guide training. And, we are also known for having fun, highly-trained guides.
SKI Santa Fe
Ski Santa offers something special for everyone. With a base elevation of 10,350 ft, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a ski experience you will never forget, whether cruising the perfect groomers or exploring the extensive gladed runs. Ski Santa Fe prides itself on being family-friendly and offers one of the best dollar values in the Southwest. Located only 16 miles from the heart of Santa Fe, one of the most popular destinations in the US. A city rich in culture, fine arts, and exceptional cuisine, this is one of the country’s most diverse and unique ski destinations.Walking Tour: Afternoons with Christian Gian Saiia (Pomeriggi Con Christiano)
Learn Santa Fe in a fun way! Let Santa Fe's man of the town, show you through the historic, fun, and interesting places of Santa Fe! Conversation, Small Group Walking Tours ( up to 6 persons), Wine & Wanderings, Perspective, Customs, & Heritage, or Individual Tours. You can choose from History & Humor, Culture & He also accommodated larger groups with notice. Give him a call or email to book your tour when you are in town!
[email protected]
(505)629-3538
Santa Fe Sky Railway
Climb aboard and expect the unexpected as you travel the historic trail between Santa Fe and Lamy NM. Entertainers, music, great food, and drink await you on Sky Railway.
[email protected]
(505)629-3538
Santa Fe Sky Railway
Climb aboard and expect the unexpected as you travel the historic trail between Santa Fe and Lamy NM. Entertainers, music, great food, and drink await you on Sky Railway.