NMT News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico True (NMT) announced that Santa Fe County was recently named one of Travel + Leisure’s “15 Best Places to Spend Christmas”.

Santa Fe County offers a southwest winter wonderland, bustling with festive activities, stunning scenic displays and fun for the entire family.

With the glow of holiday farolitos, tree lighting parties and the beguiling beauty of gently falling snow, the joys of the season will enchant both locals and visitors.

From scenic hikes, skiing, and world-class spas, along with delectable cuisine and unique events, Santa Fe County is the place to be this holiday season.

To make the most of a holiday visit, plan a trip around one of the following events:

• 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado – Dec. 2 – Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe kicks off the holiday season with its 7th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, open to all. Take in the beauty of sparkling lights and elegant ornaments as you enjoy holiday cookies, apple cider and spiced hot chocolate 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2. The holiday enchantment continues on Christmas Day, when Santa Claus drops in to pose for your pictures.
• The renowned resort’s acclaimed Terra Restaurant has cooked up The Seven Nights of Terra, a culinary journey of nightly themed dinner selections served through January 2022, except for the holidays, when you can savor signature dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. 
• Madrid Christmas Parade – Dec. 4 – Start your holiday celebrations early in the historic mining town turned lively, creative community of Madrid. Kicking off at 4 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 4, the annual Madrid Christmas Parade—led by a red-nosed yak—offers a taste of the town’s festive, eclectic spirit and allows visitors to enjoy live local music, see the creations of talented local artists, and stroll along the brightly adorned streets to view the array of light displays from homes and businesses—all competing for top prizes. Shop for handmade, local art pieces and gifts for everyone on your holiday list, and browse a variety of local shops, including boutiques, galleries, antique shops and more.
• Festive Fun at Bishop’s Lodge – Dec. 23–Jan. 1 – Celebrate the holidays with good cheer at Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe, a historic retreat that has been transformed into a brand new luxury resort. Take in the great outdoors with horseback riding, hiking and other activities, then visit the wellness studio for a relaxing massage with healing botanicals and turquoise gem therapy to rebalance your chakras.
• A full week of festive activities includes learning to make tamales, a longtime New Mexico holiday tradition, and creating tin folk art, including ornaments. At 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23 guests can gather in the lounge for mulled wine, apple cider and hot chocolate before joining a musical procession around the property led by the Victorian Caroler group.
• On Christmas Day, savor the unique flavor of northern New Mexico with a Chile Celebration brunch at SkyFire, the resort’s restaurant, served 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. SkyFire also will serve a festive Christmas dinner. New Year’s Day dawns with an outdoor fire meditation, in which you’ll write down your worries from the past year and place them in the fire, releasing them to the universe.
• Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road – Dec. 24 – Join one of the most iconic sights and beloved local holiday traditions by taking part in the Canyon Road Farolito walk. Farolitos (which translates to “little lantern”) line the streets and walkways, creating a picturesque and one-of-a-kind festive atmosphere. Whether you’re finishing up last minute shopping or just strolling the streets, the glow of the farolitos, sounds of musicians playing holiday songs, and the smell of piñon logs on bonfires are sure to put you in joyous spirits.
• A Night at the Opera! – Dec. 24 – Get in the holiday spirit and celebrate Christmas Eve at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and The Santa Fe Opera will present a festive holiday collaboration of arias, duets, trios and quartets. Tickets range from $25–$92 per person.
• New Year’s Eve on the Plaza – Dec. 31 – Ring in the New Year on the Santa Fe Plaza with music, fireworks and fun. Piñon bonfires will keep you warm and fill the air with a fragrant scent, and food trucks will provide plenty of hearty fare. Enjoy free hot chocolate and biscochitos, then join the countdown to the stroke of midnight, when you’ll welcome the New Year in City Different-style, with the rising of a hand-crafted Zia symbol into the night sky, set against a backdrop of fireworks.

For more information or to plan your visit to Santa Fe County, go to https://santafenmtrue.com.