Traditions & Holidays
Santa Fe's traditional holiday activities and more!
Thanksgiving Tree Lighting on the Plaza
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
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 pi�on 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 Event
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
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 |
Santa Fe Opera
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
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-July 31st |
Santa Fe Indian Market
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 |
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
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 |
The Burning of Zozobra
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 Fe
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 |
Balloon Fiesta
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 |