Yuletide in Taos

Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day has been dubbed “Yuletide in Taos” for many years now. Businesses throughout the community plan events and cultural celebrations of holiday traditions. Included are arts and crafts fairs, the lighting of the farolitos around Taos Plaza and the historic district, and ceremonies at Taos Pueblo. Taos Ski Valley celebrates with a beer festival, a torchlight parade and fireworks. Local museums and galleries host holiday exhibitions. Restaurants plan special holiday wine dinners.

Here are some specifics for 2008 Yuletide in Taos, grouped by weekends. You can learn more about each event on our Event Calendar or call Taos Visitor Center at 1-877-587-9007.

Thanksgiving Day • Taos Ski Valley and Red River Ski Area are both open for the season (This will be Taos’ first full season of welcoming snowboarders!)
November 28 – 30 • Yuletide Arts & Crafts fair at Taos Convention Center

December 5 • The first lighting of farolitas on Taos Plaza, with caroling and tree lighting. This ritual will be repeated each weekend till Christmas.
December 5 • Festival of Wreaths and Trees at El Monte Sagrado to benefit the charities of Taos
December 6 • Millicent Rogers Museum’s 11th Annual Holiday Fiesta
December 6 • Taos Gallery Artwalk throughout Taos area
December 6 – 7 • Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Talpa Community Center

December 13 • Christmas Carnival and Ice Skating Competition at Taos Youth and Family Center
December 13 • Lighting Ledoux on historic Ledoux Street just off Taos Plaza – a wonderful street party!Click here to view video of last year's Lighting Ledoux.

December 16-17 • Las Posadas at Ranchos Church - Enjoy the Spanish tradition of re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. Candle-lit procession, regional New Mexican holiday songs and guitar, and rejoicing! 6pm nightly.

December 20 • Brewmaster’s Festival in Taos Ski Valley
December 20 • Winter Wonderland at the John Dunn Shops between the Plaza and Bent Street is another festive street party.
December 21 • A Traditional Children’s Russian Christmas at Taos Art Museum

December 24 • Christmas Eve celebrations and ceremonials at Picuris Pueblo, and Taos Pueblo. Taos Ski Valley has a torchlight parade, the Taos Plaza is aglow, Red River Ski Area and Sipapu host holiday parties too.
Christmas Day • Deer or Matachines Dance at Taos Pueblo
Christmas Day • Picuris Pueblo Matachines Dances and children’s parade

New Year’s Eve • Torchlight parade and fireworks at Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu and Red River also host parties on slope. Restaurants throughout the area host all-inclusive New Years party packages. 

The Chile Line is Taos' bus transportation around town with regular trips to Taos Pueblo and Taos Ski Valley. There is a special holiday schedule that takes visitors to shops open in the evenings, and round trips to Taos Ski Valley and back in the evening. For more information, call Taos Visitor Center at 1-877-587-9007.