Visit Santa Fe for a Memorable Southwestern Christmas

Heading to the Southwest for the Christmas holiday? Santa Fe, New Mexico, has all you need to get into the festive spirit with carolers, musical performances, special holiday exhibitions at galleries, and fun for the whole family. Stay at a local inn to have a comfortable and convenient home base for all of the festivities. 

Don’t miss Santa Fe’s beloved Canyon Road Walk on Christmas Eve. Thousands will walk the historic streets lined with luminaries as people gather to sing carols around miniature bonfires. Be sure to also celebrate the season of giving by visiting the “Holiday Presence” exhibition at Pippin Contemporary. The exhibition will be on display through January 1, 2013. A unique shopping opportunity would be to purchase a truly unique gift for someone special at Chiaroscuro Contemporary Art. They will be featuring original art from Andrew Beckham’s new book, The Lost Christmas Gift. 

entry-courtyard-santa-feThe arts truly come out to play during the Santa Fe holiday season. Musicians and actors ages 7 to 70 will perform carols, original music, and a short play at A Musical Piñata for Christmas. You might choose a Christmas Eve concert featuring music by the SFCA Orchestra and compositions by 11-year-old Emily Bear. And don’t forget to bring the children – they can make a crafty gift during the Open Art Studio at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

The Inn of the Turquoise Bear is only six blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza. Who needs a Christmas tree when you can hug soaring ponderosa pine trees on the landscaped one-acre property? Santa may have trouble coming down the Kiva fireplace but you’ll be toasty and warm when you use the complimentary firewood. The exposed beams and turquoise colored windows make this a truly distinctive bed and breakfast.

dongasparchristmasStroll through snow-covered, meandering courtyards lit by twinkling holiday lights at Don Gaspar Inn where you can open your gifts on a private patio under the stars. Choose a suite, one-bedroom casita, or three-bedroom house as your southwestern Christmas home away from home. The sausage biscuits and gravy will keep you full well into the afternoon. It only takes a seven-minute walk to many Santa Fe attractions and activities. Ask about the Winter Oasis Third Night Free special.

san-miguel-1Four Kachinas Inn knows that music is the key to the holiday season. Access the inn’s blog or ask for tips on the best events when making your plans. The resident dachshunds will welcome you if you’ve been nice or naughty. Slip into the 24-hour Breakfast Room to find baked goods to leave for Saint Nick. After a long day of festivities, take a soak in the claw-foot tub in the Digneo room or look at the stars from the window seat in the Chimayo room.

elfaolitoLet someone else do the cooking Christmas morning at El Farolito Bed and Breakfast Inn. A buffet is served in the rustic dining room every day. Then dream of chestnuts roasting over an open fire as you sleep next to the fireplace in Casita Acequia Madre. The inn feels secluded yet guests can walk to galleries, restaurants, and shops. If you want to relive childhood innocence listen to the Night Before Christmas Storytime at Bee Hive Kids Books on December 20.

pueblosnowWalk to the Canyon Road luminaries celebration from Pueblo Bonito Inn. With only 18 rooms, the innkeepers have created a historic escape with handmade wooden furniture, quiet courtyards, and thick adobe walls. Share holiday stories over the breakfast buffet and afternoon tea and be sure to visit the annual Winter Miniature Show at the Sage Creek Gallery less than a mile away. Stay four or more nights to receive special Christmas and New Years holiday rates.

Santa_Fe_Night_PlazaThe best holiday celebrations are with the whole family including your pet, welcomed  at the Santa Fe Sage Inn. The inn has contemporary southwest guest rooms with one king or two queens. Explore all of Santa Fe via the complimentary “Sage Coach” shuttle and be sure to venture half-a-mile to Cowgirl BBQ for jazzy carols by the Swingin’ Ornaments on December 22. Ask about the Third Night Free special available through March 31, 2013.