The winter chill is settling in across New Mexico, and this year, our ski resorts are already enjoying more early-season snow than many resorts in Colorado, Utah, and California! With the slopes looking pristine, ski areas and mountain towns are preparing festive events to make the season feel extra special. From torchlight parades and fireworks to farolito strolls and family-friendly festivities, here's what you can look forward to this holiday season.
Resort & Town Holiday Highlights
Angel Fire Resort
Opening day: December 12, 2025
What’s happening:
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks — December 24, 6:00 PM.
- Ski & Snowboard with Santa — Dec 25 (Santa on the slopes).
- New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks — December 31, 6:00 PM.
If you ski, ride, or just love the mountain vibe — this is a fun way to celebrate the holidays alpine-style.
Pajarito Mountain
Opening day: (Tentative) December 12, 2025
What’s happening:
- Season Opening: Around December 12, 2025 — made possible by enhanced snowmaking systems.
Holiday Events: No confirmed Christmas/New Year’s events are listed yet. But given Pajarito’s history with vibrant community events (like their fall festival “ULLRfest”), it’s worth keeping an eye on their website closer to the holidays for possible updates.
Red River Ski & Summer Area (plus the town of Red River)
Opening Day: November 26, 2025
What’s happening:
- Weekly Torchlight Parades & Fireworks — Every Saturday night all season long.
- “Christmas in the Mountains” Light Parade & Holiday Market — Saturday, December 20, 5:30 PM, Main Street. Great for holiday shopping and festive ambiance.
Even if you’re not skiing, the town of Red River offers a charming, small-town holiday atmosphere with lights, music, and local vendors.
Santa Fe & Ski Santa Fe
Opening Day: November 29, 2025
What’s happening:
- La Luz de Las Noches at the Botanical Garden — nightly light display with music and festive cheer.
- Traditional glowing farolito / luminaria walks, holiday art shows, and local cultural events — a great way to blend Old-Town charm with winter recreation.
Ski Santa Fe’s resort operations depend on snow and weather — so check ahead for lift status if you plan to ski.
Ski Apache
Opening Day: November 29, 2025
What’s happening:
- Opening-Weekend Kick-off: “Party on the Mountain” — Saturday, November 29, 2025. A festive start to the season with gondola rides, live music, and discounted passes.
- Winter Activities & Offerings: Skiing and snowboarding across 750 skiable acres, scenic gondola rides, and the signature Apache Wind Rider ZipTour — a thrilling zipline down the Sierra Blanca Mountains.
- Holiday-Season Events: Ski Apache hasn’t published a full 2025-26 holiday events calendar yet; we recommend checking back as conditions and snow permit.
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort
Opening Day: November 21, 2025
What’s happening:
- Christmas Eve Party + Santa on the Mountain — Wednesday, December 24, 2:00–4:00 PM. Enjoy free homemade posole, tortillas, cookies at Riverside Café, and a visit from Santa.
- Other 2025–26 Season Events: Sipapu’s calendar includes “SIPAPU’S BIRTHDAY” (Jan 24), February Fun Fest (Feb 21), and the Cardboard Derby (March 21) — all family-friendly events worth checking out.
Taos Ski Valley (and nearby town events)
Opening Day: November 27, 2025
What’s confirmed for 2025–26:
- New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks — Parade ~6:00 PM at base of Lift 1, then fireworks.
Additionally, just a short drive from the resort, the town of Taos and Taos Pueblo often host traditional holiday and Pueblo-culture events (check local listings for 2025 schedule).
Final Thoughts: Holidays in New Mexico Mountains
Whether you prefer a torchlight parade down a groomed slope, a stroll under farolitos in an historic adobe town, or a cozy gondola ride with snow falling around you — New Mexico’s ski areas and mountain towns offer a uniquely magical holiday experience.
Be sure to check each resort or town’s official event calendar as dates and times can change. Bundle up, gather friends or family, and get ready to celebrate winter in style.
Happy holidays—and may the snow be deep and the nights be bright!