• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ski New Mexico

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Land of Enchantment

  • PLAN YOUR VACATION
    • PLAN BY SERVICE
      • ALL SERVICES
      • LODGING
      • EQUIPMENT RENTALS
      • RESTAURANT
      • ACTIVITIES
    • INSPIRATION
      • CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
      • COMPARE NM RESORTS
      • COVID-19 UPDATE
  • RESORTS & DESTINATIONS
    • Resorts
      • ANGEL FIRE RESORT
      • PAJARITO MOUNTAIN
      • RED RIVER SKI AREA
      • SANDIA PEAK
      • SIPAPU
      • SKI APACHE
      • SKI SANTA FE
      • TAOS SKI VALLEY
    • Nordic Resorts
      • ANGEL FIRE NORDIC
      • ENCHANTED FOREST
    • Destinations
      • ALBUQUERQUE
      • LOS ALAMOS
      • RED RIVER
      • SANTA FE
      • TOWN OF TAOS
      • VILLAGE OF ANGEL FIRE
      • VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO
      • VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY
  • WEBCAMS
  • DEALS
  • STORIES
  • SNOW REPORT
BACK TO BLOG

The Christmas Lights of New Mexico

by monica December 8, 2014

Nothing says Christmas time in the Land of Enchantment quite like the soft glow of luminarias or farolitos in towns and cities throughout the state. On a clear, brisk winter night, particularly in ski country, these traditional New Mexican holiday lights turn any evening stroll into something magical.

What exactly is a luminaria though and what’s the difference between that and a farolito?

Like many of the unique traditions of New Mexico, this practice dates back more than 300 years to the Spanish settlers of the region who wanted to create light during this holy season to illuminate the path of the Christ child. The word luminaria originally referred only to the small vigil fires that were created from local piñon pine during this time of year, while farolito was used to describe small paper lanterns.

Today, however, throughout most of New Mexico, the words luminaria and farolito are used interchangeably. Both refer to the simple lanterns traditionally made from a paper bag (think sack lunch size) containing a votive candle resting on a few scoops of sand. Electronic models featuring illuminated plastic sacks are also widely available now for those looking for a little more convenience.

Individually, these little lanterns are somewhat unimpressive. Collectively though, the sight of hundreds lining pathways, doorsteps, rooftops, archways, and lawns, combined with the scent of burning firewood wafting through the air — it’s an unforgettable snapshot for the senses.

Fortunately, there are several locations throughout the state that feature stunning examples of this distinct New Mexico holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few:

  • Albuquerque’s Luminaria Tour features hundreds of people strolling or taking guided tours through the city’s impressive Old Town and Country Club neighborhood displays.
  • Santa Fe’s famous Farolito Walk on Canyon Road is a free event that features carolers and no shortage of holiday spirit as you stroll the historic route.
  • At Red River’s Christmas Luminaria Tour you can ski or snowshoe through the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area past the soft glowing lights while enjoying complimentary chile con queso, green chile stew, posole, desserts, and hot drinks.

Elsewhere, several other New Mexico ski resorts — Angel Fire Resort, Ski Apache, and Taos Ski Valley — host torchlight parades on Christmas Eve and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. At Valles Caldera, there’s New Year’s Eve cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the evening, followed by fireworks.

Whatever you choose to do while visiting New Mexico during the holiday season, you won’t have to go far to soak in one of the state’s most memorable and picturesque traditions. For more holiday light events visit New Mexico True.

Categories:
  • Happenings, 
  • BACK TO BLOG;

    Primary Sidebar

  • Categories
    • Behind the Scenes
    • Contest
    • Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Happenings
    • Sandia Peak
    • Ski New Mexico News
    • Skier Stories
    • Skiing
    • Summer Activities
    • Tips
    • Travel
    • Uncategorized
    • Weather

    Open
    Enjoying this incredible snow! 

@foreverfitvic #skinewmexico #skinm #girlswhosnowboard
    Open
    Let's be honest, we're all smiling ear to ear whenever we get on the mountain! 😄 

📸: New Mexico True

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    We are constantly in awe of the photos taken of our beautiful state! Thanks @kevinrebholtzphotography for letting us share this beautiful picture of @skitaos! 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Gotta keep warm during these snowy days! Where's your favorite place to stop after a day in the snow? ❄️ ⛷️ 

📸: @saltbushandsage at Taos Ski Valley

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Sunday vibes 😎 

📸: @adam_dantonio

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    These beautiful winter days have us feeling some type of way! ❄️ ⛷️ ☀️ 

Where are you headed this weekend?

📸: @khandybee

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Snowmaking magic at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort! ❄️ ✨ 

📸: @sipapunm 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #sipapu #SkiSipapu #Sipapuskiandsummerresort
    Open
    Gotta teach 'em young! How old were you when you first learned to ski or snowboard? 

📸: New Mexico True

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    The Big Rocks at @skisantafe have us jumping for joy! 😉 

📸: @skisantafe 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #skisantafe #skibueno
    Open
    Give us a front row seat to Taos Ski Valley any day! ❄️ 

📸: @catforceone 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #skitaos
    Open
    Incredible weekend on the slopes! Thank you to all the great staff keeping us safe and happy! 

The conditions are so good. Make your plans to get up to the mountain. 

📸 @austin_4aslan 

@skisantafe #skinewmexico #skinm #nmtrue #skibueno
    Open
    We love ski selfies! 📸 

Shoutout to @alikhaneats for letting us share this picture! Don't forget to tag us in your photos to be featured on our pages! 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM

    Footer

    KNOW THE SNOW

    GET THE eSNOW REPORT, NEWS & DEALS!

    • ABOUT US
    • EMPLOYMENT
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • MEMBERSHIP
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • NM SKI HALL OF FAME
    • RESOURCES
    • WEBCAMS
    • BLOG
    • CONTACT US
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • nmtrue logo

    ©2020 Ski New Mexico Site Designed by Carristo Creative