Holiday Cheer wraps around the state - come celebrate New Mexico Traditions

‘Tis the season to get out and enjoy New Mexico wrapped in its holiday finest. To help you enjoy this time of togetherness, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is celebrating the Land of Enchantment’s cultural heritage.

“Traditions are a vital part of our state’s rich culture, helping us connect with the past while creating meaningful memories for future generations,” said NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “This holiday season, our museums and historic sites are proud to present an exceptional lineup of programs, showcasing the diverse cultures that make New Mexico unique. We warmly invite you to join us to celebrate the season and share these cherished traditions.”

The 47-acre museum grounds will flicker with Christmas lights and displays. While you’re visiting the Las Cruces area, enjoy the Taylor Family Collection of Nacimiento (Nativity) scenes free at Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site’s Reynolds Visitor Center in Mesilla from Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025. And in nearby Radium Springs, Fort Selden will glow with more than 900 luminarias for Noche de las Luminarias on December 21.

New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe hosts the Native American Artisans Portal Program Winter Youth Show on Dec. 7-8. Young relatives of Portal artists will display their own artwork in the museum lobby. Entry is free to the show and museum. On December 13, the museum also hosts Holidays at the Palace where children can visit with Santa.

The Lights of Gisewa flicker at Jemez Historic Site on December 13-14 in Jemez Springs. The old pueblo and its San Jose’ church will sparkle with hundreds of farolitos, and visitors can enjoy Native American arts and crafts, dancers, and music.

Farolitos will also glow at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site for the Winter Letters & Farolito Tour on December 7. The event connects visitors to the history of the site through landscape, historic letters, and Native American story telling.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and its neighbor, Museum of International Folk Art hold their Holiday Tradition on December 15, with Holiday Winter Stroll, a celebration of farolitos, Native American dancers, holiday card and ornament making, and food.

Holiday Open House at New Mexico Museum of Art is on December 14, with an organ concert, jazz music, and holiday crafts all day. The event is free for everyone.

For more on NM Traditions head to New Mexico Traditions | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs