There are many reasons to visit the Taos area during winter. Ski season is in full swing, snow on the ground gives Taos a magical holiday vibe, and vacationers are cozied up near a fireplace with family.

As the holiday season approaches, Taos, New Mexico transforms into a festive winter wonderland that offers even more of a reason to visit. Farolitos, or luminaries, are glowing after dark, live music can be heard throughout the town, and shops are decorated in Christmas lights. Yuletide in Taos, the official name for the month long holiday celebration, offers an enchanting experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. 

Here’s our guide to the top activities and holiday events that you can enjoy in December and November in Taos, Taos Pueblo, and Taos Ski Valley.

Yuletide in Taos

Taos Plaza Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting

The Town of Taos Christmas Season officially starts off with the Taos Plaza Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting at the beginning of December. In addition to complimentary hot cocoa and Christmas cookies, there are a ton of special guests each year such as Santa and Mrs. Claus, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and the Grinch. Attendees will enjoy live music and community performances. 

When: December 2024

Where: Historic Taos Plaza

Taos Folk

Taos Folk is a pop up market featuring local artists and New Mexico crafts. This is the perfect time to pick up gifts for loved ones, support the local economy, and find unique goods. With over 50 local artists offering their creations, you’ll be able to easily cross off your gift list in one place.

When: November 18 – December 24, 2024
1:00 AM – 5:00 PM Everyday
Where: Stables Art Gallery
More info: taosfolkart.com

Twirl Aglow Party

Twirl Play and Discovery is a female led nonprofit organization in town that focuses on the needs of children and their families. At Christmas time, they host their Twirl Aglow Party, a family friendly event that has a visit from Santa, face painting, holiday treats,  and live entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to gift a local child with a Christmas gift!

When: Friday Nov / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Twirl

Sagebrush Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Craft Fair

Held for the 3rd season in a row, the Sagebrush Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Crafts Fair is another great market to shop for winter arts and crafts. Filled with local artists of the Taos region and New Mexico, you can find everything from quilts, art, jewlery, and pottery.

When: 
Friday, November 24th – 10am-6:30pm
Saturday, November 25th – 9am-6:30pm
Sunday, November 26th – 10am-4:30pm

Where: Sagebrush Inn & Suites
Chamisa Ballroom
1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Taos, NM 87571

Festival of Trees

The Taos Milagro Rotary Holiday will host a Festival of Trees in Taos. This event’s biggest highlight is their holiday tree auction. The trees are beautifully decorated by local businesses and sponsors and money raised from their bids goes directly back into the community. In addition there is a silent auction full of decorated holiday wreaths and gift baskets. Bring the kids as this is a family-friendly event with plenty of entertainment and games for the children.

When: Friday, December 8th from 4pm to 9pm
Where: Bataan Hall (121 Civic Plaza Drive)

Lighting of Ledoux Street and Father Winter Parade

One of the most magical holiday events in Taos is the Lighting of Ledoux Street. Taking place in the middle of the historic district, this beloved tradition brings the community together to celebrate the festive season. Event attendees will walk with Father Winter along Ledoux Street until you reach The Harwood Museum of Art. Once at the Museum, children have the chance to ask Father Winter for their Christmas wish lists. There are children’s activities, local food and drink, and holiday magic in the air.

Annual Holiday Community Day at Millicent Rogers Museum

This free, annual event is held at the Milicent Rogers Museum (a must visit place in Taos no matter the season), and has been running for more than 25 years! A multicultural celebration, the Museum opens its doors for family-friendly activities like Christmas arts and crafts, Santa Claus visit, community performances, face painting, and much more. 

When: December 2024 from 11AM-3PM

Where: Millicent Rogers Museum

Bonfires on Bent Street

Hosted by Bent Street merchants and the John Dunn Shops for almost 4 decades, Bonfires on Bent Street is a Taos staple during the holidays. The shops are outfitted in their best holiday decorations, complimentary hot drinks, snacks, and appetizers are served to attendees. This is a family-friendly event and is a good opportunity to snag Christmas gifts for loved ones while enjoying the festive vibes.

When: December 2024, 10AM-7PM., with a Reception from 4PM-7PM

Where: John Dunn Shops

120-124 Bent St, Taos, NM 87571

Holiday Makers Mart hosted by the Stakeout

The Stakeout, a local event rental space in Taos, hosts a pop-up Holiday Makers Mart in December. Art by local makers of New Mexico is on display (and for sale) and the event has live music, food, and drinks. On day two of the market, The Stakeout hosts a Sunday Brunch from 10AM-3PM.

When: December 

Where: The Stakeout

101 Stakeout Dr, Ranchos de Taos, NM

Las Posadas de Taos

If you’re coming to Taos in December for the a traditional holiday experience, Los Posadas is what you should plan to attend. This is a multi day celebration heavily intertwined with religion and tradition. Beginning 9 days before Christmas, community members led processions throughout the main streets of Taos, seeking “shelter” like Mary and Joseph did before the birth of Jesus. 

Church goers can attend special Posada services each night of the nine days at San Francisco de Assisi in Ranchos de Taos . You can read more about Las Posadas de Taos here.

Where: Taos

When: December 15 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church

• December 16 – 5:00 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 17 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 18 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 19 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 20 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 21 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 22 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church
• December 23 – 5:00 pm at Talpa Capilla
• December 24 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am at San Francisco de Asis Church (Sunday Obligatioin)
• December 24 – 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass at San Francisco de Asis Church (Fulfills Christmas Obligation not Sundays)
• December 25 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am Christmas Day at San Francisco de Asis Church (Holy Day of Obligation)

Town of Taos New Year’s Eve Celebration

Celebrate the New Year’s Eve at Taos Plaza, surrounded by friends and family. The Mayor’s family serves a free dinner of roasted pig, there will be live music during the celebration, and at the end of the party, the Taos Volunteer Fire Department puts on a fireworks display. The party ends at 10PM so make sure you have a plans for midnight elsewhere.

Where: Taos Plaza

When:  December 31, 2024 7PM-10PM

Taos Pueblo Holiday Events

Taos Pueblo Market

If you want to support local Taos Pueblo artisans, this holiday market should be on your must stop list. Held for two days so that you have plenty of time to attend, the Taos Pueblo Market showcases wares from over 40 local artisans. 

When: December 2024

Where: Taos Pueblo Heritage Center

501 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571

Taos Pueblo Procession of the Virgin Mary

Like the Posadas de Taos, the Taos Pueblo Procession of the Virgin Mary is another centuries long tradition that is open to the public and steeped in religious symbolism. On Christmas Eve, community members begin the celebration with Mass, followed by a rifle salute welcoming the Birth of Christ, a procession featuring the Virgin Mary, and continue with bonfires throughout the evening.  

When:  December 25, 2024, 5PM-9PM

Where: Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance

Taos Pueblo tribal members enact the Deer Dance each Christmastime. Visitors are welcome to attend the ceremony, but absolutely no photography or videos are allowed to be taken. Please be respectful as this is a reverent occurrence. The Matachinas Dance starts approximately at 11AM. You can read more about the Deer Dance here. 

Where: December 25, 2024

Where: Taos Pueblo

Taos Ski Valley Holiday Events

Rolling Still Distillery Holiday Bazaar

In early December, the Rolling Still Lounge hosts a Holiday Bazaar featuring local artists and makers. As the name suggests, this event is held at a distillery, vodka specifically. So in addition to the art market, they offer seasonal cocktails made with their spirits, live music, and more. 

When: December 2024

Where: Rolling Still Lounge

200 Thunderbird Rd – Unit 103B

Located on the Lower Plaza

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico 

New Year’s Eve at Taos Ski Valley

Have you ever wanted to attend a Ball in the snowy mountains and sip Champagne with your loved ones? New Year’s Eve at Taos Ski Valley is your chance: starting with a torchlight parade and ending with a fireworks display, guests will be transported to a winter wonderland at the annual Snow Ball. Kids are welcome to attend the parade and the dinner buffet, but once the clock strikes 7PM-the Ball is for drinking aged adults only. 

Where: Ski Taos Base

When: December 31, 2024 4PM-Midnight