Christmas Markets New Mexico 2025 Guide to the Best Festive Events and Locations

New Mexico rolls out a whole mix of holiday activities that blend old traditions with a fresh, festive vibe. If you’re planning some holiday travel, you’ll want to check out Christmas markets around the state, from Albuquerque to smaller towns.

These events bring together local businesses, creative crafts, and just a generally cheerful scene for shopping and family time.

You’ll run into highlights like the Rail Yards Market, River of Lights, and the Twinkle Light Parade in Albuquerque.

In a lot of towns, holiday markets pop up with food stalls, handmade gifts, and those classic luminaria tours.

When you visit these markets, you get a real taste of New Mexico’s holiday spirit, support local vendors, and find everything from winter jamborees to tree festivals.

Find the Best Accommodations

Stay close to the action at a top-rated spot like Hotel Albuquerque. People rave about the comfort and the easy walk to the markets.

Check your dates and see which options fit your style. Booking.com usually has a bunch of current deals.

1) Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll

If you want a festive holiday event in New Mexico, you should try the Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll.

During this evening, you can wander through streets filled with live music and performances.

Shops and little businesses in Old Town stay open, so you can hunt for unique gifts while you stroll.

Thousands of luminarias (or farolitos, if you prefer) line the sidewalks and rooftops.

Locals set out these small paper lanterns, and honestly, the whole area glows in a way that’s hard to describe.

The luminarias give off a gentle light, making the plaza a sweet spot for photos and relaxed family walks.

Several museums in Old Town open their doors for free during the event.

You can pop into the Explora Science Center, the Albuquerque Museum, or the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Each place sets up special displays or entertainment, so you can mix in a little culture with your shopping.

Families keep coming back to this event year after year.

You can grab some local food, listen to music, and just soak up the community spirit in this historic part of Albuquerque.

Looking for more info about the schedule or which shops are participating? Check the Old Town Holiday Stroll event page.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Friday, December 5, 2025	Old Town, Albuquerque	5–9 p.m.	Free admission	Hotels near Old Town, Albuquerque	Old Town Holiday Stroll

2) Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets

Every December, locals and visitors flock to the Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets.

The main plaza lights up with decorations and festive displays, giving you a front-row seat to New Mexico’s winter traditions.

You’ll spot handmade goods from local artists—pottery, weavings, jewelry, paintings, you name it.

It’s a great chance to snag a real piece of the region’s culture.

As you walk through the markets, you’ll hear holiday music and catch live performances that really set the mood.

Honestly, even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun just to wander around and take it all in.

The focus here is on connecting with the community, sampling traditional foods, and soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

The event often teams up with Santa Fe’s Winter Spanish Market.

Artists bring out traditional works inspired by old Spanish customs.

If you’re hoping for a memorable shopping trip, this combo event makes it easy to find gifts and learn about local traditions.

Dates	Location	Times	Entrance Fee	Accommodation Nearby	Event Website
Dec 14 – 15, 2025	Santa Fe Plaza, NM	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free	Hotels in Santa Fe	Santa Fe Plaza Winter Markets

You can explore the markets, catch some music, and see how folks celebrate the holidays in New Mexico.

The plaza sits right in the center of town, so it’s easy to check out nearby shops and restaurants while you’re there.

3) Carlsbad City Tree Lighting at Pecos River Park

When you show up for the Carlsbad City Tree Lighting, you’ll see one of New Mexico’s classic Christmas traditions.

This annual event happens at Pecos River Park, drawing families and visitors for a night of lights and winter fun.

The tree stands front and center, wrapped in hundreds of glowing bulbs that light up the riverside.

Right after the tree lighting, nearby paths and docks along the Pecos River sparkle with decorations.

The event also kicks off the Christmas on the Pecos boat tours, where you float past decorated islands and homes.

You might find booths with hot drinks and snacks, plus activities for kids.

Holiday songs fill the air, and the community comes together to share the season’s spirit.

To snag a good spot and enjoy everything, you’ll want to arrive before the lighting ceremony starts.

Admission prices change from year to year.

The park has family-friendly amenities throughout.

If you’re coming in from out of town, book a room near the river at Booking.com hotels in Carlsbad, NM.

For the latest details, check the Carlsbad Community Christmas Tree Lighting event page.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 25, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 (except Dec 24)	Pecos River Park, 711 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM	6:00 PM	Varies	Booking.com hotels in Carlsbad, NM	Carlsbad Community Christmas Tree Lighting

4) Taos Christmas Gift and Craft Showcase

Event Information

Try the Taos Christmas Gift and Craft Showcase in early December each year.

This artisan market shines a light on local makers and craftspeople from northern New Mexico.

When you visit, you get to shop directly from these talented folks and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays.

Handmade items cover everything from jewelry and pottery to ornaments and textiles.

A lot of people come here just to find unique gifts for family and friends.

The fair usually features items made with traditional techniques, often showing off the local culture.

You might also spot holiday foods, handmade decorations, and some specialty treats at different booths.

The event takes place at Bataan Hall, right in the heart of Taos.

It’s easy to get to for travelers and has a cozy vibe for holiday shopping.

Admission is free, so you can browse as long as you want.

Several hotels and inns sit nearby, and you can book them through Booking.com.

You’ll find everything from small hotels to cozy inns within walking distance of the venue.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Detail	Information
Dates	December 8th – 10th, 2025
Times	4 PM – 9 PM (December 8); 10 AM – 5 PM (December 9); 10 AM – 3 PM (December 10)
Location	Bataan Hall, 121 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM
Cost	Free admission
Hotels	Find local lodging options on Booking.com
Website	Learn more about the Taos holiday craft market

This artisan event lets you support local creators and discover holiday items you just won’t find at big chain stores.

Every purchase goes straight to the person who made it, which helps keep Taos’s creative community going.

5) Ruidoso Lights Celebration

Ruidoso, New Mexico, hosts a winter event that really brings the community together with glowing lights everywhere. Locals set up the Ruidoso Lights Celebration, and you can stroll lively streets full of creative holiday lighting.

You get to pick your favorite display, which makes things a little more interactive and fun. The whole town just feels festive during this event.

When the sun goes down, the streets start sparkling. Families and friends gather to soak up the sights.

Food vendors pop up along the route, offering classic festive snacks and sweet treats. Grab some hot chocolate, try a local baked good, or just munch on something savory while you wander.

The celebration usually starts the first week of December and keeps going until mid-January. You don’t have to pay to see the lights, and you’ll find displays in several spots around Ruidoso.

For more info, check out the official event website.

Dates	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 6, 2025 – January 16, 2026	Various Times	Various Locations, Ruidoso, NM 88345	Free	Available hotels on Booking.com	https://www.ruidosoparksandrec.com/calendar-of-events/ruidoso-festival-of-lights-parade

6) Las Cruces Holiday Market

Important Market Information

When you step into the Las Cruces Holiday Market, you’ll notice the focus on handmade crafts and local products. Almost 300 vendors come together, offering everything from snacks to jewelry and art that feels unique to New Mexico.

Every booth has a bit of the region’s character, and honestly, it’s hard not to be tempted by something. The place buzzes with a festival vibe as soon as you walk in.

Families enjoy the music, and the food smells fill the air. Locals and visitors both seem to love the relaxed atmosphere.

You can chat with the artists and food makers as you wander. It’s a more personal experience, and you’re supporting small businesses instead of buying mass-produced stuff.

Santa sometimes drops by, and the decorations really set the mood. If you’re after a classic New Mexico holiday outing, this market should be on your list.

You get to see, hear, and taste local traditions all in one spot.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit. The market takes place mid-December in downtown Las Cruces.

Admission is free, and you’ll find places to stay nearby. For more details and vendor updates, check the official Las Cruces Holiday Market website.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Accommodation	Official Website
Dec 14–15, 2025	125 N Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88001	8:30 AM–1:00 PM	Free	Hotels near Downtown Las Cruces	Las Cruces Holiday Market

7) Farmington’s Holiday by the River

Farmington’s Holiday by the River lights up the riverside park with festive decorations. The lights reflect on the water, setting the perfect mood for an evening stroll.

Vendors line the park with handmade crafts, local ornaments, and plenty of snacks. You’ll hear music everywhere—live bands and carolers bring classic holiday songs to life.

Warm yourself up with hot cocoa or mulled wine while you check out the craft stands. Families can hop on horse-drawn carriage rides, try ice skating, or grab photos with Santa.

Vendors are friendly and happy to help you find something special. If you want more, you can catch holiday performances at the Connie Gotsch Theatre or watch the Christmas parade downtown.

This event really includes visitors of all ages.

Here are the details:

Dates	Location	Time	Entry and Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1–25, 2025	Animas River Park, Farmington, NM	Varies by day	Free admission; some fees for rides	Hotels near Animas River Park	Farmington holiday events

For more seasonal happenings, check Farmington holiday events.

8) Los Alamos WinterFest Handmade Market

If you’re in Los Alamos in December, don’t miss the WinterFest Handmade Market at Fuller Lodge. Local artisans gather each year to show off their handmade work.

You’ll spot jewelry, scarves, pottery, and quilts—honestly, it’s a great place to find gifts for friends or family. Every piece feels personal since local hands craft it.

Shopping is just part of the fun. You’ll smell fresh cookies and sweet breads as you browse.

Baked goods and classic snacks are for sale, so you can enjoy a taste of the season. Local musicians play holiday tunes, filling the lodge with music and adding to the festive mood.

Admission is free, and families often come together to chat with artists and soak up the atmosphere. Fuller Lodge itself, with its historic charm, really makes the visit special.

For the details, check below. You’ll see the schedule, address, and a nearby hotel option on booking.com.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where To Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025 (TBA)	2132 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544	9 am – 3 pm	Free	Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos	Los Alamos WinterFest Craft Fair

Find more event info and updates on the WinterFest event page.

9) Holiday Traditions at Gallup’s Red Rock Park

Red Rock Park, just east of Gallup, turns into a hub for local holiday traditions every December. The first weekend of the month, over a hundred hot air balloons rise above the stunning red rock cliffs.

You can head out early to catch the launches from Fox Run Golf Course and Red Rock Park. In the evening, the Glow in the Rocks show lights up the night with glowing balloons.

You’ll also see Native American dance performances that share the region’s culture and stories. If you love photography (or just want cool photos), bring your camera for these vibrant displays.

Entry is free, and you’ll find plenty of hotels and motels in Gallup. Booking.com has a bunch of options.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby stays	Event Website
December 6-7, 2025	825 Outlaw Road, Churchrock, NM	6:30 am – 7:30 am, 6:30 pm for performances	Free	Gallup accommodations	Red Rock Balloon Rally

10) Roswell’s Christmas Railway

Roswell’s Christmas Railway gives you a holiday train experience that’s really one-of-a-kind in southeast New Mexico. Each year, families hop on a real train, roll past ten bright light displays, and end up at St. Nicholas Station.

Trains leave every 15 minutes, so you’ve got plenty of options for when to ride. Tickets go fast, so it’s smart to book ahead.

St. Nicholas Station glows with lights, and there’s a bunch of holiday-themed activities to check out. Kids and adults can enjoy the event together—there’s something about it that just feels special.

Since 2015, the railway has become a regular part of the Roswell holiday scene.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 11 – Dec 27, 2025	Trains leave every 15 minutes	1306 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM	$13 adults, $9 children (3-12), free under 2	Hampton Inn & Suites Roswell on booking.com	Roswell Christmas Railway

You can find more info and book tickets at the Roswell Christmas Railway website. This event’s definitely become a holiday tradition around here.