ShareTaos Chamber Music Group – Holiday Season FestivalHome Annual Events For over 30 years the Taos Chamber Music Group has presented concert series that have earned it a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. A highlight of the season is the Holiday Season Festival which features a virtuoso piano recital and a program of chamber music favorites. Performances take place at the Harwood Museum of Art, where TCMG is the Resident Chamber Music Group, in the Arthur Bell Auditorium, an acoustically rich and appealing gem of a hall. This annual event has become a treasured part of the magical holiday season in Taos. For more information visit taoschambermusicgroup.org
ShareWorld Pro Ski Tour World ChampionshipsHome Annual Events Taos Ski Valley will host the World Pro Ski Tour World Championships. This prestigious event is the country’s foremost professional alpine race tour where athletes race side-by-side in a single-elimination format. Professional skiers, World Cup athletes, and Olympians from around the world will begin the Tour in January in Colorado. Thousands of spectators, competitors, and sponsors are expected to attend, showcasing Taos’ world-renowned terrain on international television.
ShareTaos Freeride CompetitionsHome Annual Events Taos Ski Valley is excited to host a 3* Freeride Competition and the 4* Qualifier Finals in conjunction with the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association and the Freeride World Tour. Taos will also host a 2-day Master Division. The 3* Taos Freeride Competition will be held as a 1-day competition on March 21, 2023. Weather day is scheduled for March 22, 2023. The 4* Taos Freeride Qualifier Finals will be held on March 23 – 24, 2023. Weather day is scheduled for March 25, 2023. This premiere big-mountain event is New Mexico’s largest and most prestigious ski and snowboard competition. Athletes from around the globe descend on Taos Ski Valley to test themselves against the resort’s famed steeps, chasing the top podium spot and trying to get one step closer to making the Freeride World Tour. Master Division will be held on March 23 – 24, 2023 with a weather day on March 25, 2023. There will be terrain closures for the event. Exact terrain TBD.
ShareSan Geronimo DayHome Annual Events The Annual San Geronimo Feast Day is September 30th. Visitors are welcome to come and share in the day of family, friends, and feast. Traditionally, a trade fair for visitors near and far. As part of our traditions and customs we have our footraces in the morning, open to the public at 8 am, your more than welcome to observe the morning festivities. Through out the day an open market will be accessible to take home wares from an array of visiting vendors. The afternoon will be filled with laughter as the Koshare (for lack of written term in the Tiwa or Sacred clowns for lack of term in English) greet the community for the remainder of the day (1 pm – 5 pm, approximately). Please be mindful this day is a sacred day and all elements of the Taos Pueblo community are to be respected. Due to the sacredness of the day there are NO RECORDING DEVICES of any kind are allowed. Cell phones, cameras, drones, etc. are not allowed and will be confiscated. Thank you for your respect and we hope you leave with the memory of the day and share experience through your words with family and friends.
ShareHalloween Community EventHome Annual Events The Town of Taos Community Events, Taos Plaza Merchants, Teresina Lane Merchants, Juan Largo Lane Merchants, John Dunn Shops and Bent Street Merchants along with Taos Milagro Rotary Club, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and Taos High School Cheer are hosting a huge Children’s Halloween event for children of all ages and their families. On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, the ghoulish fun will be spilled out from the Taos Plaza over to Teresina Lane, to Juan Largo Lane, slithering its way to the John Dunn Shops and Bent Street. The event will provide the children of Taos with a fun, safe, and supervised Halloween Event. Merchants from all around the Taos Historic District (Taos Plaza, Teresina Lane, Juan Largo Lane, John Dunn Shops and Bent Street) will be handing out treats to trick-or-treaters. Local businesses, organizations and church groups will provide decorated “trunks” full of treats for trick-or-treating and various carnival games with prizes. We are excited to be hosting the annual costume contest for children ages 1 to 12 years old, teens, families and pets. Prizes will be awarded to the child, teen, family or pet with the Best Costumes. Judges will be roaming throughout the Taos Plaza from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. No registration needed. This will allow everyone attending the event a chance to be part of the contest. The judges will be wearing a sash labeled “Costume Judge” and will award the winners. We will also be giving out Halloween bags filled with treats and goodies to the first 1,000 children. On the John Dunn pathway, Tatyana will be doing Free Face Painting compliments of the John Dunn Shops. Taos Plaza and Bent Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM; however, the Taos Plaza Merchants and Bent Street Merchants will be open to foot traffic. FREE event parking will be available at our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Loretto Parking Lot, Town Hall, and Taos Public Library. AFTER 5:00 PM all metered parking lots will be free. For handicapped parking and for people requiring ADA access to the event, there will be extra parking at Guadalupe Parking Lot and the area next to the McCarthy Parking Lot directly behind the old County Courthouse. For more information contact Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or at [email protected].
ShareTaos School of Music & Chamber Music FestivalHome Annual Events The Taos School of Music and Chamber Music Festival has been declared by NPR to be “One of the most prestigious and intimate of summer music schools in the country.” Each summer since 1963, nineteen elite Young Artists from around the world come to Taos to study chamber music for eight weeks with famed string quartets. Both faculty and Young Artists present weekly electrifying chamber music concerts in Taos and Taos Ski Valley. Taos School of Music alumni can be found in major orchestras and preeminent chamber music ensembles throughout the world. Be among the first to hear the next generation of great artists. Visit the Taos School of Music website for a complete schedule of events.
ShareTaos Open Studio TourHome Annual Events The Taos Open Studio Tour is a great excuse to wander the relaxed back roads of the famously funky and beautiful mountain town of Taos, New Mexico, as you guide yourself from studio to studio and perhaps even discover an inspiring work of art for that empty spot on your bedroom wall. By attending the tour, you not only get to see a wide range of art by independent artists; you also have the fun of seeing the real Taos beyond the plaza or ski valley. Studio visits are from 10am – 5pm. An opening reception will be held the Thursday before the event. Find out more about the Taos Open Studio Tour at their website.
ShareBen Meyers Ridge-A-ThonHome Annual Events The Ben Myers Ridge-A-Thon at Taos Ski Valley embodies the idea of coming together to work hard and have fun to provide health related services and support for members of our community in need. Each year Ridge-A-Thon participants and donors help encourage donations for the Emergency Medicines Fund at Taos Community Foundation, which funds grants in the area of health and basic needs in Taos and Western Colfax Counties. Ridge-A-Thon is a breath-taking snow sports event at Taos Ski Valley. Participants lap the hike-to terrain over two days, or take just a single hike. For those who can’t or don’t ski/board/hike you have the opportunity to design another TSV mountain pursuit, (with advance approval of TSV) to serve as your “Ridge Challenge”.
ShareLas PosadasHome Annual Events One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a nine day celebration of religious observance beginning December 16 and ending December 24. The ritual has been a tradition in Mexico for over 400 years. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach the scriptures to a largely illiterate population in Europe as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or accommodation” and Las Posadas is a traditional play enacted 9 days before Christmas telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that baby Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Taos Las Posadas is celebrated throughout the county. It is a time to come together for nine days and nights of devotion to purification, meditation and getting in touch with the holiness of the season. The Posaditas go to different houses each night and are sent away, until the ninth night, when they are finally given posada (shelter). People along the route decorate their home entrances with farolitos to light the way and cook traditional foods like Tamales and biscochitos which are given to the posadistas. As part of the ceremony prayer is recited for the posadistas and community joining in the celebrations. Besides the Posadas organized by local churches, it is also organized in private homes. To find out the Las Posadas locations contact San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. Call (575) 758-2754. Where: 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, NMCall: 575-758-2754More Information: [email protected]
ShareDixon Studio TourHome Annual Events The Dixon Studio Tour is one of the oldest continuously run studio tours in the state. Dixon, nestled in the Embudo Valley in Northern New Mexico where the Rio Embudo flows into the Rio Grande, has been long known for its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, productive farm lands and pastoral beauty. During the last 30+ years many artists moved to the valley to pursue their artistic talent and a simpler way of life. The annual Dixon Studio Tour is always help the first full weekend of November. Dixon is located 50 miles north of Santa Fe and 25 miles south of Taos. Many artists, craftspeople, and local businesses will be displaying their wares. Food will be available at the Dixon Coop and Deli and at various stands at the Mercados and at the Presbyterian Mission Cafe, and La Chiripada Winery, Vivac Winery, and Blue Heron Brewing Company will all be open for business during the Dixon Studio Tour.
ShareYuletide in TaosHome Annual Events Taos’ Magical Time of Year When: November through New Year’s DayWhere: Historic District of Taos and Surrounding Areas Yuletide in Taos is the name we give to all the unique New Mexican celebrations that happen throughout the holiday season. With the falling of snow on candle-lit farolitos that line the streets in front of old adobe shops and homes, one is transported to another time and place. Yuletide is the entire holiday season and includes all the unique traditions of the holiday season here in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. TAOS FOLK When: November 18 – December 24, 2023 / 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EverydayWhere: Stables Art GalleryMore info: taosfolkart.com Taos’s favorite holiday pop-up store, Taos Folk, is popping up again! Featuring affordable, handmade crafts from over 50 artists. Choose from fantastic jewelry, winter wear, home décor, fragrant candles and lotions, and exquisite pottery, all made by Taos hands. Plus marvelous books by Taos authors, and much, much more! Don’t miss Taos Folk popping-up! Twirl Aglow Party When: Friday November 24th, 2023 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMWhere: Twirl Twirl Play and Discovery Space hosts their FREE annual Twirl Aglow Party. The courtyard at Twirl will be filled with sparkling lights and twinkling surprises. Share your wishes with Santa, enjoy warm drinks and sweet treats, seasonal activities, and face painting by our talented elves. Experience the magic of The Holidays with Twirl and the Taos Community! twirltaos.org Sagebrush 2nd Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Craft Fair When: Friday, November 24th – 10am-6:30pmSaturday, November 25th – 9am-6:30pmSunday, November 26th – 10am-4:30pm Where: Sagebrush Inn & Suites Chamisa Ballroom 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, NM 87571 Arts and Craft Fair with a variety of local artists, with goods ranging from Jewelry to Quilts. Bring your holiday gift lists and shop for family and friends! Click here for updates. Festival of Trees When: Friday, December 8th from 4pm to 9pmWhere: Bataan Hall (121 Civic Plaza Drive)More info: taosmilagrorotary.com The Taos Milagro Rotary Club is participating in the Town of Taos holiday event by hosting the Festival of Trees which features 26 Christmas trees decorated by sponsors and businesses, 15 decorated wreaths, many gift baskets and donor gift items – all available for purchase in a silent auction. Funds raised at this event directly benefit the community through the literacy program, scholarship program, or community grants. Lighting of Ledoux When: December 1, 2023 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMWhere: Ledoux StreetMore info: harwoodmuseum.org The historic narrow Ledoux Street glows with the light from farolitos, luminarias and bonfires. Galleries, shops, and museums are open late, offering holiday food and drink. People gather around the fires and share their stories in the cool starlit night. 26th Annual Holiday Community Day at Millicent Rogers Museum When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 11am-3pmWhere: Millicent Rogers MuseumMore info: millicentrogers.org Arts and Crafts, Community Performances, Multicultural Holiday Activities Fiesta Court Visit, Santa Visit. All Activities Free to the Public. 37th Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting When: December 2, 2023 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMWhere: Taos PlazaThe 2023 Taos Holiday Season officially kicks off with the annual lighting of the Town Christmas tree. Taos Chamber Music Group Concerts When: December 8th, 9th & 10th, 2023Where: Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art Holiday concerts performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group. taoschambermusicgroup.org Bonfires on Bent Street When: Saturday, December 9, from 4:00pm to 7:00pmWhere: Bent Street Hosted by the John Dunn Shops and Bent Street merchants. Bonfires and farolitos will warm you up and light the way. Shops will be decorated for the festivities and offer snacks and specials all day. Any evening full of blessings, caroling, entertainment, food and hot beverages. Juniper Berry – A Holiday Market Featuring Women Artists and Makers When:Friday, December 15th, 2023 from 4pm to 8pmSaturday December 16th, 2023 from 12pm to 4pmWhere: Revolt Gallery222 Paseo Del Pueblo NorteTaos, NM 87571This holiday season shop local at Juniper Berry – a pop up holiday market at the Revolt compound!Find a gift for everyone on your list from the 15+ women makers and artists from the Taos Area. Enjoy a complimentary festive hot drink while you shop and make sure to bring some cash to tip our local acoustic musicians that will be playing, too! Shop in the gallery and music spaces and grab some food from the Godega by Church next door. The Stakeout Holiday Maker’s Mart When:Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 10am to 2pmSunday December 17th, 2023 from 10am to 5pmWhere: The Stakeout101 Stakeout DrRanchos de Taos, NMThe Stakeout hosts its Holiday Makers Mart on December 16th and 17th presented by Siouxzen Kang, featuring an eclectic range of local artisans to suit all of your holiday gift-giving needs! After Saturday’s market, stick around for The Stakeout’s new Saturday evening dinner service starting at 5pm that evening (reservations and walk-ins welcome). On Sunday, The Stakeout will offer brunch service from 10am-3pm during the market. For more information visit www.stakeouttaos.com/calendar or contact [email protected] Las Posadas A nine day celebration of religious observance beginning December 16 and ending December 24. Learn more: Las Posadas Procession of the Virgin Mary When: December 24, 2023 / 5:00 PMWhere: Taos Pueblo Mass will start at 5 pm (approximately), procession proceeds after mass, as well as the burning of the bonfires, lasting 2 hours or so. Parking is limited, showing up early would be ideal, dress warm! (FREE ADMISSION after a designated time) Please keep in mind there is no guaranteed handicap parking. No where else on Earth can you experience this magical event. A stunning contrast between massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1000 year old adobe pueblo buildings. A pageant of beauty, heritage, and awe inspiring imagery.For details visit taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance When: December 25, 2023Where: Taos Pueblo Dependent on which dance here is the tentative schedule: Deer dance will start at 1 pm (approximately), lasting all afternoon. Matachina dance will start at 11 am (approximately), lasting all day. (FREE ADMISSION). No cameras, cell phones, or video cameras allowed. taospueblo.com Torchlight Parades & Fireworks When: November and DecemberWhere: Red River Ski Area Red River showcases parades and fireworks throughout November and December. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares and enjoy firework displays. redriverskiarea.com/events/ New Year’s Eve at Taos SKi Valley When: December 31, 2023Where: Taos Ski Valley Watch the trails of light as skiers with torches in hand glide down the famous Taos Ski Valley mountain under the starry skies. Firework displays light the winter sky in celebration of the new year.
ShareFrank Morgan Taos Jazz FestivalHome Annual Events For jazz lovers in northern New Mexico, it doesn’t get any better than this! Taos Jazz Bebop Society presents the annual TAOS JAZZ FESTIVAL, created to honor Frank Morgan, the late, great alto saxophonist who called Taos home. Every November the Festival’s roster of world-class jazz artists attracts capacity crowds from Taos and beyond. If you’re a jazz fan, this is a not-to-be-missed event.