Annual Events Archive

The Town of Taos Community Events, Taos Plaza Merchants, Teresina Lane Merchants, Juan Largo Lane Merchants, John Dunn Shops and Bent Street Merchants are hosting a huge Children’s Halloween event for children of all ages and their families.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, 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.

For more information contact Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or at [email protected].

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. 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.

The Taos 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.

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”.

One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a multi day celebration of religious observance. 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.

2023 San Francisco de Asis Church Schedule

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)

Where: 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, NM
Call: 575-758-2754
More Information: [email protected]

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.

Taos’ Magical Time of Year

When: November through New Year’s Day
Where: 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.

Indoor Winter Market at the Taos Cow @ Anglada

When:
10am to 2pm every Saturday from November 16th to April 26th
Where: Taos Cow @ Anglada
736 Kit Carson Rd
Taos, NM 87571

Local artists vending and community fun.

TAOS FOLK

When: November 18 – December 24, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Everyday
Where: Stables Art Gallery
More 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!

3rd Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Crafts Fair

When:
Friday, November 29th – 10am-6:30pm
Saturday, November 30th – 9am-6:30pm
Sunday, December 1st – 9am-5:30pm
Where: Sagebrush Inn Convention Center
(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!

Twirl Aglow Party

When: Friday November 29th, 2024 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Twirl
More info: twirltaos.org

Join us as we kick off the holiday giving season and connect with friends and family. We will have lots of our old favorites – the most popular Santa around, entertainment, treats, and face painting with Tatyana and her elves. Come join us as we celebrate and make the holidays brighter for our kids!

Lighting of Ledoux

When: December 6, 2024 / 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Ledoux Street
More info: har woodmuseum.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.

Jolly Jamboree and Christmas Tree Lighting Presented by the Town of Taos

When: December 7, 2024 / 4:00PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Taos Youth and Family Center (407 Paseo Del Cañon E, Taos, NM 87571)
More info: Click Here

Free Community Event with Free Cookies & Hot Chocolate!

Special Performances by:

Julia Fernandez de Maez
Mystic Dance
Mariachi Paisanos de Taos
Taos High School Choir

Santa will visit the pool and hand out treat filled Goodie bags to the first 400 kids!! 4-6PM

Christmas Tree Lighting Countdown will begin at 6:15PM

Taos Pueblo Collective Holiday Market

When: December 7, 2024 / 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Taos Visitor Center / Taos Pueblo Collective located at 1201 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571
More info: Click Here

Gifts, crafts and food. Hosted by Taos Pueblo Tourism.

27th Annual Millicent Rogers Museum Holiday Fiesta

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 11am-3pm
Where: Millicent Rogers Museum
More info: millicentrogers.org

In the spirit of generations of Taos museum-goers, on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the community is invited to gather, create, and enjoy the warmth of the season throughout the museum galleries, where tables of holiday arts and crafts projects and other seasonal entertainment will delight the child in us all.

Talpa Annual Arts and Crafts Fair

When: December 7th & 8th, 2024 / 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Talpa Community Center – 4 Archuleta Rd, Ranchos de Taos, NM, United States, New Mexico 87557
More info: Click Here

Join us for our Annual Craft Fair on December 7th and 8th, 2024. Santa will be on site at 1pm on Saturday with goody bags for the first 50 kids.

The fair will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, featuring over 20 local artists and crafters offering unique gift items for everyone on your list.

As a token of appreciation for the community’s support, we’ll be serving free lunch consisting of a bowl of green chile stew or posole with red chile. Free coffee will be available, and sodas or water can be purchased for $1, with proceeds benefiting the center.

Taos Chamber Music Group Concerts

When: December 13th, 14th & 15th, 2024
Where: Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art
More info: taoschambermusicgroup.org

Holiday concerts performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group.

Stakeout Holiday Makers Market

When: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15 2024 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Where: The Stakeout, 101 Stakeout Drive, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

Art by local makers of New Mexico, live music, vintage clothing! Brunch & drinks served on Saturday.

Bonfires on Bent Street

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: 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.

Festival of Trees

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm
Where: 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.

Taos Pueblo Winter Market

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 10am to 9pm
Where: Taos Pueblo Heritage Center (501 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571)
More info: Click here

It’s that time of year again! Taos Pueblo Recovery Works! is happy to announce that we will be hosting the Taos Pueblo Winter Market for the 3rd year in a row! The event features over 40 Taos Pueblo Artists and Crafters in one location to help you get your Christmas shopping done locally. The event also helps to support the Taos Pueblo Community during a time when there is no tourist activity at the pueblo.
This year the Recovery Works! Crew will be creating a Taos Pueblo Christmas atmosphere around the Market and we invite you to bring the family to enjoy hot cider, hot cocoa, candy apples and Taos Pueblo cookies, in the company of neighbors, while you hang out and shop. We will also have a fundraising concession with other eats available.

Procession of the Virgin Mary

When: December 24, 2024 / 5:00 PM
Where: Taos Pueblo
More info: taospueblo.com

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.

Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance

When: December 25, 2024
Where: Taos Pueblo
More info: taospueblo.com

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.

Torchlight Parades & Fireworks

When: November and December
Where: Red River Ski Area
More info: redriverskiarea.com/events/

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.

New Year’s Eve at Taos SKi Valley

When: December 31, 2024
Where: Taos Ski Valley
Learn more: https://www.skitaos.com/calendar

Ring in the New Year with Taos Ski Valley’s torchlight parade, firework display, and Annual Snow Ball. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light.

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.

The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally has truly been a Taos community event. Every year on the last full weekend in October, as the trees in the high country erupt into a painter’s canvas of oranges, reds, ambers and yellows, even more color is added to the vista as the Taos skies are filled with dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons lifting into the clear, cold dawn of a Taos Mountain sunrise.

Smaller than many such events, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is an invitational and typically hosts 35-50 balloons and crews each year. The rally – primarily because it is smaller and more intimate – has become a popular stop for balloonists, families and crews, Taoseños and visitors alike. Parents and kids get up-close and personal” with the balloonists every morning as the crews prepare for launch. The three‐day event includes mass ascensions at dawn, balloon glows in the evening, a parade and a grand ball.

Schedule of events: https://www.taosballoonrally.com/schedule.html

The Wool Festival has moved to Santa Fe for 2022. For more information, visit www.mavwawoolfest.org

Immerse yourself in the more than 400 years of wool tradition as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas breeders and fiber artists celebrate at the Wool Festival. Take a look at traditional and contemporary fiber artistry, an opportunity to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, rabbits, alpacas, and llamas. Kids can try their hand at a fiber project.

The Festival includes:

An outstanding regional wool market featuring Juried Artists, Crafters and Vendors offering their wool, fiber, yarns,
fiber arts-related tools and equipment as well as finished items and other artistic, fiber creations.
Fiber Critter Corner that includes live sheep, alpacas, goats, angora rabbits, and more.
Demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, shearing sheep and many other fiber related skills.
Juried Shows for handspun yarn, hand dyeing, fleeces (wool and alpaca), and finished garments and home accessories.
Silent Auction Saturday Oct. 2nd, featuring many unique donated items.
Hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
Workshops before the festival weekend.
Food vendors offering a variety of beverages, snacks, lunch items including regional lamb, and other delicious choices.
With the added ambience of live music, the festival is unique and fun for the whole family.

Find more information: mavwawoolfest.org

Founded in 1973 by a group of artists and gallerists. Over the years, other art events have set their dates to coincide with Fall Arts. The season has come to be known as “Grand Fall Arts” and it’s a most exciting time to visit.

Nestled amongst breathtaking vistas, blanketed under luminous skies, and steeped in an enticing blend of cultural diversity, Taos has inspired artists for over a century and risen to prominence as a world class art destination. Each autumn, both locals and visitors gather in anticipation of the Taos Fall Arts Festival (TFAF), an opportunity to experience and celebrate all the artists of Taos.

For over forty years the Taos Fall Arts Festival has been successful because of our artists and volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in capacities from take-in art days to greeting our many visitors please contact TFAF President, Lisa Harris, at [email protected]

Where: George Chacon Mural Stage at Kit Carson Park

The Glam Trash Fashion Show in Taos is a free public art event featuring a runway contest of recycled wearable art! Contestants sashay to the music of a live band in a glitter filled, smile inducing, all ages celebration of recycling, fashion and creativity.

The Glam Trash Fashion Show has been an iconic Taos event since 2001. Everyone is invited to create a wearable piece made of at least 90% reclaimed materials- no recycled clothing, but instead materials rescued from the waste stream such as saved coffee bags, film negatives, billboard, book pages, pop tops and the like. There are 3 age groups based on the age of the designer/creator of each piece. 12 & under, 13 to 19, Adults 20+. There is a small entry fee for each group that goes 100% towards prize money and insurance. Glam Trash is organized and created by unpaid volunteers as a labor of love.

Entry forms are available by emailing [email protected] or coming by Seconds Eco Store to pick up a paper copy of the entry form.

If you are interested in donating to, volunteering or supporting this great event, please contact Sara Basehart at [email protected]