yuletide in taos
Taos’ Magical Time of Year
When: Thanksgiving through New Years
Where: Historical 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.
Restaurants open through the holidays. View here
CAV Annual Yuletide Arts and Crafts Fair
November 23 – 25, 2018
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: The Sagebrush Inn and Suites
The 35th annual Yuletide Arts & Crafts Fair is proud to feature the areas finest craftsman and artists. Shop from a variety of sculpture, paintings, foods, textiles, jewelry, pottery and much much more! Support individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. Bring your holiday gift lists and shop for family and friends!
Call 575-758-8082 for more info or visit taoscav.org
Twirl Aglow Party
Twirl Play and Discovery Space will be hosting their annual Twirl Aglow Party. In this seasonal Taos tradition, the Twirl courtyard will come alive with holiday sparkle and magical surprises. Children and parents will be able to make seasonal crafts, enjoy heartwarming drinks and cookies, have their face painted by happy elves, enjoy live music and share their wishes with Santa on the big chair. The Twirl Aglow party is a wonderful opportunity for community to come together and share in the true spirit of the holidays. Expect to be enchanted!
twirltaos.org
TAOSFOLK
November 25 through December 24, 2018
Open daily 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Stables Gallery
Taos’ famous POP-UP store! Find affordable and beautiful handmade gifts by Taos artisans.
taosfolk.com
31st Annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov 30th, 2018
4:00PM – 6:00PM
Taos Plaza
The 2018 Taos Holiday Season officially kicks off with the annual lighting of the Town Christmas tree during the 31st Annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting on Friday November 30th, 2018, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Taos Plaza. Join our Mayor Dan Barrone and community.
There will be local entertainment. Meet and greet our special guests Mr. & Mrs. Claus and be prepared for an appearance by the Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served. For more information contact Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or contact her via e-mail at jesquibel@taosgov.com.
Lighting of Ledoux
Saturday, December 1, 2018
5:00PM – 7:00PM
Ledoux Street
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.
21st Annual Holiday Fiesta
December 1st 2018
11:00AM – 3:00PM
Millicent Rogers Museum
Free community event. Activities for children. Face Painting, Flower Fairies, Wish Tree, Free Pictures with Santa Claus, Retablo Painting, Christmas Card Making, Ojo de Dios Ornament Making, Hannukah Room
millicentrogers.org
Santa Paws
Saturday, December 8, 2018
12:00PM – 4:00PM
John Dunn and Bent Street Shops
Santa Paws is a benefit for Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. Santa will find out what your pet wants for
Bonfires on Bent Street
Christmas, and pose for a photo with your pet from noon to 4:00PM. Pets available for adoption will also be present. And there will be hot beverages and snacks. New Mexican food buffet. Smorgasbord of s’mores. Farolitos, music, deals, drawings, bonfires.
johndunnshops.com
Bonfires on Bent Street
Saturday, December 8, 2018
4:00PM – 7:00PM
John Dunn Shops and Bent Street
Bonfires to warm you, farolitos, luminaries, Aztec Dancers, carolers, and in addition to snacks in the shops serving posole, green chile, enchiladas and cookies for everyone outdoors at John Dunn Shops and on Bent Street.
Ornament and Craft Making
December 2017
1:00PM – 4:00PM
Taos Youth and Family Center
Christmas is coming up and the Town of Taos Community Events would like to help children of all ages make Christmas ornaments for their Christmas tree or to give as Christmas presents.
This event is FREE! Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Materials and examples will be provided, just bring your imagination. Come and have some creative fun!!! For more information call Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or contact her via e-mail at jesquibel@taosgov.com.
Las Posadas
December 16 – 24, 2018
Mass Dec 16, 2018 at 5:00PM located at San Isidro
Mass Dec 17 – 23, 2018 at 5:30PM check website for locations
Christmas Eve Mass 11:30PM at San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos Plaza
sanfranciscodeasis.org
Taos Chamber Music Group – Joyeux Noel
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 5:30PM
Sunday, December 17, 2017, 5:30PM
Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art
TCMG celebrates the holidays with the music of France. Virtuoso pianist Gleb Ivanov will be featured in Maurice Ravel’s Mirrors and joined by TCMG flutist Nancy Laupheimer for Philippe Gaubert’s Third Flute Sonata, and by violinist LP How and cellist Sally Guenther for Saint-Saens’ Second Piano Trio.
Tickets are $25, $20 for Harwood Alliance members and $12 for students.
taoschambermusicgroup.org
Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo
December 24 at sunset
Nowhere 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
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades
December 24, 6:00PM
A great way to kick-off your Christmas Eve celebrations! Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light. All the area ski resorts – Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, Sipapu, Enchanted Forest, and Red River – have torchlight parades and fireworks during the holiday season.
Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance
December 25, 2:00PM, Taos Pueblo Plaza
Witness this ancient Native American ceremonial dance honoring the depths of winter, as danced and drummed by the people of Taos Pueblo. No cameras, cell phones, or video cameras allowed.
taospueblo.com
Town of Taos New Year’s Eve Celebration
Sunday, December 31, 2018
7:30PM – 10:00PM, Historic Taos Plaza
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
December 31, starts at 6:00PM
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. All the area ski resorts – Angel Fire, Sipapu, Enchanted Forest, and Red River – have torchlight parades and fireworks during the holiday season.
Main image of Lights on Taos Plaza by Terry Thompson Photography.
