Farolitos, Luminarias, and Winter Evenings

Beyond the classic Christmas lights, the dark winter nights of New Mexico are lit with something a little different. Luminarias, also known as farolitos in some parts of the state, are paper lanterns dating back to the Spanish colonial period.

Over the holidays, you'll find their warm glow along streets, illuminating historic plazas, and tracing riverbanks across the state. Albuquerque hosts a luminaria tour in its old town, and Santa Fe invites the community to enjoy lights, carols, and hot chocolate on the Canyon Road Farolito Walk. South in Old Mesilla, thousands of luminarias light up the adobe buildings, and Taos in the north also uses farolitos to bring holiday cheer to its winter festivities.

Food, Faith, and Community

New Mexicans love to come together over the holidays to share their faith, customs, and of course, food. During the winter months, you'll find biscochitos being sold in bakeries and markets all over the state, as well as in many New Mexican homes. This anise-flavored cookie, dusted in cinnamon and sugar, dates back to the Spanish colonial era and is now the state cookie. Nearly every New Mexican family has its own recipe.

Las Posadas remains one of New Mexico’s most beloved holiday traditions. As a symbolic reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, the tradition is on offer as a night event in Santa Fe, and in some communities, neighbors share nine days where they honor faith, hospitality and community through song, candlelight, and procession.

Experiencing the Holidays Around the State

From the snowy, mountainous north to the desert communities of the south, neighborhoods and families have their own special version of holiday traditions. Between snow-dusted adobe villages or the glowing river walks of the south, each region offers a distinct way to enjoy the wintertime.

Regardless of where your holiday travels take you, you’ll encounter traditions passed down through generations, each reflecting the character and heritage of its community. Try comforting tamales at local markets, admire the light displays dotted across your journeys, and explore the shops of local craft makers and artists for your holiday gifts.

Make culture, tradition, and communion the core of this holiday season. From glowing farolitos to festive processions, handmade gifts and cherished recipes, New Mexico invites you to slow down and become part of the season’s enduring traditions.