5 Awesome Things To Do On Thanksgiving In Santa Fe, New Mexico

Arguably the best city in New Mexico to celebrate Thanksgiving is Santa Fe. It has everything from fine dining, relaxing spas, and resorts, skiing in the mountains, to amazing shows. If you’re wondering what to do this next Thanksgiving, maybe you should head on up to Santa Fe. Here are 5 reasons why it is a good idea to celebrate Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

1. Top-Notch Chefs Doing Your Cooking!

Take a cue from the locals, and let Santa Fe’s world-renowned chefs turn your Thanksgiving into an epicurean feast for the senses. A first-class group of extremely talented and well-known Santa Fe chefs are preparing very special Thanksgiving feasts this year surely to satisfy everyone in your party! Here are a few of our restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day — Geronimo, La Casa Sena, Luminaria at the Inn and Spa at Loretto and The Old House at Eldorado Hotel.

2. Skiing in Santa Fe

Did you know you’ll find one the best places to ski in the Southwest right here in Santa Fe? Ski Santa Fe has been rated the #4 best ski resort in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Readers. The ski basin is located high above the City Different, just 16 miles from the Plaza in the beautiful Santa Fe National Forest.

Ski Santa Fe has a wonderful range of terrain, from isolated beginner slopes to lots of cruisers, some long bump runs, great glades and tree runs, and even a few short chutes and small bowls. The ski area benefits from its 12,075-foot summit, 1,725 vertical drops, 77 trails and 225 inches of average annual snowfall. Even when the mountain gets loaded with snow, as it did last November, the City just gets dusted with gorgeous light and dry mountain snow. The Ski Santa Fe season traditionally begins on Thanksgiving day, weather permitting, and runs through early Spring.

3. The 13th Annual Circus Luminous

Santa Fe’s favorite Thanksgiving Weekend tradition returns! Wise Fool New Mexico brings its outstanding cast of aerial fabric artists, trapeze, and stilt-walking acrobats, and a wealth of young Wise Fool students to the stage. The 13th Annual Circus Luminous will dazzle kids and adults alike. This popular event takes place on November 25, 26 and 27. Please check the Lensic Performing Arts Center calendar for showtimes and ticket information.

4. Luxurious Shopping

If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, don’t forget to bring your holiday shopping list with you. We know that getting through Thanksgiving is a tall order, but you’ll want to begin your search for that elusive holiday “something” to deck your halls or give to someone special.

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If you’re looking for authentic native jewelry, you’ve come to the right place. You can also find beautiful handmade items in our boutiques and trading posts. See for yourself why Sunset Magazine named Santa Fe the #1 Shopping Destination.

5. Christmas Holiday Kickoff Celebration

The official start of the Christmas holiday season begins in Santa Fe the day after Thanksgiving when by a flick of a switch, holiday lights are turned on at the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Enjoy hot chocolate, stroll and sing carols as you immerse yourself in holiday décor and grandeur. Pay a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. There will also be entertainment throughout the evening. The lighting ceremony takes place on November 25 at 6:00 pm.  Though the Mayor of Santa Fe will be there to usher in the holiday fun, it’s that annual visit from Santa Claus that will create a wee bit more excitement.