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In Santa Fe for the winter? What to do, where to eat, and how to have fun during the enchanting winter months in New Mexico’s capital!
Although Santa Fe’s winter solstice arrives in late December, it’s the first crunch of powdery snow in late fall that really signals a change in the life cycle of New Mexico’s capital.
On one hand, it’s the carpet that welcomes skiers to the southernmost end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On the other, it’s the white flag to late nights as locals cozy up to piñon-scented firesides and posole, while warm weather travelers retreat from the scaaaaaary cold. To that, we say: Great! More green chile stew for us!
For those of us who enjoy a more relaxed pace — or simply appreciate the invigorating kiss of sunshine on a crisp, hoodie-and-beanie afternoon — Santa Fe in the winter is a charming place to be! So whether you’re looking to enjoy some local cuisine or a little bit of slopes and soaks, here are some ideas to get you started:
If you’re looking for a list of what to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico in December, you’ve come to the right place. Check out these great ways to usher in winter.
Celebrate Santa Fe’s title as the flamenco capital of the Southwest at El Flamenco Spanish cabaret for dinner and a show. Resident dance company Entreflamenco begins their winter residency November 28th and continues all December-long. Enjoy a vibrant menu of authentic Spanish tapas, alongside live music and stunning performances.
Since its start in 2011, Entreflamenco has gone on to tour across Philadelphia, Texas, and Mexico. The group returns to their hometown of Santa Fe this winter for another spirited season.
Enjoy another meaningful way to honor tradition in Santa Fe this winter, as the Winter Spanish Market returns for its 99th year this December. It’s the oldest and largest art show of its kind in the nation.
Shop goods from an array of traditional artforms originating from the 16th century, including embroidery, pottery, weaving, woodcarving, and a number of classic Hispanic artforms including retalbos, altar screens, bultos en nicho, and more.
This market is committed to showcasing only the finest traditional artworks. Each artist participating in the Winter Spanish Market has undergone a rigorous screening process to verify hispanic heritage or nativity to New Mexico or southern Colorado
The market will be held December 6th and 7th at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. It’s free and open to the public. Discover a new craft and find a treasure you’ll cherish for years to come.
Just a short drive away is one of the best things to do near Santa Fe, New Mexico in January: the Taos Winter Wine Festival. Winery partners from around the world are bringing their best to the area’s top restaurants for tastings, luncheons, dinners, and so much more. The weekend culminates with the Grand Tasting, a tasting of local restaurants and world-renowned wineries.
The 2026 Taos Winter Wine Festival will likely be held in late January 2026. Don’t miss this long weekend in one of the Southwest’s most gorgeous settings. Skiing, fine food, and great wine—what could be better?
Get your “do-good-er” on at The Food Depot’s Souper Bowl, a delicious annual fundraiser for hunger relief held every January. Taste soup prepared by dozens of Santa Fe’s most legendary local chefs and vote for your favorites in a range of categories. Whose soup reigns supreme? It’s up to you to decide at this family-friendly event! 2026’s dates will be announced soon— stay tuned!
Breakfast Foods: The Palacio Cafè, The Pantry, Clafoutis
Wondering where to eat in Santa Fe? The Palacio Cafè is the perfect way to start a winter morning in downtown Santa Fe. Casual vibes mix with the comfort of crowd-pleasing dishes and regional fare alike, with offerings like breakfast burritos (handheld or smothered), huevos rancheros, and french toast! This is how you fuel up and warm the soul before hitting the mountain.
Since you’ll probably be lured into Santa Fe’s trap fairly quickly, no one would blame you if you decided to go on your own, personal, smothered breakfast burrito tour. For a Palacio control group, we recommend The Pantry (now with a second location!). Regularly featured on lists like this one, The Pantry is a reliable and delicious joint that’s easy to find along the city’s main thoroughfare.
If you’re looking for something low-key and away from the moderate bustle of downtown, the family-owned, country-style French restaurant, Clafoutis, is just the thing. Whether you’re into savory croissants or sweet crepes, Clafoutis has elegant options across the board. Don’t forget to save room for all of their freshly-baked pastries, though! You’ll want to take some to go…
New Mexican Dinner Foods: Cafe Castro, La Choza, Coyote Cantina
You’ve probably heard by now...Santa Fe really loves its chiles. However, if the most difficult question you have to answer is, “Red or green?”, you’re probably having a good day.
Of course, when you go to Cafe Castro for a chalupa dinner, your answer should probably be “Christmas,” which locals know is code for a mix of the spicy, herbaceous green chiles and the sweet, yet slow-burning red variety.
Now that you’re an Xmas expert and you’ve got a taste for chiles, head to La Choza for a combo plate, but make sure one of your choices is carne adovada. This pork (or chicken) dish features tender meat simmered in a thick, red chile sauce, and La Choza does it right. However, with a plethora of regional favorites, like green chile stew or blue corn enchiladas, you can throw a dart at the menu and always be right!
Speaking of green chile and being right, Coyote Cantina is a rooftop restaurant that features some of the best green chile pork posole in The City Different. It’s enough to keep you warm through the winter chill, but don’t worry, the rooftop venue is prepared with closed-air seating options. So settle in and try Mama Schutz’ Frito Pie and wash it down with a margarita or two.
You’ll never know it was cold outside!
NOT New Mexican Dinner Foods: Radish & Rye, Geronimo, Izanami
Regional cuisine is GREAT and all, but some nights you want to branch out. Radish & Rye will make you glad you did with their elevated take on farm-inspired cuisine. It’s hard to go wrong here, but if you need a starting point we recommend trying the smoked ribs or the fresh corn chowder served with bone marrow. Make sure to check out their extensive bourbon list, too! It is called Radish & Rye after all...
If you find yourself around Canyon Road, the arts district with over 100 galleries, you might want to settle in for the night at Geronimo, especially if it’s been a particularly brisk day. This New American, fine dining restaurant offers items like the rib-sticking elk tenderloin and blood-warming hot toddies. Just what you need after a day of snowshoeing and getting your tongue stuck to lamp posts!
Whether you’ve spent the day snowboarding or not, Izanami is a great way to wind down — in more ways than one! Located in 20 wooded acres, Izanami is the restaurant at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese spa and resort that hosts a number of hot baths among piñons and junipers. Izanami provides an upscale dining experience featuring izakaya plates meant for sharing. We recommend the Heaven and Earth sake, the wagyu beef ishiyaki, and of course the tori no karaage (fried chicken)!
Cocktails and Whatnot: Santa Fe Spirits, Secreto, Tonic, La Reina, New Mexico Wine Tours, Kakawa Chocolate House
The winter is a great time for contemplation and conversation, and what better way to get in the right mindset than with one of Santa Fe’s most spirited haunts? One of the newest options is the Santa Fe Spirits Tasting Room. This extension of the eponymous distillery is the perfect way to sample everything from Apple Brandy to Wheeler’s Gin!
We’ve all heard of “Farm-to-Table” restaurants, but what about “Garden-to-Glass” lounges?
The Secreto Lounge, located in Santa Fe’s historic Hotel St. Francis (mere steps from The Plaza), is a cocktail bar that focuses on creating drinks with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local spirits and bitters. Now that’s what we call responsible drinking!
You can get a drink almost anywhere, but at Tonic your drinks will often come with a soothing side of live jazz music. Come for the cocktails with names like “Italian Lace,” stay for the tunes, and don’t forget to mix in some high class bar fare, such as the “Handheld Chicken and Waffles.” It’s never been so easy to make good decisions.
When looking for a place to grab a drink in New Mexico, it would be a shame to ignore La Reina, whose hand-picked list of tequilas and mezcals supplement a cocktail menu centered on the glory of agave. Nearly hidden beside the lobby of boutique hotel El Rey Court, La Reina offers a supremely chill venue for a winter margarita.
Why wine alone when you can wine with the pros? New Mexico Wine Tours combines wine tasting, food, and local Santa Fe history into a full day of fun. Visit 3 to 5 boutique local wineries, enjoy a delicious lunch, and learn about our beautiful city.
If alcohol isn’t your thing, let loose with a different kind of special treat: chocolate. Kakawa Chocolate House is a specialty chocolate company dedicated to re-imagining chocolate delights of yore. Find new takes on Mesoamerican and Colonial chocolate recipes featuring classic Santa Fe flavors, like chile, prickly pear, mezcal, and more.
On a chilly day, there’s nothing better than warming up with a steamy chocolate elixir with New Mexican chilies or a recipe loved by Thomas Jefferson himself. You’ll also find traditional drinks like horchata, classic coffee drinks, and a wide selection of truffles and other delights.
Chill (But Hot) Fun: Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Caliente, San Antonio Hot Springs
While Ten Thousand Waves is a great option for those staying around Santa Fe, there are plenty of places to get your hot springs fix in the surrounding area.
Located near Española and Taos (north of Santa Fe), Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is known for its healing, rejuvenating, and restorative hot springs. Surrounded by beautiful scenery in a tranquil environment, Ojo Caliente is an invigorating way to enjoy the outdoors without having to suffer the cold!
If you find yourself wanting to mix in a little hike with your soak, the San Antonio Hot Springs offers the best of both worlds. An out-and-back trail offers a stroll full of mountain views and wildlife, but the real prize at the end is the opportunity to sink into flowing mineral waters while you gaze into the New Mexican sky. Be aware that the roads are a little bumpy, although you can always trade a couple of rough miles for a few extra steps through the glorious scenery.
Cold (But Sunny) Fun: Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley
Sure, short strolls might not be enough to get your blood thoroughly pumping, but there are still plenty of options around Santa Fe for those seeking a bigger shot of adrenaline. So whether you’re a bunny sloper or a master shredder, Ski Santa Fe is a fantastic (and close) way to boost your activity levels during layer season. Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a full ski day, including shops, dining options, and even live music!
If you venture out to Taos during the winter months, or if you’ve already worn out Ski Santa Fe, the Taos Ski Valley is a great alternative for skiers, especially if you’re looking for a few more difficult runs! Don’t worry, though. Taos is still very family-friendly, and the resort and spa options are excellent for when you need some recovery time. Plus, as the world’s first (and only) B Corp ski resort, Taos Ski Valley is dedicated to sustainability, which will help everyone rest easier at night.
Day Tripping Fun: White Sands
For those who have the time and transportation during the Santa Fe winter, White Sands National Monument is a must-visit. This 275-square-mile desert is the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, and the colder months provide ideal daytime temperatures for exploring the sandy waves. Although White Sands is open every day except for December 25th, be sure to check their website for details about possible missile testing as the monument is surrounded by a missile range and air force base.
Show off your skating chops at the ice arena at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. Whether you’re into triple axels or slap shots, hit the ice to find just what you’re looking for. In addition to open free skates, you’ll find special sessions devoted to figure skating, ice dancing, hockey, and even a weekly disco skate.
BYO skates or rent figure or hockey skates for just $3 a day.
When snow falls in Santa Fe, there’s just one thing to do: grab your sled and hit the slopes. Unlike skiing, sledding doesn’t require a lot of skill. All you need to do is sit down and hold on tight! Just a 15 minute drive lands you in Hyde Memorial State Park with sledding aplenty. Find designated sledding areas with nets for added safety.
Tons of Fun:
Ten Thousand Waves: photo credit,
Santa Fe in the winter is great. That much is clear. We’ve got skiing, all the hot springs you can sit in, and plenty of great food options.
However, Albuquerque is right down the road, so no one would blame you if you took I-25 South to check out the Sculpture Garden at Albuquerque Museum, featuring works by some of the most famous sculptors in the American Southwest. And once you’ve come to ABQ for the sculptures, stay for the all-ages dining, gaming, and recreation wonderland that is Electric Playhouse!
Speaking of immersive experiences, any trip (winter or otherwise) to Santa Fe would not be complete without visiting Santa Fe art at our favorite place, House of Eternal Return. We’re biased, of course, but we don’t know of any other place in town that offers an immersive art experience, an awesome cafe and bar, and great live music! If that doesn’t hype you up for your winter trip to Santa Fe, you might want to check out our documentary for a little bit of exploration inspiration.
See you in the multiverse, friends!
