A compilation of everything that is happening in Ruidoso this holiday season!
Hope y’all have your shopping list ready and calendar in hand…because it’s that time of year!
Time to dig the Christmas tree out of the basement…or load up the family in the soccer mom van and go pick out a fresh-cut one. Note: it’s illegal to cut a tree down in Lincoln National Forest, without a permit.
The holidays are a special time, especially in the mountains… and when it snows in the mountains… it just doesn’t get any better. There’s lots of fun to be had in the snow, from shredding down the Sierra Blanca trail at Ski Apache, to chillin’ with your buds in an igloo at Winter Park Play Area!
If you have that list handy, grab your besties and hit the shops in the village. Grab some grub at one of our many delectable diners. Then sit back and relax and watch The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater.
Whatever floats your marshmallow…you’ll find it here. You’re welcome!
Click the links for more info!
Nov. 17 & Dec.15: Fort Stanton Garrison Program Holiday Edition at Fort Stanton Historic Site
Crafts for all ages. History. Discover what life was like on the frontier, during the holidays…way before cell phones.
Nov. 22 – Jan 5: Grindstone Stables Winter Season
Sleigh rides! Magical in the snow, but still fun without it. Reservations recommended. Trail rides, weather permitting.
Nov. 22: Winter Park Tubing and Snow Play Area
Tubing! Twisting, turning, jumping, bumping! Snow-making makes it possible to have fun in the snow every day! Don’t forget to reserve an igloo (eskimo not included) to really make the trip memorable!
Nov. 25: Christmas Tree Lighting, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Spectacular lights, sweet treats, family fun! Photos with Santa 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
Nov. 29: Christmas in the Park at School House Park
Kick off the holiday season at School House Park. Enjoy lights, carolers, music, sleigh rides and Santa!
Nov. 30: Voice Play, 7:00 PM at Spencer Theater
A five member full a cappella group that recreates the orchestrated sound of a musical production with their voices! You won’t want to miss this! Tempura Cod Filet Buffet at 5:00 PM ($$).
Dec. 1: Festival of Lights Parade, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, starts at the corner of Sudderth/Mecham, through midtown, down to the Chamber of Commerce
During the parade, Toys for Tots will have a float and will collect toys. Marines will be walking alongside the float picking up toys. Help make a child’s Christmas special by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the parade.
Dec. 1: Festival of Lights After Party, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Wingfield Park
Parade After Party. Food and fun. Watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” on the huge, outdoor screen. Photos with Santa.
Dec. 7: Ski Apache Opening Day! Woot Woot!
Ski! ‘Nuff said! Seriously, though. Skiing, snowboarding, zip-lining!
Dec. 15: Snow Jam | A Winter Fest & Market at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery
Snowmaggedon Bonfire. Handmade Holiday Gifts. Music. Food Trucks. Beer. Wine. Need we say more?
Dec. 22, 23: The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
A classic that will delight all ages! A must see!
Dec. 24: Luminarias in Lincoln
Lincoln will be adorned with luminarias, Santa Claus arrives on a longhorn steer, and hot chocolate will be served.
Dec. 27: Torchlight Parade and Dummy Gelunde Contest at Ski Apache
This is easily the silliest contest in Ruidoso, but we LOVE it! Mark your calendars for the Dummy Gelunde Contest where people craft together dummies and sleds to shoot down a huge ramp! There is also a gorgeous display of fireworks that backdrop the torchlight parade of officials skiing down the slopes holding torches! Don’t miss it!
Dec. 31: The Gatsby NYE Party at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery
This Gatsby NYE Party will feature live music with a DJ ringing us in for countdown. Join us for drinks, dancing, & a midnight bubbly toast!
Dec. 31: “Decades of Celebration” New Year’s Eve Celebration, 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Live music from Aquarius and Boombox Heroes. Flashback to the 60’s through the 90’s. Dress up in your favorite decade if you are so inclined and love to have a good time. A very special NYE dinner will be served. Tickets are $125.00 per person and include dinner.
– Jamye Gilbreath
Texas Writer
Updates provided by Ruidoso Visitor Guide
