Each holiday season, the Village of Ruidoso creates a magical winter wonderland to make Christmas in Ruidoso extra special! From sleigh rides to ice skating, and light sight-seeing to holiday shopping, our little village offers a multitude of activities for all ages and interests. Keep reading for Visit Ruidoso‘s list of the best activities, sights, and events to catch in town this December.
Ruidoso Winter Park
Celebrating their 25th year, Ruidoso Winter Park offers snow tubing that’s fun for the whole family! Opening day is November 24th and the winter season runs through March 19th. Get tickets here.
White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
Enjoy a country Christmas with the Flying J Wranglers this November and December with White Mountain Christmas at the Ranch. Holiday-inspired performances run regularly through December 31st, and you’ll want to see western village decorated for the season, complete with hayrides and Santa in his workshop. Check the schedule here and secure your tickets before they sell out!
Ski Apache
Ski Apache opens for the season on November 26th with the event of the year – Party on the Mountain! Get discounted season passes, enjoy free family fun, and play in the snow as ski season officially kicks off in Ruidoso.
Christmas Eve in Lincoln
The luminarias will be lit around the historic town for a magical Christmas Eve in Lincoln. Come take photos with Santa and finish the night with a Christmas Eve service at Community Church.
Sleigh Rides
A treasured holiday tradition that can’t be missed, Grindstone Stables is again offering magical sleigh rides through Upper Canyon from Thanksgiving to December 31st. Experience beautiful Ruidoso at Christmastime while you jingle all the way in a horse-drawn sleigh. Book your ride here.
Ice Skating
As Ruidoso’s most recent holiday tradition, ice skating at Wingfield park is a new favorite activity among all ages! A day pass with skate rental is $20, and without skates it’s $12. Plus, locals skate free on Wednesdays! Open weekends until December 10th and daily from December 11th – January 9th. View the schedule here.
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
On December 17th & 18th a cast of 70 outstanding dancers will bring Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life on stage in Alto at Spencer Theater. Hailed a “timeless Christmas gift for the whole family”, this ballet spectacular is one to see. Purchase tickets on Spencer Theater’s website!
Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Tree Lighting
Marking the official start of the holiday season, Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Christmas Tree Lighting is the free family event you’ll love attending! The festivities include Santa, hot chocolate, shopping, and of course end with a magnificent tree lighting. Plan to attend on November 27th from 1-6 PM!
Come Let Us Adore Him Brunch & Praise Event
An impressive breakfast spread and Christmas carols are the hallmark of this holiday event! Join the Alamogordo Christ Community Church and Inn of the Mountain Gods for a morning of Christmas cheer on Saturday, December 3rd for Come Let Us Adore Him: A Brunch & Praise Event. Tickets are available online for $50.
Annual Festival of Lights Parade and After Party
A Ruidoso classic returns to Midtown on December 3rd! The Annual Festival of Lights Parade celebrates this year’s theme “Christmas in the Stars” with a fantastically lit parade of floats that will delight and thrill. Don’t forget to head to Wingfield Park afterwards for a fun after party!
Christmas in the Park
Held at Wingfield Park, Christmas in the Park brings Ruidoso together with amazing light displays, hot chocolate and cookies, visits with Santa, and a whole lot of holiday cheer! Join Ruidoso Parks and Rec for the lighting of the trees from 6-8 PM.
Christmas Drone Show & Drive In Movie Night
Christmas movies and a drone show? Ruidoso Parks and Rec brings it all to you at White Mountain Recreation Complex. Come participate in this FREE family event and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 10.
Zas Festival
Native American jewelry, vendor shopping, and local handmade goods will be on display during the 2nd Annual Zas Festival on December 10th and 11th. Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center and sponsored by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, this is a great chance to get that Christmas shopping done!
Country Christmas Bazaar at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds
Stop by the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan to shop small and get all your gifts this Christmas! Food, shopping, and a silent auction will be featured during the Country Christmas Bazaar, sponsored by the Capitan Women’s Club. Mark your calendar for December 3 from 10 AM – 4 PM.
New Years Eve Parties
Keep an eye on our Visit Ruidoso calendar of events for upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations (and more events!) There’s no better way to ring in the new year than in Ruidoso! We’re looking forward to events at Inn of the Mountain Gods and more local venues.
