‘Tis The Season in Taos
’Tis the season for yuletide in Taos! The holiday season marks a month of historic and unique New Mexican celebrations that transport visitors and locals alike to another time and place. While myriad holiday activities abound, here are a few of our festive favorites.
1. Taosfolk: Nov.24-Dec.24
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Stables Gallery
Taos’ famous POP-UP store is the perfect place to find affordable and beautiful handmade gifts by Taos artisans. Learn more at taosfolk.com.
2. Bonfires on Bent Street: Saturday, Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m.
John Dunn Shops and Bent Street
Enjoy bonfires, farolitos, luminaries, Aztec Dancers, carolers, Southwestern bites and cookies.
3. Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo & Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades: Christmas Eve
Sunset: Experience a one-of-its-kind event that features massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1,000-year-old adobe pueblo buildings. Learn more at taospueblo.com.
6 p.m.: Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark — with flares as their only means of light. All the area ski resorts – Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, Sipapu, Enchanted Forest and Red River – have torchlight parades and fireworks during the holiday season. You can also view this rare spectacle pos New Year’s Eve.
4. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance: Christmas Day, 2 p.m.
Taos Pueblo Plaza
Witness the ancient Native American ceremonial dance honoring the depths of winter, as danced and drummed by the people of Taos Pueblo. Learn more at taospueblo.com.
5. Town of Taos New Year’s Eve Celebration: New Year’s Eve, 7:30-10 p.m.
Historic Taos Plaza
Watch the Times Square Countdown on a massive movie screen, a light show, fireworks, a pig roast, live music and more at this community New Year’s Eve celebration. Cheers!
A Terrifyingly Terrific Taos Halloween
Who’s ready to get spooked? This Halloween, Taos comes alive to celebrate the day where the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest. It’s Halloween, and that means plenty of tricks and treats, thanks to an abundance of art, costumes, music, food and more. Here’s how you can join in on the fearful fun on Halloween day and night at the Taos Halloween Community Celebration.
Start your day by getting creature-creative at a free art program inspired by Halloween and Day of the Dead in the Taos Plaza. Come in costume and find the many skeletons in the Harwood Museum’s collection. You can even make a skeleton puppet or a shrine from a cigar box! Bring the whole family to enjoy this day filled with art making and other fun Halloween activities.
Next, from 3 to 6 p.m. check out Taos Plaza, Bent Street, John Dunn Shops and Teresina Lane for a Children’s Halloween Party. A live DJ, costume contests, carnival games, a haunted “house” and plenty of treats will keep the whole family in the Halloween spirit. All candied out? Wind down at Funky Sensations at Twirl for a tasty bowl of soup from SoulePOP — as well as some sensory surprises. We can’t think of a better place to get your “boo” on!
Bursting with Blooms
Is there anything more wonderfully aromatic than fresh, colorful lilacs?
It’s no wonder that each year during the two weeks between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, the Taos Lilac Festival celebrates the blooming of these stunning flowering trees and shrubs in Taos. But the not-to-be-missed weekend of activities is May 19-21, when the grand festival is held in Kit Carson Park.
From an arts and crafts fair, to a pet parade, vintage Flying Jenny Carousel and plenty of live music, the festival is a lilac-lovers paradise. For those who want to explore, simply pick up a self-guided walking tour map of the Taos historic district. In addition to the fragrant blooms, be sure to check out the New Mexico Beer & Wine Garden, featuring beers, wines and foods from New Mexico; the Taos Taco Cook Off (yum!); and the Lilac 5K (to burn off those tacos…).
Add a little flower power to your weekend at the Taos Lilac Festival. Sweet scents, beautiful blooms and great eats? It does’t get much better than that! Learn more by clicking here.
First in Film
Movie geeks unite! The Taos Shortz Film Fest kicks off March 30, and this year will screen more than 100 juried global short films from more than 20 countries. After 11 years, this film-lovers festival has reached “The End,” and will be waving goodbye with its most passionate series of short films yet.
Recently honored by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the top “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” the only short film festival in New Mexico selects compelling, thought-provoking and technically excellent short films from all over the world. This season’s programming will feature several special events, global short films, a Native American Showcase, a best of the fest retrospective and so much more.
This unique festival creates one-of-a-kind two-hour programs, featuring 10 to 12 short films from a variety of genres, including documentary, drama, comedy, animation and “Out of the Ordinary.” According to Taos Shortz, this “art” of programming is exclusive to the festival and takes the audience on a journey through time, cultures and belief systems.” Taos Shortz Film Fest tickets are on sale now; see the full schedule at www.taosshortz.com.
Wine Time
Sip, swirl, ski? Ok, maybe not in that order …but on Feb. 1-5, visitors to El Pueblo Lodge will have the opportunity to attend a special Taos Ski Valley event that will please the palate of even the most particular of wine lovers.
At the Taos Winter Wine Fest, visitors and locals alike will savor the ability to blend world-class skiing with fine wines and top-notch cuisine. The weeklong event offers seminars, wine tastings, and wine dinners hosted by vintners and paired with Taos chefs.
Two Grand Tastings feature more than 75 unique wines from 20 wineries and savory bites from a dozen Taos and Taos Ski Valley restaurants. Looking for a keepsake to remember your time in Taos? A silent auction of rare wines will benefit the New Mexico Nature Conservancy. Sold!
Learn more about tickets, view a schedule of events and find transportation options at taoswinterwinefest.com.
Cheers to 2017!
5 Favorite Taos Holiday Musts
Who’s ready for a little sparkle and shine? ’Tis the season for a festive time in Taos. From torchlight parades to musical performances, fireworks and even the Procession of the Virgin, there’s a veritable feast of holiday activities. So hang up those skis (at least for a few hours) and see what Santa brought the (naughty and) nice boys and girls spending their holiday in Taos.
1. Home for the Holidays:
On Friday, Dec. 16, check out a free family concert featuring musicians Robert Mirabal, Max Gomez, Michael Hearne and Chris Arellano. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Taos Community Auditorium (ask the front desk about securing your tickets). BYO dancing shoes and holiday cheer!
2. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades:
It’s a bright and shiny Christmas Eve at Taos Ski Valley, as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark of night as flares light their way. It’s a picture-perfect moment.
3. Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo:
After the torchlight parades, head to Taos Pueblo for a one-of-a-kind, magical holiday event. You’ll witness massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin, complete with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1,000-year-old adobe pueblo buildings.
4. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance:
On Christmas Day at 2 p.m., witness a beautiful tradition at the Taos Pueblo Plaza. Ancient Native American ceremonial dances, honoring the depths of winter, will be danced and drummed by the people of Taos Pueblo. Take note: As these are sacred ceremonies, no cameras, cell phones or video cameras are allowed.
5. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks:
Another extraordinary display of light, spend your New Year’s Eve viewing skiers, torches in hand, gliding down the famous Taos Ski Valley mountain. Plus, enjoy a kiss while firework displays light the winter sky in celebration of the new year. Hello, 2017!
Something To Fall For
The season to chase colors is upon us and at the El Pueblo Lodge, we simply can’t wait for fall. The transition periods between seasons are often the most beautiful times of year and the shift from summer to fall is one of our favorite times to recommend planning your next vacation. A well-planned autumn visit will give you the opportunity to witness the annual foliage and learn about the colorful, but haunted, history surround Taos, New Mexico.
A Worthy Day-Trip Into the Mountains
If you have spent a lot of time in the area before and are wondering what to do in the area, consider taking a day trip to the Jemez Mountains for a welcomed change of scenery. About an hour and a half southwest of the lodge, this drive in autumn projects an array of colors through your windshield as you descend out of the Northern New Mexico and into the red rocks of the Jemez Mountains. The contrast between blue skies, red cliffs, jagged mountains and blazing leaves make the trip to the many national and state monuments and parks of the area well worth the drive. The photo pictured on this post is proof enough that this is a must-see when visiting.
Watch Hot Air Balloons add even more Color to the Fall Landscape
Each year, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally puts an exclamation point on October, as hundreds of hot air balloonists and enthusiasts descend on our sleepy mountain town to celebrate their sport and the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. More intimate than similar Southwestern balloon rallies, this festival hosts about 50 balloons each year and allows for great views and participation for all in attendance. You will be able to see some of the spectacle from El Pueblo Lodge, but we recommend making the short drive to the launch point to fully take part in this unique celebration.
A Haunting Good Time
Spend an evening strolling the streets of Taos Plaza, guided by Ghosts of Taos. Your guide will provide colorful descriptions of haunted happenings that have occurred throughout the history of Taos. You will be guided to areas such as The Old Taos County Courthouse, Teresina Lane, Bent Street, Ledoux Street, Doña Luz Street & parking lot, Kit Carson Road and many more locations which history has left a mark on. This is a family friendly activity and can be customized to the appropriate level of spooky-ness for your enjoyment.
Music That Moves You
If you’re one that gets moved by music, than visit us in June for some of the greatest art and music festivals of the summer. Join in on the fun and check out just a sampling of the amazing events in and around Taos this June.
Taos Poetry Festival
Using El Pueblo Lodge as a home base, make yourself comfortable and soak in the events and happenings of the annual Taos Poetry Festival. Taking place from June 2-4, our small community will become overtaken with poets from all walks of life. With special events, poetry slams, and workshops throughout our town, you never find yourself wondering what to do next.
Taos Mesa Brewing Company
Of all the great venues to host a music festival in the southwest, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fun environment than that of Taos Mesa Brewing Company. During the first weekend of June, from the 3rd to 5th, head to TMBC for the Music on the Mesa Festival – a three day festival of dancing, bluegrass, folk, and country music and plenty of beer. During this weekend in June, Taos Mountain Brewing Company will be transformed into one of the ultimate Taos attractions.River and Brews Music Festival
River and Brews Music Festival
If you’re still curious what to do in Taos NM, branch out a bit and head down to Red River for the annual River and Brews Music Festival. On June 11, Red River hosts an event with the perfect combination of mouth watering barbecue, live music, plenty of dancing, a great selection of microbreweries on site and perhaps one of the most beautiful backdrops to any live music venue around.
The above is just a smattering of the many events and festivals taking place in and around Taos, this June. Even if festivals aren’t you’re thing, June is still the perfect time to visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and soak up the trails, museums, art, and culture of our little slice of heaven.
Hit The Slopes This Spring
And just like that, another season is on its way out in Northern New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that only a few months ago we were looking forward to the upcoming El Nino winter and here we are with the excitement and celebrations of March just around the corner. Of the many Taos attractions, the area’s ski resorts are always the place to be as the temperatures warm and the snow softens. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as your spring skiing headquarters.
All of the area resorts showcase hilariously fun beach weeks, Hawaii themed days and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations through the month of March. Read on to learn more about four of our favorite early spring mountain traditions.
4 Star Freeride World Qualifying Event
One of the most exciting events of the entire winter is back this March and we couldn’t be more excited. On the weekend of March 4th, watch professional and semi-professional skiers and snowboarders compete on the most legendary terrain that Taos Ski Valley has to offer. This jaw-dropping event will showcase incredible skiers doing unbelievable things with the ultimate goal of making the final cut for the Freeride World Tour.
Head to the Ski Bum Ball
This annual event has been providing locals and visitors alike a chance to celebrate ski bum culture in all of its glory. Hosted by Angel Fire Resort, the Ski Bum Ball on March 5th is the perfect way to begin Spring Break with live music, dancing, and drinks. Arrive by 6pm to watch the annual crowning of the Ski Bum King and Queen!
Countless Laughs at Cardboard Derby
Each year Sipapu Ski Resort hosts the Cardboard Derby – arguably the most entertaining event all spring. With divisions for all ages, this family friendly event asks competitors to build sleds using only cardboard, duct tape, and string and rewards the best finishes with many amazing prizes. Join in on the fun or just enjoy the laughs that come naturally as a casual observer!
An Unforgettable Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate spring by making the short trip over to Taos Ski Valley to take part in the mountain-wide New Belgium Scavenger Hunt. Complete with crazy competitions, goofy costumes, prize giveaways, and games all day, March 12th will surely go down as one of the year’s best days on the mountain!
If you find yourself wondering what to do in Taos, visiting us in March is an easy way to put your concerns to rest. The region’s many ski resorts are always top Taos attractions, but in early springtime their celebrations are unrivaled. Check out the above events during your visit with us or head to one of the area’s many resorts to join in on a seemingly endless string of spring festivities!
A Celebration of Winter
Benefiting from a strong El Nino winter, the many ski areas and resorts around Taos are not only enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years, but their annual events have an even greater celebratory tone than usual. If you are wondering what to do in Taos, visiting in February will provide you with an overwhelming list of options. The area’s ski resorts are undoubtedly some of the best Taos attractions in winter, and the month of February is the perfect time to enjoy the slopes in addition to some special events. Below is just a small taste of what you can look forward to near El Pueblo Lodge.
Mardi Gras!
The small town of Red River is one of many nearby small mountain communities that are considered a local Taos attractions and Angel Fire Resort provides a great alternative to the more popular Taos Ski Valley. Historically, people do not flock to the Southwestern U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras but these two destinations are doing their best to change that. From February 5 to 9, Red River transforms into a Mardi Gras headquarters, complete with parties, parades, Cajun cooking, and Creole music. During these same days, Angel Fire Resort showcases their own take on Mardi Gras festivities. Ski bike demos, shovel racing, slopeside events and live music, and a masquerade ball will help you to bring in February with style!
Skiing Competitions Amidst the Most Popular Taos Attractions
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have long played host to a variety of ski competitions, and not a winter goes by without professional or semi-professional athletes visiting the area to showoff their skills in any number of competitions. This year isn’t any different, and on February 7 you can head to Angel Fire Resort to witness the aerial acrobatics of the USASA Southwest Freeride Competition. This regional event will pin skiers and snowboarders against each other in the Liberation Terrain Park in a fight to make the national circuit. If you are already planning on spending a day or two on the slopes during your stay, consider February 7th when you will get a freeride show from the area’s best with the price of your lift ticket!
Family Fun at February Fun Fest!
If your raucous ski-bum days are long gone and you have since replaced them with family vacations, stay with us over President’s Day Weekend for February Fun Fest at Sipapu Ski Resort! This weekend’s free festivities are geared for the entire family and include a parade, treasure hunt, games, contests, and even a giant snow castle.
February is arguably the best time to visit Taos, NM, as the snow is good and the holiday crowds are long gone. In addition to great skiing and eclectic culture, you can also experience many one-of-a-kind events this month. The above few are only a sampling, and when you book your next adventure with us, our guest service agents will be sure to help you find the perfect outings to help you make the most of your winter getaway.
