Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
New Mexico

Santa Fe Holiday Traditions: Beyond the Ordinary

Program No. 6858RJ
Experience traditional foods, award-winning music, Native American ceremonies and festivals as you celebrate an extraordinary holiday season — New Mexico-style!
WishlistShare
Start
HolidaysNative American StudiesCity Discoveries
Length
7 days
Rating (4.9)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,899
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Santa Fe
Program Concludes
Santa Fe
Meals
14 ( 6B, 4L, 4D )
Activity Level
Santa Fe is a magical place to celebrate the holiday season. Christmastime offers an opportunity for the varied cultures of northern New Mexico to celebrate with their own unique and time-honored traditions, from colorful Pueblo Indian dances and feast days to Hispanic customs such as the display of farolitos and burning of luminarias. Join us in the Land of Enchantment for the holiday and revel in the mosaic of exciting traditions that make this time of year so uniquely special in Santa Fe.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy the Christmas holiday Santa Fe-style.
  • Experience a range of celebrations and festivities typical for this time of year, drawn from the cultural traditions of the Spanish, North Africans, Mexicans and Native Americans.
  • Explore the delicious variety of the Southwest’s famous cuisine in a cooking class led by acclaimed chefs and customized to reflect the current season.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Jerry Rightman
Who would have ever thought that a retired veterinarian would become a dedicated art lecturer? Jerry Rightman is just that person and is an active member in the art community of Santa Fe, applying his talents as a docent at the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. He has received rave reviews for the many years that he has been teaching for Road Scholar.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Who would have ever thought that a retired veterinarian would become a dedicated art lecturer? Jerry Rightman is just that person and is an active member in the art community of Santa Fe, applying his talents as a docent at the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. He has received rave reviews for the many years that he has been teaching for Road Scholar.
Elena Ortiz-Junes is a native New Mexican and member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. She has worked for many years as a study leader and group leader for numerous organizations and universities, providing a unique perspective on the region and its rich cultural tapestry. She is a writer and founding board member of Red Media, an indigenous owned and operated media project that highlights Native writers. Elena is also a board member of the University of New Mexico’s Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies.
Lois Ellen Frank, PhD, is a Santa Fe-based chef focused on Native American foods. She is also a Native American food historian, culinary anthropologist, photographer and James Beard Award-winning author. She is a featured instructor of the Southwest Indian Nations at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and is chef and owner — along with Native Chef Walter Whitewater of the Diné Nation — of Red Mesa Cuisine.
Louie Hena has been an activist in the field of revitalizing traditional Pueblo agriculture and protecting indigenous food and seed sovereignty. A member of the Tesuque and Zuni Pueblos in New Mexico, he is a renowned permaculture design consultant, Rio Grande and Rio Chama river guide, and an educator on traditional land management systems. He helped organize the Traditional Native American Farmer Association, the New Mexico Acequia Association and the Indigenous Food and Seed Sovereignty Alliance.
Irma was born in Texas, but grew up in Germany. Her family provided a strong music influence, coming from generations of Ozark mountain musicians. She learned to play guitar and sing with her family long before starting school. Irma has been directing vocal and instrumental ensembles since she was a teenager. She studied vocal performance for over thirty years, and has performed with chorales and opera companies, including the Opera Theater Southwest. Irma is the 2009 Colorado State champion on mountain dulcimer.
Scott Reeder is an Albuquerque native and professional musician. Scott began playing music at age 4, performing on organ throughout his youth and performing jazz on piano and guitar throughout his teens. He has performed in numerous bands and as tenor soloist in churches, weddings, and the Celebration! Chorale. Scott has led church music with Irma since the early 80s and performs with her under the Music for All Seasons name. Scott teaches guitar, electric bass and hammered dulcimer privately.
Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.
David F. Bower, Ed.D., is a career educator with past positions as a high school drama teacher, middle school principal, and professor at three universities. He has spent over a decade as a guide at the Albuquerque Museum where he leads groups in art and history galleries along with Old Town tours. David is an avid researcher and a frequent presenter at New Mexico art and history conferences. He has traveled extensively in New Mexico, the southwestern U.S., and abroad. David uses his theater and teaching experience to bring New Mexico art, history, and culture to life.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles daily on varied terrain. Standing up to two hours outside in cold, possibly snowy weather; some stairs. Elevations of 7,000 feet.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.