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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!

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At a Glance

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.
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip 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 this program.

Profile Image of Jerry Rightman
Jerry Rightman View biography
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.
Profile Image of Elena Junes
Elena Junes View biography
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.
Profile Image of Louie Hena
Louie Hena View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
14 Meals
6 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
  • Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
  • Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
6 nights
Santa Fe
The 182-room Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe is located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, adjacent to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi and just steps away from Santa Fe's historic Plaza. In the 1910's, a portion of the property was a dormitory for the Sisters of Charity. The primary façade is from the 1950's St. Vincent's Hospital, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is an excellent example of late Territorial Revival style. After 1977, the structure housed offices, as well as being used for movie sets. The rooftop pool area provides breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and downtown Santa Fe. The fully renovated buildings are steeped in history, and surrounded by a pedestrian oasis - all in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Every day between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m., the hotel offers its complimentary "Kickback" reception, featuring a selection of beverages, including wine, and a rotating menu of hot snacks, such as chicken wings, baked potatoes, hot dogs and more. Popcorn is also available in the hotel lobby between 3:00 and 10:00 p.m.





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