Las Cruces offers tame winters and holiday spirit. Make the most of your stay this season — shop, eat, see, listen and enjoy!

Pop into the Las Cruces Holiday Market 

Stop and shop at this FREE seasonal market complete with local vendors, family activities, holiday music and a on-site food truck. Located at Amador Live (302 S. Main St.) Start times vary by date.

  • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 18 - Saturday, Dec. 20,  4-8 p.m.

 

Skate Doña Ana

Tired of searching for that movie-magic ice skating moment? Look no further than the Dona Aña County Fairgrounds for Skate Doña Ana. A new indoor ice skating experience for residents and visitors to enjoy! Bust out your moves and glide across ice at  $11 for two hours (with skates included!). Open now until the end of February 2026. For more info and their schedule check out their website.

 

Moonlight Adult Night at the Museums — 12/19

While not an exclusive holiday experience, head over to the Las Cruces Museums to warm up and mingle at their adult night open to 21+ for visitors to enjoy exhibits in a kid-free environment. Browse the museums for free with a Dry Point Distillers cocktail, food from the Luchador food truck or a flavorful lemonade from Francy Emilade.  Open from 5-9 p.m. 

@visitlascruces Recap on @Las Cruces Museum System ♬ BILLY IDOL Eyes without a face - Angelo Music '80 e '90 🎶🎙️🎸

DAVA Luminaria Event — 12/19

Join the Doña Ana Village Association for a beautiful and free luminaria display. Enjoy hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and tour the oldest village in southern New Mexico. Located at 5370 Cristo Rey St. Dona Ana, NM. Festivities start at 5 p.m.

 

Holiday Lights Bike Ride — 12/19

Hosted by Southern New Mexico Mountain Biking, join in on a community bike ride starting from the Plaza de Las Cruces and going for an approximate 5 miles. Decorate your bike, dress festively and roll out of the plaza at 6:15 p.m. so don’t miss out! Participants can join SNMTB for hot cocoa and goodies after. For more info visit their website.

 

Fort Selden Luminarias statue

Fort Selden Noche de las Luminarias — 12/20

Head over to Fort Selden and enjoy their annual luminaria festivities as over 900 luminarias dot the historic ruins. Stroll through and enjoy the lit pathways, family-friendly activities, live music, purchase food and drinks from the Luchador food truck and cozy up next to the campfire. Tickets for timed entry sell for $7, children aged 16 and under enter for free. Purchase your tickets here.


Holiday Spirit Lighted Bike Ride — 12/19 & 12/27

Southwest Expeditions is hosting two dates for a  scenic, lit bike ride through Mesilla to get into the holiday spirit. Book your experience for either Dec. 19 or Dec. 27 to take a leisurely ride through the historic town of Mesilla and gaze upon decorated homes, listen to holiday music, and enjoy mulled wine once the ride is over. The ride is an approximate 4.72 miles. For more information on booking and pricing visit the Southwest Expeditions website.

Christmas Eve in Mesilla — 12/24Chile Drop

Visit good old Mesilla on Christmas Eve for thousands of luminarias and melodic Christmas caroling to boot. Wander through history and kick off your holiday celebrations with the community. 

Chile Drop — 12/31

Kick off the New Year with our iconic chile drop at the Plaza de Las Cruces this New Year's Eve. Will it be red or green? Place your bets and join the city in celebrating our community, love of chile, and the welcoming of a great new year with family fun, music, local food and more!

Stroll Downtown Main Street

Do your last-minute Christmas shopping downtown during the Farmers & Crafts Market. Stroll local goods, fine art, yummy flavors and visit St. Nick on Dec. 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 

Pop by the Plaza de Las Cruces on Wednesday, Dec. 24 for a visit from Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause during the Christmas Eve market. Browse vendors, arts & crafts, food, warm drinks and music. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

 

Find a bit of Winter Wonderland

Find some of that holiday spirit across Las Cruces. Plenty of residents decorate their homes for the season so dress warm, bring your hot cocoa and gas up the car before you head out to experience some winter magic. Check out our previous blog for a list of homes to check out and some other suggestions!

@visitlascruces Cruise around Cruces and enjoy the holiday spirit with some finely decorated homes in town. Look out for light shows and check out our blog at visitlascruces.com for more! 🎄🎁🌟 #lascruces #visitlascruces #christmaslights #happyholidays ♬ It's Been A Long Long Time - Harry James