It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and here are a few ways you can enjoy it thanks to some insight from a local.
Local Food/Treats
Stay cozy and fill up on some traditional holiday dishes.
Looking for a good bowl of menudo or posole for the holidays? Check out Andele’s or Andele’s Dog House. Both offer a hot bowl of posole or menudo for you to enjoy, so grab a date with spicy red chile, flavorful Mexican spices, pork, beef tripe and/or hominy. Head to a local spot on weekends to get all you can eat of menudo or posole! If you’re looking for more, try Miguel’s Restaurant, Las Trancas or La Posta de Mesilla all are also known for offering delicious Mexican dishes.
Tamales are a must in most Las Cruces homes this time of year. Although many prefer to make them at home, it's always nice to save yourself some time and effort. Bosa Donuts & Burritos is one locally beloved known for selling delicious red-pork tamales. You can also find tamales year-round at Las Cruces favorite, Chachi's Mexican Restaurant. They serve a tamale plate with two pork red chile tamales smothered in red enchilada sauce.
Treat Yourself.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat these holidays, try heading over to Lujan’s Bakery. This community staple is sure to fulfill all your pastry desires with fresh-baked conchas, marranitos and biscochos. They also offer hot cocoa bombs for you to enjoy at home, and roscas in January.
Holidays are some of the best times to gift a loved one (or yourself) a chocolate delicacy. There’s no better place to get chocolate than The Chocolate Lady in Mesilla, NM. Just a short drive from the city in the Historic Mesilla Plaza, you’ll find chocolate of all forms. Milk, white, dark, salted, coffee, truffles, turtles, brittle, cards, boxes, bears and much more.
For a more savory route, check out Legacy Pecans to get cinnamon, salted, chocolate-covered, and roasted pecans. Try one of their variety tins or gift baskets, they’ll make for a great holiday gift. Heart of the Desert is another place to get your savory fill with their large assortment of pistachios and wines.
@visitlascruces Treat Yourself to all the chocolate you can eat at The Chocolate Lady in Mesilla, NM. 🍫 Milk, dark, white, salted, smooth, sweet — you name it! 📌 2379 Calle De Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM #chocolatelover #mesilla #nm #sweet #candyshop ♬ Wonka's Welcome Song - Danny Elfman
Things To Do
Trying to keep yourself entertained? We recommend taking a drive through downtown Main Street to look at the wonderfully painted shop windows, and plaza décor.
If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, head over to Tis de Season de Mesilla, a year-round Christmas shop in Historic Mesilla. Here you’ll find ornaments, decorations, gifts, knickknacks and the holiday spirit.
Finally, take a drive around and take a look at some of the beautifully decorated homes in town. Here are a few that caught our attention:
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4337 Dona Ana Rd.: Famous for their Christmas decorations and holiday spirit, you can't miss it!
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Sells Place: A hidden gem, The Conners put on a lovely and intricate display on this concealed street.
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3346 Ridgeline Dr.: A wonderful lightshow with synchronized music via a radio station. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their neighbors too.
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1755 E. Griggs.: Tune in for another light show with synchronized music via a radio station. It's pretty mesmerizing!
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1715 Royal Dr.: This home knows how to light up the street with its bright decor.
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2825 Huntington Dr.: Conveniently located on a corner, this home is visible to many who pass by on Telshor Boulevard.
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Canterbury Arc in Mesilla Park.: Most of the street and surrounding area is decorated with different personalities and styles.
- 3930 Calle de las Margaritas.: This large display will have you itching to see more inside.
