Each holiday season, the Village of Ruidoso creates a magical winter wonderland to make Christmas in Ruidoso extra special! From sleigh rides to ice skating, and light sight-seeing to holiday shopping, our little village offers a multitude of activities for all ages and interests. Keep reading for Visit Ruidoso‘s list of the best activities, sights, and events to catch in town this December.
Ruidoso Winter Park
Ruidoso Winter Park brings action packed holiday fun! They offer snow tubing that’s fun for the whole family! Mark your calendars for opening day on Thanksgiving Day! The winter season will run through Spring Break. Get tickets here.
White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
Enjoy a country Christmas with the Flying J Wranglers this November and December with White Mountain Christmas at the Ranch. Holiday-inspired performances run regularly through the end of December, and you’ll want to see western village decorated for the season, complete with hayrides and Santa in his workshop. Check the schedule here and secure your tickets before they sell out!
Ski Apache
Ski Apache opens for the season on November 29th with the event of the year – Party on the Mountain! Get discounted season passes, enjoy free family fun, and play in the snow as ski season officially kicks off in Ruidoso.
Christmas Eve in Lincoln
The luminarias will be lit around the historic town for a magical Christmas Eve in Lincoln. Come take photos with Santa and finish the night with a Christmas Eve service at Community Church.
Sleigh Rides
A treasured holiday tradition that can’t be missed, Grindstone Stables is again offering magical sleigh rides through Upper Canyon from Thanksgiving to December 31st. Experience beautiful Ruidoso at Christmastime while you jingle all the way in a horse-drawn sleigh. Book your ride here.
Ice Skating
As Ruidoso’s most recent holiday tradition, ice skating at Wingfield park is a new favorite activity among all ages! Get your day passes and skate rentals on site when you arrive! Plus, Ruidoso residents are eligible for a discounted season pass. See the full schedule and admission prices on the Ruidoso Parks and Rec website.
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
On December 20th and 21st a cast of 70 outstanding dancers will bring Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life on stage in Alto at Spencer Theater. Hailed a “timeless Christmas gift for the whole family”, this ballet spectacular is one to see. Purchase tickets on Spencer Theater’s website!
Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Tree Lighting
Marking the official start of the holiday season, Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Christmas Tree Lighting is the free family event you’ll love attending! The festivities include Santa, hot chocolate, shopping, and of course the night will end with a magnificent tree lighting. Plan to attend on November 30th from 1-7 PM!
Annual Festival of Lights Parade and After Party
A Ruidoso classic returns to Midtown on December 6th! The Annual Festival of Lights Parade celebrates the holidays with a fantastically lit parade of floats that will delight and thrill. Don’t forget to head to Wingfield Park afterwards for a fun after party!
Christmas in the Park
Held at Wingfield Park, Christmas in the Park brings Ruidoso together with amazing light displays, hot chocolate and cookies, visits with Santa, and a whole lot of holiday cheer! Join Ruidoso Parks and Rec for the lighting of the trees from 6-8 PM.
Christmas Drone Show & Drive In Movie Night
Christmas movies and a drone show? Ruidoso Parks and Rec brings it all to you at White Mountain Recreation Complex. Come participate in this FREE family event and watch The Nutcracker and the Four Realms on December 13th.
Holiday Meals
Updated yearly – Please call ahead to confirm
Many of our local restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to provide delectable dishes for dine in and carry out for your holiday celebrations. Participating restaurants include:
– Ruidoso Jockey Club
– Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room
– K-Bobs Steakhouse
– Cedar Creek Market
– White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
– Wendell’s
– Albertson’s Market
– Rainmakers
– Denny’s
New Years Eve Parties
Keep an eye on our Visit Ruidoso calendar of events for upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations (and more events!) There’s no better way to ring in the new year than in Ruidoso! We’re looking forward to events at Inn of the Mountain Gods and more local venues.
