Thanksgiving traditions abound in Ruidoso.

Thanksgiving is nothing but tradition. The traditional food, the traditional traveling great distances to spend a day with family gorging and watching football.

Not all families have those traditions, of course. This is the Land of Enchantment, after all, and there’s a lot more to munch on here than turkey and stuffing.

Green chile can be used for anything. Like, anything, and you’d better believe green chile has a place on several Thanksgiving tables in New Mexico.

While family is usually front and center for the holiday, some families choose to travel to their favorite vacation destination.

Ruidoso is one such vacation destination. Several restaurants are open for dinners, brunches and buffets, including Wendell’s and the Gathering of Nations buffet at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Another restaurant with Thanksgiving hours is Sacred Grounds Coffee and Tea House at 2704 Sudderth Dr. They’ll be officially closed for business as far as their regular menu is concerned, but there will be a potluck dinner with NFL and college games on at an “appropriate time” in the afternoon. Everyone is invited, with details to be posted at the restaurant the weekend before the big day.

The real reason people come to Ruidoso around Thanksgiving is for the opening of Ski Apache. Traditionally, the slopes open on Thanksgiving Day or immediately after, but this year’s mild Fall temperatures have thrown a wrench in the works. As a result of the warm weather, Ski Apache should open in mid-December. The Ski Area is still looking gorgeous and is open for gondola rides and ziplining, still much to fun to be had!

One thing that will be open are the Grindstone Stable sleigh rides through the Upper Canyon. The horse-drawn rides begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving and continue through early January.

To learn more about Thanksgiving weekend activities check out our events calendar.

Gathering of Nations menu

Wendell’s brunch menu

—Todd Fuqua