White Sands National Monument

It’s winter in New Mexico, and The Land of Enchantment surprises many with world-class winter ski resorts. Ski Apache in Southern New Mexico is one of the state’s most popular resorts. Located near Ruidoso in Lincoln National Forest, this is the season to enjoy skiing and boarding in New Mexico. Featuring 55 runs serviced by 11 lifts and a gondola, Ski Apache offers runs for all ages and abilities. Plan your ski vacation to Mescalero and Ski Apache now. From the mountains of Lincoln National Forest with its resort towns of Mescalero and Cloudcroft, to the flat lands of the Chihuahua Desert, New Mexico is delightful in winter.

Home of Billy the Kid Casino and Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino, there is plenty of action in Ruidoso. Non-stop casino gambling and top names in entertainment keep the spirits high. Glen Campbell is on stage at Inn of the Mountain Gods in December and the Pointer Sisters hit the stage in January. Remember, Billy the Kid Casino at Ruidoso Downs is open year-round whether the horses are running or not.

Spencer Theater, just north of Ruidoso offers a diversity of entertainment for Southern New Mexico. Winter season 2011 – 12 brings Ruidoso Dance Ensemble’s performance of The Nutcracker, Stayin’ Alive, and the Texas Tenors. Theater fans be sure to see Damn Yankees February 23rd. Located in Alto, Spencer Theater is 10-miles north of downtown Ruidoso.

Fifty miles south of Ruidoso on Highway 70 is Alamogordo. Gateway to White Sands National Monument and Oliver Lee State Park, the Alamogordo area offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Cloud-Climbing Rail Trail is a great hiking path for all skill levels. The trail runs on the former Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad line to Cloudcroft. Located on Highway 82, Cloudcroft is about 20 miles from Alamogordo.

The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is a must-see destination for visitors. One of the 15 divisions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the Museum of Space History includes an International Space Hall of Fame, Clyde W Tombaugh IMAX Theater and Planetarium and Astronaut Memorial Garden. Be sure to visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History campus on your visit to Alamogordoin the Lincoln National Forest.

Taking a cue from Albuquerque, Las Cruces hosts the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, taking advantage of New Mexico’s wonderful weather and clear blue skies. The 2012 Balloon Rally is January 14th and 15th, with the launching area north of Las Cruces off El Camino Real. Enjoy tethered Balloon Rides, evening balloon glows and the magic of the early morning launch; the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally has it all.

In March, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum honors New Mexico’s Old West culture at the 2012 Cowboy Days. The weekend of March 17th and 18th, the museum celebrates all things cowboy with riding, roping, cowboy grub and dancing. Located on Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces, enjoy a full weekend of festivities at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, or visit any time to take in the 47 acres of New Mexico’s Farming and Ranching heritage.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Travel to Northeast New Mexico and Santa Fe this season. Join the Santa Fe community for Souper Bowl XVIII at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Held a week before football's Super Bowl, Santa Fe restaurants compete for top honors and bragging rights for a variety of “best soup” honors. Guests at the Santa Fe Convention Center are the judges, and Northern New Mexico’s Food Depot benefits from the fun. A much sought after cookbook of soup recipes from Santa Fe’s best chefs is available along with silent auction items. This is a festive Santa Fe event, for a wonderful New Mexico charity, don’t miss Souper Bowl XVIII.

Shopping is a must for visitors to New Mexico, and Santa Fe is an ideal place to begin. The Santa Fe Artists Market at Railyard Park is Saturday Mornings. The Market features local Northern New Mexico artists and a diversity of exhibits changing weekly. Interact with the artists while you browse for that special piece of art.

The Downs at Santa Fe Race Track host the Santa Fe Flea Saturdays and Sundays. Called New Mexico’s finest flea market, shoppers enjoy browsing over 150 vendors selling vintage and new treasures, a seasonal growers market and artists tents. This is the place for treasure hunting for antiques, arts, crafts, vintage clothing and furniture.

Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center hosts a full schedule of entertainment this season. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet performs the holiday tradition The Nutcracker; the Santa Fe Concert Association holds both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve concerts, with January bringing a series of live performances broadcast in HD from The Met.

Travelers along Interstate 40 through New Mexico pass through Santa Rosa on the former route of “The Mother Road”, Historic Route 66. A classic New Mexico rest stop for travelers, Santa Rosa is home to two Best Western hotels.

December visitors enjoy Santa Rosa’s Christmas Light Parade and Main Street Celebration on Saturday the 11th. A charming small town celebration featuring the Santa Rosa Christmas Light Parade followed by a marshmallow roast, S’more making and hot chocolate – a Santa Rosa tradition to kick off the holidays and get in the spirit of the season.

San Miguel County in Northeast New Mexico is home to the town of Las Vegas. Home of New Mexico Highlands University and Luna Community College, Las Vegas buzzes with students and activities. With the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Wilderness Area nearby and the Gallinas River running through town, outdoor activities are abundant in Las Vegas. Set along the route of the former Santa Fe Trail Las Vegas retains a rich heritage and culture. Visit Northern New Mexico this season and discover its charms.

International Balloon Festival
Albuquerque, NM

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes visitors to the Albuquerque area with the slogan “It’s a Trip”. New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque is well known for the fall International Balloon fiesta and its diverse cultural influences. With a rich heritage blended by surrounding New Mexico Native American cultures, the Hispanic and Latino culture of the southwest, as well as the American Old-West. Albuquerque is a dynamic city with a diversity of attractions and destinations. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande, Albuquerque is a wonderful travel destination.

Now is the season for Luminarias in Albuquerque. A holiday tradition, the simple brown bag with sand and a candle line pathways and adorn homes and buildings welcoming visitors. The season’s festivities culminate on Christmas Eve with the Albuquerque Luminaria Tour. ABQ Ride, the city of Albuquerque’s bus system, transports passengers through Old Town Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Country Club for a tour of the Luminarias. Bring family and friends to the Albuquerque Convention Center to board the bus for a festive December 24th.

December 2011 also brings New Mexico sports fans the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Kicking off the college bowl season, the New Mexico Bowl is on schedule for Saturday December 17th. One of New Mexico’s top sporting events, the University of New Mexico host’s top teams from the Mountain West and Pac-12 in the bowl match-up. Plan now for the excitement of football at Albuquerque’s University Stadium.

Start off the New Year with the fun of Albuquerque’s 2012 Comic Con. January 13th through the 15th, the Hard Rock hosts Albuquerque Comic Con, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Wonder Woman. Join writers, actors and guests for New Mexico’s own celebration of the world’s favorite comic characters, their creators and fellow fans.

The Albuquerque Convention Center is proud to host the 2012 USA indoor Track and Field Championships. This is the final event in the Indoor Visa Championship Series of USA Track and Field competitions. Held February 25th and 26th, Albuquerque will be home to the nearly 400 athletes from Team USA competing for National Champion titles.

Albuquerque adds Italian to its diverse mix of culture in February with the 6th Annual New Mexico Italian Film Festival. Film buffs and fans of Italian cinema and culture enjoy seven days of Italian Films February 19th through the 26th. Albuquerque host’s screenings and festival Gala’s at venues like the South Broadway Cultural Center, Guild Cinema and the African-American Performing Arts Center. A wonderful winter event to enjoy new Italian cinema along with the classics, network, and rub shoulders with film industry professionals.