Holiday Tree Lighting on the Plaza
Visitors gather in the historic plaza to see thousands of colorful LED lights illuminate the evergreens alongside traditional paper farolitos lining the walkways. The celebration features live musical performances, singing, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by vintage fire truck. Attendees can also enjoy treats from food trucks, including hot chocolate, cookies, and regional Northern New Mexico specialties.
What to Expect
Features 30,000 lights and Santa arriving on a vintage fire truck.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Santa Fe
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Santa Fe
Food & Drink
Participating vendors offer hot chocolate, cookies, holiday beverages, and savory bites showcasing Northern New Mexico flavors.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday visitors
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission; no admission ticket is required. Food and drinks sold by participating vendors may cost money.
- Hours: 4:30–8 p.m.; tree lighting approximately 6:15 p.m.
- Parking: Downtown traffic and parking demand may be heavier than usual. Allow extra time or consider public transportation or a ride service; nearby parking can fill quickly, so arriving early allows time to find a space and walk to the Plaza.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early if you want a good view of Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving and of the mayor lighting the tree, because the Plaza crowds up as the lighting approaches.
- Wear layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and comfortable walking shoes, since you'll be outdoors for several hours on a cold late-November evening.
- Bring money for the food trucks selling hot chocolate, cookies, holiday drinks and Northern New Mexico bites, even though the entertainment and lighting are free.
- Allow extra time for heavy downtown traffic, or take public transportation or a ride service, because parking near the Plaza fills quickly.
- If you have young children with you, agree on a meeting place and keep them close, since the Plaza gets crowded as the lighting time nears.
Special Events & Promotions
- Admission is free, and no ticket is required.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tree lighting good for kids?
Yes. It's a family celebration. Kids get the colorful lights, live entertainment, seasonal treats and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Plaza gets crowded as the lighting nears, so pick a meeting place and keep young children close.
What food and drink is there?
Food trucks sell hot chocolate, cookies, holiday drinks and savory Northern New Mexico bites. Bring money for the vendors. Which vendors come and what they serve can change as the night gets closer.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly, because you'll be outside for several hours. Late-November evenings get cold after sunset, so wear layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and comfortable walking shoes. Check the forecast just before you leave.
Where should I park?
Downtown traffic and parking are heavier than usual, and spaces near the Plaza fill quickly. Arrive early so you have time to find a space and walk over, or take public transportation or a ride service.
Will Santa be there?
Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected, and they traditionally arrive on a vintage fire truck. No arrival time has been set, so get there well before the lighting ceremony.
More Christmas Events Near Santa Fe
More Christmas Events near Santa Fe
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.