After you’ve unwrapped the last gift, finished the final cookie, and bid farewell to the holiday season, head to Santa Fe County for rejuvenation, relaxation and endless winter fun. A blissful day at a world-class spa and a mountain trail hike will re-energize body, mind and spirit. Enjoy exhilarating adventures on Ski Santa Fe’s powdery slopes. Admire monumental sculptures by renowned Native American Allan Houser and an eclectic gallery’s wide-ranging works of art. Explore the art and culture of Pueblo people at a cultural center and museum then shop for treasures handcrafted by contemporary Native artists. Stay at a world-class resort that was once a historic dude ranch, and you may never want to leave. All of this and more awaits you in Santa Fe County as the new year begins.
Day Trippin’ for Body, Mind & Spirit
Treat yourself to absolute serenity with a day at the idyllic Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, where spring-fed healing waters have drawn travelers for centuries. The Essence of Ojo Massage is custom-tailored to restore your well-being, combining methods from around the world. The refreshing body scrub of blue corn, prickly pear and sea salt scrub will leave your skin glowing. A calming soak in Ojo Santa Fe’s famous natural springs will enhance your overall state of relaxation. Then savor farm-fresh cuisine such as green chile stew and New Mexico Chicken Cobb salad at the resort’s Blue Heron Restaurant.
Now that you’ve soothed your spirit, energize your body with an invigorating high-mountain desert hike. Get out into the foothills of the Dale Ball Trails, nearly 25 networked miles leading through the dramatic foothills of the Rockies. Or trek into the Galisteo Basin Preserve, a peaceful paradise of meandering miles.
Legendary Slopes of Powder
With 86 trails for all levels of downhill skiers and snowboarders, Ski Santa Fe is a snow-lover’s dream. Its legendary powder, dazzling views and base elevation of 10,350 feet make this family-friendly ski area one of the top ski destinations in the Southwest. Whether you’re skiing the glade runs, tackling groomed moguls or snowboarding along the Easy Street trail, experiencing Ski Santa Fe is exhilarating. Be sure to check the schedule for races and other events and for Saturday slope-side live music on the deck of Totemoff's Bar and Grill.
Wondrous Works of Art
The graceful monumental sculptures by world-renowned Chiricahua Apache sculptor Allan Houser seem to come to life on the glorious grounds of the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden, located on the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. More than 70 of these stunning sculptures, both representational and abstract, attest to the unique vision of Houser, the first Native American to receive the National Medal of Art. The indoor gallery exhibits smaller sculptures, paintings and drawings. Guided tours of the sculpture garden are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and include access to the gallery and exhibitions. Reservations are required: Call (505) 982-4705.
In the charming village of Tesuque, Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden exhibits painting, photography, sculpture, basketry, prints and jewelry by 40 local and international acclaimed artists. Highlights include colorful landscape works by American painter and printmaker John Hogan; painting, sculpture, and other stunning works by celebrated Navajo/Diné artist Melanie Yazzie; and the intricate Rainforest Basketry of the Wounaan.
A Pueblo Gathering Place
Discover the rich past and vibrant present-day life of Tewa-speaking Pueblo people at the Poeh Cultural Center & Museum in Pojoaque. The collection of 600 artifacts includes pottery, textiles and jewelry. Also worth noting is the partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in the powerful Di Wae Powa: They Came Back exhibit, which reunites sacred ancestral pottery, once housed in museums and private collections, with the descendants of their creators.
After visiting the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum, stop in the weekly Native Artists Showcase to see how Pueblo artistic traditions endure. Meet the artists and shop their traditional jewelry, pottery and other work. The event takes place Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino.
Poeh Cultural Center and Museum
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
The showcase is listed on the website: poehcenter.org/nativeartistshowcase
Southwestern Cuisine with Mountain Views
The 72,000 square-foot Tesuque Casino offers live music, entertainment and gaming and is also known for Cottonwood Kitchen, serving regional and American fare along with stunning panoramic mountain views. Seated in the contemporary lounge or at the bar area overlooking the casino floor, diners can enjoy lunch (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and dinner (3 p.m.-9 p.m.), savoring delectable dishes such as enchiladas, green chile pizza with chorizo and mushrooms, and a14-ounce Angus ribeye. Chef’s specials are always a hit, from Taco Tuesday and Prime Rib Wednesday to Friday’s Crab & Shrimp Boil. It’s wise to bring your appetite.
Stay and Play
Set against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the world-class Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is a wonderland for winter guests, with its sanctuary spa, acclaimed dining, curated outdoor adventures and easy access to Ski Santa Fe. The resort is steeped in history. Rancho Encantado originated in 1932 as a dude ranch called Rancho del Monte, opened by former Harvey Girl Bess Huntinghouse. In the 1930s, the ranch starred as a backdrop in Westerns, where John Wayne, Henry Fonda and other Hollywood stars were filmed riding off into the Santa Fe sunset. While on location, they stayed at the ranch.
Today, the resort draws guests from around the world to stay in premium casita accommodations surrounded by sweeping mountain views. A day of hiking or skiing might be rewarded with an aromatherapy massage or a cacao body wrap, followed by a delectable meal at the resort’s acclaimed Terra Restaurant, which blends global influences with local ingredients in dishes such as charred corn chowder and juniper-braised lamb shank.
Rancho Encantado’s Intrepid Founder
Trailblazer Betty Egan, who received the Order of the British Empire as a member of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, was a widow from Cleveland when she headed west with her children to launch a new life. She fell in love with Santa Fe and, in 1968, bought the dude ranch, Rancho del Monte. With her distinctive flair, she remodeled the property into Rancho Encantado, blending luxury and rustic New Mexico style. Her vivacious personality and sense of hospitality drew guests such as the Dalai Lama, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Nelson Rockefeller, Maria Callas, Robert Redford and other luminaries. Legend has it that she and her guests would gather in the bar before dusk and place bets on precisely what time the sun would set. The romance of Rancho Encantado endures. The resort is also a celebrated wedding venue providing picture-perfect sunsets as a backdrop. Betty Egan would be thrilled.
Winter(Brew) is Coming ...
Savor the refreshing taste of New Mexico craft beer when breweries from around the state gather for WinterBrew 2026, presented by New Mexico Brewers Guild. Admission includes a 2026 WinterBrew commemorative glass.
Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.
Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion
Friday, January 23, 2026 5 p.m.-VIP admission, 6 p.m.-general admission
Classic Rock
Rock ‘n’ roll returns, when two legendary classic rock bands take the stage on one single night. The signature Southern sounds of The Marshall Tucker Band and the soaring anthem of Jefferson Starship will make this a rockin’ night to remember.
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
Friday, February 14, 2026, 7 p.m.
The Songs of Nashville
The Bluebird Cafe Songwriters’ Concert Series returns to Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Collection for the fourth annual year, bringing Nashville’s legendary listening room to Santa Fe for an “In the Round” songwriter show. In the intimate setting of the resort’s bunkhouse, songwriters will perform a unique set list followed by a Q&A and a meet-and-greet.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; the show takes place from 6-7:30 p.m.; VIP Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17,. 2026
Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21, 2026
Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026
Gear U
This year marks the 40th edition of the Santa Fe Century Annual Ride, beloved by gravel and road cyclists alike. The scenic tour starts and ends in Santa Fe, passing through the beautiful Ortiz Mountains and the scenic Galisteo Basin. Choose from a range of distance preferences on both Saturday and Sunday. Registration is required.
Saturday, May 16 through Sunday, May 17, 2026
For more information and to register, please visit santafecentury.com.
Celebrate winter in Santa Fe County! We’re looking forward to seeing you. For more information, go to SantaFeNMTrue.com and be sure to follow us on social media.
Tag pics of your “Santa Fe County Getaway” and share the love! You’ll get a chance to be featured on our Instagram and Facebook pages, @santafecountynmtrue.