Spend your New Mexico Christmas vacation in the company of friends, family, and gorgeous rolling summits at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. Located in the Sacramento Mountains of South Central New Mexico on the Mescalero Apache Reservation outside Ruidoso, Inn of the Mountain Gods treats vacationers to a one-of-a-kind holiday experience in the American Southwest.
Wake up to breathtaking views of mountaintops, savor the best restaurants in the area, and enjoy the best casino gaming, spa treatments, and live entertainment, all available at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Best of all, resort guests will find themselves near some of the top seasonal events New Mexico has to offer. Things to do around Christmas in Ruidoso, New Mexico, include a tree lighting, the Festival of Lights Parade, The Nutcracker ballet, sleigh rides, and skiing.
What Is Christmas Like in New Mexico?
Christmas in New Mexico is festive and full of events for families, couples, or anyone looking for a winter getaway. Ruidoso and the mountain village of Mescalero are perfectly situated near some of the most delightful holiday attractions in New Mexico.
Expect that the well-known area lodge — Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino — will be beautifully decorated for the season and ready with a host of live entertainment, from tree-lighting ceremonies to concerts to brunch. Revel in the scenic mountain backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains and visit the state’s southernmost ski resort featuring snow-filled hills under a canopy of blue skies.
Christmas weather in the Ruidoso area is chilly, with average December lows around 28°F and average highs around 47°F — the perfect temperatures for bundling up and enjoying fresh mountain air. December also brings some of the year’s highest chances of snow to the area, covering the surrounding mountain scenery with an average of seven inches of snowfall.
New Mexico Christmas Events Near Inn of the Mountain Gods
Ruidoso is one of the best places to visit for Christmas in New Mexico because it offers an abundance of traditional holiday celebrations with a festive southwestern spin. Take part in seasonal events at Inn of the Mountain Gods or venture out to nearby towns for celebrations and parades. Add cheer to your visit with these Christmas events:
Path of Lights at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: November 30–December 31, 2025
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
Stroll through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive displays, and stunning Southwestern scenery that’s sure to brighten your holiday season. The free Path of Lights display on the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort grounds welcomes guests nightly from late November through the end of December.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: November 30, 2025, beginning at 1 p.m.
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
The holiday season officially begins in Mescalero, New Mexico, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods! All are welcome to attend this free holiday event that includes festive shopping and family-friendly activities. The schedule includes:
- Tree lighting ceremony in the Inn of the Mountain Gods lobby (6 p.m.)
- A Barnes & Noble pop-up shop (starting at 1 p.m.)
- Free photos with Santa (3–5 p.m.)
- Free cookies, hot cocoa, and a live choir performance (5–6 p.m.)
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
When: December 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Ruidoso’s annual Christmas parade begins at 5:30 pm on December 6, 2025. Join the fun as floats, marchers, and vehicles decked out in twinkling lights spread Christmas spirit up and down Sudderth Drive. An after-party at Wingfield Park offers ice skating with festive music, marshmallow roasting, and Santa sightings.
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
When: December 20, 2025, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 21, 2025, 2 p.m.
Where: Spencer Theater, 108 Spencer Road, Alto, New Mexico
See the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, at the Spencer Theater in Alto, NM. This beloved ballet features 70 costumed dancers from the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance. All ages will love this retelling of a holiday masterpiece, featuring a brilliant musical score and dazzling sets. Tickets are $42 per person. Call (575) 336-4800 or purchase online!
White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
When: Select dates, November 28–December 31, 2025
Where: Flying J Ranch, 1028 NM-48, Alto, New Mexico
Enjoy an Old West evening full of Christmas events at Flying J Ranch in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Alto, New Mexico. The Western Main Street exhibits open at 5:30 p.m. and include Santa’s workshop, hayrides, and an incredible holiday light display. Listen to The Fiddler’s Side Show until the dinner bell rings. The included chuckwagon supper is served promptly at 7 p.m., and is followed by a can’t-miss Christmas show showcasing the musical stylings of the Flying J Wranglers. Don’t miss this favorite among Christmas events in the Ruidoso, NM, area!
The festivities occur on select dates throughout the holiday season. Tickets start at $45 per person. For more information, contact (575) 336-4330.
Grindstone Stables Christmas Sleigh Rides
When: Select dates, beginning Thanksgiving 2025
Where: Grindstone Stables, 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso (Follow road signs instead of GPS directions.)
Get out into the crisp winter air and jingle all the way through Ruidoso’s Upper Canyon on a sleigh ride at Grindstone Stables. Beautiful draft horses adorned in jingling bells pull you through Ruidoso’s oldest area. Snow or no snow, these 30-minute sleigh rides are sure to delight all ages! The rides begin on Thanksgiving and continue on select dates throughout the holiday season. Reservations are recommended.
Sleigh rides are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Reserve your tickets at (575) 257-2241.
Things To Do in New Mexico This Winter
New Mexico’s favorable winter weather and festive Christmas spirit make it an excellent destination for winter sports lovers, couples looking for a getaway, or families on vacation. Discover all there is to do near the Inn of the Mountain Gods, from on-site entertainment to nearby attractions and shops. There are many winter activities to keep everyone having fun.
Winter Skiing at Ski Apache
Ski Apache, one of the best resorts in New Mexico, features 750 skiable acres of terrain with 55 runs and trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. It also offers New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola. Visit Ski Apache for a unique Christmas activity or consider purchasing season passes as a gift for the outdoors enthusiast in the family. The incredible views are perfect for adults looking to relax and take it all in, and the thrilling zipline and high elevations get any thrill-seeker’s attention.
Midtown Ruidoso Christmas Shopping
Finish your holiday shopping or find the perfect gift just for you at one of Midtown Ruidoso’s many local shops and boutiques. Shoppers will find plenty of options to peruse, among them outdoor specialty shops, vintage and secondhand shops, art galleries, and souvenir stores, including The Ruidoso Trading Post — a favorite for all ages.
GAMING AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS CASINO
Adults, bring your Christmas spirit to one of the hottest casinos in New Mexico. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino is your chance to win fabulous prizes — and if lady luck is on your side, a Christmas bonus! Take advantage of Christmas events and holiday-themed promotions when you play your favorite casino games. Or, lounge in the Sportsbook and watch your favorite teams from comfortable high-top seating.
Topgolf at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Itching for a game of golf? You’re in luck. Inn of the Mountain Gods is home to Southern New Mexico’s first Topgolf Swing Suite. This state-of-the-art golf simulator is fun for golfers and those just looking for a good time from Thursday through Sunday each week. Practice your swing, play a virtual round with your family, and select from game options with sports themes including hockey, baseball, and dodgeball.
Where To Stay for Christmas in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Get the upscale features of a resort with the comforts and warmth of home when you stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort for your New Mexico Christmas vacation. Guests staying in select rooms and suites will enjoy a whirlpool tub and unrivaled mountain views from their own private outdoor balcony. All hotel rooms and suites include access to the fitness center and pool, high-speed internet, and daily concierge service. In-room amenities include flat-screen televisions, a daily newspaper, and in-room safes.
Choose from a variety of accommodations for the holiday season:
- Presidential Suite: Includes two private balconies, king bed, whirlpool tub, living area, dining area, kitchenette, and multiple flat-screen televisions
- Deluxe Suite: Features a private balcony, king bed, whirlpool tub, multiple flat-screen televisions, and a living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa
- Royal Suite: Offers a private balcony, king bed, whirlpool tub, living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, multiple flat-screen televisions, and a dining area
- Superior Room: Features a private balcony, one king pillow-top bed or two queen pillow-top beds, flat-screen television, and a coffee maker
- Luxury Room: Includes a private balcony, two queen pillow-top beds or one king pillow-top bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, flat-screen television, and a coffee maker
- Standard Room: Offers one king pillow-top bed or two queen pillow-top beds, flat-screen television, and a coffee maker
When you stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, there’s no shortage of New Mexico Christmas events — or cheer! Make this your perfect winter getaway for two or enjoy a family vacation for the holidays. Our well-appointed rooms, ample amenities, and on-site dining promise something for everyone. Extend your stay and join us for a New Year’s Eve Celebration to ring in 2026 in an extra-festive fashion.
Consult our New Mexico winter vacation guide for more things to do this holiday season!