Where to spend Christmas series: Santa Fe, New Mexico

A magical, spiritual, uplifting place on Christmas Eve, I think it's one of the most beautiful places to be. In the mid-1980's, when we were there, all the street lights were turned off, and no cars allowed in town.

The tall adobe walls and historic streets were lit  by traditional farolitos (candles in little brown paper bags); the snow fell softly and everyone walked the streets wearing big warm smiles (as well as lots of woollies). Luminarias (small bonfires) were lit at the entrance to driveways, and residents offered mulled wine. My children were tiny, and goggle-eyed.

At midnight, or thereabouts, the birth of Christ was reenacted around the Plaza, the square in the middle of town. In Spanish. Including a donkey for Mary. The play finished at the palace of the Governors, with food and Christmas Carols.
This year, according to the Visitors Bureau, the reenactment is on December 14, and the walk is now on Canyon Road, starting at dusk on December 24. Thanks to the web for the images - mine are all lost in time somewhere (or maybe a box in the garage)...

You can get there by plane, to Alberquerque and then a car ride or another short plane trip. You can stay at one of the many hotels, B&B's, or Inns. Hurry though, accommodation is booked early and quickly for a Christmas in Santa Fe.