Taos Winter Wine Festival. Photo by TWWF
Catch the seasonal spirit of New Mexico at celebrations, festivals, and events that engage the senses, treat the tastebuds, and make Winter fun.
Following December’s seasonal showstoppers, head to ski resorts from January, check out local farmer’s and artisan markets in Santa Fe, and make time for culture with painting lessons or a trip to the theatre. In February head for the Taos Winter Wine Festival for tastings and delicious food and wine pairings, then tickle your tastebuds at the Fiery Food and BBQ Festival if you crave the taste of chile-hot!
Special Events in New Mexico: Worth the Detour
Ski Santa Fe
To April 5, 2026, Santa Fe
Just 16 miles from the city, Ski Santa Fe is one of the most popular destinations in the US. Spend a day on the slopes and enjoy the city at night, rich in history, culture, its diverse art scene, and exceptional cuisine.
Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
January 24, 2026, Albuquerque
A lot happened on the Mother Road before, during and after the life of Route 66 and this fascinating free speaker series is being held at locations along the way. Join for a year of discovery with over 15 speakers telling of life along our nation’s most fascinating highway.
Smokin’ Saturday – Snowy Moonlight
January 17, 2026, Albuquerque
Join Painting with a Twist to create your work of art, with regular theme nights and drop-in dates, too. No experience needed, instruction and materials provided.
La Femme Shakespeare
January 21-25, 2026, Santa Fe
Presented by Blue Raven Theatre and Teatron Paraguas, this is a new one-woman play written and performed by Talia Pura, asking who actually wrote the Shakespearean Canon? Could it really have been a young man from the countryside with only a grammar school education, no court experience or knowledge of foreign languages? Or might it have been a highly educated noblewoman from the court of Elizabeth I? Come and meet Mary Sidney.
Taos Winter Wine Festival
February 5-8, 2026, Taos
A four-day celebration of food, wine and snow as Taos pairs its restaurant cuisine with wines from 28 ski-loving winery partners around the world. Events include a Champagne and Caviar Reception, wine seminar with Domaine Jean Louis Chave Northern Rhone, Reserve Tasting, Après Ski Tastings, wine dinners. Also an Imported Wine and Lamb Walk-Around, and a Pinot Noir and Salmon Walk-Around, both with tastings and luncheons.
National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show
February 27 – March 1, 2026, Albuquerque
37th Annual: Turn up the heat at this fiery festival, sampling everything from blazing BBQ to super-hot salsa to mild and savory marinades and rubs, and sweet heat desserts. Talking with exhibitors, and rub shoulders with fellow chileheads.
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Full Calendars of Events
(Pair your travel with Albuquerque itineraries from Slow Down See More)
(Pair your travel with Santa Fe itineraries from Slow Down See More)
(Pair your travel with Taos itineraries from Slow Down See More)
