Ring in the Holidays Taos Style - Yuletide In Taos

Yuletide in Taos is a magical time of year. Taos' unique blend of Hispanic, Native American and Anglo traditions make the Christmas season a truly delightful time. Many of the Hispanic traditions date back hundreds of years to the first colonists of the area in the 1500s. They have blended with Native American ceremonies that have been celebrated at the Taos Pueblo for more than 1,000 years.

More recently European and American influences have added contemporary traditions to the festivities, and the combination is a Holiday celebration found no where else. Below is a sampling of some of the events and gatherings that make Yuletide in Taos special. Taos Ski Valley opens on November 27th and offers a variety of trails for every level of skier plus many other amenities from lessons to child care.

From December 1st to 19th Taos Ski Valley hosts the 1/2 Price Sale with $19 lift tickets, and half-price lessons, rentals and Children�s Ski School. Many lodging properties in and around the Valley are offering half price rooms during the sale. For more information go to http://skitaos.org or call Taos Ski Valley, 505-776-2291. The Taos Institute of Arts CHAIRITY Auction is November 28th and many local artists paint and decorate chairs, which will be auctioned to benefit the Taos Institute of Arts.. Call Susan Mahalic at 505-758-2793 for reservations.

Then, The Taos Civic Plaza bursts with holiday spirit as local artisans and craftspeople bring out their best for this indoor holiday Mercado for the Annual Yuletide Arts & Crafts Fair which will run from November2 8th through the 30th. For information contact Judy Esquibel 505-758-4160. The Lighting of the Town Christmas Tree on December 5th on Historic Taos Plaza, kicks off the Festival of Trees which brings together businesses and non-profit organizations for a unique fund-raising event. In which Taos businesses decorate Christmas trees, which are auctioned to benefit local charities. (Chris Baker-Taos News-505-758-2241): The Festival of Trees is followed on December 6th by the Lighting of Ledoux. Ledoux Street, just off the Taos Plaza, has many historic homes, galleries and museums each year farolitos (small paper bags with sand and a votive candle inside) and luminarias (small bonfires) are placed along the street to light the way for carolers, as they celebrate the season with holiday cheer.

On December 13th the festivities return to Taos Ski Valley where revelers attend the 9th annual Brew Master's Festival. Brewers from all over the southwest pour samples of their favorite micro-brews from 4:30 to 7 PM in the Tenderfoot Katie's Cafeteria. One of the most amazing celebrations occurs on Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo. When a combination of Catholic and Native American traditions are combined during the Procession of the Virgin Mary which include Native American dancers and a bon fire all beginning at sunset at the Taos Pueblo Christmas Day on Taos Pueblo is the Climax of the Holiday season. Each year dancers from the Taos Pueblo perform the traditional Deer Dance. The dance if followed by a Pueblo wide celebration, which for many Taosenos represents culmination of the holiday season.

This is a wonderful time to visit as the Taos community joins together to share the distinctiveness of Northern New Mexico's Holiday celebrations