Seasonal Magic at New Mexico Historic Sites

Holiday magic at New Mexico Historic Sites is all about the lights. Ask any newcomer what they like most about New Mexico during the holidays and the answer, almost universally, is luminarias, or farolitos. The decorations are deceptively simple — a bit of sand to anchor a votive candle in a brown lunch sack, folded over at the top — but the effect is heartwarming, soul-feeding, and memorable.

Take advantage of these holiday events at our New Mexico Historic Sites this season.

The holiday events start with Light Among the Ruins at the Jemez Historic Site on two evenings: Saturday, Nov. 30, and Saturday Dec. 14 from 5–9 p.m. Experience the magic of hundreds of farolitos, Native American flute music, Jemez Pueblo Dancers, and bonfires.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, make a journey to enjoy the Lights of Los Luceros at New Mexico’s newest historic site. From 4–9 p.m. experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of northern New Mexico’s holiday traditions.

That same weekend, the Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial hosts a poignant evening with December Letters from the Reservation, Dec. 7 from 4–7 p.m. Patrons will be treated to a light supper, followed by a journey into the past with readings of archival letters from December 1863 through 1867.

Las Noches de Las Luminarias at Fort Selden Historic Site is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy the magic of more than 800 candles around the fort ruins, accompanied by holiday music, a cozy campfire, and a warm cup of cheer.

Spend an afternoon viewing more than 185 nativity scenes on display in the Taylor family home, at the Nacimiento Open House with J. Paul Taylor. Doors will be open from 12:30–4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.

For directions, or more information about these events, visit NMHistoricSites.org.

Coronado Historic Site
485 Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, NM 87004 505-867-5351 || nmhistoricsites.org/coronado
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is $5.

Ft. Sumner Historic Site/ Bosque Redondo Memorial
3647 Billy the Kid Drive, Fort Sumner, NM 88119 575-355-2573 || nmhistoricsites.org/bosque-redondo
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is Free.

Ft. Selden Historic Site
1280 Fort Selden Road, Radium Springs, NM 88054 575-526-8911 || nmhistoricsites.org/fort-selden
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sunday. Admission is $5.

Ft. Stanton Historic Site
Hwy 380 South of Capitan, left on NM 220. Capitan, NM 88323 575-354-0341 (museum) || nmhistoricsites.org/fort-stanton
8 a.m.–5 p.m., daily. Museum open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

Jemez Historic Site
18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 575-829-3530 || nmhistoricsites.org/jemez
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Admission is $5.

Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property
2346 Calle Principal, Old Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, NM 88046 575-202-1638 || nmhistoricsites.org/taylor-mesilla
Taylor-Mesilla historic property is not open to the public on a daily basis. A limited number of group and school tours can be arranged by calling 575-202-1638

Los Luceros Historic Site
253 County Road 41, Los Luceros, NM 87511 505-476-1165 || nmhistoricsites.org/los-luceros
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. Admission is free. Donations accepted.

Lincoln Historic Site
Lincoln, NM 88338 575-653-4025 || nmhistoricsites.org/lincoln
9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (Seven of the nine buildings begin closing at 4:30.) Admission is $5.

Admission to New Mexico Historic Sites is free to New Mexico residents on the first Sunday of each month. Children sixteen and under are always admitted free. Wednesday admission is free to New Mexico seniors with ID. A combination ticket good for admission to both Jemez and Coronado Historic Sites is available for $7.