Posted in New Mexico Small Towns, Winter November 23, 2021 by

An Airline Used To Re-Route Flights Over This New Mexico Christmas Town To See Its Incredible Light Display

When you think about the best places to visit in New Mexico, destinations like Taos, Santa Fe, and even White Sands National Park are usually at the top of that list. However, during the holiday season, Madrid, a small town in New Mexico, is the place to go. This small town turns into a Christmas wonderland with parades, events, and one of the best Christmas light displays in New Mexico.

Welcome to the small town of Madrid. This historic coal mining town is located in the Ortiz Mountains between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Madrid is actually considered a ghost town and has a population of just over 200 residents.
josephmccowie/flickr
However, despite its smaller size, Madrid knows how to welcome in the holiday season in New Mexico.
City of Madrid
Each year, this ghost town turns into a magical Christmas town.
osseous/flickr
At the beginning of the holiday season, Madrid hosts an annual Christmas parade. This is a terrific way to kick-off the Christmas events and the parade is typically led by a red-nosed yak.
City of Madrid
While Madrid is the host of some pretty spectacular Christmas events, it is the town’s light display that you will not want to miss. This New Mexico Christmas town takes their light display so seriously that it has gained national attention and thousands of people flock to the town to see it.
osseous/flickr
Homes and businesses throughout the town go all out, extensively decorating their properties.
City of Madrid
There are even reports that Trans World Airlines (TWA) rerouted some of their flights so passengers could see the impressive Christmas light display from above.
City of Madrid
If you visit during the Madrid Annual Christmas Parade and December Open House, you will not only enjoy the Christmas lights, but many shops stay open late and you will hear live music as you venture around town. It's certainly the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
City of Madrid

To learn more about this small town’s Christmas events, visit the Madrid official website.

Have you ever experienced a Christmas in Madrid, New Mexico? Have you taken the time to drive around and see its Christmas light display? We’d love to hear about your experience and your thoughts in the comments.

Madrid is known as a small town filled with antiques, galleries, and more. Check out this article to learn about many of the wonderful attractions this small town in New Mexico has to offer.

Address: Madrid, NM 87010, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.