Canyon Road is one of the most booming roads in Santa Fe, with dozens of galleries, shops, and restaurants within a half mile. During Christmas time, one of the most beloved traditions of New Mexicans is taking an illuminated farolito walk down this beautiful street that’s full of life and holiday spirit. This unique tradition is a special experience for thousands as the historic homes and streets are lit with farolitos, and this year is expected to be as enchanting as ever. It’s not Christmas in New Mexico until you’ve taken Santa Fe’s farolito walk on Canyon Road.

Santa Fe's beloved Christmas Eve tradition is coming up again: Canyon Road Farolito Walk.
The Canyon Road Merchants Association/Facebook
It's a Christmas Eve tradition to light the town with farolitos and take a stroll down this iconic Santa Fe street with an enchanting feel.
Visit Santa Fe, New Mexico/Facebook
If you're not from New Mexico, you might be wondering what a farolito is.
The Canyon Road Merchants Association/Facebook
A farolito is a small paper bag that is most commonly filled with sand and a small candle. These bags are used in New Mexico during Christmas time, and especially on Christmas Eve. Others may call farolitos "luminarias", but farolito is the preferred term in Santa Fe as it translates to "little lantern" in Spanish.
This Christmas tradition takes place upon Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Although most shops and galleries are typically closed on holidays, their hours are extended for this spectacular event. Many of these shops have special items just for this event.
The Canyon Road Merchants Association/Facebook
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can find special events like free candy and hot cider from these businesses, as well as extended hours from many others.

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Besides visiting the many quaint businesses along Canyon Road, there will be many street performers and small bonfires to enrich your senses and put you in the holiday spirit.
The Canyon Road Merchants Association/Facebook
Many of the streets will be closed, offering just the glowing lights of farolitos on the old adobe houses and lining the sidewalks.
Santa Fe Farolito Walk on Canyon Road/Facebook
If you'd like, you can take a guided tour of Canyon Road Farolito Walk as well.
Santa Fe Farolito Walk on Canyon Road/Facebook
Guided tours are $25 per person with a limit of 12 people. To make a reservation, call (505) 474-4155.
Every Christmas Eve, Canyon Road illuminates with hundreds of glowing farolitos, and it's truly not Christmas without this beloved tradition. Experience a night of wonder this year on December 24, 2018.
Visit Santa Fe, New Mexico/Facebook
For more information about Canyon Road's Farolito Walk, you can visit their website right here.

Is taking a farolito walk one of your Christmas traditions? What else do you do every year? Tell us about your traditions in the comments, and don’t forget to share your holiday photos from your outings with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

For another enchanting night out, you have to see the Pecos come to life in Carlsbad at this riverboat tour light show.

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