A beautiful smaller town about a two hours drive from Santa Fe. Family-friendly activities in the area include white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning, and a visit to the Taos Pueblo. Also fun for families: you can hike, horse-back ride, soak in natural hot springs, or go on a llama trek. Llama trek? Well, the llamas carry your gear while you take a hike in the scenic Sangre de Cristo mountains accompanied by a naturalist guide. Llamas are gentle, and one company has even trained llamas to can carry kids too small to hike. Try a half-day hike, or go all out for multi-day family camp-out.


No matter what tradition you celebrate in December, one of the great joys of travel is getting to experience different cultural traditions - some familiar and some not so familiar. Although ski resorts in the U.S. are all unique, the differences are often subtle and don't always fall under the heading of "cultural". But in Taos, New Mexico, you'll find a blend of Hispanic, European, Native American and Ski Town cultures that is truly unique in the world.

Native Americans, of course, were here first. Hispanic culture in Northern New Mexico has its roots in Mexican, Spanish and Native culture. The European influence began when Swiss-German skiing expert, pilot and scholar Ernie Blake (1914-1989) founded the ski area a few miles up the road from the town of Taos. Many of Blake's European friends decided to set up shop permanently, starting the ski valley's first lodges and restaurants, and establishing a European tradition that continues to this day.

The evidence of this unique cultural blend is everywhere, from the moment you arrive: it's seen in the bright red chile ristras adorning the porches of flat-roofed adobe homes, and in the delicious green chile, sweet molé and earthy adobo sauces that might accompany your meals. Or, you may find it in a Swiss Chalet, while enjoying foie gras and a fine French bottle.

Christmas is an especially interesting time to visit Taos, for anyone interested in observing some new twists on the traditional American version of the holiday. Luminarias-votive candles set in paper bags and weighted with sand-brighten nearly every porch and walkway. At the Hotel St. Bernard, a European influence fosters more unique Christmas traditions. The hotel is owned by Jean Mayer, a Frenchman who settled in the area shortly after it opened, and is also the technical director of the famous Taos Ski School. On Christmas Eve, following a gourmet (and distinctly European) dinner, Mayer and his staff file into the dining room carrying a lighted yule log, pass out sheet music and gather around the fireplace to sing carols.

While guests of the St. Bernard are indulging in this version of the holiday, down the road the native Puebloan Indians of Taos Pueblo invite the public to witness their wild Christmas Eve Procession, and, usually on Christmas Day, the Deer Dance. It is an unforgettable experience, and a rare chance to witness these ceremonies.

For Mayer, though, it is still about the skiing. "There's a mystical feeling about Christmas in Taos" he says. "We make a commitment to sharing how we feel about skiing--our passion for the mountain, the snow and our sport."

Taos offers some of the most beautiful and challenging ski terrain in the Rockies. But beyond those important measures, it is Taos' mix of cultures, and the unique traditions that surround them, that make it a world-class destination. A Taos holiday is a treat for all travelers, in December or any time of year.

Destination Information & Travel Store*

Destination Guide