Events & What’s Happening
A world-class marketplace on Museum Hill bringing together master folk artists from over 50 countries, with vibrant textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and live cultural performances.
💡The interactive kids' craft area lets children try traditional art techniques from around the world — budget extra time there.
World-renowned opera performances held in a stunning open-air hilltop theater north of Santa Fe, with views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
💡Attend the free Family Opera Tailgate before select performances for kid-friendly introductions to the story; bring layers as evenings cool quickly.
The largest and most prestigious Native American art market in the world, held on the historic Santa Fe Plaza with hundreds of Native artists from across North America.
💡Arrive very early Saturday morning to beat the crowds; kids will love the dance demonstrations and colorful art displays around the Plaza.
One of the oldest community celebrations in the United States, featuring the burning of Zozobra (Old Man Gloom), candlelight processions, historical pageants, and live music on the Plaza.
💡The Zozobra event draws massive crowds; younger children may be frightened by the giant burning puppet, so preview it beforehand and consider watching from a distance.
A five-day celebration of New Mexican cuisine, wine, and culinary culture featuring restaurant tastings, cooking demos, and the Grand Tasting on the Santa Fe Plaza.
💡The outdoor cooking demonstrations and chile roasting stations are great for older kids interested in food; the Plaza Grand Tasting is adult-focused.
One of the highest ski areas in the US at 12,075 feet, just 16 miles from the Plaza, offering skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels with a dedicated ski school for children.
💡Enroll kids in the Chipmunk Corner ski school for ages 3 and up; the mountain is small enough to easily keep track of the whole family.
Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return features special holiday-themed installations, events, and family programming throughout December at their immersive art experience in Santa Fe.
💡Book tickets online well in advance during the holiday season; the permanent exhibition alone thrills kids of all ages year-round.
On Christmas Eve, the historic Canyon Road gallery district is lined with thousands of glowing farolitos (luminarias), bonfires, and carolers in a beloved Santa Fe tradition.
💡Park far away and walk in; dress children in very warm layers as temperatures drop well below freezing — hot cider is sold along the route.
One of the top farmers markets in the Southwest, held at the Railyard Park & Pavilion with local produce, homemade foods, plants, and artisan goods from New Mexico growers.
💡Tuesday and Saturday markets run through the season; grab a breakfast burrito from a vendor and let kids explore Railyard Park's playground right next door.
The larger Saturday edition of the Railyard Farmers Market, featuring more vendors, live music, and a festive atmosphere at the historic Railyard district.
💡The Saturday market is busier but more festive — arrive by 9am for the best selection and easiest parking in the Railyard lots.
The New Mexico History Museum on the Plaza offers family-friendly programming, hands-on history activities, and rotating exhibits covering Southwestern and Native American history.
💡Museum admission is free for New Mexico residents on Sundays; kids especially enjoy the Palace of the Governors portal where Native artisans sell jewelry daily.
Weekly bilingual (English and Spanish) storytime for toddlers and preschoolers at the Main Branch of the Santa Fe Public Library, including stories, songs, and a craft activity.
💡Arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat; the bilingual format is wonderful for exposing young children to Spanish in a fun, relaxed setting.
Meow Wolf periodically opens early with reduced sound and lighting for sensory-friendly family visits to the House of Eternal Return immersive art installation.
💡Check the Meow Wolf website for the current sensory-friendly schedule; these morning sessions are far less crowded and much easier for young or sensory-sensitive children.
Planning Your Visit
Neighborhoods & Areas
Local Tips for Families
- 💡The New Mexico Museum of Art, Palace of the Governors, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and Museum of International Folk Art are all free to New Mexico residents — but for out-of-state visitors, the $30 New Mexico Culture Pass covers all four state museums for 12 months from first use, paying for itself in one day for a family of four.
- 💡Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return on Rufina Circle sells out on summer weekends — book timed-entry tickets on the Meow Wolf website at least 3-4 days in advance. Kids under 3 are free and children ages 3-12 are $18 versus $45 for adults as of 2025 pricing.
- 💡The Indigenous jewelry and pottery vendors selling under the Palace of the Governors portal are certified Native American artists — prices are fixed by the artists and negotiating is considered disrespectful. Budget $20-60 for a small piece of genuine handmade jewelry as a meaningful family souvenir.
- 💡Ski Santa Fe's terrain is genuinely intermediate-heavy with limited beginner runs — Cloudbase at 12,075 feet is the summit. Families with first-time young skiers will have a better experience at Ski Rio or Taos Ski Valley's dedicated beginner zones. Call ahead at (505) 982-4429 to confirm snow conditions before the drive up Hyde Park Road.
- 💡Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos Canyon, 45 minutes northwest of Santa Fe on NM-502, charges $25 per vehicle but kids are free. The Main Loop Trail is 1.2 miles and lets children climb wooden ladders into actual 800-year-old Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings — one of the most memorable hands-on history experiences in the Southwest for kids ages 5 and up.
- 💡The Santa Fe Saturday Farmers Market in the Railyard opens at 8am and vendors begin packing up by noon. Arriving at 8:30am gets you access to the best tamales and roasted green chile vendors before they sell out, and the crowd is half the size it becomes by 10am.
- 💡Green chile heat levels vary enormously in Santa Fe — 'Christmas' means both red and green chile on your plate, and most restaurants list heat as mild, medium, or hot. At beloved local spots like The Shed on East Palace Avenue or Tia Sophia's on Washington Avenue, ask your server which specific dish uses the mildest green chile prep if traveling with spice-sensitive children.
- 💡Ten Thousand Waves Japanese mountain spa on Hyde Park Road, 3.5 miles above Santa Fe toward the ski basin, has two family tubs available for reservation — the 'Izanami Family Tub' accommodates up to 6 people and can be reserved for 50-minute private sessions starting around $50-65 for the tub rental. Book online 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend evenings.