Christmas Southwest Style

By Kathleen Messmer

Moving to the southwest, New Mexico specifically, from California, was a life-changer for me. The way of life here is very diferent than anywhere else in the country. Hailed as being the Chile Capital of the World, New Mexico is also called the Land of Enchantment. It lives up to both of those monikers.

The holidays here are festive, family-oriented, and like nothing you’re likely to experience anywhere else. There’s the traditional tree lighting in Old Town, Luminarias, and the Christmas Stroll in Nob Hill, but the biggest and best holiday celebration is the River of Lights.

Set up in the world-renowned BioPark, the River of Lights is one of the most beautiful displays of holiday lights ever to be witnessed. Complete with scorpions, cowboys, snakes, dinosaurs, cranes, and tarantulas, the one-way walk around the BioPark is one you won’t soon forget. Everyone, adults and children alike, are oooing and ahhhing their way through the displays and loving every minute of it.

Afterward, you can enjoy a biscochito or two, the only cookie ever to be given the title of “Ofcial State Cookie.” Add some hot chocolate to that, and you’ve got the best holiday combo around.

Photos, clockwise from top: Cowboy Christmas © Kathleen Messmer; Luminarias © Kathleen Messmer; Christmas in the Desert © Kathleen Messmer; Hot Air Balloon © Kathleen Messmer; Desert Longhorn © Kathleen Messmer; River of Lights 2 © Kathleen Messmer