Holiday Festivities In Santa Fe, New Mexico Page 2

Where To Stay
Experience southwestern ambience for yourself in one of Santa Fe's varied accommodations--there seems to be more of them cropping up every year. Here are just a few:
Hacienda Nicholas
888/284-3170; www.haciendanicholas.com
The spirit of Santa Fe awaits you at this charming, seven-unit adobe bed & breakfast inn built around a lovely garden courtyard and outdoor kiva fireplace. Morning breakfast and evening wine and cheese are served in the "great room." The hacienda's innkeeper also owns Alexander's Inn and The Madeline.

El Rey Inn
800/521-1349; www.elreyinnsantafe.com
This friendly hotel, located on Cerrillos Rd., offers attractive gardens, continental breakfast, an outdoor whirlpool, in-season swimming pool and an exercise room.

La Fonda Hotel
800/523-5002; www.lafondasantafe.com
The current building housing this "grande dame" of Santa Fe hotels dates back to the 1920s, although there's been an inn on this site since 1620. Each room and suite is unique, with colorful hand-painted furnishings. This hotel also offers an exercise room, outdoor pool, hot tub, massage, shopping and fine dining. Local artisans are showcased at the La Fonda.

December Weather
Temperatures in December are usually in the low 40s during the day and low 20s at night, so bundle up! Wear warm clothing in layers and prepare for the possibility of snow. Protect your camera gear from moisture and cold temperatures. In northern New Mexico the sun reportedly shines 300 days a year, making it comfortable to be outdoors most days. Santa Fe is at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which are usually covered with snow during the winter, as are the Jemez mountains across the Rio Grande Valley to the west.

Other December Events
Check out these additional holiday photo ops around the US:
December 3
Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's Parade, Dallas, Texas
214/456-8383, www.childrensparade.com
Benefitting Children's Medical Center Dallas, this nationally televised parade features music, colorful floats, and giant balloons. The theme for this festive event is "Unwrap the Joy."

December 3--5
Crystal City "Sparkle" of Christmas, Corning, New York
607/937-6292, www.gafferdistrict.com
An old-fashioned celebration of the season with food, music, entertainment and crafts. Located on historic Market Street in Corning.

December 31--January 1
First Night Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah
801/359-5118, www.firstnightslc.org
A New Year's Eve celebration of the arts held in downtown Salt Lake City, featuring visual, cultural and performing arts. A midnight Finale Extravaganza counts down the seconds to the New Year.

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COMMENTS
leonardo85's picture

This festival is indeed filled with wonderful moments which the photographers should capture in the snaps. When you crave for some different kind of experience then you should look floor offbeat destinations, for instance Krabi is an excellent place for those who are in love with rock climbing.

milley22's picture

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leonardo85's picture

I think the place looks just amazing during the festival and it would be a great place for honeymooners too, however, if you want a different kind of experience then you should go for North American honeymoon destinations.

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