Spend your New Mexico Christmas vacation in the company of friends, family, and gorgeous rolling summits at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. Located in the Sacramento Mountains of South Central New Mexico on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, vacationers will enjoy a one-of-a-kind southwest holiday experience.
Wake up to breathtaking views of mountain tops, savor the best restaurants in the area, and enjoy the best casino gaming, spa treatments, and live entertainment, all available at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Best of all, Inn of the Mountain Gods guests won’t be too far from the best holiday events and activities in the area.
Don’t be a scrooge—check out what you can do around Inn of the Mountain Gods this holiday season!
New Mexico Christmas Events Near Inn of the Mountain Gods
Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: November 28th, 2021
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
The holiday season officially begins in Mescalero, New Mexico with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods. All are welcome to enjoy this free holiday event that offers festive activities for the entire family. The holiday fun begins at 1:00 p.m. with a Barnes & Noble pop-up shop and continues with cookies and hot cocoa and photos with Santa. The afternoon ends at 6:00 p.m. as the Inn of the Mountain Gods Christmas tree glows with sparkling lights to welcome the Christmas season!
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
When: December 4th, 2021
Where: Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Cars covered in glowing lights and Christmas cheer spread up and down Sudderth Drive, the Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade is a must-see holiday event. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., watch as festive floats, marchers, and more bring holiday jubilee to Ruidoso. The parade culminates in an after-party at Wingfield Park.
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
When: December 18th – 19th, 2021
Where: 108 Spencer Road, Alto, New Mexico
Enjoy a Christmas classic when you purchase your tickets to The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater. Located in Alto, NM, Spencer Theater will feature the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance rendition of this holiday masterpiece. The Nutcracker will run for two nights at Spencer Theater: Saturday, December 18th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 19th at 2 p.m. Contact (575) 336-4800 for tickets.
Christmas at Flying J Ranch
When: Select dates between November through early January
Where: 1028 Highway 48 North, Alto, New Mexico
Enjoy an old-West Christmas at Flying J Ranch in the Sangre De Cristo mountains of Alto, New Mexico. Visitors can expect an evening of thrills, laughs, Christmas music, light displays, activities, and plenty of delicious chuckwagon supper. Enjoy the musical stylings of the Flying J Wranglers as they sing the holiday music of the west and the Fiddle Side Show just before supper. The festivities are happening on select dates throughout the holiday season. For more information, contact (575) 336-4330.
Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides
When: Thanksgiving through January 1st, 2022
Where: 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Jingle all the way through Ruidoso’s Upper Canyon on a sleigh ride with Grindstone Stables. These sleigh rides are perfect for all ages, with sleighs adorned with jingle bells and beautiful draft horses that pull you through Ruidoso’s oldest areas. Snow or no snow, these sleigh rides are sure to delight! Each sleigh ride is 30 minutes, and rides depart every day from Thanksgiving through January. Reservations are recommended. Call (575) 257-2241 for more information.
Take a peek at the Inn of the Mountain Gods entertainment schedule.
Other Things to Do in New Mexico For Christmas
Winter Skiing at Ski Apache
750 skiable acres of terrain, 55 runs and trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola, Ski Apache is unlike any other ski resort in the area. Visit Ski Apache for a unique Christmas getaway or consider purchasing season passes for the outdoor enthusiast in the family! Learn more about Ski Apache.
Midtown Ruidoso Shopping
Finish your holiday shopping or find the perfect gift just for you at one of Midtown Ruidoso’s many local shops, boutiques, and more. Shoppers will find plenty of options for perusing and purchasing like outdoor specialty shops, vintage and second-hand shops, art galleries, and special gifts for all ages at The Ruidoso Trading Post.
Play Casino Games at Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino
Bring your Christmas spirit to the hottest casino in New Mexico. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino is your chance to win fabulous prizes and if lady luck is on your side, a Christmas bonus! Take advantage of holiday-themed promotions when you play your favorite casino games.
Topgolf at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Itching for a game of golf? You’re in luck. Inn of the Mountain Gods is home to Southern New Mexico’s first Topgolf Swing Suite, a state-of-the-art golf simulator where you can practice your swing, enjoy a round of virtual golf with friends or family, and select from several other games like hockey, baseball, and dodgeball.
New Mexico Christmas Accommodations
Enjoy the upscale features of a resort with the comforts and warmth of home when you stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort for your New Mexico Christmas vacation. Guests staying in select rooms and suites will enjoy unrivaled mountain views from their own private outdoor balcony. In addition to incredible alpine views, select hotel rooms and suites include a whirlpool tub, flat-screen televisions, and wireless internet access.
Pick your accommodations for the holiday season:
- Presidential Suite: Two private balconies, king bed, whirlpool tub, living area, dining area, kitchenette, multiple flat-screen televisions
- Deluxe Suite: Private balcony, king bed, whirlpool tub, multiple flat-screen televisions, living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa
- Royal Suite: Private balcony, king bed, whirlpool tub, living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, multiple flat-screen televisions, dining area
- Superior Room: Private balcony, one king pillow-top bed or two queen pillow-top beds, flat-screen television, coffee maker
- Luxury Room: Private balcony, two queen pillow-top beds or one king pillow-top bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, flat-screen television, coffee maker
- Standard Room: One king pillow-top bed or two queen pillow-top beds, flat-screen teleivion; coffee maker
