Join the Taos Ski Valley resort for the annual Taos Community Weekend! Enjoy the weekend filled with fun and free activities for all ages and kick off the winter and the holidays at Taos Ski Valley! Here’s one way to make the most of the weekend.
December 19: Food, History & Holiday Shopping
Morning
Start your 3-day journey with a healthy breakfast at the Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery located in the beautiful and pastoral Overland Sheepskin complex. Sit outside and enjoy some sunshine on the expansive wooden deck. Even if the temperature says it’s cold outside, you might be surprised to find a spot in the sun feels like springtime. As you gaze out over the yard by the Farmhouse you might find yourself entranced by the dramatic wind sculptures from southwestern artist Lyman Whitaker.
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the local culture and visit the Martinez Hacienda. Built in 1804, it is a prime and rare example of a Spanish “Great House”. It was once the final stop on the Camino Real trading route, connecting Mexico City to Northern New Mexico. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Afternoon
Head into the heart of historic Taos and enjoy a delicious lunch at Bent Street Grille located in the John Dunn Shops.
If you still have some items on your holiday shopping list, now is the time to finish! Wander through the John Dunn Shops, an outdoor pedestrian mall featuring 18 locally owned shops. Hop across the street and do a little holiday shopping at Taos Folk, an annual holiday pop-up located at the Stables Gallery. Dozens of local artisans bring their wares to the gallery each year to provide a one-stop-shop holiday market with items for everyone on your list.
Evening
After a long day of exploring Taos’ Historic District have dinner at local favorite, La Cueva Cafe. Serving up traditional New Mexican cuisine in an old, cozy adobe building, you might feel like you just walked into an Abuelita’s home.
If you still have a little energy after dinner, walk up the street to the Adobe Bar in the Historic Taos Inn. Groove to nightly live music at the “The living room of Taos”. Enjoy a famous Cowboy Buddha margarita while you mingle with the locals. After dark you can take a stroll through Taos Plaza and enjoy the holiday tree, decorations and iconic Northern New Mexico farolitas topping all the buildings.
December 20: Tree Lighting at Taos Ski Valley
Morning
Head up the mountain in the morning and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. The Blonde Bear Cafe is the place to enjoy breakfast and a full espresso bar. On this special weekend Taos County locals can get a free first-time ski or snowboard lessons for kids and adults. Spend the morning enjoying your new favorite winter activity. Or there are free yoga classes offered each Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am in the Taos Tent.
Afternoon
Stop the snow play and head inside to warm up at Tenderfoot Katie’s. This cafeteria style eatery has something for everyone, easy in and out and a great view of the base area for people watching. After re-fueling, take a stroll around the Taos Ski Valley Village. You’ll find more opportunities to fill your gift baskets at places like Confluence, Andean Software and Taos Sports.
This afternoon is a special one so be sure to make it back to the Upper Plaza by 4pm when the hot chocolate starts flowing! The festivities really shift into gear now with the arrival of Santa 4:15pm and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:45pm.
Evening
Have dinner at The Hondo Restaurant in the Snakedance Condominium building. You’ll find New Mexican specialities alongside traditional pub fare. The Hondo is a lively Aprés Ski spot, so you might find yourself making friends with some locals while you’re here.
Finish off the night with a craft cocktail at The Rolling Still Lounge, located on the Lower Plaza with sparkling nighttime view of the holiday tree and snowy slopes.
December 21: Community Weekend Continues
Morning
Spend your last day in Taos Ski Valley’s winter wonderland. Book a snowmobile tour with Big Al, a larger than life local who is sure to create a fun and memorable experience for your whole group.
Afternoon
After getting back down to pavement, head over to the new outpost of Daleee. The original location sits at the junction of Taos Ski Valley Road and (NM-150) and Paseo del Pueblo Norte (NM-64) on the north side of town. This is a great casual spot to get a local craft beer and some tacos. The outdoor deck provides an excellent view up the Rio Hondo of the Village and mountains beyond.
After lunch, head over to the Eis Haus and enjoy free ice skating – part of Taos’ Community Weekend offerings. If you happen to have younger ones with you, Twirl, Taos’ interactive children’s toy store, will be activating and providing free hands-on play from 2-4pm at Taos Kids.
Evening
Finish off your alpine adventures with an elevated meal at 192 @ The Blake. The Resort’s signature restaurant offers everything from wood fired pizzas to salmon and ribeye. Find a cozy table by the kiva fireplace, or sit at the open bar make a new friend!
Skip to main content