Holiday markets, Thanksgiving traditions, and the first signs of winter are waiting in Ruidoso. Come celebrate with us.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND IN RUIDOSO
November 26–29, 2026
Gather in the mountains for Thanksgiving dining, holiday shopping, ice skating, and a festive weekend in Ruidoso.
39TH ANNUAL RUIDOSO CHRISMAS JUBILEE
November 13–15, 2026
Kick off the holiday season with three days of festive shopping and family fun in Ruidoso.
WINTER IN RUIDOSO
Cool mountain days, cozy evenings and a new season of adventure are arriving in Ruidoso. Start planning your winter mountain getaway.
NOW FLYING NONSTOP TO RUIDOSO
New Contour Airlines service connects Denver and Ruidoso, making it easier than ever to reach the mountains.
IDEAS & INSPIRATION
Spend Thanksgiving weekend in Ruidoso with holiday dining, live music and events, local shopping, outdoor adventures, and plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend in the mountains.
Experience winter in Ruidoso, New Mexico, with recommendations for a cozy recipe, a seasonal sleigh ride, a favorite local pizza spot, a scenic stroll, and a holiday movie filmed in Ruidoso to enjoy by the fire.
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
Fly nonstop from Denver to Ruidoso and make New Mexico’s mountain village your home base for a southern New Mexico getaway. Enjoy Ruidoso’s outdoor adventures, dining, shopping and entertainment, then explore White Sands National Park, Roswell, Valley of Fires and other regional attractions before returning to the mountains.
Stroll Ruidoso’s walkable Midtown district for boutiques, galleries, restaurants, tasting rooms, and plenty of reasons to linger.
Lace up your skates! The seasonal outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park is scheduled to return November 28, 2026, for the 2026–27 winter season. Find current season dates, hours, holiday schedules, admission, skate rentals, and visitor information.
Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, a beautifully restored 1920s home. Once a family residence and business hub, it now features curated exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, and the town’s evolution. Explore preserved rooms, uncover local traditions, and connect with the stories that shaped Ruidoso’s past and present.
Plan an OHV adventure in Ruidoso with guidance for riding responsibly on Village streets and designated routes in Lincoln National Forest. Learn where different rules apply, find official Village, state and Forest Service resources, explore local OHV experiences, and follow best practices that help protect Ruidoso’s mountain landscapes.
Looking for a massage in Ruidoso? From therapeutic and deep-tissue massage to hot stone treatments, couples massage, spa packages, and restorative bodywork, Ruidoso offers options for relaxing after a day on the trails, recovering from outdoor adventures, or simply slowing down during your mountain getaway. Explore local massage therapists, day spas, and resort spa experiences in Ruidoso and nearby Alto and Mescalero.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
There’s something about Ruidoso that keeps people coming back. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso offers cool mountain air, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure, locally owned shops, great dining, live music, and year-round experiences. Discover why generations of visitors have made Ruidoso their favorite mountain escape.
Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.
Ruidoso has been named the #1 Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—marking its second consecutive win (2025 and 2026). The honor celebrates the village’s vibrant arts, music, heritage, and community spirit that continue to draw visitors year after year.
Looking for the best breakfast in Ruidoso? Whether you crave a hearty mountain-style meal, a cozy café with a fireplace, or a sunlit patio to enjoy your coffee, Ruidoso has plenty of charming spots to start your day. From classic diners to hidden gems serving homemade pastries, here’s your guide to the top breakfast restaurants in Ruidoso.
UPCOMING FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS
Celebrate the Seasons: Ruidoso's Must-Attend Festivals & Events
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in historic Lincoln with live music, dance performances, historic presentations, ofrendas, face painting, food, drinks, and handcrafted vendors. Admission is free, and the festival offers a full day of family-friendly activities. Most vendors will be cash only due to limited cell service.
Shop for the holidays at the 39th Annual Christmas Jubilee, November 13–15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy three days of shopping plus family activities Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5; children 12 and under and active military are free with ID. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com
Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere!
Spend Thanksgiving weekend in Ruidoso with mountain adventures, holiday dining, local shopping, seasonal events, and plenty of ways to enjoy a long weekend together.
Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>
Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.
Celebrate opening day at the Ruidoso Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park on November 28! The 2026–27 season brings outdoor skating, skate rentals and winter fun to the heart of Ruidoso.
Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.
Ruidoso’s Festival of Lights Parade returns December 5, 2026, with this year’s “A Holly Dolly Christmas” theme, bringing twinkling lights, festive floats, holiday cheer, and plenty of sparkle to Midtown Ruidoso.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Ring in 2027 at Inn of the Mountain Gods with the Summer of ‘69 New Year’s Eve Party, featuring a Bryan Adams tribute, DJ Frizzo and Retro Revolution on December 31, 2026.
Make a winter getaway of the inaugural Ruidoso International Film Festival, February 17–20, 2027, with four days of independent films, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and special events in the mountains of Southern New Mexico.
Looking for Thanksgiving dinner in Ruidoso? Find confirmed 2026 dine-in meals, takeout feasts, holiday pies, and seasonal specials, with new options added as local restaurants announce their plans.