If you haven’t been to Ruidoso to experience the annual Festival of Lights, a celebration of the Christmas season that lasts for two months, you are missing out on one of the Southwest’s most interesting pageants. Sponsored by the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, the entire period is marked by a number of events that bring huge crowds to this idyllic resort town.
This past year’s festival kicked off in early November with the Christmas Jubilee, a holiday tradition at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The entire weekend was packed with a ton of family events, including visits from Santa Claus as well as unique shopping experiences available throughout the convention center.
The end of the month of November ushers in a few more fun happenings that are enticing to residents and tourists alike. Thanksgiving Day was the date to mark on everyone’s calendars for a couple of reasons. First, it marked opening day for Ski Apache, the renowned ski resort located right in Ruidoso, NM. Aside from the world-class skiing, guests could also take advantage of scheduled snowtubing events at the Ruidoso Winter Park Tubing event on November 28th. All day, visitors to the park could sled down the natural hills on snowtubes and use moving conveyors to travel quickly back to the summit.
Of course, December had plenty to offer on its own. On December 7th, the Parade of Lights took place through the middle of Ruidoso. Festive lighting and holiday displays were the main focus at this procession. Many toys were collected to help support this year’s parade partner and sponsor, Toys for Tots.
One of the final events in the Festival of Lights is a very unique and breathtaking tradition that regularly draws large crowds to see this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Ski Apache Torch Light Parade, occurring just a few days before Christmas, involves veteran skiers who descend the slopes of Ski Apache with lighted torches in hand. Spectators are welcome to the event for free every year.
If you felt that your Christmas was too ho-hum and humdrum this year, imagine what a trip to a resort town like Ruidoso will do for your plans next winter. At Innsbrook Village, you can find plenty of fun things to do here and in the area plus we are just minutes from Midtown where there are shops and restaurants. Innsbrook Village Country Club should be your partner for holiday fun.
*Video courtesy of Duke Keith
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