Northern Taos County communities are gearing up for the holiday season with a full lineup of Christmas events throughout December, offering residents and visitors a chance to celebrate with parades, markets, tree lightings and family-friendly festivities.
In Questa, Santa’s Helpers del Norte will be hosting their annual gift give-away to local children. The group has been giving gifts to local kids since the 1990s. The event will take place from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Lisa and Ralph Rael’s residence on north Kiowa Road.
Santa Claus has a special message to all the little boys and girls: Be good and be kind to each other, Santa Claus is making the list and checking it twice, he’s going to find out if you’re naughty or nice! Santa Claus is coming to Questa!
After you get your gifts, head over to Community Cocoa and Cheer happening on Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Perovich Park. The event will feature a bonfire for s’mores, cider and cocoa, and live music by the local mariachi group. Organizers said the live nativity and twinkle light parade, longtime traditions in previous years, will not take place in 2025.
Earlier that day, Questa will also host its annual Alumbra Holiday Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Questa VFW. Local artisans will sell handmade arts and crafts, offering opportunities for holiday gift shopping.
Living Word Ministries in Questa will hold an immersive Christmas experience on Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 12 Llano Road. The event, “Under the Bethlehem Stars,” will guide visitors through a walk-through Christmas village and live nativity reenacting the story of Christ’s birth. Activities will include children’s craft tables, letter-writing for seniors, bonfires and homemade green chile stew. The event is free and open to the public.
In Red River, the town will host its annual Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. A Christmas market will follow Dec. 20–21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red River Convention Center, featuring local vendors and last-minute holiday shopping.
Red River kicked off the holiday season with the community’s annual “Switching On of the Holiday Lights” event on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. in Brandenburg Park. Attendees sang carols, enjoyed hot cocoa, cider and cookies, and visited with Santa.
Red River will be hosting their annual Christmas Parade on Sat. Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. on Main Street.
Questa del Rio News will be hosting a holiday bake sale to help us meet our December fundraising goal of $20 thousand dollars to help sustain our paper. Our bake sale will be on Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Red River Der Markt. Stop by after you get off the slopes or before the Torchlight Parade to get some homemade baked goods and hot cocoa or apple cider.
Together, these events mark a festive start to the Christmas season across northern Taos County, drawing families and visitors to gather in celebration and community.
Holiday Events Listed
Alumbra Holiday Fair
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Questa VFW, Questa
Santa’s Helpers del Norte Christmas
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Location: Ralph and Lisa Rael’s residence
179-A North Kiowa Road, Questa
Community Cocoa & Cheer
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Perovich Park, Questa
Under the Bethlehem Star
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Location: Living Word Church 12 Llano Road, Questa
Red River Christmas Market in the Mountains
Date: Saturday Dec. 20 and Sunday Dec. 21
Time: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Location: Red River Conference Center, Red River
Red River Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, Dec. 20
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Red River Main Street, Red River
Questa del Rio News Holiday Bake Sale
Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
Time: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Red River Der Markt Food Store, Red River
