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December in Ruidoso is pure mountain magic — sparkling lights strung through the pines, crisp winter air, and the cozy charm that makes this village feel like a true holiday escape. Whether you’re here for the snow, the scenery, or simply the spirit of the season, there’s something wonderfully festive waiting around every corner. To help you make the most of your winter getaway, we’ve gathered a list of the best Christmas activities, local events, and holiday traditions happening throughout Ruidoso this December. Grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and let the holiday cheer begin! Christmas Events Christmas in the Park - (Dec 4 - Jan 2026) 📍Grindstone Canyon Rd. - Walk through a beautiful lights display at Wingfield Park. Christmas Drone Show & Drive-In Movie - (Saturday, Dec 14, 2025 6:00pm - 9:30 pm) 📍White Mountain Sports Complex 687 Hull Rd. A blend of futuristic drones and classic movie fun at the White Mountain Sports Complex. FREE Public Event! Paint and Pints at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside: (Sunday, December 14, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm) 📍2704 Sudderth Dr. - Buy Tickets Online: https://www.downshift.beer/events A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol @ ENMU-Ruidoso - (Performances December 12–15 & December 19–21, 2025) 📍ENMU 709 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso Room 201 - Celebrate the season with a heartwarming musical set in a 1940s radio studio. With live jingles, classic songs, and behind-the-scenes antics, this nostalgic show is packed with holiday cheer and vintage charm. Perfect for all ages! Buy Tickets Online: osoproductionsruidoso.com The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater - (Saturday, December 20 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2:00pm) 📍 108 Spencer Rd, Alto, NM • Buy Tickets Online: https://spencertheater.com/the-nutcracker Holiday Market at Enchanted Vine - (Fri, Dec 19, 2025 11:00am thru Sun, Dec 21, 2025 5:00pm) 📍Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery, 492 Fort Stanton Road, Alto, NM Details for Events: https://www.discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events Ongoing Activities Holiday Shopping in Midtown - Support local small business. 📍Sudderth Dr. Ice Skating at Wingfield Park - Rental Ice Skates 📍Grindstone Canyon Rd. Holiday Lights - Explore Midtown and the Upper Canyon for spectacular displays. Flying J Ranch - Special White Mountain Christmas winter performances (late November to the end of December 2025) 📍1028 NM-48, Alto, NM Visit: www.flyingjchristmas.com/tickets Path of Lights - Walk through beautiful holiday lights at the Inn of the Mountain Gods (Nov 30 – Dec 31, 6:00pm - 10:00pm) 📍287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides - 11/27/25 - 01/03/26 5:30 pm – 8:30pm visit grindstonestables.com Thirstday Night Trivia - Lost Hiker Brewing Company - Midtown Taproom, 📍2536 Sudderth Dr. *Every Thursday at 7:00pm Are You Smarter Than a Beertender? - Brewery Trivia at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap: 📍2408B Sudderth Dr. - *Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, at 6:00pm Ski Apache -📍1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM Seasonal Skiing and Snowboarding. Buy Lift Tickets Online: https://skiapache.com/ Winter Park - 📍121 Ski Run Rd Seasonal Tubing, and Mountain Rollercoaster! Cloudcroft Scenic Drive - Take a short drive to Cloudcroft for majestic views, and the region's only natural ice rink! Live Music Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside, 📍2408 Sudderth Dr. Live Music Wednesdays - Saturdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm Calendar of Performers: https://www.downshift.beer/events Win, Place and Show Bar - 📍2516 Sudderth Dr. Live Music Every Friday and Saturday night Calendar of Performers: https://www.winplaceandshowbar.com/musicandevents Quarter’s Bar & Grill - 📍2535 Sudderth Dr. Karaoke Nights every Monday and Tuesday at 8:30pm Live Music every Thursday through Sunday night, starting at 8:30pm Jack Backstage - 📍 1056 Mechem Dr. https://jacksbackstage.com/ Every Tuesday Open Mic & Karaoke Night 7:00pm - 12:00am Hosted by The Doso Dirtbags Friday – DEC 12th 9:00ppm - 2:00am DJ Digumsmak All-Night Party | FREE EVENT Saturday – DEC 13th | 6:00pm - 9:00pm: Live Music with Tradd Tidewell → DJ FoulMouth_J takes over from 9:00pm - 2:00am Saturday, December 27th 9:00pm Blood Royal 21+
