Canyon Road Christmas Eve Farolito Walk

Christmas Eve in Santa Fe is unlike any other in the world. It seems like the entire city turns out for the annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk. The street (and adjacent ones) is closed and people take to the middle of the street. Farolitos (traditionally small paper bags filled with sand topped with a votive candle) line walkways and adobe walls. Some housetops, walks and walls boast "fauxlitos," the name locals have given to the electrified models. Luminarias (small piñon wood bonfires) are spaced randomly along the street. The festivities start at dusk (around 5pm) and run until around 10pm (depending on and how late the crowd stays). Some places offer hot cider or hot chocolate to warm cold bodies. People spontaneously break into Christmas carols along the way. The atmosphere is festive and full of good holiday cheer.