Cloudcroft Holiday: Where to Play in New Mexico's Christmas Capital this Season
Our favorite local shops and ways to spread the cheer, enjoy a winter wonderland, and join community events on the mountain.
It’s been one year since the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce and the Village branded Cloudcroft as the Christmas Capital of New Mexico.
We’ve gathered the festive events that span November and December, local shops that stock up on the best stocking stuffers and gifting needs, and Cloudcroft’s winter outdoor fun.
Ho, Ho, Happenings
This year, the Village launches its Christmas events alongside Cloudcroft’s 125th anniversary. On November 29th, at the Otero County Electric Cooperative courtyard, villagers are encouraged to bring time capsule-worthy items to the Tree Lighting.
Join in more festivities on December 7th—folks can enter lighted floats, cars, bikes, you name it—into the Lighted Christmas Parade. Find out more and register here.
Santa is trekking from the North Pole to the Sacramento Mountains early this year. Catch him at these events:
Santa and Mrs. Claus will gladly hear Christmas wishes at Santa Land at the Cloudcroft Pavillion in Zenith Park on November 30th and December 14th, starting at 4:00 p.m. (To volunteer, contact the Cloudcroft Light Opera Company.)
Piñon, NM, the unincorporated community an hour southeast of Cloudcroft in Otero County, hosts a variety of Christmas events, including an art market, kids scavenger hunt, fresh-cut tree auction, pictures with Santa, and more on December 6th from 3:00-7:30 p.m. Contact Michelle Brown at (575) 687-2650 for more info.
On November 30th, the Michael Nivison Public Library in Cloudcroft is providing stationery for your little ones to write their letters to Santa. Bring your library card on December 14th and Once Upon a Time Photography will give you a “special deal” on your photos with Santa. Both events are from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
November 29th and 30th, starting at 10:00 a.m., the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Market kicks off at the Cloudcroft High School Gym. Regional and local artisans and vendors provide mountain goods, art, decor, and more.
The article continues after this brief sponsorship message:
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Be in the Mountains Yoga.
Be in the Mountains Yoga, conveniently located in the Village Plaza off James Canyon Highway, offers Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative and Thai group classes, and private Thai yoga sessions. Book yours today.
Gather + Give
Cloudcroft boasts a wide array of mom-and-pop shops. Check out the Elk Shed on Burro for the best stocking stuffers, including Camp Craft Cocktail kits, crocheted creations by local Tammie Bilbrey, books by local author Deborah O’Connor, and other fun and quirky finds.
For your outdoor enthusiasts and the best clothing boutiques, check out High Altitude and Instant Karma. Pop into Mountain Magic for the best pajama sets, stuffies, and other kid-friendly gifts.
Looking to give the gift of relaxation? Be in the Mountains Yoga offers monthly class passes, private Thai yoga sessions, and more. Join the Noisy Water Wine Club for quarterly wine selections, complimentary tastings, and discounts—shipping is available. Book a session with Robin Faux or Jim Swaagman at Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage to treat the wellness enthusiast in your life.
Whether you’re buying for a foodie or looking to fuel your shopping spree, Cloudcroft offers a range of dining experiences:
Head to Fernando Gallegos’ food truck for classic burritos and the best burger in town, accompanied by fresh-cut fries. You’ll find it in the small courtyard behind the bank, just off the highway.
For more upscale dining, Chef Richard Lepree creates deliciously desirable plates with a local twist at Rebecca’s at the Lodge; menu items often spotlight our mountain farms.
Beth Offolter owns and operates High Rollin’ Coffee, offering a limited-but-worth-it menu of organic, non-GMO, vegetarian soups, toasts, and tasty bakes.
If you’re looking for ways to spread some cheer:
Sponsor the Angel Tree in memory of Kira Davis, which serves area children and seniors. This year, over 60 families are registered. Contact Tabitha Davis at (575) 703-9179 to find out how you can give.
Volunteer your time with local non-profits such as the Friends of the Library, Sacramento Mountains Museum & Pioneer Village, the American Armed Forces Museum and Peace Park, the 1 Cat at a Time program for local strays, or the Sacramento Mountains Senior Services and centers.
Winter Wonderland
Cloudcroft has already enjoyed some winter weather this year. If you’re looking for ways to play, look no further:
For snow enthusiasts, Ski Cloudcroft offers a snow-tubing hill and skiing. Opening and operation dates vary; follow their Facebook page to stay in the loop.
Cosmic Adventures Snow Mobile Tours take you through the scenic Sacramento Mountains—sign up to see their seasonal hours and announcements.
Grab your handsaw and thermos, and snag your own fresh-cut Christmas Tree from the Lincoln National Forest. Permits are available online, or you can drop by the local ranger station.
The only natural ice rink in New Mexico, the James Sewell Ice Rink at Zenith Park is always a good time. Its hours and dates of operation depend on the weather, so hope for continued snow.
The article continues after this brief sponsorship message:
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Off the Beaten Path.
A local gem founded in 1996: the cheerfully pink gallery and gift shop with handmade work from many artists in various mediums and sizes. The gallery operates a Trap, Neuter, and Release program for Cloudcroft’s stray cats.
Art and Village Decor
If art’s your bag, check out Blackbear Coffee Co. for rotating exhibitions: Samantha Odom’s whimsical works cheer up the coffee bar through the end of November. Blackbear owner Crystal Tompkins will display her ethereal and raw photographic works through December.
Odom’s work is available through The Bruce, the newly remodeled fine arts gallery just west of Blackbear Coffee on Burro. Nestled behind the adjacent brick courtyard, you can find Aspen & Ivy’s selection of local art.
Drew Gaines’ surrealist and landscape paintings of Cloudcroft are available at Be in the Mountains Yoga’s retail space, located at the Village Plaza. At Eight the Cake Bakery on Burro, you’ll find a broad selection of soft sculptures, paintings, and eclectic artworks.
Just north of Burro, Off the Beaten Path’s owners, Berle and Donna, focus on artworks made with sustainable and recycled materials. A personal favorite: artist Laurie Hayden’s dichroic glass Christmas Tree pins.
The Village of Cloudcroft itself has plans for the picturesque: the Village Council approved $20,000 from the village budget and $20,000 from the lodger’s tax fund for a grand total of $40,000 to purchase Christmas lights. New lights will be for Cloudcroft’s main drags, Burro Avenue, and Highway 82.
Local businesses, lodgers, and restaurants are encouraged to compete for the title of “Most Festive,” to be judged on December 18th. Think you’ll win? Send your best photos to hannah.dean@cloudcroftreader.com, the Reader’s Facebook, or Instagram.
A final note from Editor Chris Hearne:
The Reader will push for pledges from individuals and businesses in December. We will receive two dollars from the Santa Fe-based New Mexico Local News Fund for every dollar pledged to us in December. That 2:1 matching grant program will be the key driver for our 2025 budget. 85% of all the money we receive goes to pay Hannah and Drew and a few other contributors. The rest covers insurance and the technology that powers our emails and website. I receive an annual salary of one dollar.
Please consider supporting us in December’s drive. We are doing the reporting no one else is, and we hope you agree that the Cloudcroft community is better for our efforts.
Have a local business that cares about the health of Cloudcroft?
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsor@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored partly by businesses like Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, Be in the Mountains Yoga, and the Otero County Electric Cooperative.
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