One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who promenade this famous path on Christmas Eve.
Small, sand-filled, paper bags illuminated with votive candles line the historic neighborhood streets and adobe walls. Carolers gather around the farolitos (Spanish for paper lantern; diminutive of farol, lantern; from faro, lighthouse, lantern; from Latin pharus, from Pharus, Pharos) or luminarias (small bonfires), and sing for joy as they warm themselves, and our hearts, from the cold night.
The Farolito Walk is free, and has become a celebrated tradition during this sacred season.
From The Santa Fe New Mexican:
Santa Fe’s Canyon Road farolito walk is one of our city’s most beloved traditions. It starts at dusk each Christmas Eve and brings together thousands of locals and visitors. Remember to dress warmly and wear sensible shoes – especially with recent snows, the streets around Canyon Road are likely to be icy.
One tip to avoiding crowds. Drop by a little later, say around 8 PM, to avoid the crush of people who turn out at dusk. Leave dogs and other pets at home – the crowds can spook even the friendliest of animals. Additionally, because it can be difficult to maneuver strollers in the crush and along uneven streets and sidewalks, it’s best to leave them behind.
Then take a deep breath, and lose yourself in the loveliest night of the year.