Look to the Southwest this year for your holiday travels. Unique shopping and gifts, cultural celebrations, great skiing and distinctive light displays make the southwest an excellent choice for your holiday enjoyment.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Holiday Traditions in The City Different

New Mexico is a treat for all of the senses in any season, but the distinctive blend of Indian and Hispanic cultures are particularly striking during the winter holidays, as strollers and shoppers savor warm tamales and bizcochitos, tiny anise Christmas cookies that are the state’s official cookie.

The townsfolk adorn Christmas trees with whimsical bright red lights shaped like chile peppers, and respectful onlookers can treasure American Indian religious ceremonies and dances in the pueblos that have existed for thousands of years.

The Plaza dims its electric lights in the days leading up to Christmas, allowing the soft glow of candlelit luminaries or farolitos, to turn back the pages of time and slow down the bustling pace of holiday preparations. Anticipation culminates with Santa Fe’s most recognized and beloved tradition of the Christmas Eve farolito walk along narrow and winding Canyon Road. The stroll, participated in by people from around the world, invariably tingles with spontaneous caroling heard from around a distant corner.

Whether it’s the arrival of St. Nick by The Santa Fe Railroad’s Polar Express, the choice of attending a myriad of holiday concerts, the scent of smoky piñion pine drifting in the air, or the hush that overcomes the crowds during Christmas Eve’s ‘Las Posadas,’ the century-old, house-to-house re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room at the inn, to attending a mariachi Mass on Christmas morning, there is no doubt that Christmas in the Land of Enchantment is like no other.

A wide variety of accommodations are available such as the Inn and Spa at Loretto. The 134-room Inn and Spa at Loretto is a boutique hotel epitomizing classic Santa Fe architecture and style with warm Southwest colors and tones. For More Information or to make a reservation at the Inn and Spa at Loretto or visit www.innatloretto.com

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Christmas on the Pecos

Christmas on the Pecos: The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad.

Bundled up against the winter chill, you stare in fascination as your boat glides through a fairyland of twinkling lights created by more than 100 Pecos River homeowners and corporate sponsors who spend hours creatively decorating backyards and boat docks with millions of lights.

A special offer this year is the Flying J Wranglers Christmas concert December 13, 2008. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are available by calling the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

“Christmas on the Pecos reflects the magic of the holiday season,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “This waterfront tour is a unique experience, which has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. I congratulate the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce for its sponsorship and Carlsbad’s residents, friends, and neighbors for making it one of New Mexico’s most cherished holiday events.”

Christmas on the Pecos River is a 50-minute boat ride. Boats set sail 12-15 times per night between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Thanksgiving night to New Year's Eve. Tours depart from the Pecos River Village, a quaint, turn-of-the-century park that is transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights and delights. Wander through a gallery full of gifts created by local artists and enjoy holiday refreshments at the Pecos River Village before and after your tour.

Tickets are sold in advance and at the ticket office on days of departure. Space is limited and reservations are strongly suggested especially on the weekends. For more information visit www.christmasonthepecos.com

Colorado

Colorado Springs Shopping Hot Spots for a Magical Holiday Here, in the shadow of majestic Pike’s Peak, shopping seems to have a certain pioneering spirit. You’ll venture into clusters of quirky, independent-minded boutiques, progressive shopping centers with mountain vistas, and areas where the shops reflect the region’s distinctive history and geology. Our guide to select retail locales in Colorado Springs will get your shopping exploits started on the right track.

Downtown

Where: Central Colorado Springs; the intersection of Tejon and Bijou streets and surrounding blocks

In a time when downtown areas throughout the country are becoming increasingly homogenous, Colorado Springs’ downtown seems to be bucking the trend. Here, visitors can stroll through an overwhelming number of independent shops filled with original finds ranging from chic stationary to bargain outdoor gear.

Old Colorado City

Where: Western Colorado Springs; West Colorado Avenue between 21st and 30th Streets

One of Colorado’s earliest settlements, Today, it retains a bit of Old West atmosphere with historic brick buildings and shady streets. You’ll find Colorado Springs’ biggest cluster of art galleries here, mostly with Southwestern collections.

Manitou Springs

Where: Four miles west of Colorado Springs on Cimarron St./Hwy. 24

Tucked between the base of Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods is chock full of worthwhile shopping.

Browse among small boutiques, galleries and trading posts to discover earthy clothing designs, American Indian jewelry, handmade candies, Pike’s Peak region souvenirs and tons of other treasures.

For more information visit www.colorado.com

Colorado Springs

Holden House 1902 Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn
1102 W. Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
www.holdenhouse.com

Award-Winning Pikes Peak treasure!

Romantic Victorians with luxury suites boasting private sitting areas, fireplaces, and bubble bath "tubs for two". Near shopping, restaurants and activities.

AAA/Mobil Awards. Full gourmet breakfast.