Santa Fe, NM –New Mexico is steeped in culture—especially during the holidays! Enjoy hiking, fishing, or listening to holiday music this December at a State Park near you.
"State Parks has something everyone will enjoy this holiday season," said State Parks Director Tommy Mutz. "It may be cold outside, but hiking, fishing, or taking the Polar Bear Plunge warms the heart."
November 28
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Stuffing Strut
10 - Noon
Join a ranger-guided, post-holiday hike on the trails of Cerrillos Hills State Park. Strut your stuff and leave those turkeys behind! Meet at the park entrance ½ mile north of the village of Cerrillos on County Road 59. Contact park staff at 505-474-0196.
December 3
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
David Meunch's National Parks
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Join premiere landscape photographer David Meunch and award winning outdoor writer Ruth Rudner for a presentation of their book David Meunch's National Parks. Meunch will show images from the National Parks, and Rudner will read passages from the book. The park is located at 2901Candelaria Road in Albuquerque. Contact the park at 505-344-7240 for more information.
December 6
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Holiday Bells
11:00 a.m. - Noon
Listen to beautiful holiday music performed on hand bells by the Touch of Joy Ringers. This program is a great way to start the holiday season. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is located in the city of Carlsbad. Contact the park at 575-887-5516 for more information.
December 13, 2014
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Christmas on the Chicorica
5:00-8:30 p.m.
Stroll along Chicorica Creek by the light of more than 1,500 luminarias. Munch on cookies, listen to Christmas carols, peek through the park telescope and visit with Santa. Sugarite Canyon State Park is located 5.5 miles northeast of the city of Raton. Contact the park at 575-445-5607.
Rockhound State Park
Holiday Lights
5:00-6:30 p.m.
More than 1,000 luminarias will light the Visitor Center, native gardens and labyrinth. Hot cocoa, cider and cookies will be served. Rockhound State Park is located just outside of Deming, NM. Contact the park at 575-546-6182 for details.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
The Perseus Story Cycle
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Come listen to tales from the night sky—the Perseus story cycle. View beautiful constellations and learn from the Amateur Astronomers Group of New Mexico. A few meteors may even enliven the night sky. Dress warmly! Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located 12 miles south of Alamogordo. Contact the park at 575-437-8284 for more information.
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Hibernation Hike
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wildlife have many strategies to get through the lean months of winter. On this hike you will learn how different animals conserve energy to survive cold weather. Meet at the park entrance ½ mile north of the village of Cerrillos on County Road 59. Contact park staff at 505-474-0196.
Leasburg Dam State Park
Turning Back the Sun
12 – 9 p.m.
Learn about the winter solstice. Hear traditional winter coyote stories, sample real buffalo stew and adobe baked bread, and enjoy native American dances by a warm campfire. The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces will provide telescope to view the day and night sky. The park is located in Radium Springs, NM. Contact park staff at 575-524-4068.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Holidays with the Animals
1 – 3 p.m.
Children enjoy activities and make holiday cards and treats for their favorite Living Desert animals. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is located in the city of Carlsbad. Contact the park at 575-887-5516 for more information.
December 14, 2014
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Holiday Open House
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy holiday treats at the Visitor Center including cookies, hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Learn about the park and the schedule of educational programs and events. The event is located at the Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center in the town of Cerrillos. Contact park staff at 505-474-0196.
December 21, 2014
Pancho Villa State Park
Luminarias at Pancho Villa
6 – 7 p.m.
Enjoy this beautiful luminaria event and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Enter a free raffle drawing for a turkey or a ham. Pancho Villa State Park is located in the town of Columbus. Contact the park at 575-531-2711 for more information.
January 1, 2015
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Polar Bear Plunge
1-2 p.m.
Take the plunge and get your new year off to a brisk start! After you jump in the icy waters of Lake Maloya, we'll warm you up with coffee and hot chocolate. This event is co-sponsored by Raton Parks and Recreation and N.M. State Parks. Registration fee for the plunge is $20 at www.ratonrecreation.com. Register by December 6th to guarantee a t-shirt. State Park day use fees apply. For more information call 575.445.2413.
First Day Hikes
Hike a trail at a State Park and enjoy the outdoors! New Mexico State Parks is holding First Day Hikes to put visitors in the mood for a healthy, happy New Year – find out times and other particulars on our website for the following participating parks:
Navajo Lake State Park
Bluewater Lake State Park
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Ute Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
City of Rocks State Park
Leasburg Dam State Park
Caballo Lake State Park
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Rockhound Lake State Park
Oasis State Park
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Sumner Lake State Park
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Villanueva State Park
Hyde Memorial State Park
For more information, please visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.nmparks.com.
Conditions are right for adventure at New Mexico State Parks!