Celebrate the holidays with free day-use on Black Friday and fun, family friendly events at your New Mexico State Parks!
Santa Fe, NM – Vámonos! Let’s go New Mexico! The State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is celebrating the holiday season with a series of fun family events and opportunities for everyone to get outdoors and enjoy State Parks across the state.
Avoid the shopping crowds and long lines this Black Friday and opt to get outside with free entry at any New Mexico State Park! Day-use entrance fees will be waived at all 35 state parks statewide for Friday, November 24 only.
Cozy up and enjoy the warm glow of the holiday season in December with luminaria walks, a parade of lights on the water, festive music, stargazing, and hot chocolate. You may even see Santa!
Saturday, December 2
Pancho Villa State Park
13th Annual Luminaria Walk
Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fees: Free, donations to The Friends of Pancho Villa State Park appreciated.
400 NM-9
Columbus, NM
575-531-2711
Relish the season with hot chocolate and holiday music during this free event. The Friends of Pancho Villa State Park will also be raffling off several turkeys and hams for families to enjoy over the winter holidays.
Saturday, December 9
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
28th Annual Holiday Luminaria Beach Walk & Floating Lights Parade
Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
101 NM-195
Elephant Butte, NM
575-744-5923
Walk among 5,000 luminarias and campfires on the beach with sites hosted by local businesses and organizations sharing hot chocolate and sweet treats. Boaters will also light up the night with colorful displays on Elephant Butte Lake.
Rockhound State Park
Holiday Lights
Hours: 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
9880 Stirrup Road SE
Deming, NM 88030
575-546-6182
Get glowing to Rockhound State Park and experience the magic of more than 1,000 luminaries with hot cider and biscochitos. The regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Christmas on the Chicorica
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Fees: Donations to the Friends of Sugarite Canyon appreciated.
The Friends of Sugarite Canyon will host their annual Christmas on Chicorica Creek in the Sugarite Canyon Boardwalk area. Come enjoy a walk along the decorated Riverwalk complete with star gazing and warm beverages. Marshmallow roasting over a barrel fire will be available to visitors. Santa and his coal miner friend will be there for photographs from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Visit us year-round! New Mexico State Parks can be found in 25 of 33 counties and we’re here with outdoor fun even in the winter, including camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, cozy campfires, and ice fishing. Some seasonal closures and fire restrictions may be in effect. Check for details before your trip at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/ . Reserve your camping spot up to six months in advance now at reserveamerica.com !