Fourth Annual Festival of Lights of Ruidoso!
Written by Chuck Duncan • Photogaphy Doug McAlister
Ruidoso is a magical place at any time, but come the Holiday season the Village awakens to a dazzling display of lights and festivities. Celebrating the wonders of the Christmas season the Village adorns itself with thousands upon thousands of lighted crystals and luminarias. Midtown becomes “Festival Central” with the streets, shops, restaurants and galleries aglow in radiant hues punctuated by a galaxy of white lights shimmering like snow flakes sparkling in the moonlight. This is all part of the wondrous event known as the “Festival of Lights”.
An annual event which begins on the Thanksgiving holiday and runs through the New Year, it kicks off with the lighting of the Village on Thanksgiving’s Eve this November 23rd. It’s a great time to drive around Ruidoso after dark to take it all in. The Upper Canyon Lodgers turn the canyon into a Winter Wonderland. In fact, during this time the canyon changes it’s name to “Candy Cane Canyon” and it is an annual award winner in the lighting contest.
If you plan to visit please remember to bring a non-perishable food or clothing item for the collection box located at the Upper Canyon Fire Hall.
On December 1st, the Village lights up the official Ruidoso Christmas Tree in School House Park.
This is a great family event and marks the count down to the big day. On December 10th at the 9-acre park, just a block from Midtown, a special kids day is planned. Santa will be there, and the kids can share a snack with the Jolly Old Elf while having their pictures taken with him. There will be hot chocolate and cookies, music, kiddie rides, sleigh rides and vendors.
Naturally, no Christmas Festival would be complete without a parade and the “Parade of Lights” is spectacular. On the evening of December 10th one magical float after another winds it’s way through Midtown to the cheers of thousands of onlookers. Bands, horses, cars, trucks and beautiful floats all lit up for the occasion create a scene reminiscent of Christmas … like it used to be everywhere … and still is in Ruidoso.
If you only take in one event this Holiday Season make sure this is it!
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