This Southwest City Is Famous for Red and Green Chilis-but It's Also the Best Place to Celebrate Christmas in the U.S.

"But one of Santa Fe's most magical holiday traditions is farolitos. Sometimes called luminarias, these "little lanterns," which consist of sand-filled brown paper bags lit by votive candles, originate from Chinese paper lanterns brought to the New World by 18th-century Spanish galleons. When the holidays arrive, you'll find them lining walkways, rooftops, walls, and porches around town, casting golden glows on the adobe buildings. The effect is downright enchanting."

"One of the best places to experience them is along Canyon Road, a historic district now lined with galleries. Every Christmas Eve, Canyon Road hosts its annual Farolito Walk. Thousands of farolitos illuminate the narrow road, which fills with Santa Feans singing carols, sipping hot cocoa, and perusing warm art galleries. Canyon Road is home to some of Santa Fe's oldest homes, so it feels like stepping back in time."

"With incredible mountain desert views, a storied history, and a legendary arts scene, it draws a steady stream of travelers year-round. But few know that the holidays are actually one of the best times to visit The City Different-and it's truly when it shines the brightest. During the holiday season, you'll find reds and greens blanketing the town in the form of piñon pines and dangling clusters of Rudolph's nose-red chile ristras (chili pepper garlands). Downtown, the Plaza twinkles with thousands of string lights."

Santa Fe combines mountain desert views, a storied history, and a legendary arts scene that attract visitors year-round. The holiday season intensifies the charm with reds and greens from piñon pines and dangling clusters of nose-red chile ristras, while the Plaza sparkles with thousands of string lights. Farolitos, sand-filled brown paper bags lit by votive candles, line walkways, rooftops, walls, and porches, casting golden glows on adobe buildings and originating from Chinese paper lanterns introduced by 18th-century Spanish galleons. Canyon Road hosts an annual Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve where thousands of farolitos illuminate galleries and narrow streets filled with carolers and hot cocoa.

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