Celebrate Valentine's Day in Ruidoso
Mountain air. Cozy evenings. Just enough adventure to make the memories linger.
Valentine’s Day in Ruidoso is about presence rather than pretense—quiet winter mornings, shared mountain moments, and evenings that unfold slowly over good food and conversation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, celebrating with friends, or escaping the ordinary, Ruidoso offers a relaxed, memorable way to mark the holiday.
This updated 2026 guide highlights seasonal events, fresh dining ideas, and easy-to-plan experiences.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Events
Planning Tip: Looking for live music during your Valentine’s getaway? Explore Ruidoso’s year-round music scene.
Where to Dine on Valentine’s Day in Ruidoso
From candlelit tables to relaxed neighborhood favorites, Ruidoso’s dining scene offers something for every kind of celebration. Many restaurants feature Valentine’s specials or prix-fixe menus—reservations are strongly recommended.
Michael J’s Italian Restaurant – Intimate, classic Italian and a longtime date-night favorite. Address: 601 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-9559
Wendell’s Steak & Seafood Inn of the Mountain Gods – Refined dining with sweeping mountain views. Address: 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM 88340 | Phone: (575) 464-7059
The Rancher’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant – Traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Address: 2823 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-7540
Cattle Baron – Reliable classics and generous portions. Address: 657 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-9355
Casa Blanca – Lively Tex-Mex and craft margaritas. Address: 501 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-2495
Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room – Casual comfort with local brews. Address: 441 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 808-8456
Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside – Craft beer, river views, and relaxed vibes. Address: 2704 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 315-2337
Tina’s Cafe – A cozy choice for Valentine’s brunch or lunch. Address: 2825 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-8930
K-BOB’S Steakhouse – Valentine’s specials are served all weekend—and even into Presidents’ Day—so there’s plenty of time to savor a great meal together
Winter Experiences to Share
Ski Apache – Spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or simply riding the gondola for panoramic views. Après-ski drinks and mountain sunsets make this a classic Valentine’s pairing. Address: 1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312 | Phone: (575) 464-3600
Ruidoso Winter Park – Snow tubing, mountain coasters, and winter attractions offer playful energy for couples, families, or friends celebrating together. Address: 121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 336-7079
Scenic Walks & Quiet Drives – Winter in Ruidoso invites a slower pace—forest walks, lakeside views, and scenic drives through Lincoln National Forest create space for conversation and connection.
Relax and Reconnect
After ski slopes, winter hikes, and cozy dinners, nothing rounds out a Valentine’s weekend like time carved out for calm and restoration. From couples massages and float therapy to wellness studios and holistic bodywork, Ruidoso’s spa and relaxation offerings help lovers, friends, and solo travelers slow down and savor the moment.
Signature Spa Experiences
• Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga – A local favorite with couples massages, facials, specialty spa treatments, yoga classes, and wellness packages designed for deep relaxation. Their Total Wellness experience pairs sauna time, partner yoga, lunch, and therapeutic massage—ideal for Valentine’s weekend together. Address: 2810A Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-4325
• Adobe Day Spa & Chiropractics – Classic day spa services and massage therapy with a friendly, approachable touch, plus chiropractic wellness options to ease travel-related tension. Address: 616 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 630-0515
• Mountain Massage & Healing Arts – Highly rated massage and bodywork with a focus on holistic healing and stress relief—perfect for unwinding after day-long activities. Address: 107 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 937-2304
• Sunny Spa – A well-reviewed massage spa with extended hours, making it easy to fit relaxation into a busy Valentine’s itinerary. Address: 2306 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 937-7368
• Floatation Station LLC – Float therapy pods offer an immersive relaxation experience that helps melt stress and center the mind—a unique wellness option in town. Address: 1309 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 315-0870
• Birgit Sawinski, LMT – A local, highly regarded massage therapist focusing on therapeutic bodywork and stress reduction with a personalized touch. Address: Lincoln Tower, 1096 Mechem Dr Suite 206, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 937-6822
• Fusion Medical Spa & Wellness – Medical spa services available for customized aesthetic and wellness treatments that pair well with a full Ruidoso escape. Address: 1900 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-4772
Boost Your Visit with Complementary Wellness
• Art At Work Nail Spa – Add a manicure or pedicure to your relaxation day. Address: 600 Paradise Canyon, Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345 | Phone: (575) 973-8568
• Facetyme with Gina – Highly rated facial and skin treatments to refresh before Valentine’s dinner. Address: 708 Mechem Dr B, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (915) 497-6223
• Ruidoso Athletic Club – For those who find relaxation through movement, this local fitness center offers a warm space to stretch, work out, and reset. Address: 415 Wingfield St, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-4900
Romance Lodging Packages
Valentine’s Sweetheart Package at MCM Elegante Lodge and Resort - Spoil your partner with a luxurious escape, including a keepsake toiletry bag, a relaxing bath bomb, and Champagne with etched flutes. Website | Call to book: +1 575-258-5500
Sweetheart Package at Sitzmark Chalet Inn - Enjoy sparkling cider, chocolate-covered strawberries, and New Mexico chocolate in a cozy, romantic setting. Website | Call to reserve: +1 575-257-4140
Planning Tip: Discover the best places to stay in Ruidoso for every budget and style.
Sweet Treats & Thoughtful Gifts
Valentine’s Day in Ruidoso wouldn’t be complete without something sweet—or something meaningful to take home. From handcrafted confections to nostalgic candy counters, the village offers plenty of small indulgences that feel personal, local, and unhurried.
Locally Loved Sweet Shops
Sabor Candy Shop – A colorful, old-fashioned candy store filled with nostalgic favorites, novelty sweets, and playful Valentine’s surprises for all ages. Address: 2526 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 630-0070
Sweet Retreat – Longtime local candy store. Homemade Fudge, Chocolate, Caramel apples, Gummie candies, and BlueBell ice cream. Website | Address: 2501 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 257-5500
CoCo’s Confections & More – Artisan Crafted Candies & Ice Cream Bar. Address: 2629 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 315-4055
Chill Out by Simple Sugars – Casual hangout featuring frozen yogurt, ice cream, bubble tea, and smoothies.
Address: 2312 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 808-8862
Cathy's Fine Chocolate – Delicious chocolates and praline crunch with flavors for every palette. Address: 26303HWY 70 Unit 408, Ruidoso Downs, NM, United States, New Mexico | Phone: (210) 383-2923
Purple Mountain Taffy Co. – Homemade Salt Water Taffy, Chocolates and more sweet treats! Website | Address: 2549 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (575) 315-1845
CandiFreeze – New Mexico’s largest freeze-dried candy selection, with free samples, smiles, and a 'Pay It Forward' bag of freeze-dried Skittles with every purchase. Website | Address: 2314 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Phone: (505) 600-2440
Midtown Valentine’s Stroll
Midtown Ruidoso invites wandering—sweet shops tucked between galleries, wine bars, and boutiques make it easy to build your own Valentine’s sampler: a box of chocolates here, a cupcake there, maybe a bottle of wine or a handmade candle to finish it off.
Planning Tip: Valentine’s weekend is busy for bakeries and candy shops. Stop in early—or preorder when possible—for the best selection.
Send Flowers
A classic Valentine’s gesture, made even more meaningful when it’s done locally. Ruidoso florists create beautiful arrangements—from timeless roses to seasonal mountain-inspired bouquets—perfect for surprising a partner, friend, or loved one.
Ordering from a local florist supports small businesses and often allows for more personal service, custom designs, and flexible pickup or delivery options.
Local Florists
Ruidoso Flower Shop
Address: 353 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Blossoms Floral Design and Artistry
Address: 240 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Shannon Loves Flowers
Address: 2313 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Calling all foodies and wine lovers: This is a great opportunity to sample New Mexico wines while enjoying local art, crafts, food, boutique vendors, and local brews for those who aren't wine drinkers. Fun for everyone.