Ruidoso Festivals and Annual Events

Ruidoso hosts many exciting festivals and annual events. Everything from Party in the Pines to the Art Loop, AspenFest to the Festival of Lights!  We invite you to browse our diverse selection of year-round opportunities to experience art, music, and culture that makes Ruidoso such a great place to live and to visit. Find an archive of Ruidoso festivals and events HERE.

Featured
Christmas In The Park
Dec 4
Christmas In The Park

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January 31, 2026.

Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex
Dec 13
Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex

Enjoy a festive evening at the White Mountain Recreation Complex on Dec. 13 with an outdoor showing of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, followed by a spectacular holiday drone light show at 8:15 PM. Bring blankets and chairs for this free, family-friendly holiday celebration presented by Ruidoso Parks & Recreation.

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 21
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ruidoso with festive dinners, live music, dance parties, and family-friendly events across the village. From gourmet menus to late-night celebrations, there are plenty of ways to welcome 2026 in the mountains. Events are updated annually—call ahead to confirm details and make your NYE getaway unforgettable.

31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 3
31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Experience the art where it’s made. Throughout Lincoln County, painters, sculptors, and artisans open their studios for a self-guided tour that invites you to meet the makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover original works directly from local artists.

Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso
Jul 11
Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN 70.3 on July 11–12, 2026, a landmark event in our rise as a hub for elite endurance competitions. Joining the 2026 XTERRA World Championships, this triathlon will draw athletes from around the world. A full schedule and more details will be shared closer to the event. Learn More »

55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 24
55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival

A cornerstone of Ruidoso’s cultural calendar, this juried fine art show draws over 100 acclaimed artists from across the country. Explore paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more while enjoying regional wines, live music, and mountain hospitality. Don’t miss: The opportunity to meet featured artists and add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection.

Alto Artists Tour
Aug 7
Alto Artists Tour

Step inside the studios and homes of Alto’s professional artists during this free, self-guided tour. From ceramics and glass to woodwork and textiles, each stop reveals the stories and spaces behind the art. Insider favorite: Many artists offer works not available anywhere else—so come ready to browse and be inspired. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship
Oct 8
Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship

Wild West XTERRA comes to Ruidoso, NM, October 8–11, 2026, for the XTERRA World Championship and 30th anniversary celebration. Athletes will tackle high-altitude swimming, biking, and trail running around Grindstone Lake and Lincoln National Forest. Visitors can enjoy race-week events, mountain town hospitality, and Ruidoso’s unique Old West heritage.

Events & Festivals, FAQ, Things to do in RuidosoKerry GladdenThings to do in Ruidoso.