Winter Trip Ideas
You Can't Beat A Ruidoso Winter
Why Ruidoso in Winter?
Winter in Ruidoso isn’t just about the snow—it’s about the experience. From skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure to cozy cabins, holiday events, local shopping, dining, and small-town mountain charm, Ruidoso offers something to discover throughout the winter season.
Top Winter Activities in Ruidoso
Plan Your Trip
• Find the Perfect Winter Getaway – Explore Ruidoso’s lodging options and make yourself at home in the mountains.
• Meet the Locals – Discover the stories, flavors, and traditions that make Ruidoso special.
• Know Before You Go – Get insider tips on how to get here, where to stay, and how to get around.
Winter in Ruidoso is waiting—start planning your trip today!
Experience Christmas in Ruidoso with winter adventures, holiday events, local shopping, festive lights, scenic mountain drives, and cozy places to stay. From skiing and outdoor ice skating to exploring Midtown and relaxing by the fire, discover plenty of ways to make a holiday getaway in Ruidoso memorable.
Experience winter in Ruidoso, New Mexico, with recommendations for a cozy recipe, a seasonal sleigh ride, a favorite local pizza spot, a scenic stroll, and a holiday movie filmed in Ruidoso to enjoy by the fire.
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
Lace up your skates! The seasonal outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park is scheduled to return November 28, 2026, for the 2026–27 winter season. Find current season dates, hours, holiday schedules, admission, skate rentals, and visitor information.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of Ruidoso’s favorite gift shops to help you find the perfect holiday gifts. Choose something special for yourself or someone you love. Discover friendly independent shops with unique jewelry, clothing, home decor, and skin care products, plus Southwestern turquoise, art, pottery, and New Mexico wine and spirits.
Plan your Ruidoso holiday getaway around festive parades, Christmas performances, sparkling light displays, family celebrations, and other seasonal events throughout the village.
Plan a family winter getaway to Ruidoso with skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, scenic mountain adventures, cozy lodging, local dining, shopping, and seasonal events for all ages.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Looking for the best place to see the stars in 2026? Escape city lights and experience the breathtaking dark skies of Ruidoso. From constellations and the Milky Way to dazzling meteor showers, this mountain getaway offers unforgettable stargazing. Plan your trip around the top 2026 meteor shower dates for the ultimate night-sky adventure.
Discover winter in Ruidoso beyond the holidays, from skiing and snow tubing to scenic trails, cozy cabins, Midtown shopping, dining, wildlife viewing, and quiet mountain escapes.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026 in Ruidoso with cozy mountain stays, seasonal events, romantic dining, sweet local treats, and winter adventures. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a friends’ weekend, or a spontaneous escape, Ruidoso offers an easygoing Valentine’s experience surrounded by fresh air, warm hospitality, and mountain charm.
Discover New Year's Eve Events in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a romantic evening, a night out with friends, or a celebration the whole family can enjoy, Ruidoso has you covered.
Discover the magic of the holidays in Ruidoso, New Mexico, with outdoor ice skating, twinkling lights, festive parades, local shopping, seasonal performances, and mountain scenery. Celebrate favorite traditions including Christmas in the Park and the Festival of Lights Parade, then explore even more ways to enjoy a winter getaway in Ruidoso.
Get ready to experience the holiday magic like never before! CC Productions proudly presents "The Christmas Classic," a heartwarming feature film Filmed in and around Ruidoso. This timeless tale of love, family, and the true spirit of Christmas is sure to become an instant holiday favorite. Learn more at IMDb. Watch now at Amazon.
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
Snuggle in front of a fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Stargaze. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
Hit the slopes, backcountry trails, or town with gear designed to take you wherever you want to go. From winter clothing, to safety gear, or extra layers Ruidoso shops have you covered. Here's where to find everything you need for your Ruidoso winter vacation.
Stay warm and comfortable during your Ruidoso winter getaway with the right gear. Layer up with insulated jackets, cozy pullovers, wool socks, and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and boots to stay protected from snow and chilly temperatures. Get expert tips on winter packing to make the most of your trip.
As winter kicks off in Ruidoso, the village fills with holiday lights after dark: from the holiday displays in Midtown and Upper Canyon to the festive glow of the Festival of Lights Parade and After Party. Pile everyone into the car to see some of the best, brightest, and most beautiful holiday light shows by Ruidoso area residents. Don't miss the fun!
Don't have a travel partner? No problem. Ruidoso is an ideal destination for travelers exploring alone. Enjoy solitary hiking, mountain biking, or paddling in summer. Ski and snowboard in winter. Ruidoso is a laid-back village with a friendly mountain town vibe, making it easy to socialize and find your way around. Visitors will find plenty of year-round solitary activities.
Winter is nonstop fun in Ruidoso. Hit the slopes at Ski Apache, fly down the tubing hill at Ruidoso Winter Park, walk our Midtown shopping district, and celebrate the many events we have going on all season long. Here are five winter experiences you won’t want to miss.
Wildlife and Ruidoso go hand in hand. From the quiet appearance of the majestic elk and wild horse herds that roam here to the impressive flight of the bald eagle and the entertaining antics of the bears that are frequently seen, here are some of Ruidoso's most amazing wildlife and some tips on where you can safely spot them on your next trip.
Find skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, goggles, layers, and other winter gear for your time on the mountain.
What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
Navigating Ruidoso’s winter roads? Stay safe with expert tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn how to prepare your vehicle, drive in snow and ice, and handle mountain roads for a smooth and stress-free winter vacation. Plan ahead and drive with confidence in Ruidoso’s snowy conditions.
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.
Grindstone Lake Recreation Area returns to low-season operations effective September 6, 2022. Open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, weekend reservations are no longer required, and while the WIBIT Water Park is closed for the season, you can still kayak, paddleboard, hike, bike, horseback ride, picnic, and enjoy disc golf.
A Ruidoso vacation cabin can be a fairy-tale escape — a place to curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace or conquer the nearby ski hills. Ready to cozy up to your own slice of cabin bliss? Here are a few visitor favorites to help get you started.
DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING YOUR RUIDOSO WINTER VACATION
Shop for the holidays at the 39th Annual Christmas Jubilee, November 13–15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy three days of shopping plus family activities Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5; children 12 and under and active military are free with ID. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com
Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere!
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>
Celebrate opening day at the Ruidoso Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park on November 28! The 2026–27 season brings outdoor skating, skate rentals and winter fun to the heart of Ruidoso.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
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.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Ruidoso’s Festival of Lights Parade returns December 5, 2026, with this year’s “A Holly Dolly Christmas” theme, bringing twinkling lights, festive floats, holiday cheer, and plenty of sparkle to Midtown Ruidoso.
Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theater on December 10, 2026. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an unforgettable journey through Christmases past, present, and yet to come. Filled with memorable characters and a message of generosity, compassion, and second chances, this holiday classic brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Hunter Hicks and West Bound Hearts bring two full sets of live country music to Patina Lounge at JACKS Backstage in Ruidoso on Saturday, December 12. Ages 18+.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Here are 5 Ruidoso winter experiences you won’t want to miss
Zoom Down Snow Tube Runs at Ruidoso Winter Park
Get in touch with your inner child and go snowtubing. It’s a Ruidoso winter activity that’s fun for the whole family. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
Stroll Midtown and Discover Great Shops and Restaurants.
From early December to mid-March, Ruidoso is like a fairyland Christmas village of lights, decorations, snow, and outdoor adventure. The jingle of sleigh bells ring out throughout Midtown and Upper Canyon where visitors can enjoy a winter sleigh ride and holiday lights sparkle in anticipation of the holiday events and New Year’s celebrations.
Celebrate the Season at These Holiday Events
Make holiday magic in Ruidoso! Gather your family and friends and come together for fun-filled holidays full of festive events. Don’t miss the beautifully lit and fantastically festive, Festival of Lights Parade and After Party.
Hit the Slopes at Ski Apache
Nestled on the northern flank of the 12,003-foot Sierra Blanca peak near Ruidoso, Ski Apache is southern New Mexico's premier ski and snowboard resort offering dozens of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Take Advantage of the Free Winter Activities in Ruidoso
Snuggle in front of the fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.