La Luz de las Noches at Santa Fe Botanical Garden

La Luz de las Noches opens the Santa Fe Botanical Garden after dark, when thousands of twinkling lights, glowing farolitos and the flicker of real wood fire pits transform the garden into a winter gathering place. Visitors wander past lit, themed vignettes as performers and carolers fill the cold night air, with activity stations for s'mores by the fire, cookie decorating and festive games, and a g-scale model train, the La Luz Express, winding through the lights. Local Native American artists sell handcrafted work, complimentary cookies, hot cider and cocoa are served, and Santa and Mrs. Claus join on select nights.

Our take: Tickets carry a set entry time, so arrive at your slot, then stay as long as you like until the garden closes.