Real Estate Information Archive

Like all of the nation, Santa Fe is getting ready for the 4th of July weekend!  The largest local tradition in Santa Fe is Pancakes on the Plaza, a fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club.  Not only do you get to eat delicious, interesting pancakes outdoors under the trees on the Plaza, there are also art and craft booths, kids activities, vintage cars lining the street, live music and an auction.

The proceeds of the event make a big difference to the lives of people in need. Proceeds go to non-profit organizations that meet the Rotary criteria. Pancakes on the Plaza is now in its 42nd year and continues to be one of Santa Fe's favorite yearly events, drawing large numbers of locals.

Contrary to many of the stereotypes we see every year during the holidays on television and in the movies, not everyone or every family stays home for Christmas dinner. In addition to giving the family chef a rest, here are some other reasons to get out of the house for Christmas dinner:

• It can be a fun change of pace, especially for those who “always” have Christmas dinner at home
• Many of the restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day will quite often have special entree and appetizer items, along with special prices on certain meals
• Popular and trendy restaurants that are often too crowded to be comfortable will likely be significantly less crowded owing to the many others who stayed at home for Christmas dinner

So, if you live in or near the city of Santa Fe, or if you’ll be visiting the area on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and you are thinking about (or need to) go out for dinner, you are in luck.

Some of the city’s best local eateries are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or both. Listed below are a few of these restaurants, along with a brief description of them and, where applicable, any of the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day specials they may be offering:

Geronimo: Located on the historic Canyon Road in the heart of Santa Fe, Geronimo is an 18-year-old local legend among the city’s eclectic, impressive fine dining restaurants. Geronimo’s website does not specify a particular dish special for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day; however, it is a safe bet that they will offer a traditional turkey dinner with the typical side dishes.

Fuego Restaurant & Wine Bar: Situated within the classy and stylish La Posada de Santa Fe resort and spa, Fuego Restaurant & Wine Bar is an excellent choice for those who want a true escape from the holiday bustle. A world-class wine list, a cozy fireplace setting and inventive cuisine combine to create a relaxed dining experience away from the traditional bells and whistles.

Anasazi: The Anasazi Restaurant is recognized as among the finest culinary destinations in all of New Mexico. The ambience is a seamless blend of elegant fine dining and classic American Southwestern charm. Additionally, Anasazi features special meal deals during much of the holiday season. Check them out at their website:

• Christmas Eve Dinner Menu
• Christmas Brunch Menu
• Christmas Dinner Menu
• New Year's Eve Dinner Menu
• New Year's Day Brunch Menu

La Casa Sena and Santacafé: Each of these landmark Santa Fe restaurants not only offers a glimpse into the city’s 400-year history, but they also serve up some great fare on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Santacafé dishes up Christmas Eve dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. And you can fill your tummy at La Casa Sena on Christmas Eve from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Christmas Day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Farolitos + Fire = Free Fun

At Christmas time, Santa Fe is bathed in a warm, golden light that literally shines with the spirit of the holiday season.  

Residing in a region that can arguably be called the heart and soul of the American Southwest, Santa Fe is one of the area’s signature cities. Its definitive Mexican inspired architecture, culturally rich resident population, and diverse outdoor and indoor entertainment and recreational opportunities are second to none. It’s one of the few cities that are immediately recognizable for anyone who has lived in or visited it.

Along with its natural beauty and Native American heritage, Santa Fe is a city that has developed a kind of mystical, aura about it. This magical sense that exists in Santa Fe is strongly enhanced during the holidays. One of Santa Fe’s signature seasonal events is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, which takes place on Christmas Eve.

The Canyon Road Farolito Walk – also known as the Farolito Walk and the Christmas Eve in Santa Fe, Canyon Road Farolito Walk – is an incredibly moving and entrancing event.

Small paper bags are filled with sand and small votive candles, and then placed side-to-side along historic Canyon Road. When these candles are lit, the bags are transformed into farolitos (the Spanish word translates to small paper lantern).

On Christmas Eve, people gather in downtown Santa Fe close to the New Mexico State Capitol building. As twilight begins to darken the winter sky, the lighted farolitos provide a calming, resplendent glow for walkers and carolers as they stroll along the golden path.

Many of the businesses along the Canyon Road Farolito Walk route traditionally offer hot cocoa and hot cider to revelers, and there are usually a couple of bonfires along the way for participants to warm up before rejoining the walk or singing some carols.

You do not have to be in Santa Fe on Christmas Eve, however, to be a part of this unique city’s wondrous holiday season celebration. All you have to do is get yourself to Santa Fe’s historic Plaza in its downtown area on any chilly, star-filled night during the weeks between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day.

On these meditative evenings, the adobe shops and restaurants blush with the receding light of the setting sun, and all of the trees in the Plaza come alive with the silvery glow of strung lights. The holiday season is a special time sure to create memories for residents and visitors to Santa Fe.

A home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, although wonderful, is not everybody's tradition. Dining out has become quite a popular Thanksgiving tradition for both Santa Fe Visitors and Santa Fe homeowners, alike.  After all, when you live in a place like Santa Fe New Mexico, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the country, why wouldn't you take every chance you get to try a new one?

Maybe this year you would like to leave the stress of cooking the big turkey behind. Or maybe you only recently moved to your Santa Fe home and you don't have the family here to hold the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Rest assured, many of the restaurants of Santa Fe are as warm and comforting as your closest friend's welcoming abode. Then there are others that offer a dining experience that is difficult to find in any household.

Whatever your desire - a homey atmosphere, a five star experience, or fantastic surroundings - Santa Fe New Mexico has the restaurants to make 2010 a Thanksgiving to remember. As soon as you find one that makes your mouth water, give them a call and put your bid in for your Thanksgiving Day reservation…

Desire: Just Like Home
Santa Fe Restaurant: Dinner for Two
It doesn't hit much closer to home than Dinner for Two. This family owned and operated restaurant has an unassuming exterior, and a warm and romantic interior, along with an attentive waitstaff and live classical music every weekend from 7-9 pm. You will most definitely be surrounded by family, even if not your own. Mom, Pam Schwarz runs the front of the house; son Andy Barnes is the chef and husband/dad, Gregory Barnes, bakes the bread. Ideal for indecisive eaters who want to try a little bit of everything, the menu is set up so that you are able to experiment new treats and share tastes with your dinner guests. A wine pairing is a must with anything you choose, as Dinner for Two has won the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for the past 6 years.
For reservations, call (505) 820-2075.

Desire: Fine Turkey Dining
Santa Fe Restaurant: La Casa Sena
Ready and waiting for all of the bright-eyed and anxious Thanksgiving diners, La Casa Sena has already planned a four course dinner for the special dining day. First course, a spiced quince, Bay Scallop Tartlette. Next, choose between a Mesquite-grilled pumpkin soup or the LCS Waldorf Salad. The third course, the entree, brings a maple chimayo chile glazed free range turkey with complimenting side dishes or a Achiote roasted pork loin. Last but not least - dessert. Sunken chocolate cake with cranberry ice cream or caramelized pear upside-down gingerbread. The best part is - If you still cannot bare to skip an at-home Thanksgiving dinner, they have a Take Out option with all the trimmings!
For reservations, call (505) 988-9232.

Desire: Location, Location, Location
Santa Fe Restaurant: Terra
If you are looking for truly spectacular Santa Fe surroundings on your Thanksgiving day, then, without a doubt, Terra is where you have to be. This four-Diamond restaurant, located inside the five Diamond Encantado Resort is about 20 minutes north of Santa Fe, past the village of Tesuque New Mexico. It offers walls of windows and the most breathtaking Santa Fe views you could hope for. Oh yeah, the food isn't bad either. Butternut squash soup with caramelized apples, roasted chestnuts and sage, West Coast oysters with jalapeno mignonette, or a Foie Gras-roasted Turkey Breast and confit of the leg served with truffle-mashed potatoes are just a few of the options for your Thanksgiving feast.
For reservations, call (505) 946 5800.

Santa Fe Real Estate is unlike any other location. Where else can you find the dining options mentioned above, paired with the mountainous surroundings of the Santa Fe setting? Since Thanksgiving is a time of thanks, I cannot help but be appreciative of my Santa Fe home, and the opportunity I get every day to help others realize their dream of living in Santa Fe New Mexico.

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast