A Mountain Christmas
Christmas in Cloudcroft is exactly what it sounds like — a small mountain village at 8,676 feet, lit up for the holidays, usually with real snow on the ground. The tree lighting at the OCEC Courtyard on Burro, the Christmas Parade, a holiday market, and the kind of December atmosphere most people only see in movies.
It’s one of the easiest places in southern New Mexico to find a proper white Christmas backdrop. The whole village leans into the season.
The Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 5 at 5:30 PM, with the tree lighting directly after. Dress up your pet, family, or vehicle and register to join at coolcloudcroft.com (Events, then Christmas Parade). Other holiday dates to be confirmed closer to the season — check local listings.
Visiting in December
Practical info for a holiday trip to Cloudcroft.
Where
Downtown Cloudcroft, NM 88317. The village center hosts most holiday events.
When
December 2026. The Christmas Parade and tree lighting are Saturday, December 5, parade at 5:30 PM. Other dates, including the holiday market, to be confirmed closer to the season.
What to Bring
Real winter layers, waterproof boots, and chains or 4WD if a storm is in the forecast. Cloudcroft gets actual mountain winter.
Good to Know
Holiday weekends book out fast. Reserve lodging early. Roads to Cloudcroft can close briefly during winter storms — check NMDOT conditions before driving up.
More 2026 Events in Cloudcroft
Round out your trip with more of Cloudcroft’s 2026 calendar of festivals and gatherings.