The Bishop’s Lodge Farolito Tree Lighting & Holiday Market is among Santa Fe’s most essential community events. It kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 12. The highly-anticipanted celebration features a local artisan market, live music, and the lighting of the resort’s iconic Farolito Tree.
The annual Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection event captivates guests in Northern New Mexico’s unparalleled holiday spirit.
Event Details at a Glance
- What: Bishop’s Lodge Farolito Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
- When: Friday, December 12, 2025
- Holiday Market: 2 – 7 p.m.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m.
- Cost: Complimentary to all; no RSVP necessary.
- Where: Bishop’s Lodge, 1297 Bishops Lodge, Santa Fe
Why Should I Attend the Bishop’s Lodge Holiday Market?
The Bishop’s Lodge Holiday Market provides an exclusive opportunity to find handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Starting at 2 p.m., the market is an excellent way to support Santa Fe’s creative community while tackling your holiday shopping.
At this premier gathering of Santa Fe’s finest makers, local artisanal vendors will offer handcrafted treasures like custom jewelry, one-of-a-kind Southwestern artwork, and luxurious textiles.
Find exceptional, locally-made gifts in the extraordinary setting of Bishop’s Lodge.
What Makes the Bishop’s Lodge Tree Lighting Unique?
The Farolito Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. is a quintessential Santa Fe tradition. A farolito is a small paper bag weighted with sand and holding a candle, which is a signature element of New Mexico’s holiday decor. This ceremony illuminates a grand tree decorated with many of these glowing paper lanterns.
Guests can enjoy seasonal drinks, festive bites, and live music that captures the region’s seasonal flavors. Expect an atmosphere that showcases the intersection of luxury and genuine local tradition for which Bishop’s Lodge is known.
Summary: The combination of traditional farolitos and a majestic tree lighting is unique to the Santa Fe holiday experience.
About Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Collection
Bishop’s Lodge is a historic luxury ranch resort situated within 1.7 million acres of pristine New Mexican national forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain foothills, just 10 minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza.
Settled more than 150 years ago by Santa Fe’s first archbishop, Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the property holds profound cultural and historical significance. The resort, which reopened in July 2021 after a $75 million restoration, is an architectural wonder on its own.
Bishop’s Lodge’s design honors the region’s Southwestern heritage with adobe-style architecture, kiva fireplaces, and art from local and Native American artists.
Bishop’s Lodge offers guests a range of luxury amenities, including wellness and spa services, an on-site art gallery, and dining at the signature classic SkyFire restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to attend the Farolito Tree Lighting and Holiday Market?
Attendance for the Bishop’s Lodge Farolito Tree Lighting & Holiday Market is complimentary for all guests, and no RSVP is necessary. The event is designed as a welcoming community celebration. There is no admission charge to enter the holiday market or to enjoy the 6 p.m. tree lighting ceremony.
While the event itself is free, guests should be prepared to purchase items from the local artisans at the holiday market and festive refreshments.
Where is Bishop’s Lodge and how should I get there?
Bishop’s Lodge is located at 1297 Bishops Lodge Road, Santa Fe, just north of the Santa Fe Plaza in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Driving is the most common method of travel, with the lodge approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive from the city center.
Limited parking will be available on-site; however, visitors should plan to arrive early due to the expected crowd size.
Alternative transportation, such as ride-sharing services, is recommended.
The location offers stunning views of the high-desert landscape, making the journey part of the overall experience. The resort is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, an established and authoritative luxury brand.
What is a farolito and why is it important to Santa Fe holidays?
A farolito is a traditional New Mexican Christmas lantern made from a brown paper bag, containing a small amount of sand to anchor it, and lit by a votive candle.
These simple lanterns are used to line sidewalks, rooftops, and walls, guiding the way for the Christ child and symbolizing the illumination of hope during the darkest time of year. Estimates suggest that on Christmas Eve, hundreds of thousands of farolitos are lit across Northern New Mexico.
The term farolito is the local term used in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico, whereas in the rest of the Southwest, they are often called luminarias.
The glowing display is integral to the unique cultural holiday heritage of the region, creating a distinctive, soft, and warm ambiance that contrasts with the typical bright electric lights seen elsewhere.
Is there food and drink available at the Farolito Tree Lighting event?
Yes, festive seasonal drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the Bishop’s Lodge Farolito Tree Lighting & Holiday Market.
While admission to the market and lighting is free of charge, food and drink are separate purchases. For guests seeking a complete dining experience, Bishop’s Lodge’s acclaimed restaurant, SkyFire, is also available, though dinner reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand during the holiday season.
Attend the Bishop’s Lodge Tree Lighting and Market
The Bishop’s Lodge Farolito Tree Lighting & Holiday Market is one of the definitive community events where you can experience the holidays in Santa Fe.
Find remarkable gifts, listen to live music, and witness the heart-warming Farolito Tree lighting. This complimentary celebration brings festive cheer. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 12, and join the magic at Bishop’s Lodge
