Fun and Feel-Good Ways to Enjoy Your Ruidoso Thanksgiving Weekend

Are you looking for things to do during your Ruidoso Thanksgiving getaway? From food and music to holiday events and outdoor adventure, here are some ways to enjoy your Ruidoso Thanksgiving weekend. 

 

1. Kick off the start of the winter season with these Thanksgiving weekend events.

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Party On The Mountain at Ski Apache
Nov 30
Party On The Mountain at Ski Apache

Party on the Mountain is back at Ski Apache! Join Ski Apache as they kick off the 2024-25 Winter Season with a day of food, fun, and entertainment. Enjoy gondola rides (weather permitting), live music, and more. Plus, don’t miss the last chance to get the best price on your season passes! Learn More »

Ruidoso Turkey Trot
Nov 30
Ruidoso Turkey Trot

Put on your running shoes for the 5K Ruidoso Turkey Trot, an annual fun Run-Walk on the Links Trail to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. This is the final race of the Run Ruidoso 2024 season. $20 registration fee via Civic Rec (under the Activities & Programs tab)

Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Dec 1
Christmas Tree Lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season at Inn of the Mountain Gods with a free family event. Enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a Barnes & Noble® pop-up gift shop. Capture memories with Santa from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, then listen to the Eastern New Mexico University™ choir's carol performance at 6:15 pm. The event concludes with a festive Christmas tree lighting at 7:00 pm. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

2. Fill up on New Mexico fall flavors and discover the best places to eat and drink in Ruidoso.

Put a spicy spin on traditional Thanksgiving meals and ignite your tastebuds with fried green chile strips or red chile enchiladas at Casa Blanca, discover New Mexico’s best pizza at Cafe Rio, sip NM artisanal beers and wines in local brewpubs and wineries, tuck into an Apache taco, served on fry bread, at the Apache Tee restaurant, or start the day in one of Ruidoso’s cozy breakfast spots.

3. A Thanksgiving getaway is all about being together. Don’t miss these kid-friendly attractions the whole family can enjoy.

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Ruidoso 5K Turkey Trot
Ruidoso 5K Turkey Trot

Put on your running shoes for the 5K Ruidoso Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 25, 2023, an annual fun Run-Walk on the Links Trail to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. Registration is at 8:30 am near the dog park at White Mountain Recreation Complex. The entrance fee is one or more cans of food.

Hikes the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Hikes the Whole Family Can Enjoy

Vacation preparations can be a hassle, but spending time outside with the family doesn’t have to be. Quickly find Ruidoso trails and some hikes the whole family can enjoy!

Fun Things to Do During Your Ruidoso Fall Vacation
Fun Things to Do During Your Ruidoso Fall Vacation

Autumn is one of Ruidoso’s most enjoyable seasons with crisp weather, changing colors, and not as many visitors. If you’re itching for some adventure, consider one of these fun (and often FREE) fall travel ideas.

OHV in Ruidoso - Where to ride and the rules of off-road driving.
OHV in Ruidoso - Where to ride and the rules of off-road driving.

Ruidoso and Lincoln County offer numerous and diverse opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Miles of trails and open areas await all types of off-road enthusiasts. Ride your own vehicle or sign up for a guided OHV adventure tour. Whatever you choose, there is nothing quite like the adrenaline boost of off-road exploring in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Best Places To Fish In Ruidoso
Best Places To Fish In Ruidoso

From pristine high-mountain lakes and streams to sparkling reservoirs and meandering rivers, discover the best places to cast a line in Ruidoso.

4. Remember to Recreate Responsibly

There’s plenty to be thankful for in the Ruidoso outdoors. Go biking, hiking, zip-lining, or horseback riding, or relax with golfing, paddling, and more. Share the love. Visit Responsibly.

5. DISCOVER RUIDOSO LODGING COLLECTIONS

Find places to stay that will make your Ruidoso Thanksgiving vacation unforgettable.

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Recharge At These Ruidoso Hotels Offering Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility
Recharge At These Ruidoso Hotels Offering Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility

STAY CHARGED. There’s a Tesla charging station waiting for you at the end of your trip at these Ruidoso hotels for guests in need of a charging station for their car.

Luxury Lodging in Ruidoso
Luxury Lodging in Ruidoso

A luxury hotel, mountain cabin, or alpine lodge, discover the best places to stay for a completely unique and authentic experience in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Family Friendly Lodging
Family Friendly Lodging

Reunite the whole family and make the best memories ever in a Ruidoso vacation home, condo, or cabin. Barbeque on the deck, wander off a mountain trail into the games room, or meet the wild horses along the river and make family memories to last a lifetime.

Places to stay under $100
Places to stay under $100

If you have a budget in mind for your next adventure, this is a collection of Ruidoso hotels and vacation rentals that come in at $100 or under per night.

Ruidoso Couples Getaway: Where to stay
Ruidoso Couples Getaway: Where to stay

Cozy cabins and resort retreats are perfect for two. Reconnect with someone special, spending evenings in front of crackling fires and under soft blankets, with board games and a bottle of wine.

Best Places to Stay With Pets
Best Places to Stay With Pets

Bring your furry friend along to any of the Ruidoso cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals within this collection, and be ready to spoil your dog with a friendly welcome and plenty of room to roam.

Accessible Accommodations
Accessible Accommodations

This is our collection of Ruidoso lodging for those with accessibility needs, helping to make your vacation memorable.

 
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