How To Make the Most of a Winter Getaway To Ruidoso

Photo: Woman in winter hat taking a family photo in front of Ruidoso Midtown mural.

If you are looking for a blend of festive cheer and mountain culture, then opt for a winter vacation in Ruidoso.

A Ruidoso winter vacation offers an immersive experience. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, there’s tubing and skating, skiing and sleigh rides, and Midtown shops loaded with everything for your wishlist. There’s a special buzz in the colder months.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico, in winter, including where to stay, eat and how to make the most of a getaway in this special mountain town.

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Find Your Winter Serenity in Ruidoso
Find Your Winter Serenity in Ruidoso

Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.

Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)

Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2024-2025 winter season. Opening day is Friday, November 29, 2024. A visitor Day Pass is $20, with a $20 season pass for Ruidosoans and a $30 season pass for Lincoln County and Mescalero residents. Here’s everything you need to know.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2024. BOOK NOW >>

Time Your 2024 Stargazing Travels with the Next Meteor Showers in Ruidoso
Time Your 2024 Stargazing Travels with the Next Meteor Showers in Ruidoso

If seeing stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in the sky is your idea of a perfect vacation, forgo the city in favor of the breathtaking grandeur of the Ruidoso nightscape. To make your stay more memorable, we have put together a list of our top recommended meteor shower dates for the year 2024.

Delve Into Ruidoso's Creative Scene
Delve Into Ruidoso's Creative Scene

Ruidoso is a melting pot for creative talent, where artists, performers, and musicians gather for a buzzing indie art movement. If you're looking for a place to access live music venues, unique art galleries, and festivals, come visit Ruidoso. Check out these venues, explore our Events Calendar, and never miss out.

2024 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails
2024 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails

Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.

Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes
Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems. 

Ruidoso Winter Driving Tips
Ruidoso Winter Driving Tips

Stay safe during your Ruidoso winter vacation with these winter driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Where to Get a Massage During Your Ruidoso Vacation
Where to Get a Massage During Your Ruidoso Vacation

Discover the best massage studios and therapists in Ruidoso. From classical massages to specialized treatments Ruidoso offers a diverse menu of massage therapists and spa treatments to help you ease into vacation mode.

Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso
Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso

From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.

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