Ad
EVENTS | NEW MEXICO
Ring in the New Year — New Mexico-style
Published
As the clock strikes midnight, there are many ways to celebrate across New Mexico.
In Las Cruces, you can guess the color of the New Year’s chile: will it be red or green once 2026 arrives?
In Santa Fe, the Zia will rise over the crowd as midnight strikes at the Plaza.
Randy Randall, Santa Fe Tourism director, said the rising Zia is a unique and wonderful way to bring in the New Year.
“As midnight approaches, the lights turn off,” Randall said, “and we’re able to do this wonderful fireworks celebration right in the center of town.”
The fireworks shoot off from the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, and prior to the display, eventgoers can enjoy live music, biscochitos, hot chocolate and more.
For those with young ones or who can not quite party until midnight, eventgoers can ring in the New Year at noon at Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum or at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.
“It’s just an opportunity to honor the holiday with children who might not be staying up til midnight,” Kristin Leigh, co-executive director of Explora, said. “So we ring in the New Year 12 hours early at Explora.”
With over 2,000 balloons set to drop, Leigh said Noon Year's Eve is a great way to greet 2026.
“Being able to start a brand-new year surrounded by this much community, I think, really grounds us and our staff and positive energy for the year,” Leigh said. “And we hope that the families also feel that and get to spend some special time together and start a New Year in such a positive way.”
Ad
No matter how you decide to celebrate the New Year, there are plenty of options around New Mexico. Happy 2026!
Las Cruces Chile Drop
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31
WHERE: 100 N. Main St., Las Cruces
HOW MUCH: Free, at visitlascruces.com
New Year’s Eve on the Plaza
WHEN: 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31
WHERE: Santa Fe Plaza
HOW MUCH: Free, at santafe.org
Noon Year’s Eve at Explora
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; balloon drop at noon
WHERE: Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum, 1701 Mountain Road NW
HOW MUCH: Admission starts at $7 at explora.us
New Year’s Before Dark
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 31
WHERE: Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
HOW MUCH: Free, at balloonmuseum.com
