Discover a uniquely Santa Fe Easter this season with shopping, pageantry, brunch, and more in one of our favorite places in the Southwest!
Easter in Santa Fe, the “City of Holy Faith”, is a memory-maker. You can shop for spring fashions or pick up a festive box of locally made Easter chocolates. Easter Brunches are lavish and shop windows are alive with colorful displays. The historic churches hold traditional Holy Week services.
A visitor to Santa Fe at this time may experience snow one day and warm sunshine the next. The trees are blossoming and tulips blooming.
A Culture of Faith
Consider visiting the famous Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis during Easter week. All are welcome. From the youth re-enacted Passion Play during the Palm Sunday High Mass to the special Easter Sunday services, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, the central church in historic Santa Fe, is resplendent with music and pageantry.
The majestic Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis is just steps from the Plaza and has special services full of music and pageantry during Holy Week. Photo by Chris Corrie
Good Friday is a time when you may encounter people walking along the roads and highways in Santa Fe, some carrying crosses. The Pilgrimage to the little town of Chimayo is a uniquely northern New Mexico experience. On Good Friday some 30,000 marchers walk along the roadways to the small village of Chimayo. Some walk from as far away as Albuquerque. El Santuario de Chimayó, a small shrine built almost 200 years ago, has a sacred draw for local Catholics.
Chimayo is the destination for Easter pilgrims on Good Friday. It’s in a great little village fun to visit any time of year. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Santa Fe Spring Shopping
The shops around the historic Plaza take on a spring look. The boutiques of Santa Fe display their typically Santa Fe spring fashions and southwest-style home decor. Susan’s Christmas Shop is transformed into Susan’s Easter Shop! You’ll find ornaments and small Easter decorations from around the world. Children can enjoy an Easter egg hunt at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
Susan’s Christmas shop in Santa Fe carries decorated eggs and supplies for making your own. Photo courtesy Susan’s Christmas Shop
Bakeries and chocolatiers have special Easter goodies for sale. One special shop locals enjoy visiting is Todos Santos located in Sena Plaza. Chocoholics will adore this tiny shop filled with chocolate creations. Todos Santos is famous for its chocolate Milagros, or religious emblems, gilded with 24 karat gold. Check out their cute Easter boxes, an ideal gift.
Todos Santos goes all out for Easter. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Of course, if you are in Santa Fe, you’ll be enticed to go shopping for Native American jewelry, southwest clothing, and home decor. Santa Fe is a hub for all things southwest. Check out Ortega’s on the Plaza for jewelry and historic Canyon Road for art and home decor.
Santa Fe is shoppers’ heaven year-’round! Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Brunch with the Best
Easter Brunch is a good way to sample the cuisine of Santa Fe. Some restaurants are closed to allow staff to celebrate the holiday with their families but most hotel restaurants are open and in Santa Fe hotel restaurants are excellent. You’ll find special brunches at La Posada Resort and Spa, Luminaria at the Inn at Loretto, La Plazuela in historic La Fonda, and the restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi. It is best to call or check their Facebook pages for menus. In Santa Fe reservations are usually necessary, especially on holidays.
Julia, a Spirited Restaurant and Bar, located in beautiful La Posada Resort and Spa, serves a creative Easter Brunch. Photo Courtesy La Posada
Farm to Table
The Santa Fe Farmer’s Market in the Railyard (walkable distance from the Plaza) is open on Saturdays. Local farmers display their seasonal produce. The offerings include products such as lavender soaps and gourmet goat cheese spread. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a farmer with natural Easter eggs. His chickens lay eggs in hues from brown to blue! While there, enjoy coffee and a breakfast burrito.
Chiles are a staple at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Spring Recreation
After all the chocolate, brunch delights, and Easter celebrations you’ll probably want to get in a little recreation. Check the snow report and see if Ski Santa Fe is still open.
Certainly, in the lower elevations, you’ll find hiking trails. Just a few minutes away you’ll find acres of pristine wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Or do a little urban walking in “The City Different.” I especially enjoyed ambling along the Santa Fe River Trail and then walking up Canyon Road.
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Check out more about holidays in Santa Fe and more places to see in New Mexico on Wander.
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