Top Destinations in New Mexico to Visit This Holiday Season 2021

No matter what type of experience you’re craving this holiday season, chances are you’ll be able to find it in New Mexico. And if you want to experience some festive frivolity with your dog by your side, you’re in the right place.

There’s dog-friendly holiday fun to be enjoyed right across the Land of Enchantment. Keep reading to find out all about the best dog-friendly destinations and attractions in New Mexico this holiday season.

Looking for dog-friendly holiday goodness in Albuquerque? You’re spoiled for choice, so be sure to check out these highlights.

• Kick off the holiday season and take your dog to check out the colors and sounds of Nob Hill’s Twinkle Light Parade. Held of December 4, this family-friendly event runs from Washington St. to Girard Blvd, and leashed pups are welcome.

• Get into the festive spirit with a trip to Albuquerque’s Winter Wonderland. Held at Expo NM, this drive-through holiday experience boasts spectacular lights, live actors, and giant decorations. It runs from November 24 through to early January, the price is $30 per car, and dogs are welcome if they stay in the car at all times.

• Want to grab a bite to eat and bring your dog along too? Check out Flying Star Cafe, El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina and O’Niell’s Irish Pub.

• Ready to hit the hay? Nativo Lodge offers a pet-friendly package and dogs up to 50 pounds are welcome. Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa also welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds, and your pooch can expect a goody bag upon check-in.

• Want to take your dog for a walk during the holidays? The 1.8-mile Rio Grande Nature Trail is perfect for a quick outdoor adventure.

• If your pup is in the mood for some off-leash holiday fun, check out the North Domingo Baca Dog Park, which has separate areas for small and large dogs.

• Wet your whistle at dog-friendly breweries like La Cumbre Brewing Co. and Tractor Brewing Co.

Albuquerque’s charming and historic Old Town is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but especially during the holidays. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to enjoy in 2021.

• From 5 pm to 9pm on December 3, the Old Town Holiday Stroll signals the start of the holiday season. Live entertainment, great shopping, and the much-anticipated tree lighting are all on offer, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

• Check out the beautiful display of luminarias in the Old Town Plaza on Christmas Eve — an iconic Old Town sight.

• ABQ Trolley Co. is a dog-friendly open-air trolley that offers tours of Albuquerque for much of the year. From December 15-23, it offers a beautiful Trolley of Lights tour that departs from the Old Town. Tickets start at $20.

• Treat your taste buds at dog-friendly Noisy Water Winery.

• Looking for somewhere pet-friendly to grab a bite to eat. Check out Church Street Cafe or Two Cranes Bistro & Brew.

• When your pup is ready to rest their weary head, Hotel Parq Central is less than 3 miles away and is a dog-friendly establishment. There are pet-friendly guest rooms, grass areas for playtime, and the hotel even has its own pet ambassador. 

• Searching for the best dog walk in Albuquerque? You’ll love exploring the 16-mile Paseo del Bosque Trail, a multi-use trail that runs north to south past the city within easy reach of Old Town.

• Tingley Beach is another great spot for some outdoor fun. Leashed dogs are welcome here, and it’s a great spot for your pup to soak up the sun and explore some interesting smells.

New Mexico’s second-largest city is serving up plenty of dog-friendly fun these holidays.

• The holiday season gets underway with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 6 pm to 8pm on December 4. Admission is free, and you and your pup can check out live music, fantastic food trucks, and a whole lot of family fun.
  

• On Christmas Eve, the Old Mesilla Plaza is a truly beautiful place to be with thousands of luminarios. 

• New York can have its Times Square Ball Drop. In Las Cruces, the locals gather together to watch a giant chile drop. The only question you and your pup need to worry about, however, is will the chile light up red or green?

• Grab a meal at dog-friendly eateries like Andele’s Dog House or The Bean Cafe of Mesilla. If you’re thirsty, sip a local drop on the dog-friendly patios at La Vina Winery or D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro.

• Las Cruces Dog Park offers agility equipment, shade, and even a bathtub if your pup’s play session gets a little messy.

The New Mexico state capital has much more to offer than just politics. Check out some of the best attractions on offer in the grand old city of Santa Fe this holiday season.

• The Canyon Road Farolito Walk is a magical Christmas Eve tradition that attracts thousands of people. It’s free to attend and the candlelit lanterns and Christmas carols will get you in the holiday spirit.

• Pet-friendly accommodation in Santa Fe doesn’t get any better (or any more convenient) than La Fonda on the Plaza. Dogs 45 pounds and under are welcome and can even expect a special treat at check-in.

• Pop your pup on the leash and stroll around exploring the heart of the city, the Santa Fe Plaza. It’s a National Historic Landmark and the “pawfect” place to get a feel for the city.

• The Frank S. Ortiz is a favorite pup hangout in Santa Fe. With 138 acres of spectacular terrain to explore, it’s a “mutts-visit”!

• Need to stretch your legs? Enjoy the pretty sights along the paved River Trail.

• Stacks of Santa Fe restaurants welcome dogs with open paws. Options include The Shed Restaurant, Cowgirl BBQ, and La Choza Restaurant.
  

The holidays may not be the first thing to spring to mind when you think of Roswell, but they should be a close second. Here’s why.

• Start by taking your pup for a stroll through the downtown area to check out some of the impressive holiday lighting and decorations. “Woofderful!” For 2021, the theme is “Holiday in Whoville”.

• Instead of the usual annual Light Parade, Roswell is holding a Christmas drive-through Light Tour at the Roswell Civic Center Parking lot. It starts December 4, so you and your pup can marvel at the beautiful sights but stay cozy in your car at the same time.

• Give your pooch the night off and check out the Roswell Christmas Railway (various dates in December). Ice skating, light shows, and photos with Santa are all on offer, with tickets priced at $15.

• Hoping for a close encounter of the furred kind? Take your dog to the International UFO Museum and Research Center — that’s right, leashed pups are allowed inside, so you can be sure of grabbing some memorable photos.

• For some off-leash fun and adventure, check out the Woof Bowl Dog Park.

• Peppers Grill & Bar has a great dog-friendly patio when you want to get a drink or a tasty treat.

If you want to check out some of the best destinations and experiences in New Mexico this holiday season that aren’t dog-friendly, start comparing the dog sitting services in your area. The professional and experienced sitters on our platform can offer loving, personalized care for your pup, so you can enjoy complete peace of mind while you get into the festive spirit.