Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Brian Moya and Fire Marshal Geronimo Griego have granted city-wide amnesty for farolito and luminaria burning starting at sundown on Saturday, December 24, and ending at dawn on Sunday, December 25.
Usually, open burning without a permit issued by the Santa Fe Fire Department is prohibited under the City’s Fire Code. This seasonal amnesty extends throughout the city of Santa Fe for community members to burn farolitos and luminarias on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holiday.
Holiday Events, Additional Info
Christmas Eve Farolito Walk: The Annual Christmas Eve Farolito Walk, held by the Canyon Road Association, is on December 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. From 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., City of Santa Fe Police and Fire Personnel will allow access to Canyon Road residents and business owners only. Dress warmly to enjoy the glowing farolitos while walking along Canyon Road, Acequia Madre, and other nearby streets!
City of Santa Fe Transit is offering free transit fare for the walk event starting at 5:30 p.m. on December 24. There will be continuous shuttle service between the South Capitol Rail Runner Station and New Mexico’s Visitor Center at Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta. The last shuttle for the night will leave the visitor’s center at 9:30 p.m. Need more info? Call 505-955-2001 or go to TaketheTrails.com.
New Year's Eve: The Santa Fe Kiwanis Club invites you to ring in the new year at their 8th annual New Year’s Event on the Plaza. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022. The Plaza will be warmed by stationary heaters and piñon bonfires. There will be live music on the Santa Fe Bandstand and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe will offer free biscochitos while supplies last. Mayor Alan Webber and city officials will lead attendees in a countdown and fireworks will be launched from the roof of La Fonda on the Plaza to welcome in 2023!
Click here for City holiday closure information
Guidance for Opening Burning
- Fires must be under 2 feet high and 3 feet in diameter, 50 feet from any structure, and/or 25 feet from a structure in an approved non-combustible container.
- Any open burning must be constantly attended to until the fire is extinguished.
- Be sure to have a minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 of the International Fire Code with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, or garden hose for immediate use to extinguish the fire.
- Call 911 in case of emergency.