Local Expert needs new ideas...Christmas Eve

We are changing our usual plan for Christmas Eve. Usually we stay home and cook tamales etc. Now that the kid is getting older, we want to go out to eat early, then visit Canyon Road. It has been years since we went out on Christmas Eve and I need some advice, lol!!!

Anyone have any good ideas for Christmas Eve dinner, early 5pm or so????? We were thinking Ore House, El Farol, The Shed etc.

Thanks in advance and I%26#39;m sure others will enjoy your ideas.

Local Expert needs new ideas...Christmas Eve

I%26#39;ll answer my own question... we are now toying with the idea of Rio Chama Steakhouse, La Plazuela at La Fonda, India Palace and Guadalupe Cafe.

We want to park near the Pera Building for quick access to the farolitos on Canyon Road. Thought these would be fun.

Any other ideas from those that have dined out on Christmas Eve???

Thanks.

Local Expert needs new ideas...Christmas Eve

Well, for all the wonderful advice you give here, I am going to attempt a suggestion, you certainly deserve it although I do not know how helpful. I don%26#39;t post really, but have been to Santa Fe many times. It might take a little time and preparation. You have mentioned a number of excellent place. How about a glass of wine at one place, a salad at another, the entree at a third and a desert to finish it off at a fourth place. Good restaurants are close together and the walk should be fun too.

Casa Azul:

My family also has its ';usual'; Christmas Eve tradition of homemade Chicken Enchiladas, Tamales, etc. in the late afternoon. Then we all hoof it down to Albuquerque%26#39;s Old Town Plaza to enjoy the Christmas lights, and ';our'; luminarios lining Old Town Plaza, the surrounding buildings, and streets.

This year, we have been considering making the drive up to Santa Fe to experience it%26#39;s Christmas, and have Christmas Eve dinner out for a ';change.'; Thank you for your suggestions for restaurants. Perhaps you might also consider a ';real'; change, and visit Albuquerque%26#39;s Old Town for your Christmas Eve? Little Anitas, El Pinto, Casa de Benevidez, and Antiquity are a few of our local favorites.

The historic areas of either city are great places to spend a very memorable Christmas Eve.

Great ideas.. thanks! I%26#39;m still thinking about what to do!

We will be heading to Albuquerque for the River of Lights at the Botanic Gardens this next weekend, so no Abq on Christmas Eve this year! Plus, the kid still likes the tradition of being home early on Christmas Eve.

We are enjoying a snow day from school today! More on the way later on today!

So - I am curious, what did you end up doing Christmas Eve?

Well.... we ended up staying home, lol! Had tamales and posole made by my former chef husband! Just could not get motivated to head into town when we could stay home warm and cozy!

Maybe next year, lol!

Casa, enjoyed your post and update! Makes me a bit homesick for NM. 30 years gone and I still have to have Mexican food on Christmas Eve...have never attempted tamales, though!