Community celebrations you won't want to miss!
January: Chile Ski Classic, MLK JR. weekend
February: Snoball Rally, last weekend
May: Opening weekend for the train
June: Chama Western Heritage Days, 2nd weekend
July: 4th of July Celebration
August: Chama Days, 2nd weekend
September: Chama Valley Art Festival, Labor Day Weekend
Chama Walk, Jog, and Wag, 3rd weekend
December: Chama Christmas in the Mountains 2025, December 6th-7th. Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Cumbres & Toltec Christmas Trains, breakfast with Santa, carriage rides, holiday vendors, Chama Valley Arts winter market, and much more
Chama Chile Ski Classic
The Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic is a celebration of winter sports, community, and adventure. The event features freestyle and classic cross-country ski races, snowshoe races, and rookie races, offering fun and challenge for participants of all ages and abilities.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the southern San Juan Mountains, the racecourse follows portions of the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, winding through rolling hills, aspen groves, open meadows, and forests of aspen, spruce, and fir near Chama, New Mexico.
The Mary Ruth Middlebrook Award honors the oldest female and male finishers in the Chama Chile Ski Classic 6K Snowshoe Race. It commemorates Mary Ruth Middlebrook, a beloved Chama Valley resident who passed away in 2011. Having been the oldest finisher in the 2009 and 2010 races, her spirit lives on through this award, which celebrates endurance, vitality, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
SnoBall Balloon Rally
The SnoBall Balloon Rally is held annually in February in Chama. The weather conditions are watched closely around that time by some of New Mexico’s elite hot air balloon pilots. Enjoy watching the balloons soar over the Chama Valley’s picturesque snow-covered mountain backdrops and land around the downtown Chama area. You don’t want to miss this cherished event.
Heritage Days
The event takes place on the 2nd weekend of June in Chama.
Chama Western Heritage Days is a community celebration that blends western-heritage, outdoor fun, family-friendly activities, and local culture. Some of the features:
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Rodeo events: barrel racing, team roping, and other traditional rodeo-style competitions.
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Food, vendors, music and general community festivity: as with many heritage festivals, expect local food, live entertainment, and festival-style offerings.
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It’s very much oriented to families and to celebrating the region’s western-past, rural lifestyle, and outdoors heritage.
Chama Days
Chama Days occurs annually on the second weekend in August. It is held at or around Robert Gallegos Park and the surrounding town areas. Chama Days is a multi-day community festival with a mix of outdoor, family-friendly, western-flavor events including:
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Rodeo events & Team/roping events: The festival includes a family and professional rodeo at the local rodeo grounds.
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Softball tournament: A double elimination softball tournament is a featured event.
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Parade: There’s a parade during the event.
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Coronation / Community activities: The festival includes the crowning of royalty and announcement of a Grand Marshal.
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Food, vendors & crafts: Local crafts, food trucks/stalls/booths and vendors are present.
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Live entertainment: Music, dancing, and general festival atmosphere — concerts, live bands.
Chama Days is a highly anticipated event for Chama locals and the surrounding communities so book accommodations early!
Chama Christmas in the Mountains
December 6th-7th, 2025
Chama Christmas in the Mountains is a festive annual event in Northern New Mexico, hosted by the Chama Valley Rotary and sponsored by The Village of Chama and New Mexico True. Held in downtown Chama, the celebration brings together local shops, artists, and vendors from across the Four Corners region, offering unique gifts, crafts, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a charming small-town holiday experience surrounded by the scenic mountain beauty and historic charm of the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad.
Activities can be enjoyed by all including breakfast with Santa, carriage rides, holiday vendors, a holiday train, and much more!
While enjoying Chama Christmas in the Mountains, don’t forget to check out the Winter Market at the Chama Valley Arts Center. They will have handmade artwork, gifts, and homemade treats.
