India, Dec. 20 -- Santa Fe is by no means a secret. With incredible mountain desert views, a storied history, and a legendary arts scene, it draws a steady stream of travelers year-round. But few know that the holidays are actually one of the best times to visit The City Different-and it's truly when it shines the brightest.

During the holiday season, you'll find reds and greens blanketing the town in the form of pinon pines and dangling clusters of Rudolph's nose-red chile ristras (chili pepper garlands). Downtown, the Plaza twinkles with thousands of string lights.

But one of Santa Fe's most magical holiday traditions is farolitos. Sometimes called luminarias, these "little lanterns," which consist of sand-filled brown paper bags lit ...