We would like to visit the following areas around Christmas, but are not sure the best place to stay. We will be driving from New Orleans so it's roughly 20 hours to this area. We prefer to stay on the outskirts of town generally somewhere scenic in a vacation rental such as a cabin or home rather than a motel/hotel/condo.
My husband has been to Red River, NM for Christmas on childhood family vacations, so I looked into that area but I think since we aren't looking to ski that it might be best to stay elsewhere to save money.
What is a nice area in this region for lodging that is priced reasonably?

Forget Chama, too far from anything, particularly in winter. Taos is nice for a day trip but there isn't lots to see or do there if you aren't skiing, same for Abiquiu. It would make the most sense to stay in the Santa Fe area.

What kind of accomodations - B&B ? A casita? VRBO is probably your best option. What is "reasonably price" to you, can you be more specific? May be very different from what others know as reasonable.

If you get too far from "civilization" you could find yourselves snowbound. There are lots of areas on the outskirts of Santa Fe that will feel rural and scenic.

If you see ones you like on VRBO; post them here and get input as to location etc.

Debit NM made some good points. Regarding reasonable accommodations, Santa Fe, is not a particularly reasonable town, although reasonable, is a relative term. There are a few companies that specialize in rentals, but they tend to be high end. Christmas can be a busy season here, so not as big a bargain time as other winter dates here. I don't know how many properties VRBO and HomeAway have in the area, but they may offer more reasonable options. Albuquerque would be more reasonable, but you mentioned wanting to be in the country. If you want a cabin within range of Santa Fe that may be more reasonable, check Pecos.

Thanks, this is all really helpful. I am interested in a cabin or Casita somewhere around $100/nt. if that is even feasible at Christmas time. This would be for 2 adults and a child and rustic is preferred. This sounds really good: "areas on the outskirts of Santa Fe that will feel rural and scenic". I'll check Pecos.
Also, would there be any reason why we couldn't visit Ghost Ranch at this time of year?
I did some looking on vrbo, but am a little lost as to what areas of Santa Fe I should check. Any particular areas on this list that I should check first?

Santa Fe
Vista Encantada
West Alameda
Aldea de Santa Fe
Casa Linda
Cielo Grande
El Corazon de Santa Fe
Eldorado
Fort Marcy
Guadalupe
Hills at Las Estrellas
Historic Eastside
La Tierra
Las Campanas
Las Lomas
North Hills
Northeast
Northwest
Pinion Hills
Private Homes
Private Homes, Eastside
Private Homes, Historical Downtown
Pueblo Encantado
Railyard
South Capitol
Southeast
Tesuque
Town and Country
Villas de Santa Fe

Here are a few so far that I like:
Aldea de Santa Fe: http://www.vrbo.com/231998
Northwest: http://www.vrbo.com/333085
Pinon Hills: http://www.vrbo.com/139807
Abiquiu: http://www.vrbo.com/101883, http://www.vrbo.com/197804, http://www.vrbo.com/182563, http://www.vrbo.com/101883, http://www.vrbo.com/248904

231998 - without adress hard to know exactly where it is, but map area is northwest of town. Lot of rules.

The next 2 seem to be northwest of town. Look nice.

Abiquiu is a good 1 hour drive without snow etc. I think you will feel really isolated that far out having to drive a great distance to see sites, eat etc. Are you used to driving in snow?

The last one listed is a yurt, I would not stay in one, personally, especially in winter.

Ghost Ranch is a retreat conference center. Not sure it is open to the public.

We did a wonderful tour of Ghost Ranch when we were in Santa Fe; it was called a Landscape tour, and they took us all over the property and showed us where GOK painted her paintings; they would show us a cliff, tree, rock, etc. and then pull out her painting of the exact image - we loved it. They also have a lot of wild burros that wander the property, and they'll walk right up to you. It's gorgeous out there. We also toured the GOK house in Abiqui, and it was really cool to see where she painted. Not sure if these tours are offered in the winter though. I agree with Deb - it would be pretty isolating to stay out that far.

I'm sorry, for ghost ranch I meant the area. Would it be likey that the roads to view the rock formations in the area would be impassable? My husband does fine driving in snow, but since we don't live in a snowy area we would have to get snow chains before the trip. I would like to be somewhere that would comfortable if we got snowed in and we are mentally prepared that it would be a possibility. I like the idea of staying in a yurt but if it would not be comfortable in winter then it's something we can do another time.

"Landscape tour, and they took us all over the property and showed us where GOK painted her paintings; they would show us a cliff, tree, rock, etc. and then pull out her painting of the exact image - we loved it."
This sounds really nice. I was going to try to map out something like this on my own if I could find the information online or in books somewhere.

I think Northwest Santa Fe seems to be best area so I will keep looking there and probably come back (maybe even a few months from now when I have my exact dates down and am ready to book) to get some opinions on the final options.
Thanks again.

Here's a popular book about her landscapes. I couldn't believe how different that area looked from Santa Fe - truly gorgeous.

http://art-landscape.blogspot.com/20...-northern.html

My husband suggested switching the trip to November around Thanksgiving instead. I have read about the Christmas Eve farolito walk and pinion wood bonfires in Santa Fe, but was wondering if this happens at all throughout the rest of the season also? When does Madrid put up their Christmas light display? Is using the hot springs or hiking to tent rocks feasible in November?

Hiking to Tent Rocks may be possible, very weather related. You cannot do the hike once there is any snow on the ground, way too dangerous.
These were taken early Nov 2010:

https://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/TentRocksNov2010

There are no farolitos except at Christmas [they are done to light the path for Christ].

Thanksgiving is kind of an in between time, not quite holiday season/winter and past Fall. Hot springs are available year round [Ten Thousand Waves]. Not sure about Madrid's lights.
It is not a big celebratory time, more of one for family.

I would suggest Christmas time over Thanksgiving.

Last year, Madrid's Christmas parade was December 4th, following by the town lighting. I'm with Deb - come in December.

Lee Ann

Another vote for Christmas instead of Thanksgiving. There's something magical in the air in Santa Fe during Christmas holiday.

Nola Katy:
Just in case you decide to go to Chama (or as a suggestion for any of you NM residents), the Gandy Dancer B and B is charming...we loved our stay there a few years ago..I believe the rate is still at less than $90. Great experience....great breakfasts.

stu

Stu, my father-in-law and his late wife lived in Chama for several years, and they loved the Gandy Dancer.

Lee Ann

good to know that, Lee Ann..thanks.

Very nice pics, DebitNM.

Thanks, for the info. I'm disappointed at the thought of missing out on the Dec. holiday portion, but Thanksgiving seems like it will work out better with our work schedules. We may still visit Chama depending on how much time we have, but we will still stay in one central location to do day trips. After more research I definitely want to spend some time in ABQ also.

Are there any galleries or markets that exhibit children's art in the area?

By the way, it was really neat to see quotes from DebitNM in the Fodor's book.

Are there any galleries or markets that exhibit children's art in the area? I am going to have to think about that one, will get back to you. Off the top of my head, I don't think so. There may be exhibits at the Explora Museum or other museums, just not sure about galleries.

I can't think of any galleries that exhibit children's art either.

Lee Ann