THE CHRISTMAS SHOP
The Christmas Shop is a love letter to owner Liz Kingswood’s adopted Albuquerque home. “I make it my mission to carry local artists who you can’t find at the box stores,” says Kingswood, who moved from Seattle in 2018. “People who come here want memories of what they love about New Mexico.” Don’t miss: Southwestern-themed greeting cards are especially popular with customers, who come in year-round to shop a rotating inventory of designs. 400 Romero St. NW, Suite 1, Albuquerque; 505-843-6744

TIS THE SEASON DE MESILLA
Thanks to owner Laura Romero, Tis the Season de Mesilla is a year-round destination for all things jolly. “I have lots of loyal customers,” says Romero, who is celebrating the store’s 10th Christmas this year. “They tell me, ‘I just needed a touch of Christmas to get me through this week.’ And I get it—it’s impossible not to be happy when you’re in here.” Don’t miss: Tis the Season sells an impressive collection of porcelain Christmas village buildings and accessories, from a light-up candy store to a tiny pair of ice skaters. 2402 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces; 575-524-3333

Give your Christmas tree a touch of New Mexico with ornaments from The Christmas Shop. Photograph by Tira Howard.

RED RIVER TRADING COMPANY
Red River Trading Company has sold a sizable assortment of holiday merchandise since the 1970s. So when co-owner Katie McDowell purchased the store in 2018, she never questioned carrying on the tradition. “I am a true-blue Red River native,” says McDowell. “I seek out items that will appeal to our town’s visitors.” Don’t miss: The store has plenty of heirloom-quality figurines—including motorcycle-riding Santas—as well as a selection of ornaments that celebrate Red River’s fishing, hiking, and mountain life. 200 E. Main St., Red River; 575-754-6413

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
At Rocky Mountain Christmas, in Ruidoso, customers are greeted with a “Merry Christmas” and will have no trouble finding all manner of merry and bright baubles, including 30 tree skirts and 90 stockings. Don’t miss: Dance on over and pick up one of 120 decorative nutcrackers. 2609 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso; 575-257-3255

Read more: Tinsmith Nicolas Madrid creates nativity retablos, crosses, and more by using time-honored techniques.