Year-Round Cheer: The Shop - A Christmas Store in Santa Fe

Just steps away from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, nestled on East Palace Avenue, lies a festive haven that keeps the Christmas spirit alive all year long: The Shop - A Christmas Store. Established in 1977, it's one of the oldest year-round Christmas stores in the entire country, offering a magical escape regardless of the season outside.

The Shop wasn't always exclusively dedicated to Christmas. It began its life as an antique store owned by Ed Berry, which featured a small, dedicated corner showcasing Christmas ornaments crafted by local artists. Over the years, that festive corner proved so popular that it gradually expanded, eventually taking over the entire space and evolving into the Christmas wonderland visitors cherish today.

Since 2002, the store has been owned and operated by native New Mexicans Rick and Janice Griego. Rick actually started working at The Shop part-time back in 1983 after college, eventually managing it before he and Janice purchased it from the original owner. They continue the tradition of offering an incredible array of ornaments, Nativities, Santas, lights, and holiday decor, with a special emphasis on unique items from New Mexico artists alongside well-known global brands.

Visiting The Shop is a delightful experience for locals and tourists alike. Stepping inside immediately transports you to a festive world, packed floor-to-ceiling with twinkling lights, shimmering ornaments, and holiday cheer. It's the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or gift, especially items reflecting Santa Fe's distinctive culture.

The sheer variety is astounding, from traditional glass baubles to whimsical modern designs. What truly sets it apart, however, is its extensive collection of ornaments and decorations with a New Mexico and Southwestern flair – think chile ristras, Kokopellis, adobe churches, coyotes, and desert landscapes, many handcrafted by local artisans exclusively for The Shop. For many families, stopping here is a cherished annual tradition, and its prime location makes it an easy and joyful addition to any downtown Santa Fe visit.

Here are 5 things most people don't know about The Shop - A Christmas Store:

1. It Started as an Antique Store: When it first opened in 1977, the store primarily sold antiques, with just one corner reserved for locally made Christmas ornaments. The holiday items gradually took over!
2. Birthplace of Chile Lights: The iconic chile pepper string lights, now a symbol of Southwestern decor, were reportedly invented here in the early 1980s when the original owner put chile ornaments on light strands with missing bulb covers.
3. Features Dozens of Local Artists: While they carry international brands, owners Rick and Janice Griego collaborate closely with as many as 45 New Mexico artists who create unique ornaments and holiday items specifically for the store.
4. Employee Became Owner: Current co-owner Rick Griego began working at The Shop right out of college in 1983. He stayed on, became manager, and eventually bought the business with his wife, Janice, in 2002.
5. Open (Almost) 365 Days: True to its year-round promise, The Shop is open nearly every single day, typically only closing its doors on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day itself.

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