We are thinking of taking of family trip to Angel Fire in late December. It looks like the lifts typically open for skiing in early December. Does anyone with experience in that area have any thoughts on what ski conditions look like that time of year? Would it be better to wait until later in the ski season?

That early - likely all man made. I wouldn't go until at least early / mid jan. Closer to Feb / in Feb the better.

With a La Nina year I'd avoid everything in New Mexico but Taos.

Typically I'd wait til late December/January but the recent storm DUMPED all over northern NM. Ski Santa Fe is opening this weekend before thanksgiving which is amazing. They typically open on T-day and in recent years even had to push back a week or more.

So I'd expect AF and Taos have some decent snow between the storm and snow-making.

70 trails open at Santa Fe for the early start, pretty awesome