This week in Albuquerque is filled with Christmas tree lightings, luminarias and uniquely New Mexican holiday happenings.
Watch our weekly segment on KRQE / Fox New Mexico (Channel 13-2) on Wednesday mornings at 7:35 to stay up to date with events in Albuquerque. Then check out our ABQ365 calendar to find all the event details and use the hashtags #ABQevents and #ThingsToDoABQ to join the conversation on social media!
Deck The Hill
This holiday season, Nob Hill is bringing the community three great nights of celebration. Businesses throughout the neighborhood will be participating on Thursday nights with many different events. Stop by one, or many! Tomorrow - there will be a special exhibit opening at the Mariposa Gallery, a Youth Artisan Market at Color Wheel Toys, or grab cookies and warm apple cider while perusing a storewide sale at Ooh! Aah! Jewelry, and much more. Be sure to check the website for a full schedule of Deck the Hill events.
Old Town Holiday Stroll
There is no better place to experience the magic of the holiday season than Historic Old Town, for the annual Old Town Holiday Stroll! Live entertainment will fill the streets in anticipation for the traditional lighting of the Old Town Christmas tree. Be sure to take advantage of discounts and specials offered by local businesses, restaurants and museums in the area during this jolly event.
Performance: 20th Annual Mariachi Christmas
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of a radiant New Mexico tradition: Mariachi Christmas! The swirling skirts, vibrant violins and cheery trumpets set the stage for delightful holiday folk music and dance! Mariachi Atzlan and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Folklorico lead the performances with traditional style.
¡Iluminarte!
Luminarias…or farolitos? This classic New Mexican debate over what to call the small paper bag lanterns filled with sand and candles is being honored at an event this weekend. Learn the history and legends surrounding this holiday tradition, and make some of your own! Then participate in an illuminated bicycle parade, wearing your “Team Farolito” or “Team Luminaria” t-shirt - available for purchase on the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s website. The night will finish up with a slam poetry contest, where poets on both sides of the debate will present their works.
Gingerbread Enchantment Contest and Auction
Build your own delicious masterpiece, or purchase one! This gingerbread contest is fun for the whole family, whether you want to create your own gingerbread house or purchase at the auction one to bring home and enjoy. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Meals on Wheels Low Income Meal Program.
Light Among the Ruins
The ruins of Gisewa Pueblo and San José de los Jemez Mission Church will be decorated with hundreds of traditional luminarias. Huge bonfires will further illuminate the ruins, with Native American flute players and dancers performing throughout the night. The combination of firelight with pure beauty of the ruins nestled into the gorgeous Jemez Valley canyon walls makes for a magical setting. Free shuttles will be available between the Village of Jemez Springs and the historical site.
Christmas Market and Dickens Village
Step back in time and visit a Victorian Village where it is always Christmas Eve! Enjoy unique the offerings of crafters from all over the southwest, great food, activities for the children and drawings for gifts under the tree. Be sure to stick around for special musical performances from the Young at Heart Choir and the Bar D Wranglers.
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