As the year draws to a close, Albuquerque comes alive with festive holiday celebrations. In December, experience everything from dance and musical performances to holiday markets and football. Here's a sampling of what’s happening in Albuquerque in December. For a full list, visit our events calendar.
Winter of Enchantment
Runs through Dec. 24 at Big Jim Farms
Enjoy a festive lineup of workshops and classes that explore New Mexico’s winter traditions along with photos with Santa, winter crafts, Christmas trees and more.
Albuquerque Cornhole League Albuquerque Open
Dec. 5-7 at the Albuquerque Convention Center
Dive into the excitement of competitive cornhole at the Albuquerque Open. This event brings together pros and amateurs for a weekend of competition. It’s open to the public, so come cheer them on and enjoy the action.
The Nutcracker
Photo Credit: Facebook
Dec. 6-7 at Popejoy Hall
Kick off your holiday season with the enchantment of The Nutcracker performed by the New Mexico Ballet Company alongside stars from the New York City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, all accompanied by a live orchestra from the New Mexico Philharmonic.
Twinkle Light Parade
Photo Credit: Eric Williams
Dec. 6 in Nob Hill
Line the streets for this annual Albuquerque tradition! Watch floats and twinkle lights illuminate a mile-long stretch of Route 66 in Nob Hill. Shop local for holiday gifts before or after the parade.
Opera Southwest: The Farolitos of Christmas
Dec. 7 and Dec. 12-14 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
Families and children will enjoy this heartwarming holiday opera about love, tradition and invention based on Rudolfo Anaya’s children’s book The Farolitos of Christmas and put on by Opera Southwest.
La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings’ Quest
Dec. 12-14 at Rodey Theatre
Take part in a family-friendly holiday tradition with this special flamenco performance. Experience the magic of flamenco, Christmas carols, Spanish regional dances and more.
Luminito Celebration
Dec. 14 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
Spread some holiday cheer with the lighting of a 20-foot-tall “luminito.” Enjoy music, biscochitos, a holiday mercado, dance performances and more.
Trolley of Lights
Dec. 14-23 at Hotel Albuquerque
Step aboard the Trolley of Lights, operated by ABQ Trolley Co., and experience the magic of the holidays throughout Albuquerque. See the charm of Old Town and travel along Rio Grande Boulevard through Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.
Mariachi Christmas
Photo Credit: Facebook
Dec. 19 at Popejoy Hall
Ring in the season with one of New Mexico's favorite holiday traditions. Experience the sights and sounds of Christmas in Mexico with mariachi music and traditional ballet folklórico.
Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment
Dec. 19-21 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
An original production from Festival Ballet Albuquerque, this beloved holiday classic is transported to territorial New Mexico in the late 1800s, with added elements of the state’s heritage and traditions.
Pueblo Gingerbread House Contest
Dec. 19-Jan. 4 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This annual holiday event is a unique way to share and enjoy Pueblo culture with the whole family. Children and adults are invited to enter a gingerbread house inspired by a Pueblo village, house, community church or historic building, with cash prizes awarded in children’s and adult categories. People’s Choice judging is open to visitors from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4.
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 27 at University Stadium
Enjoy a college football bowl game right in the heart of Albuquerque.
Holiday Shop and Stroll Events
- Nob Hill Shop and Stroll, Dec. 4 in Nob Hill
- Old Town Holiday Stroll, Dec. 5 in Old Town
- Christmas at the Marketplace, Dec. 6 at Poulin Marketplace
- North Valley Holiday Stop & Shop, Dec. 6-7 along North 4th Street
- Squidly Holiday Market, Dec. 7 at Squidly Designs
- The Groove Holiday Art Market, Dec. 7 at The Groove Artspace
- Rail Yards Holiday Market, Dec. 13-21 at the Rail Yards
- El Vado Holiday Market, Dec. 20 at El Vado
- Humble Holiday Market, Dec. 20 at Humble Coffee Company – Nob Hill
- Merry Mingle Market, Dec. 21 at Canteen Brewhouse
