1. FIND THAT ONE-OF-A-KIND UNIQUE ITEM
Old Town has special gifts for everyone on your list that you can’t find anywhere else. You can find unique items from all over the world and many that are distinctively Southwestern in Old Town’s abundant shops—there’s over 150 shops, boutiques, galleries and artists studios!

2. CREATE JOBS AND JOB SECURITY
Small businesses employ 50% of all private sector employees and created 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years. Old Town employs several hundred employees, so you’ll be helping hundreds of your local New Mexican residents!

3. THE “OLD TOWN” AMBIANCE
Shopping in Old Town is especially beautiful this time of year when the entire area is bursting with holiday season decorations. The unique architecture, the huge Christmas tree in Don Luis Plaza, the luminarias and charming patios and courtyards will create a pleasant, exciting, festive shopping experience.

4. EXPERTS YOU CAN TALK TO

Old Town’s specialty shop merchants have spent their lives learning their trades and have spent numerous hours choosing and/or creating the products in their stores. Would you rather talk to the teenage department store cashier or the actual artisan who lovingly handcrafted the item?

5. KEEP YOUR MONEY IN ALBUQUERQUE
The money you spend in Old Town is much more likely to stay in Albuquerque and benefit the economy in Albuquerque. The local merchants are from the area, use local banks, use local services, buy local advertising, and support other Albuquerque businesses.

6. YOU DESERVE A BETTER MEAL THAN CAN BE FOUND AT A FOOD COURT
Enjoy the traditional New Mexican cuisine at one of the restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in Old Town. You can find anything from an all-American burger to fine cuisine as well as plenty of coffee or treats to keep you going on your shopping trip.

7. MAKE A DATE OUT OF IT
Take a break and have some fun while you’re out doing your shopping! Visit one of the many museums and art galleries, take a tour and see the lights and luminarias, or enjoy live entertainment while you’re out!

8. FRIENDS & FAMILY CAN VISIT WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND HOURS CLEANING
There are several bed and breakfasts, inns, and hotels within walking distance to Old Town. They’re close to everything, without having the stress of cleaning or finding space to fit everyone.

9. BE PART OF THE HISTORY AND TRADITION
For over three centuries, Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest and is a historical zone of the City. For more than 305 years people have been celebrating the holiday season in Old Town—shopping in Old Town is a celebration of what it means to live in the Southwest!

10. CHEATING GOODWILL: YOU WILL FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE MONEY YOU SPENT
You will feel great that you find spectacular, unique gifts for the people you love; sold to you by people who not only love what they do, but are also truly grateful for your purchase and truly appreciate your business. You have supported Albuquerque’s economy and residents, and that is great!

Make Old Town your stop for all your holiday gift shopping! Then, make sure to visit Old Town for the Old Town Holiday Stroll on Saturday December 2nd for live entertainment, a parade, and of course the lighting of the biggest Christmas tree in Albuquerque; and on Christmas Eve for the luminaria tour where you can see thousands of glowing luminarias, enjoy a traditional New Mexican dinner, see live entertainment, and just enjoy our Southwestern culture on your stroll around the plaza.

You can find more information on Old Town’s unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and more at www.AlbuquerqueOldTown.com. For more information on the holiday season events happening in Old Town and around our City, visit www.itsatrip.org/holiday.