1 Play Santa Claus!  

String of Lights Holiday Market

Beneath a ceiling bedecked with dangly snowflakes at the Santa Fe Railyard Market Pavilion, the 9th annual String of Lights Holiday Market welcomes shoppers on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. “My goal has always been to create a magical community gathering,” says Lisa Evans, founder of High Desert Markets and organizer of String of Lights. “I pick vendors based on that goal. Many of them only come out for String of Lights, so it’s one of your only chances to buy from them.”

This year’s market includes astrology inspired jewelry by Good Hussey, sculpted silver and gold jewelry by Salt Grass, hand thrown pieces by Earth and Stone Ceramics, upcycled glassware from Broken Arrow Glass Recycling, quippy greeting cards from Power and Light Press, bags crafted by Ami Bags, cacti covered cups from Anna Nelson Studio, and so much more.

In addition, there will be festive drinks by Tumbleroot Distillery, beer and wine from Second Street Brewery, a Christmas-themed photo booth from 5 to 9 p.m., and appearances from some of the holidays’ most beloved characters. “I always hear from people that it feels really special,” says Evans.

IAIA Holiday Art Market

Experience Indigenous creativity at the Institute of American Indian Arts during the Holiday Market at the Santa Fe campus on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Showcasing 110 artists including students, alumni, and staff, the market allows attendees to shop unique traditional and innovative Native works of art. Expect an array of mediums including beadwork, pottery, wood carving, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, bronze sculpture, and more.

ABQ Holiday Market

Offering everything from holiday foods like bizcochitos to handmade greeting cards, the vendors at this annual Holiday Market in the Albuquerque Rail Yards represent the diversity and depth of culture in New Mexico. Celebrating its 10th year, the market includes over 400 vendor booths—including Pink Pony Soft Serve, Revolutionary Lemonade Stand, Cimarron Candle Company, BB Knits Co., and Born and Raised Clothing Company—on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you don’t want to navigate the downtown parking, you can park at the zoo and ride a bus to the event.

Lena Street Holiday Market

Stroll Santa Fe’s Lena Street during this holiday happening on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.. Fill your tummies with Bread Shop’s pretzel buns smeared with scallion cream cheese (a special menu item just for the holiday walk), fuel up on caffeine from Pivot Coffee, pet fluffy sheepskins from guest Sheepa Hides at Living Threads, stock up on beautiful cups and bowls at Whiskey & Clay, snack on treats at Iconik Coffee, and visit many other artists popping up for the event.

Stakeout Holiday Makers Market

Live music, local vendors, brunch, cocktails, and holiday happiness await at the Holiday Makers Market at the Stakeout in Taos. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the market represent an array of price points and gift options, including vintage clothing from Sol Sobre Taos Vintage, Dusty Dog Vintage, and Taos Vintage Finds; silver and turquoise jewelry by Dineh; handmade ceramic mugs and vases from Yesterday’s Flowers; and other eclectic offerings from talented local makers.

Kristkindlmarket Winter Wonder Arts Festival

Artists from the Four Corners area gather in Farmington at the Zion Lutheran Church in Farmington to sell their works Friday (5-8 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). The artists create in many mediums including ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, paintings, photography, culinary, and digital arts.

The New Mexico Philharmonic brings the season to life with a Home for the Holidays concert at Popejoy Hall, featuring classic holiday tunes and talented young musicians. Photograph courtesy of the New Mexico Philharmonic.

2 Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

The New Mexico Philharmonic rejoices in the season with a Home for the Holidays concert at Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque on Saturday at 6 p.m. Performing classic songs such as “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Sleigh Ride,” the philharmonic ensemble is joined by talented young musicians for joyful tunes that will have you ring-ting-ting-a-ling too.

The Festival of the Cranes celebrates the ancient birds at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge with photography workshops, guided hikes, and more. Photograph by Pam Dorner.

3 Fly to a birding wonderland. 

Sandhill cranes’ massive gray wings and long feathery necks stand out against early morning skies and magical sunsets as they migrate through the Land of Enchantment. With an average wingspan of 5 to 6 feet, their presence looms large as depart the local wetlands to feed in fields during the winter. The Festival of the Cranes celebrates the ancient bird’s presence in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge with photography workshops, guided hikes, and more at both the wildlife refuge and the Socorro Convention Center December 11 through 15.

Thousands of farolitos light up the ancient ruins of Gisewa Pueblo, creating a magical holiday tradition with Native artists, dancers, live music, and delicious food. Photograph courtesy of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

4 Light up the night.

Amid the remains of Gisewa Pueblo at the Jemez Historic Site, thousands of candles sit on the remains of crenelations and corners, bathing the ancient structures in golden light. The Lights of Gisewa is a holiday tradition beloved by the community and visitors alike. “This is the most popular event our historic site hosts,” says Christina Claassen, public relations specialist at the New Mexico Historic Sites. “You see the remains of these ancient structures, which are lit with thousands of farolitos lining the pathways, the tops of the church, and inside. If it’s clear you see so many stars; it’s really gorgeous.”

In addition to the warm glow of the farolitos, Lights of Gisewa includes a Native artists market in the church across the street, performances from dancers from nearby Pueblos, live music by Adrian Wall (Jemez Pueblo), and food vendors selling fry bread, posole, hot chocolate, and cider. Catch the sparkly celebration on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Placitas Community Library hosts a holiday party with Santa Claus and a special performance by the Santa Fe Opera’s Young Voices.

5 Rock around the Christmas tree.

Twinkle Lights Parade

Lighting up Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, the Twinkle Lights Parade makes Nob Hill’s spirits bright on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. A true community event, it fills historic Route 66 with more than 250 light-covered floats, and over 4,000 participants from local schools, businesses, and nonprofit groups. Expect marching bands, dance teams, Santa Claus, and official announcers Sasha Lenninger and Byron Morton from KOAT Action 7 News. The streets surrounding the event close to traffic as early as 11 a.m., so take advantage of the park and ride bus from the parking lot at the southwest corner of Lomas and University boulevards. Shops in Nob Hill stay open late for the parade, so you can check some things off your gift list while you’re in the area.

I Believe In Pancho Clos

Appearing in a big sombrero and a colorful sarape, Pancho Clos rolls up to Barelas Park in a lowrider to spread Christmas cheer (and free gifts). His big burlap sack will hold presents and bags of candy and fruit to dole out to all the children who made the nice list. Pancho Clos is joined by other lowriders in a lowrider parade; and live music from Grupo Folklorico Desoluna, Chuy Martínez y Otilio Ruiz, DJ Lorenzo Otero, and. Catch the party on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Plaza de Encuentro.

Holiday Stroll on Museum Hill

Make holiday cards and ornaments at crafting stations at the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture during a holiday gathering on Santa Fe’s Museum Hill on Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. There will be performances, hot cider, red chile posole, cookies, dances, Santa Claus, and a piñata at the festive fête.

Victorian Christmas

Meet Santa Claus and receive a gifted book during this Christmas party at the Silver City Museum on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees can make farolitos, create sand art, and get their faces painted while gobbling handmade cookies and cider. Visit a collection of craft vendors with unique gifting options to get closer to completing that holiday list.

New Mexico Museum of Art Holiday Open House

This cherished holiday gathering at the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe invites folks to bask in holiday happiness with hands-on activities and live music on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hear organ music by Santa Fe Pro Musica, take advantage of holiday crafting where attendees can make ornaments, see performances from the Santa Fe Symphony Jazz Project, and catch A Holiday Party for Papa Gus, a marionette show with holiday characters by Teatro Paraguas (which are replicas of Gustave Baumann’s renowned puppets).

Placitas Holiday Open House

The Placitas Community Library hosts a holiday party with Santa Claus and a special performance from the Santa Fe Opera’s Young Voices on Sunday at 3 p.m.. The program nurtures a love of singing in young folks by providing them with voice coaching and singing lessons with musical staff from the Santa Fe Opera, in addition to master classes with visiting artists. The Young Voices will perform songs from myriad holiday traditions. The celebration welcomes community members to share memories of their own experiences during the holidays including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas.

For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.