1 See and hear the holidays.

Holiday Bach Festival, Santa Fe

A special concert series by the Santa Fe Pro Musica ensemble, the Holiday Bach Festival brings soaring compositions by Bach and other Baroque masters to the St. Francis Auditorium. With five programs and eight concerts happening December 19–24, and December 27–29, there are plenty of opportunities to catch one.

Sam McClung, general manager at Santa Fe Pro Musica, is especially looking forward to working with 2024 MacArthur Fellow and violinist Johnny Gandelsman on December 19 and 20. “He will perform Bach’s cello suites on violin, which is something not done often,” McClung says. “He’s one of the greatest violinists in the world right now.”

Santa Fe Pro Musica wants the concerts to be fun for classical music enthusiasts of all ages, including novice listeners. On December 27, a free 10 a.m. concert welcomes families and all listeners to enjoy a program with explanations between pieces. “The concerts are fairly short,” he says. “They’re very approachable, which increases the audience’s enjoyment.”

The concerts from December 21 to 23 showcase a collection of Baroque compositions with holiday-leaning vibes. “This concert is a collection of Baroque composers, including Telemann, Handel, and Bach, that are very joyous and celebratory,” says McClung.

The Nutcracker, Ruidoso

Students from the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance take the stage on Saturday and Sunday to perform The Nutcracker at the Spencer Theater in Alto, near Ruidoso. Tchaikovsky’s score makes this ballet dramatic and enchanting. Expect dancing rats, Christmas parties, and the stunning dance of the sugar plum fairy.

The Nutcracker, Las Cruces

Catch the classic holiday ballet on stage at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts in Las Cruces performed by the Borderlands Ballet ensemble, the pre-professional company of the Las Cruces School of Music and Dance. A live orchestra makes Tchaikovsky’s famous score come alive during these vibrant performances by Borderlands Ballet members, many of whom have been dancing since childhood.

Handel’s Messiah, Albuquerque

You may be more familiar with Handel’s Messiah than you think. The sacred symphony includes “Hallelujah” and other exultant songs that celebrate the season. See it performed live at the First United Methodist Church in Albuquerque by the New Mexico Philharmonic and the Luminare Choir on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Vanilla Pop, Albuquerque

Bringing a dash of lighthearted fun to the holidays, Vanilla Pop’s Holiday Show comes to Fusion in Albuquerque for the first time. The Taos-based musical duo of Al Dente and Lester Moore sing zany renditions of famous songs from the 1970s and ’80s by stars like Neil Diamond and Metallica. Think Weird Al Yankovic and synthesizers. Wear your most fun holiday attire and let loose. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque

The Tchaikovsky classic with a New Mexican twist, Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment takes place in 1800s New Mexico and incorporates local lore and traditions. See the staple Nutcracker characters alongside a storyteller doll, Mr. Coyote, and Zozobra. Choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells and featuring a live orchestra and members of Festival Ballet Albuquerque, this uniquely New Mexican Christmas tradition takes the stage at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

A Christmas Carol, Las Cruces

This version of A Christmas Carol marches to the beat of its own drum under the direction of Patrick Barlow, artistic director of the No Strings Attached Theater Company in Las Cruces. With adapted lines, comedic language, and a score of Christmas songs, Scrooge’s story stays true to the original—just with a bit of modern flair. See it over the next two weekends at the Black Box Theater.

Join the festive celebration at Red River's Christmas in the Mountains weekend, featuring a Light Parade, a Christmas Market, and a Torchlight Parade. Photograph courtesy of Red River.

2 Illuminate the season.

Noche de Luminarias, Fort Selden

At Noche de Las Luminarias, more than 900 luminarias light the structures at  Fort Selden Historic Site between Hatch and Las Cruces on Saturday at 5 p.m. Folks are invited to this special New Mexican holiday tradition, which provides a unique opportunity to see the remnants of historic structures aglow with candlelight. Attendees can make holiday ornaments, sit by a fire, listen to songs by the Enchantment Historical Productions Carolers, gobble treats from Munchie Monster food truck, and be present in the spirit of the season.

Christmas in the Mountains, Red River

Red River throws a weekend-long party with Christmas in the Mountains, including a Light Parade on Main Street, a Christmas Market at the Red River Conference Center, and a Torchlight Parade at the Red River Ski and Summer Area, to revel in Christmas joy and togetherness. The twinkly floats take Main Street in the Light Parade on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Luminarias/Farolitos Lighting, Silver City

Whiskey Creek Zócalo in Silver City celebrates the holidays on Saturday during the second annual Luminarias/Farolitos Lighting. With a party title that appeases both types of New Mexicans (people who call paper lanterns farolitos and others who say luminarias), all are welcome to come and enjoy. From 5 to 9 p.m., a labyrinth of lanterns will be lit just before dark, making for a fun and festive experience. Drink mulled wine, make smores, and enjoy caroling led by the Mittelstadts at the community gathering.

Sawmill Market in Albuquerque transforms into a festive wonderland for the holidays during the Sawmill Winter Experience. Photograph courtesy of Sawmill Market.

3 Soak up holiday fun.

Christmas Craft Fair, Las Vegas

Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Christmas Craft Fair at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center in the original Las Vegas helps you complete (or start) your holiday shopping with offerings from some of the best artists and makers in the area.

Sawmill Market, Albuquerque

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays at Sawmill Market in Albuquerque with the Sawmill Winter Experience, which offers a full North Pole’s worth of Christmas magic through December 31. The food hall is bedecked in holiday decorations, including multiple Christmas trees, holiday lights, while many of the food stalls are serving special holiday bites and drinks. “When you walk into the main entrance a looped video display makes it look like you’re riding a train to Santa’s Workshop,” says James Jasler, president at the Heritage Restaurant Group, which owns Sawmill Market. “There’s another video experience as you walk outside that makes it look like you’re riding in Santa’s sleigh.”

Sawmill partnered with the Carrie Tingley Hospital to provide a slew of trees for purchase during the Winter Experience. All proceeds from the tree sales benefit the hospital. “The whole market is designed with Christmas-themed events,” Jasler says. “We have holiday food specials, free hot chocolate for children, performances from local schools on our outdoor stage, live pianists playing holiday favorites, and appearances from Santa throughout the week.” Find a full lineup of wonderland events here. If you go with the kids, make sure to help them look for the Elf on a Shelf, hidden in a new spot in the market each day. Whoever finds the elf gets a free candy gift.

Madrid Arts Crawl

Every Saturday in December, the Madrid Arts Crawl invites folks to enjoy the art scene in Madrid, visit galleries, and enjoy the festive decorations strewn throughout the little mountain town. Shops and local businesses stay open late for the holiday fun from 5 to 7 p.m.

The annual gingerbread house contest at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque showcases Pueblo-style creations made entirely from edible ingredients. Photograph courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

4 Vote for your favorite gingerbread adobe.

Gingerbread houses get a New Mexican twist in this annual contest at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in Albuquerque. Creative candy architects build Pueblo-style installations with gingerbread, graham crackers, gumdrops, icing, and a bit of genius. Entries must fit on a 24-by-24-inch board and be made entirely from edible components. In years past, contestants have created Star Wars–inspired gingerbread sets, entire pueblos built from the spiced cookies, and renowned churches in miniature form. IPCC displays the community entries so visitors can vote for their favorites through January 5, 2025.

On the shortest day of the year, the Farmington Public Library hosts a special event featuring live music by the Delbert Anderson Quartet. Photograph by Ungelbah Dávila.

5 Celebrate the winter solstice.

On the shortest day of the year, the Farmington Public Library is the place to be. The architecture of the building is built with the cosmos in mind. At noon on the solstice, the sun shines through the big clerestory windows to illuminate the winter solstice marker in the middle of the library’s rotunda. It’s a sight that reminds us how connected we are to the sun and its movements. In addition to a sun show, the library hosts the Delbert Anderson Quartet, who will give a live performance just after noon, and storyteller Dovie Thomason, who will share tales. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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