From museums to torchlight parade, there's plenty of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve

Dec. 29—Ringing in the new year can be done in a variety of ways.

Across the state, there are plenty of family friendly events to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023.

This is a partial list that ranges from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and Taos to Las Cruces.

Albuquerque

In the state's biggest city, the new year celebrations begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, with Noon Year's Eve 2023 at Explora.

The annual favorite begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m.

This year's festivities boast two massive indoor balloon drops at noon, with 2,023 balloons to mark the occasion.

The museum will also feature a very special guest to help countdown to the new year, along with raffle prizes, and classic Explora fun.

All the fun is included with regular Explora general admission, ranging from $6 to $10 per person. Sales will be capped at 1,200 people. Information and tickets can be purchased at explora.us.

At the Albuquerque Museum, the city will put on its annual "New Year's Eve Before Dark," which runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

Visitors to the event will be able to create a 2023 calendar based on Eddie Dominguez's "Correspondence," which is currently on view in "Common Ground: Art in New Mexico." Visitors will also be able to tour the museum galleries. Free admission and information is available at cabq.gov.

The city will also be hosting it's "New Year's Eve Before Dark" at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, aquarium, botanic garden and the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.

According to the city, the "New Year's Eve Before Dark," has free admission until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, as each entity will close early.

At Sandia Resort & Casino, Elvis impersonator Nick Perkins will perform a free show beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Tlur Pa Lounge.

Then at 9 p.m., Professor D Band and DJ Spinderella performing in the Sandia Resort Ballroom until 1 a.m. Dee Dee Roper, internationally known as DJ Spinderella, is a Grammy Award- winning DJ, producer, rapper, writer and world class mother. Spinderella is one of the original pioneers of hip hop music beginning her career as a member of the iconic rap group Salt-N-Pepa.

"I've been blessed to be in the game for so many years, when many others have come and gone," says Spinderella.

Tickets are $65, plus fees and are available at the Sandia Casino Box Office, at sandiacasino.com, or etix.com

Las Cruces

With the state question being red or green chile, Las Cruces takes it to another level with its Las Cruces Chile Drop.

The Las Cruces Chile Drop lights up downtown on the last day of the year, red or green, depending on the mood of the crowd. Accompanied by live music, food and merriment, the 9th Annual Las Cruces Chile Drop is a free event taking place from 9 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Dec. 31.

At midnight, a 19-foot chrome chile — featuring 400 feet of LED lighting — drops from a crane to commemorate the new year. Whereas before, it was a surprise which color the chile would be, red or green, as of 2021 attendees get to vote on the official state question by scanning a QR code, thus making the surprise even more personal.

Voting has already begun on the Las Cruces Chile Drop Facebook page, for those who want to get a jump on the decision. This year, the proceedings are overseen by the Grand Marshal of the event, Jason McNabb, a reporter for the KVIA New Mexico Mobile Newsroom. Musical guests are the Memphis Band from Mexico, returning once again to play bluegrass and country music on the main stage.

Santa Fe

In Santa Fe, New Year's revelers will gather on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe to ring in 2023.

While Las Cruces drops a chile, Santa Fe raises lighted Zia symbol at the stroke of midnight, with a fireworks display.

The free festivities begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

Una Mas y La ChacCha, JJ and the Holligans, and the Alex Maryol Band will provide the music.

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe will provide free hot chocolate and biscochitos — while supplied last.

Around 11:45 p.m., Mayor Alan Webber and city officials will invite the crowd to count down to a peaceful, prosperous new year.

Taos

At Taos Ski Valley, ring in the new year with the annual torchlight parade and fireworks display.

At 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light. Following the torchlight, there will be a display by Gemini Fireworks.

Ringing in the new year can be done in a variety of ways.Across the state, there are plenty of family friendly events to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023.This is a partial list that ranges from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and Taos to Las Cruces.