From turkey to tinsel: ABQ events ringing in the holiday spirit
Nov. 23—Now that our turkeys are digesting, it is time to break out the Christmas music, ugly sweaters and eggnog.
If you are looking for ways to get in the holiday spirits around Albuquerque this weekend, check out these upcoming festive events.
Vámonos! Let's go New Mexico!, Free entry to any New Mexico State Park
Avoid the frantic shopping crowds scrambling for Black Friday deals and instead visit a state park instead. The day-use entry fees will be waived for all 35 parks across the state on Friday Nov. 24.
New Mexico Artisan Market
This locally curated artisan market will have hand-crafted goods that are perfect for an early start to holiday shopping.
LOCATION: Hotel Albuquerque, 800 Rio Grande NW, 505-843-6300
COST: $15 for ages 13 and up. Tickets can be purchased online.
DATES: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Holiday Tree Lighting at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
Celebrate the lighting of the Beer Hall Holiday tree while sampling craft beer and hot cocoa.
LOCATION: Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., 608 McKnight NW, 505-247-9800
DATE: 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday
Plaza Tree Lighting at Webster Collection in Santa Fe
This is the art gallery's reopening celebration. Located in the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the gallery has been by appointment only for the past few months as renovations were done.
LOCATION: The Plaza, 54 1/2 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe, 505-954-9500
DATE: 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday
Breakfast with Santa on Black Friday
Power Ford will be hosting Santa for breakfast, giving kids the chance to get a picture with him, and tell him their wishlist at the same time.
LOCATION: Power Ford 1101 Montaño NE, 505-234-1131
DATE: 10 a.m.-noon Friday
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Enjoy pictures with Santa Claus and the Ice Princess, a Luminaria walking tour, vendors, a holiday photo booth, performances and hot cocoa at Expo New Mexico.
LOCATION: Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, 505-222-9700
DATE: 6 -10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
COST: $17, 8 and under free. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com.
Rio Grande Holiday Festival
This event brings together artists and crafters from all over the map. The festivities will include live music from carolers, bands and piansts.
LOCATION: Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, 505-222-9700
DATE: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday
COST:
$10 day pass
$9 senior (65+) and military with ID at the door
$15 Festival pass — admission to all show days.
12 and under free
Tickets can be purchased here.
River of Lights
The 26th annual event features the more than 800 light display sculptures ranging from dinosaurs to pirates.
LOCATION: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, 505-764-6200
DATES: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, through Dec. 30; closed on Dec. 24-25.
COST: $14 adult $7 child (ages 3-12) Monday-Thursday; $17 adult, $9 child (ages 3-12) Friday-Sunday. Children under 2 are free.
Tickets are purchased for a time slot in hour increments. Purchase your ticket here.
Merry Maker Market
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the FUSE Makerspace. This free event invites the public to shop Christmas gifts made by local makers.
LOCATION: FUSE Makerspace 101 Central NE, 505-224-3873
DATE: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Christmas Light Show
This light show in the Northeast Heights will feature 30,000 lights, bringing 19 Christmas songs to life. There will be fire pits and candy canes as well as a canned food drive and Toys for Tots collection.
LOCATION: 6401 Pepprdine NE
DATE: 5:45 p.m. Saturday
Holiday Bazaar and Adoption Event
Shop local vendors and meet the adoptable pets from the East Mountain Companion Animal Project.
LOCATION: The SourceForest, 1111 Carlisle SE
DATE: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
RSVP: Though not required to attend the event, it is requested that attendees RSVP online.
Small Business Saturday at Empire Board Game Library
Support small businesses and get deals on gifts for the board game lover in your family. Free coffee with every purchase.
LOCATION: Empire Board Game Library, 3503 Central NE, 505-232-4263
DATE: 11 a.m. Saturday
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Snapdragon Tea
Enjoy Nutcracker themed treats made in-house and two pots of tea, locally sourced from New Mexico Tea Co. If you saw "The Nutcracker" at Popejoy Hall, bring your ticket for an extra 10% off your party. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
LOCATION: 115 Harvard SE, 505-750-2040
DATE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; Dec. 1- Dec. 3
COST: $34.95 per person; $18.50 for the Children's Menu
Reservations can be made online.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Market Rio Rancho
This arts and craft show, hosted by Tanta Solutions and Acquistions, will have a variety of handcrafted items as well as holiday decorating activities and pictures with Santa.
LOCATION: Enchanted Hills Plaza, 7817 Enchanted Hills NE, Rio Rancho
DATE: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Small Business Saturday High Desert Flame Works
Work through your Christmas shopping list and support local artists.
LOCATION: High Desert Flame Works, 7208 Jefferson, NE, 505-504-9971
DATE: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Marble Market at Marble Brewery Westside Taproom
Work through your Christmas shopping list and support local artists while sampling brews.
LOCATION: Marble Brewery Westside Taproom, 5740 Night Whisper NW, 505-508-4368
DATE: 1-5 p.m. Saturday
Big Jim Farms Winter of Enchantment
Enjoy live music, Christmas light displays, beer & wine, holiday shopping, hot air balloon rides, live-animal nativity scenes, sleigh rides, tamale workshops and Cowboy Santa at this event.
LOCATION: Big Jim Farms, 4140 Montaño NW (New location)
DATE: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Dec. 31
COST:
Monday — Thursday
Adults ages 12 and up $10Children ages 3 — 12 $7Children under 3 free
Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
Adults ages 12 and up $15Children ages 3 — 12 $12Children under 3 free
