It's so blowsy and nasty out that the schools in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho have been delayed two hours. Santa Fe schools are closed because they got a lot of snow. The snow turned out to be a non-starter in Albuquerque, but the winds are real. Check the KOB website for updates on weather and delays.

Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, begins Friday evening, December 11. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah (Chanukah in Hebrew) signifies the triumph of light over darkness and the spiritual over the material. For eight nights, the menorah is lit, one light per night, until all the candles are lit.

On Sunday, December 13, there will be a special menorah lighting at Civic Plaza, with Mayor Richard Berry. Enjoy a buffet dinner that includes traditional foods such as latkes and salmon. Entertainment includes the Pink Flamingos and Clan Tynker. There will be fun for the kids too, with dreidels, gelt, and a magic show. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children. The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m.

December 4
Holiday Stroll
There will be music and entertainment and lots of incentives for holiday shopping. The official city Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m., and Santa will be on hand.
When: Noon - 9 p.m.
Where: Old Town Plaza
Cost: Free

December 4 - 6
Nutcracker on the Rocks
The Keshet Dance Company's Nutcracker defies expectations, performs classic rock and roll tunes, uses wheelchairs for ballet to create an exciting performance that has become an Albuquerque classic.
When: 2 p.m. 12/5, 12/6; 7:30 p.m. 12/4, 12/5; 6 p.m. 12/6
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center
Cost: $16 - $28, children half price.

December 4 - 5
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz present A La Carte
What happens with a faux French chef meets a wily lobster? A family friendly, comic show, of course,  complete with puppets, music and a few rogue vegetables.
When: 10 a.m. 12/4; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 12/5
Where: KiMo Theatre
Cost: $7 adults, $5 children

December 5
Yule Struttin'
The New Mexico Jazz Workshop presents a holiday musical event. This catered event brings together music and artists so you can shop while listening to some great sounds. Hear the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra, the New Mexico Jazz Workshop Youth Honor Band, and more. See the work of artists Carolyn Roller, Kristin Diener, Susan Gutt and more, and pick up some handmade work just in time for holiday giving.
When: 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Albuqueruque Museum
Cost: $50

December 5
Madrid Christmas Parade
Every year, the Madrid Christmas Parade reminds visitors of days gone by. What was once a mining town comes to life, starting with the parade, and ending in the town being lit by hundreds of holiday lights. Even the old mine shaft is lit, just as it was in yesteryear.
When: Starts at 4 p.m.
Where: Begins near Chumani Gallery and continues through town.
Cost: Free

December 6
Holidays Take Flight
Enjoy holiday music, crafts and activities for children. Expect a special visit from Balloon Pilot Santa. The producers from the tv show The Supernanny will also be on hand for anyone interested in having their family on the show. For more information, call 505-768-6020, or call 311.
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Balloon Museum
Cost: Free with admission, and no charge on Sundays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

December 6
Chanukah Fest
There will be jumpers, games, arts and crafts, lots of live entertainment, and food, while you holiday shop. A special menorah lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m.
When: Starts at noon
Where: 5520 Wyoming, Jewish Community Center
Cost: $6 adults, $4 kids, children under 2 are free.

Cause of the Week

National Institute of Flamenco
If you love luminarias but don't have the time to make them, consider giving to a good cause and getting some. The National Institute of Flamenco's annual luminaria sale is underway. Purchase some, and if you live within the city limits, have them delivered for a $5 fee. Cost is $12 per dozen (3 dozen minimum), with proceeds going to the Children's Scholarship Fund. Give a child the gift of dance.

Harwood Art Center 12 x 12
Every year, artists donate their work to the Harwood Art Center, which in turn sells the work for the set price of $144. It's a bargain, and funds go to help the center. All work for sale is on display with no names, so what you like is what you like. Purchase something extraordinary.
When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, December 4
Where: 1114 7th NW
Cost: $5 entrance fee.

There's an awful lot going on this weekend, as you'll see on the December calendar.
There are many holiday events to think about as well.
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_{Photo © Aileen O'Catherine}

Today's snowfall has put me in the mood to do something festive with a holiday theme. One of the best places for kicking up your holiday heels is at the Nob Hill Shop and Stroll, which (weather permitting) is tonight from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The streets of Nob Hill will be closed off for your shopping, noshing and hot chocolate-ing pleasure.

Then there's the Old Town Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 4, where festivities begin as early as noon. See the official Albuquerque Christmas tree as it gets lit at Plaza Don Luiz at 6:15 p.m. by Councilor O'Malley (don't you just love her?) and our new mayor Berry. Then grab your shopping bag and head out to the shops in Old Town, or take in the luminaria displays.

And there's a new take on the holidays at the BioPark. Over 40 new evergreen displays can be found throughout the Botanic Gardens, as well as the tumbleweed snowman, classic red and white poinsettia displays and on weekends from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., old fashioned wagon rides. True to form, the railroad garden will have new miniature displays. Sounds like a kid pleaser. And at the Aquarium, see salmon (get it?) and orange poinsettia displays.

Stay safe, and enjoy the snow!

Find other holiday events on this calendar.

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