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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The holiday season has begun.

See other Wordless Wednesdays on Aileen's Albuquerque Blog.
Discuss Albuquerque on the Albuquerque Forum.
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_{Photo © Aileen O'Catherine}

Albuquerque woke to a new mayor this morning. Richard Berry has been sworn into office, taking the reins as Martin Chavez steps down. As he moves out of the limelight, Chavez says he will continue to work on environmental issues, just as he advocated a more green stance while he was in office. Thank you, former mayor, for your service. And farewell First Dog Dukes!

Berry's background is in business. He served two terms in the state legislature, representing Albuquerque constituents. Berry believes his business background will give him a more pragmatic approach to governance.

Good luck, Mayor Berry. Welcome to the office.

I have to admit I'll miss Dukes. He was a great First Dog, and I enjoyed following his tweets. I understand the Berrys have a Jack Russell terrier, so I doubt he'll be stationed down at City Hall anytime soon. Too much vim and burn. But can he tweet like Dukes on animal issues? Hmmmmm......

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After several months of repeated negotiations with management, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra musicians have agreed to a 23% reduction in pay in order to keep the orchestra going. Management threatened to file for bankruptcy if the musicians did not give in to its demands to take the cut in pay. The musicians have publicly stated they are going back for the sake of their audience. They have been out of work for over 14 weeks.

The past few months have been a back and forth of press releases and negotiations between musicians and management. For those of us on the receiving end, it will be nice to have the orchestra back. For the musicians, the months ahead will be a challenge. But from the time their contracts ended in late August until now, the musicians have made great strides in reaching out to the community, by providing concerts, asking for guidance and help, and beginning an audience association. Let's hope the months ahead prove fruitful for the NMSO, one of the state's cultural treasures. Let's hope it proves beneficial for the musicians as well.

The holiday season kicks off this weekend. A somewhat regular Black Friday shopper told me it's all in the organizing. This is a serious event, and one I have never put my toe into, but perhaps you want to. Still, there are other things happening in town this weekend to get you in the holiday spirit.

Visit an arts and crafts festival this weekend. Try the Corrales Holiday Arts Fest or the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival at Expo New Mexico. Enjoy the handmade goods, and do a little Christmas shopping. Or visit a lights display. Besides the River of Lights, there are the Bugg Lights, now on display at Menaul School. Bugg Lights have gone green! The display has switched to LED lights and solar panels.

White Christmas
Two showbiz buddies put on a show in a Vermont inn and find their mates to boot. The musical play features Irving Berlin classic tunes, to include, of course, "White Christmas." An opening reception pre-party on November 27 begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes food and a cash bar, as well as an auction. The theme is "Dress to the Nines," so wear your best dress and tux, or more casual attire if you choose. All ALT opening nights will now have Dress to the Nines nights for the season's openers. Beer and wine will be sold at Friday night intermissions. Special Sister Sunday on November 29.
When: Opening reception November 27 at 6:30; show begins at 8 p.m. Also runs November 28, 29.
Where: Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasqual NW
Cost: $22 adults, $20 seniors, $10 children 12 and under.

Regalos Holiday Shopping Fair
Enjoy Black Friday shopping at La Tiendita, where there will be artist vendors, entertainment, prizes, refreshments and more. Find unique gifts for the holidays.
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: La Tiendita, Museum Store at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
Cost: Free
November 28

Twinkle Light Parade
The annual Twinkle Light Parade is a Saturday after Thanksgiving tradition. Filled with decorated floats and ending with Santa Claus, it's a kid tested favorite. Many go to the River of Lights following the parade.
When: Starting at 5:15 p.m.
Where: The parade route begins at 3rd and Central and moves west along Central. It ends at the Botanic Gardens.
Cost: Free

River of Lights
The River of Lights opens following the Twinkle Light Parade. There will be light displays of animals and other creatures to walk through, and new ones are added every year.
When: Immediately following the Twinkle Light Parade, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., nightly through 12/30.
Where: Botanic Gardens
Cost: $7 adults; $3 children 4 - 12; children 3 and under are free.

Are you ready for some basketball? The Lady Lobos play some tournament games this Friday and Saturday. And the Thunderbirds are back, playing Los Angeles at 7 p.m. at Expo New Mexico on Saturday night. Sounds like a slam dunk.

Cause of the Week
The Albuquerque Little Theater turns 80 in 2010, a few productions in from the initial dream crafted by an actress and a concerned citizen. The theater is launching a fundraising drive where you can make a difference, no matter your income level, to keep this long standing institution purring. The $8 to $8000 fundraiser asks those who can to support with whatever they can afford. For more info, contact Jane Dixon at (505) 688-8004.

Good news, Albuquerque. Management at the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and its fine (did I say very, very fine) musicians are a few steps closer to a final contract. According to information posted on the NMSO Players Association website, the musicians have agreed to play the Very Merry Pops concerts in December, at a cut in pay. NMSO management wanted the musicians to take a 23% cut in pay, but the musicians insisted on taking the same reduction as management, 14%.

The musicians have also outlined a number of solutions to the problems plaguing NMSO, not the least of which is coming out of its hole of debt. They propose that there be more fiscal responsibility about debt management and more transparency of funds. Oversight and transparency, aren't they always a good thing?

So I'm thankful today that the NMSO might be back on track, might be an organization once again. I'm thankful for the musicians who make it a wonderful, cultural gem.

Happy Thanksgiving, Albuquerque. I'm grateful for so many things, one of which is the opportunity to talk about Albuquerque, a city I love. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your family and friends.

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What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

See other Wordless Wednesdays on Aileen's Albuquerque Blog.

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_{Photo © Aileen O'Catherine}