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Albuquerque Christmas

Find Events, Parades, Festivals and More

By , About.com Guide

Albuquerque ChristmasPhoto © Aileen O'Catherine
An Albuquerque Christmas glows with the holiday spirit. Since December takes us to the darkest time of year, Albuquerque does its part to turn up the lights. Find luminarias, light festivals, seasonal music, crafts fairs, and other holiday activities to get you in the spirit. Events occur in date order.

The Light Before Christmas, 3-D
Two children become lost in a blizzard on Christmas Eve, but all is not lost as they enter a story read by the Candleman.
When: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. shows through December 31.
Where: New Mexico Museum of Natural History DynaTheater, 1801 Mountain Road NW
Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors and $6 children.

November 5
Del Norte HS Arts & Crafts Fiesta
The annual arts and crafts fair returns with arts and crafts to make holiday shopping easier. Stroll, snack and shop while you support the school.
When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Del Norte HS, 5323 Montgomery NE
Cost: Free.

November 5
Holly Days Craft Fair
This is the 16th annul holiday shopping fair, with over 80 crafters and handmade goods. There will be a bake sale, raffle and food for purchase. hollydayscraftfair@yahoo.com
When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio NE
Cost: Free.

November 5 - 6
Ooh La La Christmas Home Tour
The third annual home tour benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. See some fabulous Albuquerque homes decorated for Christmas, and help veterans.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, noon - 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Homes throughout Albuquerque.
Cost: $25 for two days of touring.

November 12
Bandelier Elementary Holiday Bazaar
There will be local artists, food, entertainment, face painting and more. The Bandelier Jump Rope Team will perform throughout the day.
When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 3309 Pershing SE
Cost: Free

November 12
KayDee Holiday Arts & Crafts Show and Jewelry Extravaganza
Find gifts made by local artists at this juried show. There will be glass creations, fiber arts, spa products, paintings, clay art, and more.
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 6510 Americas Parkway NE, at Hilton Garden Inn
Cost: Free.

November 12 - December 24
Photos with Santa
Santa will be on hand for photo ops with the kids. Children talk with Santa and get a free gift.
Where: Coronado Center
Cost: Picture packages vary.

November 18
Thanksgiving Holiday Crafts
Kids ages 5 and up can craft a toy turkey.
When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Westgate Library, 1300 Delgado SW
Cost: Free.

November 18 - 20
Zia Arts and Crafts Show
The Christmas in New Mexico festival features over 200 vendors who will display their specialty arts and crafts. The event takes place just in time for Christmas shopping. Check the website for a $1 off coupon on admission.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Expo New Mexico
Cost: $6 admission, children 15 and under free.

November 18 - 20
Holiday Taste Free Sampling Event
The ninth annual Holiday Taste of Sam's features samples of desserts, appetizers and seasonal gourmet foods.
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Sam's Club, 1421 Renaissance NE
Cost: Free.

November 19
Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival and Santa’s Workshop
Find gifts for everyone on your shopping list at the holiday festival. While adults are shopping, children can purchase gifts at Santa's Workshop, where items are priced at $5 or less.
When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande Ave., Rio Rancho
Cost: Free.

November 19 - 20
Placitas Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Sale
The 30th annual Placitas holiday arts and crafts sale features over 80 artists at three locations.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Placitas Village
Cost: Free

November 24 - December 24
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Find your own tree in a self-sufficient way and have fun while doing it. Take the family to a nearby national forest and cut down your tree, take it home and decorate. You'll absolutely know it's fresh!
When: Daily
Where: Designated areas in the Santa Fe and Cibola National Forests
Cost: $10 per tree up to ten feet; $1 foot thereafter.

November 25 - 27
Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival
The 12th annual Holiday Show features over 200 artists, entertainment, food and holiday music. There will be a Holiday Creation Station for kids, where they can craft their own gifts.
When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. November 25 and 26; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. November 27
Where: Expo New Mexico
Cost: $6 adults, 3 day pass $8, children under 12 free. $5 parking fee.

November 25 - 27
Corrales Holiday Art Fest
Find a variety of local artists showing their work, from jewelry to paintings to ceramics, and more. Find affordable gifts for Christmas that are one of a kind.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 25 and Saturday 26; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 27
Where: Rec Center on Corrales Road (look for the big tent). Free parking.
Cost: Free.

November 25 - December 18
The Dolls Christmas
It's holiday time and this show is more naughty than nice.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Aux Dog Theatre, 3011 Monte Vista NE

November 26 - December 30
River of Lights
The River of Lights runs nightly through December 30. Every year, there are new sculptures, a snowman village made of glass, music, carolers, a holiday railroad train (featuring Snoopy), and more.
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. through December 15; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 16 - 30 (closed December 24 and 25)
Where: Botanic Gardens, 2601 Central NW
Cost: $8 adults; $4 children 3 - 12; children under two are free. No senior or member discounts for this special fundraiser.

November 26
Regalos Holiday Shopping Fair
Enjoy holiday shopping at La Tiendita, where there will be artist vendors, choir groups, and complementary hot chocolate. 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 26 - December 4
Nutcracker Ballet
The New Mexico Ballet Company will be accompanied by the NMBC Orchestra. Special guest dancers from the New York City and American Ballet troupes.
When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays; Sundays 2 p.m.
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cost: Prices start at $9 for children and $11 for adults.

November 28 - December 12
St. Nick’s Pet Pics
Bring your pet for a portrait with Santa. Photo packages available. Dogs and cats only.
When: 6 p.m. until set close on three Mondays: November 28, December 5 and December 12.
Where: Coronado Mall, Santa Set
Cost: Prices vary.

November 29
Nutcracker Performance
The children of the New Mexico Ballet will perform this holiday favorite.
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE
Cost: Free.

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