Updated for 2012.
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 6
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 3
Holly Days Craft Fair
This is the 17th 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 17
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: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 3309 Pershing SE
Cost: Free
November 10 - 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 at the Santa Set, near Sears
Cost: Picture packages vary.
November 14 - 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 16 - 18
Holiday Taste Free Sampling Event
The annual Holiday Taste of Sam's features samples of desserts, appetizers and seasonal gourmet foods.
When: 12 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Sam's Club, 1421 Renaissance NE
Cost: Free.
November 17
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 17 - 18
Placitas Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Sale
The 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 19 - December 17
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 19 and 26, December 3, 10 and 17.
Where: Coronado Mall, Santa Set
Cost: Prices vary.
November 23 - 25
Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival
The 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: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. November 23 and 24; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. November 25
Where: Expo New Mexico
Cost: $6 adults, 3 day pass $8, children under 12 free. $5 parking fee.
November 23 - 25
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 23 and Saturday 24; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 25
Where: Rec Center on Corrales Road (look for the big tent). Free parking.
Cost: Free.
November 24 - 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: $10 adults; $5 children 3 - 12; children under two are free. No senior or member discounts for this special event.
November 24 - December 2
Nutcracker Ballet
The New Mexico Ballet Company will be accompanied by the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra for two weekends of the Nutcracker. Special guest dancers from the New York City and American Ballet troupes will perform.
When: 7 p.m. 11/24 and 25; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 12/1 and 2 p.m. 12/2.
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cost: Prices start at $9 for children and $11 for adults.
November 28 - 30
UNM Arts and Crafts Fair
The show features arts and crafts by over 70 vendors. This has been an annual tradition for 49 years.
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day
Where: UNM Student Union Building Ballroom
Cost: Free
Wednesdays November 28-December 12
Holiday Nature Crafts at River of Lights
Families can enjoy making nature crafts just in time for Christmas. Supplies are provided.
When: November 28, December 6, and 12, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Education Building at the Botanic Gardens
Cost: Free; no entry fee required.
November 29 - December 16
A Christmas Carol
The Duke City Repertory Theatre presents a Christmas Carol with one actor playing all parts. John Hardy plays over 25 characters in this much loved tale.
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: The Filling Station, 1024 4th SW
Cost: $12 - $20, $12 seniors, children ages 5 - 17, $5. Thursday performances $10.
November 30
Hanging of Greens
The tradition continues at UNM as the university community gathers at University House to celebrate the holiday season. Carolers will gather in front of Popejoy Hall at 5:45 p.m., where everyone will gather to make the walk to University House. There will be hot chocolate, biscochitos and posole available; attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped children's book as a donation for UNM Children's Hospital. More than 14,000 luminarias are expected to decorate the campus this year.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: UNM Campus
Cost: Free.
November 30
Winter Nite Party
Winter Market artists will display and sell their work at this huge holiday event.
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Santa Fe Convention Center, 201 West Marcy, Santa Fe
Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members
November 30
Home for the Holidays Concert
Bradley Ellingboe, conductor and composer of choral works, will conduct the UNM concert choir, recital choir and Lobo men's chorus in holiday favorites. This is a fundraiser event.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central NW
Cost: $12 - $15
November 30 - December 2
The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for Carrie Tingley Foundation to help the hospitals' special needs kids. Carrie Tingley hospitals offer children a place to get well and improve their chance at life. Donate your time, purchase an ornament, or make or bring your own to help the cause. Mayor Berry will light the tree at 11 a.m. November 30. The Ballet Repertory Theater will perform glimpses of the Nutcracker on November 30 after 6 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 11/30 and 12/1; Noon - 5 p.m. 12/2
Where: Ballroom at the Sandia Resort and Casino, 30 Rainbow Blvd. NE
Cost: Free, but purchase ornaments or make donations for this fundraiser. Or attend the Jingle and Mingle on November 29; tickets are $50 per person and go to Carrie Tingley Foundation.
November 30 - December 2
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: November 30 and December 1 at 7:30 p.m.; December 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.; December 2 at 6 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW
Cost: $26 - $34; $2 discount for students and seniors.
November 30 - December 16
A Christmas Carol
A radio station is broadcasting A Christmas Carol live before the audience. The production has the charm of the original story with a modern twist.
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Adobe Theater, 9813 4th NW
Cost: $12 - $15
November 30 - December 24
It's A Wonderful Life
The classic tale of George Bailey comes to the stage of the Little Theatre. Go back to Bedford Falls and celebrate the season of joy.
When: 8 p.m. 11/30, 12/1, 12/7, 12/8, 12/13, 12/14, 12/15, 12/21, 12/22; 2 p.m. 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23; 1 p.m. 12/24.
Where: Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW
Cost: $10 - $22
November 30 - December 24
Bugg Lights Display: Twelve Nights of Christmas
The walk-through displays feature handcrafted characters. The Bugg Lights have been a local tradition for over 40 years. Refreshments, musical entertainment and Santa in his workshop, along with nightly entertainment, all at Menaul School. On opening night, hear the Bugg Lights Orchestra play seasonal tunes; the inter-generational band is an annual tradition.
When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. opening night; all others from sundown - 9 p.m.; open until 11 p.m. Christmas Eve
Where: Menaul School, 301 Menaul NE
Cost: Free, but donations gladly accepted.
