Find holiday arts and crafts fairs.
Find Las Posadas celebrations.
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: Noon - 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 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 and Saturday; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rec Center on Corrales Road (look for the big tent). Free parking.
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 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 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
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 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.
Saturdays and Sundays in December
Madrid Christmas Open House
Santa will be on hand to listen to whispered wishes, along with Mrs. Claus, stage coach rides, music, carolers and a variety of entertainment. There will also be the open galleries and art shows Madrid is famous for.
When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; evenings until 8 p.m.
Where: Village of Madrid
Cost: Free
December 1
Madrid Christmas Parade
New Mexico's Christmas Town will have its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1. Businesses will offer visitors free hot chocolate, cider and cookies.
When: Parade begins a 4 p.m.
Where: Village of Madrid
Cost: Free.
December 1
Nob Hill Shop and Stroll
The annual shop and stroll features Santa Claus, free trolley rides, mariachis, carolers and great shopping and food.
When: Noon - 10 p.m.
Where: Central Avenue between Washington and Girard
Cost: Free.
December 1
Twinkle Light Parade
The annual Twinkle Light Parade features Santa Claus and over 100 floats with twinkling lights. Visit the parade this year in Nob Hill, and participate in the district's annual Shop and Stroll.
When: Parade begins at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Parade moves west along Central Avenue between Washington and Girard
Cost: Free.
December 1
Noche de Luces
The historic Casa san Ysidro will be decorated with greens and farolitos. Join in singing carols around a bonfire and making ornaments for the season. A holiday art workshop takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. prior to the celebration.
When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: 973 Old Church Road, Corrales
Cost: Free
December 1
Holiday Workshop
A slew of hands-on holiday projects will keep the kids busy.
When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW
Cost: Free with paid admission.
December 1 - 2
Free Admission for Bank of America Cardholders
As part of Museums on Us, Bank of America cardholders gain admittance to the Albuquerque Museum the first full weekend of the month. Photo ID and a valid BofA/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented.
When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW
Cost: Free
December 1 - 2
Holiday Stop and Shop
The annual event in Los Ranchos features more than 30 businesses and restaurants in a small area, making it easy to shop for the holidays. A printable map is available online; vendor hours and specials can be found by visiting individual websites. Look for numbered signs with the balloons for participating shops. Raffles for gift baskets and refreshments are part of each day. Each merchant will be giving back to a charity.
When: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. December 1; Noon - 5:30 p.m. December 2
Where: Along Fourth Street in Los Ranchos
Cost: Free
