The giant Christmas tree in San Luiz Plaza is lit during the Holiday Stroll, an annual tradition that helps start the Albuquerque holiday season. The tree is actually a conglomeration of many live Christmas trees placed in a center structure so that each tree becomes a "branch." Visitors marvel at the giant "tree," which is lit at dusk.
What began as a way to raise funds for charities and renew interest in Old Town has become an annual tradition. Funds this year are designated for The Storehouse of Greater Albuquerque, the largest food pantry in the state.
Live music and dance will be on hand. Enjoy carolers, dancers and a variety of entertainment all evening long. Luminarias will light your way.
The shopping event for 2011 runs from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2.
Entertainment Schedule
Brass Quintet Concert at 4 p.m.
To celebrate the Holiday Stroll this year, the San Felipe de Neri Church will host a brass quintet comprised of some of the best local professional musicians. The 90 minute performance will have limited indoor seating, but speakers will broadcast the concert out onto the plaza.
The first half of the concert features the music of J.S. Bach (Contropunctus IX; Arioso), Giovani Gabrieli (Canzona per Sonare No. 2), Debussy (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair), Mozart (Eine Kline Nachtmusick), Samuel Scheidt (Canzona Bergamasca), Robert King (Die Bankelsangerlieder) and Victor Ewald (Quintet No. 1). Songs after the intermission will be seasonal music that includes favorite carols and popular songs.
John Marchiando and Brynn Rector will perform on trumpet; Nathan Ukens on French horn, Byron Herrington on trombone and Jeremy Van Hoy on tuba. The performers are courtesy of the Figueroa Project.
Following the concert's end at 5:30, Mayor Berry will light the giant Christmas tree.
Restaurants will be open as well as the many galleries and shops. One of our family's favorite spots to eat is the Romero Street Grill. And a great place to shop is the Christmas Shop, where there are sure to be singers outside the door, getting strollers in the seasonal mood.
Limited parking is available in nearby paid lots, and Rapid Ride buses will stop at Central and Rio Grande, one block away from the event.
Be sure to dress warmly. In addition to the shops, the San Felipe de Neri church will be open, along with restaurants, for anyone who needs to get warm.
