Spotlight: Unique Holiday Markets
Every year, Albuquerque comes together through a bounty of holiday markets: the Nob Hill Shop & Stroll, the North Valley Holiday Stop & Shop, the Old Town Holiday Stroll, and the Rail Yards Holiday Market Series are just a few favorites!
This year, make time to check out some of the more unique options, too. On Friday, Dec. 5, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, head to 1919 Old Town for Krampusnacht Holiday Market. Dress up as your favorite spooky holiday character and take photos with Krampus himself! For a less creepy option, FUSE Makerspace will host its Merry Maker Market from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Sunday, Dec. 7, which will include pet adoptions through the Albuquerque Foster Kitten Coalition. On Sunday, Dec. 14, visit the European food specialty store EuroZone at 3700 Osuna NE for Christkindlmarkt, a celebration emphasizing German food and drink.
And for even more holiday markets, craft fairs, and local business shopping events going on this month, check out ABQToDo.
5 Things To Do in December
Big Enchantment
Big Jim Farms presents Winter of Enchantment, a month-long series of special holiday events. Say hi to Santa, decorate cookies, warm up by bonfires, shop for local food and crafts, and learn how to make biscochitos, tamales, and more through on-site workshops. Children’s classes are available too—for $8, which include supplies, kids can learn how to make garlands, luminarias, and all kinds of ornaments while you stock up on poinsettias or pick out your Christmas tree. Winter of Enchantment will also host the New Mexico Winter Traditions Farm Dinner Series, featuring four-course meals prepared by Chef Domonick Campos with pairings from Sheehan Winery, on Dec. 6, 13, and 20. All the fun is located at the farm, 3521 Rio Grande Blvd. NW. The farm itself is free and open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Shine Bright
On Saturday evening, Dec. 6, grab your coziest mittens and some hot chocolate and head to Nob Hill for the annual Twinkle Light Parade! Come to see the mile-long display of holiday lights and decorations, then stay for the parade, which will feature more than 125 local organizations, businesses, school groups, and more decked out in their sparkliest ensembles. Central Avenue in the area will begin shutting down to regular traffic starting at 3:00 PM; the parade begins at 5:15 PM. Free! For details on street closures, this year’s participants, free parking and shuttle service, and winners from 2024, visit the CABQ Twinkle Light Parade website.
Spice it up!
Through December, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to check out the Annual Pueblo Gingerbread House Contest. Kids and adults compete separately for the most eye-catching, well-crafted designs inspired by traditional Pueblo houses, villages, and other related structures. Cast your vote starting on Dec. 19; winners will be announced on Jan. 6. The IPCC is located at 2401 12th Street NW. For contest details and more information about other holiday-related events—such as Pueblo Feast Days—visit www.indianpueblo.org.
Mouth Off
Local young musicians team up with the New Mexico Philharmonic this year for Home for the Holidays, a concert featuring a medley of seasonal favorites! Students from the Manzano Day School Chorus, the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, the Bosque School Choir, the V. Sue Cleveland High School Choir, and the Moriarty High School Choir will help perform songs from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, classics like “Carol of the Bells,” and more at 6:00 PM on Saturday, Dec. 14. The concert, under the direction of Roberto Minczuk, will be at Popejoy Hall. Tickets start at $35.
Get Ugly
On Sunday, Dec. 21, grab your ugliest sweater and your best dancing shoes and head to Canteen Brewhouse for a family-friendly dance party! From 4:00 to 7:00 PM, shake away holiday stress with a live performance from Le Chat Lunatique, the beloved local jazz group known for its energetic Django Reinhardt sounds that blend with doo-wop, reggae, and more. The Brewhouse, located at 2381 Aztec Rd NE, will also host the Merry Mingle Holiday Market just beforehand, from noon until 4:00 PM. There are no entry fees to either event.
