Things to do this week: Dec 2.- Dec. 6, 2015
MUSIC & DANCE
UTEP Department of Music — Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets (unless listed otherwise): $5 ($3 seniors, military, non-UTEP students) and free ages 6 and younger, UTEP students, faculty and staff). Information: 747-7795 or utep.edu/music.
UTEP Virtuosi, under the direction of Lowell E. Graham, present a string concert 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, with music by Bach and Stokowski, Beethoven, Arensky and Bartok. Featured soloist is Nathan Black performing Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in A Minor.
Between the Buried and Me — The prog rock band performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, with Enslaved, Intronaut and Native Construct at Tricky Falls, 209 S. El Paso. Information: 351-9909 Online tickets at trickyfalls.com and ticketfly.com.
Advance tickets for some shows available at Tricky Falls or Bowie Feathers, All That Music and Video, Eloise and 7th Layer.
Navidad de Las Luminarias’- The Chapel at Loretto Academy, 1400 Hardaway at Trowbridge, provides the elegant English cathedral setting for the Bruce Nehring Consort’s annual holiday concerts Dec. 4-6, featuring the Consort Singers, Five for Brass, Consort Players and organist Lester Ackerman. The program of sacred Christmas music ranges from Renaissance to contemporary, including international carols and melodies. The Chapel will be decorated with luminarias, poinsettias and white lights.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Ages 7 and older welcome. Tickets: $20 through Nov. 25; $25 at the door. ?Ages 6-15: $10. Available online at brucenehringconsort.org.
Lux Boreal Danza contempornea — The Consul General of Mexico presents the contemporary dance ensemble at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Rio Grande Theater, 211 N. Main in Las Cruces. Admission is free. Admission is free. Information: 533-8555 or sre.gob.mx/elpaso.
‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet — El Paso Youth Ballet’s 6th annual presentation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-6, at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium, featuring original choreography. Tickets: $15, $20, $25 (Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5481 (UTEP Ticket Center), 760-6062 (Marta Katz) or epyouthballet.com.
Christmas Dance with Azucar — USA Dance Chapter 5017, hosts its Christmas dance 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Shundo Dance Studio, 120 Paragon, with music by Azucar, along with dance performances, door prizes, finger foods, and non alcoholic drinks. Admission: $25 ($20 chapter members). Information: Rachel, 345-6432 or Nellie, (575) 405-7961. Tickets available online at desertdanceusa.com via Paypal.
Flying J Wrangler Christmas Show — Showtime! El Paso presents group’s famous “White Mountain Christmas Show” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Abraham Chavez Theatre, featuring champion yodeler Cindy Hobbs and singer/songwriter James Hobbs. Ticket information: 544-2022 or showtimeelpaso.com.
The Flying J Wranglers, known for their harmonies, instrumentals and comedic repertoire, present their family holiday show of traditional and original music.
A Holiday Afternoon with EPSYO — The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra performs its annual holiday concert for El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Education Foundation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Plaza Theatre, The orchestra, directed by Andres Moran, features musicians age 14-21 and will play a variety of seasonal music. Tickets: $$12.50 (Ticketmaster). Information: 566-4066, or epsyos.org.
El Ten Eleven — Live-looping innovators El Ten Eleven, touring in support of their new release Fast Forward, perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson. Tickets: $12-$15). Most Lowbrow events available from holdmyticket.com, or from All That Music, The Headstand and Happy House. Information: 356-0966 or thelowbrowpalace.com.
Kristian Dunn and Tim Fogarty are the only musicians that appear on Fast Forward; everything the listener hears was done by the two of them using two basses, electronic drums, acoustic drums, and myriad looping pedals and effects.
Juan Gabriel — One of the world’s best-known Latin singers performs at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center. Tickets to be announced.(Ticketmaster).
Gabriel has performed for nearly 40 years, with many top-of-the-chart hits to his credit. As a Jurez singer, Gabriel used to record at El Paso’s El Adobe Studio. He has been nominated for six Grammy awards, including for his song “El Noa Noa,” based on a Juarez night club.
ALSO THIS WEEK
El Paso Mineral & Gem Club Show — The annual mineral, gem, jewelry and bead show is Dec. 4-6 at El Maida Auditorium, 6331 Alabama. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The show features hundreds of gems, minerals, fossils, beads, silver jewelry, tools and equipment, door prizes, and more. Admission is free. Information: Gem Center USA, 533-7153 or epmgs.com.
Raffle drawings are 4 p.m. Sunday for sapphire necklace, amethyst cathedral, and a string of pearls. Tickets: $5 (3 for $10). Ticketholders do not need to be present to win.
HWNT Holiday Posada — Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas El Paso Chapter hosts its holiday posada 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Cafe Mayapn, 2000 Texas, with traditional Mexican food, $1 bingo with prizes, children’s games and more. All proceeds benefit HWNT El Paso’s college scholarship fund, the Latinas in Progress (LIP) Program. Tickets: $10. Information: hwntelpaso@gmail.com or on Facebook at hwntelpaso.
Those attending are encouraged to bring new or used winter wear donations, which will help the local needy during this winter season.
Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting — The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department and evolve Federal Credit Union present the 80th annual Evolve Credit Union “Celebration of Lights” Christmas tree and displays Saturday, Dec. 5, at Cleveland Square Park, Downtown (between El Paso Museum of History and El Paso Library. Information: 212-0092 or elpasotex.gov/parks.
The program starts at 4:30 p.m. counting down to the Tree Lighting at 5:55 p.m. by El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, Ken Walters of evolve FCU and 5-year-old Candlelighters representative Hugo Barraza, followed by the Celebration of Lights Parade.
Horizon City Christmas Parade — The Eastlake Lions Club’s Christmas Parade, “Extraordinary Inventions,” is 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at Darrington and Ryderwood and heading down Horizon Boulevard to Kenazo and ending at Carrol T. Welch School on McMahon. Information: eastlakelions@yahoo.com.
The Horizon City Christmas Tree Lighting is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with parade float judging at 6 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item (canned goods, package of rice or beans, gravy mix, etc.) to help the club prepare food baskets. Last year, the club provided 100 turkey food baskets for needy families in Horizon City and Fort Bliss.
Pro-Musica holiday events — El Paso Pro Musica Guild will showcase five homes in the El Paso Country Club area for its fundraising tour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Cost: $25 (includes admission to all five homes), age 10 and older welcome.
On Sunday, Dec. 6, is the Holiday Progressive Dinner, starting 5:30 p.m. at Mesa Street Grill, 3800 Mesa, for cocktails and appetizers. After that, the group will breakup into private parties of 10, and meet up again at a private home for champagne and dessert. The public is invited, reservations required. Cost: $100.
Tickets and reservations: 833-9400.
Pecan Harvest Festival — The 13th annual family harvest festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Ramirez Pecan Farm, 13709 North Loop in Clint. Fresh pecan picking from the orchard for a nominal fee. Country store will be open with pecans in and out of shell as well as candied pecans and gift baskets. Handmade crafts, food and music also offered. Admission is free. Information: 851-2003 or on Facebook at Ramirez Pecan Farm LLC.
Bazaars and fairs
Arts and Craft Bazaar – Bethany Christian Church, 10453 Springwood, hosts its bazaar 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4-5. The juried show and sale features original works by several area artists. Admission is free. Information: 592-5977.
Eastlake Holiday Craft Fair — The PTSA of Eastlake High School, 13000 Emerald Pass, in Horizon City, hosts its craft fair 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with live entertainment, food, handmade crafts, jumping balloon, visits with Santa and game booths. Admission is free; booth space available for $30. Contact: Lori Sanchez, 937-3600, or Nancy Green, 637-7056.
San Elizario ChristKindleMarket call for artists — San Elizario Artist Guild’s 4th annual ChristKindle is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-6, on the historic plaza, with crafts, gifts, German food and drink. Admission is free. Information: 851-0093 or sanelizariohistoricdistrict.org.
Christmas Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Santa’s arrival at 6:45 p.m.
Christkindle Market is an old tradition in Germany going back hundreds of years. Every year during the month of December, this German Christmas market takes place in Germany to celebrate the holiday season by enjoying traditional food, drink and holiday shopping.
Christmas Craft Fair — Pebble Hills Elementary School, 11145 Edgemere, hosts its annual holiday arts and crafts fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Sponsored by the Pebble Hills PTO. Admission is free. Information: 434-5605.
Christmas Craft Fair — Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso, 4425 Byron St., will host its annual bazaar and craft fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6, with a Gypsy Caravan, music and poetry along with, jewelry vendors, fiber arts, bags, warm and cozy crochet and knitted items, toys, gifts collectibles and Christmas decorations. Information: 584-7823 or uuelpaso.org.
Fort Bliss Thrift Shop $5 Bag Sale — Fort Bliss OCSA Thrift Shop, Trading Post, 1717 Marshall Road, hosts a bag sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Fill up a shopping bag for $5 per bag. Shopping is always open to the public – ID and valid insurance needed to get on post. Proceeds fund community grants and scholarships. Information: 562-5451 or on Facebook at Fort Bliss Thrift Shop.
Kohlberg Winter Bazaar Festival — Kohlberg Elementary, 1445 Nardo Goodman, host its annual winter bazaar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, with holiday gifts, treats, vendors, pictures with Santa, jumping balloons, kids’ crafts and more. Admission is free. Information: 433-6871 or on Facebook at Kohlberg Elementary.
German School Christmas Market — The annual market, organized by the German School of El Paso is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Building 747, Carter Road, at Fort Bliss, with German cakes, Christmas cookies, bratwurst and hot Glhwein and Christmas punch. Twenty-five percent of proceeds benefit El Paso Children’s Hospital. Information: Cpt. Christian Hess, ChristianHess@bundeswehr.org.
Desert Crossing Holiday Market — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing will host its 11th annual market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Sunset Hall, with local artists, craftspersons and vendors from the Farmers Market and guest artists. Admission is free. Information: (575) 589-0653 or ardovinos.com.
La Via Sunday Market — La Via Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts a farmer’s market featuring local food producers noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 6-20, with art, crafts, jams and jellies, food trucks, wine and more. No outside alcohol allowed. Dog friendly. Admission is free. Information: (575) 502-4074 or lavinawinery.com.
Santa Sunday Market is Dec. 6, with an appearance by Santa.
Basket and Stocking Stuffer Sunday is Dec. 13. Visitors can bring their own basket and fill it with all the goodies from the market or purchase one from the vendors.
A “Burlington Warm Coats, Warm Hearts” Sunday Market is Dec. 20. The market will accept used coats for Burlington’s Warm Coats, Warm Hearts Coat Drive. Coats will be dropped off after market at the Burlington Coat Factory on Mesa.
St. Pius X Bazaar — St. Pius X English Evangelization Ministry hosts its arts and craft bazaar 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at St. Pius X Parish Community Center, 11050 N. Clark. Admission is free. Vendor space available for $30. Information: 929-1034 or stpiusxelpaso.org.
Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing — The 14th annual market runs Saturdays year-round at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Well behaved pets on leash welcome; brunch available for purchase on patio 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.
Downtown Artist and Farmers Market — The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s market for area artists and farmer’s market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in the Union Plaza District along Anthony Street. Information: 212-1780 or elpasoartsandculture.org.
Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market — More than 230 permanent vendors in arts, crafts, produce, baked goods and other food items are offered at the market 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays along a 7-block area of Main Street, Downtown. Information: (575) 541-2288 or lascrucesfarmersmarket.org.
ART EVENTS
Crossland Gallery — The El Paso Art Association’s gallery is at 500 W. Paisano (in the Art Junction of El Paso). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free. Information: 534-7377 or CrosslandArtGallery.com.
Showing Dec. 5-19: “The Snow Show” fundraising mini-canvas exhibit featuring works with a chilly, snowy and wintertime or holiday theme. Submissions from artists being taken through Dec. 1 at epaa500@sbcglobal.net. Opening festivities are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Candy Mayer Studio Open House — El Paso artist Candy Mayer will host her 4th annual open house at her home studio at 1317 Tierra Roja 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Information: 581-4971 or candymayer.com.
Escamilla Christmas Extravaganza — Impressionist artist Alberto Escamilla hosts his annual holiday show and sale 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6, in his gallery, 1445 Main Street, Suite B1-2 in Placita Madrid in historic San Elizario, with live holiday music, appetizers with refreshments and special discounts. Information: 851-0742 or albertoescamilla.com.
UTEP opera student Rocio Manriquez will sing Christmas carols and other music noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Krystyna Robbins Studio — Krystyna Robbins will host her annual holiday open house noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Robbins Studio, 5070 Yucca, featuring retablos, miniatures and small paintings by the artist, and her 2016 calendar. Information: 584-0953, 309-1898 or ?krystynarobbins.com.
Sol Goddess Designs Open House — The open house for Deana Hicks’ gallery and studio at 6421 Cloudview (off Resler) is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, with wine tasting and refreshments. The gallery features functional pottery art, crosses, junk jewelry, glass painting and original acrylic paintings ranging from $5 to $100. Information: 241-8808, deanahicks2@elp.rr.com or elpasorealtyplus.com.
ON STAGE
‘Annie: The Musical’ — Kids-N-Co. presents the beloved musical based on Little Orphan Annie by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan Nov. 27-Dec. 6 and Dec. 18-20 at 1301 Texas. Directed by Mia Carreon, with musical direction by Selina Nevarez. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Possible holdover Jan. 1-3. Tickets: $5-$7.
‘The Last Five Years: The Musical’ — UTEP Dinner Theatre’s new Side Dish Student Productions, presents Jason Robert Brown’s off-Broadway hit Dec. 4-13, at UTEP Dinner Theatre, 2nd Floor Union Building West, UTEP Campus. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 ($12 faculty, staff, alumni association members, children age 4-12,Non-UTEP Students, Military and Groups of 20 or more, $10 UTEP students with Valid ID (1 per ID). Information: 747-6060 or utep.edu/udt.
A Drama Desk winner, “The Last Five Years” was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 best shows of 2001. The emotionally powerful and intimate musical is about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.
‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ — El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents the Steve Martin about an imaginary meeting of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso through Dec. 12. Directed by Mario Rodriguez-Alvarado. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors; $7 students and military). Information: 532-1317 or elpasoplayhouse.com.
The plays put Einstein and Picasso in a Paris in 1904, when both men were on the verge of unveiling their greatest works. This was the first full-length play by Martin, best known as a stand-up comedian and actor.
SPORTS
UTEP Men’s Basketball – The Miners travel to Las Cruces at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, to play the NMSU Aggies, then return to the Don Haskins Center at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, to host UT-Arlington. Tickets: $8-$50 (Ticketmaster).Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com.
El Paso Rhinos – El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team host the Dallas Snipers Dec. 4-6 at Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets; $20 glass seats; $15 center line; $10 bluelines; $5 general admission. information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com.
8K Holiday Run — The family run is 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Fort Bliss’s Soto Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 20751 Constitution on East Fort Bliss. This year’s theme is Hot Chocolate. Families encouraged to bring strollers, scooters, bikes or pets; open to entire El Paso community. T-shirts for all pre-registered runners. On-site registration and packet pickup is 7 to 8:15 a.m. Registration (by Dec. 2): $20; $10 active duty military, children 12 and younger); additional $10 for registration on race day. Registration at active.com. Information: 744-5794 or blissmwr.com/intramurals.
Pearl Harbor Triathlon — 5K Run/30K Bike/40M Swim is 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at White Sands Missile Range’s Bell Gymnasium. Registration: $60 individuals; $70 teams. Information: (575) 678-3374 (local call) or wsmrmwr.com (click on “Bell Gym”). Online registration at active.com.
Walk Empowered: What’s Your Superpower? – The 5K Run/ 1K Walk and Pet Contest is Saturday, Dec. 5, at Ascarate Park, 6400 Delta, in honor of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1). Check-in and registration are 8-8:45 a.m. Run and walk events begin at 9 a.m. Pet contest starts at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $25 for run/walk, $10 for pet contest. Registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Proceeds benefit the Empowerment Center (empowermentep.org). Wear red to support AIDS awareness. Information: jconna1@gmail.com – (915-727-5744)
Packet pick-up is 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Empowerment Center, 211 W. Yandell.
Event activities also include a Pet Superhero Costume Contest, Zumba, yoga, music, refreshments, food trucks and giveaways.
An AIDS Walk After Party for ages 21 and older begins at 9 p.m. at EPIC Bar & Nightclub, 510 N. Stanton, with drink special for walk participants.
Eastlake’s Greatness on the Horizon – The 5K Run, 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and Toy Drive are Sunday, Dec. 6, at Eastlake High School 13000 Emerald Pass. Check-in and registration are 7:30-8:15 a.m. Run, walk begin at 8:30 a.m. Entry fee is $20 for run/walk ($25 on race day). Sponsored by Eastlake Soccer Booster Club. Registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Packet pick-up is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school.
Information: Mike Coulter, 274.5222 or
coultercmike@yahoo.com
Southern New Mexico
Flickinger Center for Performing Arts — 1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo. Information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com.
• Imago dei Academy performs at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.
• North Elementary Christmas program is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.
• Academy of Ballet Jazz and Tap performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Christmas in Cloudcroft — The 4th annual Lighted Christmas Parade is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; stores on Burro will be open late for holiday shopping.
‘Frankenstein’ — American Southwest Theatre Company presents the R.N Sandberg’s adaptation of the classic horror through Dec. 6, at NMSU’s Center for the Arts. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $5-$17. Information: (575) 646-4515 or nmsutheatre.com.
Set in the icy polar regions where scientist Victor Frankenstein has chased the creature he brought to life, this highly theatrical and emotional version traces Frankenstein’s path to the final confrontation with his intelligent, articulate, sensitive, and powerful creature.
‘On Golden Pond’ — No Strings Theatre Company presents the Ernest Thompson play, directed by Larry Chandler, through Dec. 6, at Black Box Theatre in Las Cruces. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 3. Tickets: $12 ($10 students and seniors 65 and older; $8 all seats Thursday). Reservations: (575) 523-1223.
Presented to great critical and popular acclaim first off then on Broadway, this touching, funny and warmly perceptive study of a spirited and lovable elderly couple facing their twilight years introduced a significant playwright to theatre.
‘Shrek The Musical’ — Las Cruces Community Theatre, 313 N. Main in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall, presents the hit family musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, Dec. 4-20. Directed by Janet Beatty Payne. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets: $14 ($13 students, seniors, military, $11 per person for groups of 10 or more; $10 age 6 and younger. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
The tale’s unlikely hero is an ogre who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.
Ruidoso Festival of Lights — The mountain village of Ruidoso hosts the following events though the Christmas season. Information: 1-888-71-LIGHTS (714-4448) or ruidosonow.com/festival-of-lights.
Christmas in the Park is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at School House Park. Includes lighting of the Yule Log, music and caroling, cookies and a visit with Santa. Admission is free.
The annual “Parade of Lights” is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Ruidoso (from Sudderth/Mechem to Pizza Hut), featuring floats packed with seasonal decorations and lights. Toys for Tots will have a float for the event; parade-goers are encouraged to bring a toy to donate. This year’s theme is “Keep Calm and Winter On.”
Ski Apache’s Torchlight Parade is 6 to 8 Saturday, Dec. 19, at Ski Apache Resort. Veteran skiers carry lighted torches while descending the mountain, followed by fireworks.
Las Cruces Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — The annual ceremony is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Albert Johnson Park, 200 E. Picacho, between City Hall and Branigan Library. The celebration includes live entertainment, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Information: (575) 541-2000.
Mesilla Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting — The community tree lighting is Friday, Dec. 4, in the plaza. The Mesilla Mayor will switch on the tree at 6 p.m. Shops will be open late for holiday shopping that day, refreshments and some locations; Christmas music will be performed. The tree will be decorated with ornaments created by students from an area school. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-3262, ext. 116
Mesilla is southwest of Las Cruces. Take I-10 West to the Avenida de Mesilla exit. The plaza is off NM Highway 28 (Avenida de Mesilla) south of I-10.
Luminarias and Christmas music will be featured Christmas Eve on the Plaza 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. The Mesilla Singers choir will lead in the singing of Christmas carols, and luminarias will be lit around dusk.
La Casa Holiday Bazaar – The annual holiday bazaar featuring regional vendors is Dec. 4-6 at the Las Cruces Convention Center, University and El Paseo, Las Cruces, with over 100 booths of homemade arts and crafts; raffles; holiday treats and more. Hours are 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 (free for children under 12). Proceeds benefit La Casa Inc. shelter for victims of domestic violence. Information: (575) 526-2819 or lacasainc.org.
White Sands Holiday Open House — White Sands National Monument, 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo on U.S. 70, hosts its 8th annual open house event 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with live music, ranger programs children’s activities and luminarias. Activities are indoors and outdoors; dress for the weather. Admission is free to event. Information: (575) 479-6124, ext. 236 or (575) 679-2599, ext. 232; or go to nps.gov/whsa.
Dunes drive will be open until 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.); Entrance fee applies: $5 age 16 and older. Free for children.
Carlsbad Winter Wine Festival — noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel, in Carlsbad, N.M. (site of Christmas on the Pecos boat rides). Features wines from eight New Mexico wineries, arts and crafts, holiday entertainment. Tickets available from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Admission: $10 in advance; $12 at the door (includes 10 tastings and souvenir glass). Information: Helping Hands Event Planning, (575) 522-1232 or carlsbadwinterwine.com.
A VIP Party is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec.4. Admission: $25 (VIP tickets sold out at press time).
‘Christmas in the Foothills’ — The historic Black Range town of Hillsboro, N.M. invites Christmas shoppers for a holiday studio walk 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Hillsboro Community Center. Highlights include vendors selling specialty arts, hand-crafted gifts and food items, the annual raffle of an original work of art, and the $49.99 Art Show and Sale. Admission is free. Information: (575) 894-1698.
To get there: Take Interstate 25 north from Las Cruces to the NM 152 exit at Caballo, and go west 17 miles.
Hillsboro’s Main Street merchants, including restaurants, antique shops, and museums, will all be open, and musicians and singers along Main Street will provide seasonal and regional accompaniment.
The $49.99 Art Show and Sale began many years ago as a way for Hillsboro’s many artists, authors, and craftspeople to give back to the community at Christmas time. Each item in the Art Show will be sold for $49.99 to a winning ticket holder, and all items are guaranteed to be worth more than that.
Christmas Light Parade — The Kiwanis club in Deming hosts the lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Deming, N.M. Parade starts at BMX Park on Poplar to Diamond, Spruce and Silver and ends at Courthouse Park with a visit from Santa. Information: (575) 546-9096 or demingchamber.com.
Diner de Vin — NMSU’s dining service, Sodexo, will hosts the six-course wine and dinner event at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the 3rd Floor Bistro at the Danny Villanueva Victory Club. Space is limited; reservations required. Information: (575) 646-4802 or dining.nmsu.edu. Full menu available on the NMSUi Facebook page. Admission: $65 per person.
Electric Light Parade — The 26th annual holiday season parade is 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, along Main Street (from College to Alameda) in Roswell, N.M. A Christmas Caroling Contest precedes the event 4 to 6 p.m. Information: (575) 420-5718 or mainstreetroswell.org.
Luminarias on the Plaza — The City of Socorro, N.M. will host its 11th annual arts crawl 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, on the historic plaza and several surrounding shops in Socorro. The event features, live music artwork, food and beverages. Admission is free. Information: (575) 835-8927.
The city’s official Christmas Electric Light Parade is 6 p.m. on the plaza, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 7:15 p.m.
New Mexico Tamale Fiesta y Mas — The 4th annual fiesta in Historic Downtown Silver City is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, hosted by the Southwest New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce, with tamale and craft vendors and other traditional Christmas and Borderland favorites such as capirotada, bizcochos, Mexican hot chocolate and red-chile kettle corn. Information: (575) 538-1337 or tamalfiestaymas.org.
Turning Back The Sun — The winter solstice celebration hosted by Friends of Leasburg Dam, Astronomical Society of Las Cruces and members of various Native American communities is noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs, two miles off Interstate 25 at Exit 19, with traditional coyote stories, real buffalo stew and Pueblo adobe oven baked bread, and Native American Dancing. The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces will provide information and telescopes to view the day and night sky. Admission: $5 per vehicle. Information: (575) 524–4068 or nmparks.com.
Mimbres Hot Springs Ranch Show — the 35th annual show and sale is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Mimbres Hot Spring Ranch in Mimbres, N.M. with stone and terra cotta pottery and live entertainment. No pets allowed. Information: studiosalemimbres.com.
To get there: Take Hwy 152 to Mimbres 61. Turn south to Royal John Mine Road (between NM 19 and 20); follow signs 2.5 miles to ranch.
Lynard Skynard — The southern rock legends perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, Mescalero, N.M. Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com. Tickets: $40-$140.
‘LCSO with Elena Ulyanova — Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra presents the guest pianist, Dec. 5-6, at NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall, performing Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini and Brahms’s Symphony No. 3. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $35-$45. Information: (575) 646-3709 or lascrucessymphony.com.
Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines — 7288 U.S. Hwy 54/70 in Alamogordo, N.M., hosts “wine down” events 5:30 to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month with live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Admission: $10; age 21 and older welcome. Information: (575) 434-0035, heartofthedesert.com or on Facebook at New Mexico Pistachios.
Holiday at the ranch is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, on the patio, with ornament making, photos with Santa, and store specials. Cost: $5.
source: http://www.epscene.com
